88 days down.

When {cv} and I committed to Operation Spending Freeze back in January, I knew it would be hard to handle. I'm a blogger and I love clothes--a lot, but when {cv} reminded me about our end goal--a house of our very own, the little "wants" pale in comparison to that HUGE milestone. By creating a "what I didn't buy" list in January and February, it made the freeze a little easier to take. Here are few things I might have purchased this month if I weren't reigning in my spending:


{find them here: tote - tank - watch - jeans - necklace - flats}

I also created a "want list" of sorts on pinterest to help me visualize the $$$. It helps me realize what I need to save to make an something mine ;) My goal is to make it through as much of April as possible before I need to make a few vacation purchases {hello bathing suits that need to cover me!}. I can assure you what I do purchase will be carefully selected--and not purchased impulsively. Many many thanks for all your encouragement to stick to my guns! I need all the support I can get. After 88 days, I've changed my habits--but all it takes is a cute outfit in the blogosphere to get my mind going again...ah, life.

I'll be sure to give a report on what I did {and didn't!} buy in the month of April...until then, I'll add more to my want list and keep creating Friday's Fancies! You can join in tomorrow with your rainy day chic outfit and be prepared for April showers! Here's more info :) See you all tomorrow!

36 comments:

  1. So proud of you! This is seriously amazing and such an inspiration for those of us also pinching our pennies! Can't wait to see what cute vacay clothes you come up with!:)

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  2. congrats on another month down! love all of those wonderfully bright spring colors! seriously don't know how you do it, but keep it up!

    life spelled jen

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  3. You're totally rocking the freeze. I haven't been shopping either - trying to save to decorate the apartment but I do need a few essentials for spring so I'll let myself get a few things but not a new wardrobe.

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  4. Good for you! I wish I had your kind of will power! It'll all be worth it! I've been trying to save as much as possible, but I did buy a pair of leopard loafers that I have loved to pieces and worn just about every day this month. I love those jeans!

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  5. congrats! you're stronger than me, i want e v e r y t h i n g you didnt buy!

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  6. go, girl! I know it's not easy, but it'll definitely be worth it.

    -Caitlin @ Reverie to Reality

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  7. I haven't really made any spring purchases yet. I have a ton of gift cards from my birthday that are just sitting in my purse at the moment!

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  8. Wow! I'm impressed! I wish I had your self control! I bought 2 pairs of colored skinnies last month...opps! Stay strong!

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  9. Nice job! I need to do a spending freeze and you're a fantastic inspiration! Keep it up! :)

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  10. Mad props to you! I have actually had to unfollow (or least disconnect) from some blogs for a while because they put me into a "want" frenzy. It can be tough not to make a mental shopping list of all the "must-haves" circulating out there, but you're right: a big goal is much more valuable and worth passing on some pretties. Keep it up, girl! :)

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  11. Love all of your items, especially that J.Crew necklace. I definitely have a weak spot for their jewelry. I've been reigning in my spending as well since being engaged, and I must admit, my outfits have been much cuter as I've had to be more creative than just buying new things all the time. ;)

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  12. Congratulations!! I haven't purchased too much this spring, though I will say my new chambray shirt is definitely my favorite. And quite the bargain at $29 from Old Navy.

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  13. I'm on a spending freeze too. So far, I've survived the month of March without purchasing any clothing. I have spring break next week and that will be the most difficult part =)

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  14. Those lilac flats are just darling! But I love hearing about your mission not to spend. I think it forces you to be creative with what's already in your closet. I posted about that today!

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  15. wow, you're doing so so well!! i love all the items you've picked out here, so i'm very impressed that you've managed to resist -- keep up the good work :) xx

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  16. You are too funny! Love the type - "What I DIDN'T buy"... definitely don't think I could do it... you're doing so great! Keep it up! FRIDAYS FANCIES TOMORROW!! YIPEE!

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  17. Girll those things are hard to resist but I'm so happy for you! Your big goal is HUGE and it'll totally be worth it when you're in your own little home :)

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  18. Good for you! I wish I had your restraint.

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  19. I am so proud of you for sticking to your commitment! I've tried to cut back before, but then I see a cute little shirt here or an outfit on a blog there...

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  20. I am so proud of you a!! You're doing amazing throughout this freeze! I bet you'll never be the same and will think twice about what you spend your money on! It's such a blessing in disguise and I totally agree with it!

    ps..I've got my FF post ready for tomorrow but was wondering if you could link me up! I'll be on a plane and won't be able to do it! Thanks lady!

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  21. That is great you've stopped spending for 88 days! I gave up shopping for Lent so I've done about half as long as you have. I still want to buy a ton of things though but hopefully I will change when I'm "allowed" to shop again. I have actually had my eye on that tote and a similar watch! It is difficult reading about other bloggers' purchases but we just have to stay strong! :)

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  22. Oh I love all of the spring colors here Alison! :)

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  23. Great job! It'll so be worth it in the end. While fashion and trends are amazing to indulge in, the perfect home will last much longer than these purchases :)

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  24. Good job! I definitely don't have that willpower and I am dying for one of those Kate Spade watches. I specifically want the white with gold polka dots!

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  25. oh man oh man oh man! I am just dying for a pair of those lavender flats! the color is just too pretty - I can't stand it.

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  26. Wow, I really need to impose this on myself and stop the superfulous spending. We're trying to save for a house too!

    That said, gorgeous picks. Almost every one of these is on my lust list as well! Keep up the good work :D

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  27. that is too funny-- the latest line in my apartment is "do you want ____ or a house?" which my husband and i use on each other when the other one wants to order dinner in or go shopping. i'm glad we're not the only ones!

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  28. Good for you!!!! My favorite spring purchase is my new yellow skinny jeans...they're crazy, but fun.
    Xoxo, leigh

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  29. So impressed with you! My favorite spring purchase was my Lilly shorts in State of Mind.

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  30. This is fabulous, I'm so impressed! And NEED to do this for myself!

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  31. I've been trying to save up to move to a new apartment and have been trying to be more conservative with my $ too, it definitely makes it harder being s blogger!

    Xoxo

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  32. I am so proud of you for doing this. You are so strong… what self-control!! I am so impressed. These are all beautiful pieces, especially the teal pants!

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  33. Congrats on staying strong! I'm making a mental list of things I didn't buy this week, too!

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  34. Wow, what a great idea! My husband and I are working toward saving for our own house too and it's so hard to say "no" to all those little things. Your idea of making lists and compiling what you would have bought must offer you tons of encouragement. Thanks for the great idea!

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  35. Honestly, I'm really inspired by your spending freeze. It's hard not to give in to a little "want."

    Enter to win a pair of earrings from Wendy Mink Jewelry (valued at $123)!

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