Retail Rehab: December 2011

Forever 21 Blouse - Apostrophe (Sears) Cardigan - Sag Harbor Pants - Nine West Pumps

Juniors Sweater - Banana Republic T-Shirt - Bandolino Sweater - Red Tunic

Mossimo Tulip Skirt - Maurice's Skirt

Grace Elements Pencil Skirt - Famous Maker Trousers

Xhiliration (Target) Booties

RETAIL REHAB: $50 a month on clothes, shoes, and accessories! I went back and forth ever since I posted about a potential challenge for 2012 after my trip to Chicago in early November. My first idea was $500 a year, which was around $42 a month. Then I stumbled across Living Fly on a Dime’s Thrifty Threads Challenge, Part II. I absolutely love thrifting, but I already knew that I couldn’t commit to only shopping thrift for an entire year. I can find some really good deals on clearance and I have got to have my New York and Company fix every once in a while. I had to give this challenge a test run before I fully committed for an entire year. I really surprised myself! I couldn’t believe that I got so many items for just $50, but I learned a few lessons very early:

1.       Cash Only. The first thing I did to prevent overspending and also to help track my purchases was to start with $50 cash in an envelope. Under no circumstances could I swipe my debit or credit cards. I even took my store credit cards out of my purse to curb temptation. There were a few times that I didn’t write down exactly what I purchased and had to go rummaging through my closet to figure out what “Ladies Short Sleeve” or “Skirt Short”  that was listed on my receipt.

2.       Pace Yourself.  After spending over half my budget by 12/9, I had to slow down and pace myself to make through the end of the month. One of the best times to thrift is the last few weeks of the year and the first week of January after end of year donations. I made it up until a few days before Christmas.

3.       Shop Strategically. I already somewhat shopped strategically for specific wardrobe essentials, but I would still purchase items out of season and without having a specific outfit in mind. Not anymore, I had to leave a few great items behind on a few shopping trips, but it’s going to be worth it (I really hope so).

So what did I get for $50?? Where did I shop?? Here you go:

Goodwill	Bandolino Short-Sleeved Sweater
	Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve T-Shirt	8.01
	Mossimo Black and White Tulip Skirt
	Polyester Bright Red Tunic	8.01
	Grace Elements Pencil Skirt (Brown)
	Forever 21 Leopard Shirt	8.01
Target	Xhilaration Sadella Boots	9.59
Plato's Closet	Juniors Brown Sweater
	Maurice’s Black and White Skirt	9.61
Unique Boutique	Famous Maker Trousers	6.94
	TOTAL	50.17