When I was paying off my debt, I abstained from clothes shopping (or any unnecessary shopping) for 6 months. In the beginning, it was hard – I went through withdrawals just like any addict (albeit, they were probably less painful then, say, heroin withdrawals…). To my surprise, though, when I hit the 6 month finish line (along with paying off my debt), I found it hard to get back into the swing of shopping. By this time, I had started a budget, regained control of my finances, and was more mindful about just how big of a dent clothing shopping can be in your finances.
So, I continued to turn my back on shopping. I could hear it taunting me every time I drove past an Express or Target store. I didn’t listen though. I had bigger and better things to do with my finances.
It’s been almost a year since my shopping fast, and I still have yet to become a full-blown addict again. Sometimes when I step foot into the clothing section of Macy’s, I’m grateful when they don’t have anything I really like.
Unfortunately, this was not the case this weekend.
I went Christmas shopping with Lloyd on Friday and alone (red alert!) on Saturday.
Wouldn’t you know it, Macy’s and Old Navy’s winter collections just happened to be my exact style and they just happened to be having sales.
But don’t you worry, my frugal friends, I may have an inner shopping demon, but I still never buy clothes out of my budget. Here’s what I scored:
- Olive green stretchy turtleneck with cute button details (for work or nights out): $14.50 (originally $29.00)
- Brown work shirt with chest pattern detail: $9.99 (originally $29.99)
- 2 sweater cardigans – gray and cream – with diamondy-buttons: $20.65 each
- 1 pair of my favorite jeans (regular so I can wear with flats instead of heels): $20.65
- 1 long-sleeved V-neck tee: $5.60
- 1 short-sleeved crew neck tee: $7.00
- 1 short-sleeved V-neck tee: $7.00
- 1 coat for family member’s Christmas present: $24.32 (steal of the day!)
- 1 pink scarf: $0.70
As you can see, Old Navy was having some massive sales. Big sales always help to bind and strengthen the relationship between my inner shopping mongrel and my frugal self.
In the end, I think ~$131.00 is a reasonable price for 2 sweaters, 5 shirts, 1 coat, 1 pair of jeans, and 1 scarf – especially now that I don’t make shopping a regular occurrence like I used to. Plus, I get points for knocking a Christmas present off my list. 
When I got home that night, I could still feed the addiction’s hunger wanting to be fed. I considered going to Gordman’s and seeing if they had any of these boots on sale. But, I thought it better to starve the beast back into her submissive state and I resisted grabbing my keys and racing out to my car. Instead I enjoyed a fun, and free, night at home with my guy.
I find that if I go an extended period without shopping, it’s easy to stay away. But buying even just ONE thing gets me back in a shopping frenzy.
That does sound like a really good deal! I tried on about 10 different items today (am in need of quite a few clothes). Didn’t get any of them, which although annoying, was also relieving. I’d rather wait for the right cardi or the right skirt rather than settle in the meantime. I AM thinking about the red trench
….might go back later this week or see if they reduce the price anymore 
Good for you!
I had a crazy weekend of shopping, too – I blame it on an unfortunate break up situation… I spent $280 on 3 pairs of shoes at the Nordstrom sale!
I totally know what you mean. I had gone without buying much clothing for myself for the past five years when my husband decided that I needed to spend a $900 extra income check on updating my wardrobe. I really struggled with it at first because we have debt we could put that money towards, but he would not change his mind. In the end I thoroughly enjoyed buying myself some new things and it was really hard to stop cold turkey once the money was gone.
I love a bargain, and it sounds like you found a few!
I think you did great! I’m about to post on my disaster shopping trip. I did some damage to my card, I almost can’t read the numbers anymore. Haha!
I hear ya! I feel the same way. Once I get started, watch out! I try to stay away from the temptation as much as possible.
I think we’ve all been there. I’ve been a bit…er, out of control with the shopping in the past few months. Part of the problem is that I didn’t buy anything, really, for almost a year, and then once I bought one thing, then two…it turned into an avalanche! I’ve tried to justify it by telling myself that I really ‘needed’ new clothes for work and stuff (which is true, but…).