Since I’ve lost weight, it’s been so hard to stay out of stores. It’s incredibly fun to try on clothes and to buy cute stuff that I couldn’t even come close to fitting into years ago.
After prepping for Vegas throughout June, I decided that I declared this month to be “No Shop July.” My goal was to shop less this month and to just wear what I had in my closet. I also thought that it would be money “well saved” if I saved a little extra this month?… especially after an expensive trip to Las Vegas in June.
Now, I always pride myself in being honest with you guys about what’s going on… so, I must tell you. There’s been a LITTLE shopping, but it’s not nearly as much as I’m used to, which I consider a success!
I actually hadn’t shopped at all until I found out I had to dress in costume for a work event. For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you likely have already heard the stories of my Rockstar gear that I wore last week; for those of you who haven’t, I had an opportunity to be a badass female superstar from the 80s/90s.
It’s Janet… Miss Jackson, if you’re nasty.
To pull this look together, I had to hit up thrift stores, Kohl’s, Target, Hobby Lobby… It was a hunt to pull all of the details together. My favorite part of the look was the patches and military decorations I added to the jacket. Keep in mind, I sewed them… which made me worthy of wearing the medals (since I don’t sew AT ALL.) I also think I have a Halloween costume if I need it.
While I was out putting together Michael’s little sister’s look, I stumbled upon something that I had been hoping to find for weeks!
KELLY GREEN JEANS!!
Everywhere I had been, I’d found mint green or other colors that I didn’t want. Who would have thought I would have found exactly what I was looking for designed by one of the girls from Laguna Beach!?
Not only skinny jeans, but GREEN skinny jeans…
These jeans are by Lauren Conrad from Kohl’s… and I have to say, they ROCK! I wore colored jeans back in the 80s and resisted going to colored jeans for a long time… but I love these pants! So cute! If you haven’t tried colored jeans, it’s time.
STATEMENT NECKLACES
Because I decided not to shop as much this month, I’ve been doing some extra accessorizing to make up for it.
I’ve been OBSESSED with statement necklaces this season as well. We all know that I’m obsessed with accessories… so naturally, a bright bold accessory is always something I’m looking for.
When I found The Small Things Blog a while back, I fell in love with reading about fashion and hairstyles (as we girly girls do). I also was STUNNED when I read her blog post about getting a fabulous $150 J. Crew Necklace… for under $20 on eBay. What???
I jumped on this opportunity… and bought this one a few months back.
The great part about spending $20 for a necklace like this: It’s not going to be a necklace you wear every day. Instead, it’s one you mix into your wardrobe every few months. I’d much rather spend $20 on an item like this, rather than $150.
After receiving the red one, I was on the hunt for a few more inexpensively fabulous accessories. I found these two as well…
This necklace was super expensive from Stella and Dot, but under $30 from eBay. Score!
Another J. Crew imitation… LOVE this one!
Statement necklaces are worn really well with solids, so that they can stand out… but don’t be afraid to try them with stripes as well. Super cute that way! And, they’re the perfect pick-me-up to your wardrobe during a shopping hiatus.
NEW SHOES
In addition to the jeans this month, I have bought something else. I decided that I needed new workout shoes. I can’t even believe it, but I’ve worn out my workout shoes. This has NEVER happened. I used to keep sneakers for 10 years, without a problem. Now, I’ve got two pairs that are looking kind of rough. There are so many super-cute neon shoes out there… I felt like that was exactly what I needed. The jury’s still out… what do you think of these guys??
(Source)
They’re soooo different than what I usually wear, so I’m still a little on the fence as to whether or not I’m going to keep them. Let me know what you think.
I’ve also been dying to incorporate the neon trend that’s going on into my world. I’ll add it in as an accessory, of course. And, until I find the right one, the neon workout sneaks are going to have to do.
Now, I only walked into DSW to get workout shoes… but I saw these right by the front door. How the heck could I leave them behind??
Animal print from Nine West… I die!
Now, despite my not being able to stick with “No Shop July”, I do feel like I’ve only purchased interesting pieces (green jeans + 2 pairs of shoes) that really accent what I already have. I have NO plans to shop this weekend or next, so I think we can safely call this “Less Shopping July” a success!
As you lose weight, do you find it hard NOT to shop??