FOUR SHORT MONTHS TO GO!

It has been exactly seven months since I quit buying for me.  Quite honestly, I was not sure I would succeed.  But I knew that the impulsive buying and tons of clothes I gave away each year were a signal to stop.  I even had a Dollar yard Sale and sold COACH BAGS FOR A BUCK just to get rid of them!

I have not used a single gift card I have received this year - not one.  I have four to Michael Kors - thanks to my Fashionista friends, a hefty gift card to DSW - as if... I would not run to use it - NOT. Not the Coach gift certificate, not the Nail and Spa gift certificate...none are used.  

I have learned that I am BURNING ALL MY CLOTHES JUNE 26TH.  I am so tired of thinking what to wear.  I have yet to wear  all the clothes I own this year or sink into all my shoes.  K - so I may not burn all of them, but I know that there is certain item or two I like and feel comfortable in and those I will keep.

My students are aware that I am doing this blog.  I teach Journalism and expect them to maintain a blog.  The girls are shocked;  some even mention MK clothes that I have!  The boys are baffled.  First, why would I give up what I love?  Secondly, why would I care what I wore?  I guess both questions deserve deep contemplation.

This love of shopping will hinder my life in retirement when life continues, not ends.  I teach, but I am a woman, a sister, a wife, a friend, a writer, a baker. I will have a great life when I retire that will not require me to correct papers.

As for why I care, I don't.  I do not care what others think or say about my outfits.  I simply hate to do laundry, thus, dry cleaning is my thang.  I hate to wear clothes twice, with is so illogical since I buy classic pieces versus fads.  I simply liked to wear new.  This year I learned that it was just something to do, not something I had to do.  

The most impressive aspect of this blog is that others have cut back on their shopping, some have even started blogging.  It is not "imitation is highest a sign of flattery" -no, it is one person on a journey who touched others along the way. Not many people can say they did this. 

I do miss the Woodbury Commons, but I do not miss the crowds.  I do miss getting what I want when I want it, but I do not miss the buyers' remorse I sometimes felt.  I do miss new, but I love I have purchased new appliances and paid for two major vacations with cash and still have a hefty savings account.  umm... Ted likes that, too.  

In case you are wondering, I am saving all the gift certificates for my Italy vacation, my Chautauqua vacation, and do not forget... my Cruise and Las Vegas vacations!  HAPPY SHOPPING EVERYONE! lol