Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Long Merino Cardigan, Final Sale & Shopping Ban, here I come!

I forgot that my photographer was going to the fair after cross country so I am only fitting in one review today. Here is the long merino cardigan in bronzed twig IRL. I was in a hurry out the door today so this is it done very casually. The fabric is really soft and although it is thin it is not sheer or "snaggy". I bought this in a medium (true size) and it fits perfect and is buttonable without button pulling gaps. The sleeves are pretty long but the extra long ribbing makes it easy to scrunch.

I also really like this color but I may invest in more if I find myself going to this alot (but not until after July of course)
Did you notice that J Crew's final sale started today, did they know it was my last day to shop for a while??? I know most people don't like the Final Sale because the only difference from the regular sale is that it is supposed to be non returnable. That really doesn't bother me as long as I stick to items I have tried on before or I am confident will work for me. Another bonus, there was a great color selection this morning of Jackie's on sale (they are already sold out of most of them). Here is what I snagged:

Last Day Splurge.....Fashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore



Now for my no shopping in July ban. Here are my personal rules and stategies:

1. No retail shopping for myself. That simple. I do not count skincare, make-up, nailpolish, etc into that.
2. I will avoid my sale emails and browsing through my favorite store websites.
3. I will not visit my danger zones. No browsing through the mall on my breaks, no trips to Target when I can get what I need at WalMart, etc.
4. I made myself four exclusions: The first three are old J Crew items that I am always searching for. If one is found I won't deprive myself. That said, it is highly unlikely. The fourth is if the Cantebury Bells Pencil Skirt goes on sale. I had hoped it would have by now and I have a feeling it may not make it to sale but just in case, I don't want to miss out. That said, I will allow myself to check on the availabilty of these items each day but only on a search for that item. No broad browsing at all J Crew skirts, etc. That may be too tempting.

Shopping Ban ExclusionsFashion Trends & Styles - Polyvore




5. The LOFT. This is a hard one. Working in a retail store and not being able to buy anything will be tough but I got to see a sneak peak of the fall line coming out at the end of July/beginning of August so I will keep those items in mind when I feel weak. There is some good stuff!

If you have some additional strategies and/or tips please feel free to share!

24 comments:

Kathy said...

I just found your blog and you are a girl after my own heart. I work retail too, at Williams Sonoma. I love, love, love J Crew and have been looking at your past outfit posts. I'm going on a major shopping spree tomorrow (have a babysitter for half of the day!!) at J Crew and Anthro and am hoping I find some great stuff. I will be watching to see how your shopping ban goes...I think I may do the same thing in August. Good luck!

Couture and Crayons said...

And so it begins, but I will be an enabler, I saw that blue floral skirt at my JCrew store yesterday. It was additional 20% of and final sale. I know they had a size 2 for sure, I didn't look at the other one. If you are interested in the store sending it to you shoot me an email. =)

Jenni said...

I truly need to be doing this with you for sure. I just added up what I bought in June...BAD! There are a few things I have my eye on too, but overall I seriously need to take the month of July off too. Good luck girlie...we'll be cheering you on!! ANd seriously cute last purchases!! I'm tempted by that Oak Tweed skirt, but gonna resist!

Unknown said...

I am generally trying not to shop at all and I will not mince words about it, it can be tough. The good news is that if you are 100% set on it you will be fine. I would avoid the stores you love as much as possible, they tempt and at least you have some light at the end of the tunnel with your preview of LOFT Fall '10... it gets easier after the a while I promise :)

Anonymous said...

I am in LOVE with that Bronzed Twig cardi. I adore the color. I love yout shopping ban rules, I think I need to do something similar as well. It's been a very expensive month for me :)

Pamela said...

#3 is the best-as long as I say away from "danger zones", I'm pretty good. But then I become a recluse!!

RunningOnCoffee said...

What's the name of the sweater you are allowing yourself to buy if you find it? I love that style too but missed out on it when it was still available.

Jan Russell said...

That color is amazing - LOVE. It sounds like you have a good plan for July - game on!

triciathomas said...

I love the idea of allowing yourself a few things. That's why those never work for me, when something I really want goes on sale... ban over!!! Good luck!

None said...

I found the first week and the last week of my shopping ban the most difficult. In-between was not too bad. One thing that helped me was remembering that if I broke the ban, I would have to blog about it! I didn't want to do that.

Also, when tempted to shop I focused hard on what things cost and asked myself, "Is it really worth X dollars?" Interesting how often the answer to that is no. Another thing I often reminded myself: "It's just a t-shirt!" (Lots of pretty t-shirts out there but if you think about it... they're still just t-shirts....)

I also used the time to assess the gaps in my wardrobe and figure out what I really needed. Overall it was surprisingly helpful to take a break from shopping. Best wishes to you -- I know you can do it!

Chelcie said...

I feel your pain. I too am on "ban" for June/July. We have a family vacation to pay for! I think I can, I think I can....

Its been easier than I thought, because with the kids out of school, I've found myself even avoiding the grocery store just because its not as enjoyable when I have to bring the crew. But I do feel like I am spending money on their entertainment: lunches out, movies, summer classes, admission fees, etc.... :/

Good luck!

MC said...

I am also going to be doing a retail shopping ban in July. June was an expensive month for me...and I have bought everything I "need," so there is no reason for me to add to my wardrobe in July! Thanks for the great idea!

Tina Z said...

Thanks for the heads up on fall arrivals!

Mrs.HVK said...

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55507&vid=1&pid=761246

Adorable cardie maybe you can snag it in Aug;)

Love your blog!!

Debye said...

great tips!

Mollywaffles-it is the Maya Cardigan. I have it in guava and dusty blossom but I really love the Amber too!

Tiffany said...

Debye-- I have a styling question for you (sorry, I know this is totally unrelated to this post!).... if you don't mind me asking! Is email ok?

Thanks! Tiffany

Debye said...

of course you can, my email is debye@cberryfamily.com

Smooch said...

I'm joining you in a shopping ban for July. Except for that sweater I bought on sale at anthro yesterday, so technically now I have to make it to Aug 2nd. Wanted to go to Charming Charlies today, and then I remembered....

Anonymous said...

I'm covetting the "INK BLOSSOM" skirt as well! I think we may have worn our Tango Tops on almost the same day!!! smile

Anonymous said...

Hello: It's funny I found your blog, linked from another blog because I just started a shopping ban too. Also, the J. Crew ink blossom skirt was one of my last pre-ban purchases. Are you planning to dry clean or hand wash it? It says "dry clean" not dry clean only. Usually, that means you can hand wash something. But I'm afraid that the colors might bleed. Love your style and blog.

Coruscate said...

I recently discovered your blog and I have enjoyed reading your posts. It is nice to see someone who shares my obsession with J.Crew.
I purchased the Canterbury pencil skirt a few weeks ago and I love it. In response to the last comment, I cautiously washed my skirt using Woolite with my washing machine on it's gentlest cycle. I let it air dry and it still looks like new.

Anonymous said...

Hi! I know you are on a shopping ban, but I wanted to let you know that I am selling my Canterbury bells pencil skirt. It's new with tags and a size 8 (probably too big for you, but I thought I would send you a note). I'm asking $70 shipped because it's a little small on me and I'm finding money for Fall. Let me know if you are interested.
carriereid24@yahoo.com
PS: I bought the double serge pencil skirt because of you (on popback) and LOVE it!

Debye said...

Anonymous-thanks for thinking of me, size 8 is my size in pencil skirts. I actually just got one on eBay for just under what the sale price would be (if it ever goes on sale)

I am glad you love the double serge pencil skirt as much as I do!

Anonymous said...

Not sure what size you are because I just started following - but saw one of your shopping ban exclusions on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-J-CREW-OCHRE-IKAT-PENCIL-SKIRT-SZ-6-RARE-/170503270320?pt=US_CSA_WC_Skirts&hash=item27b2c96fb0