OWN IT October

80’s party circa 2014 - “Hey everyone, come and see how good we look!”

Ok, let’s try this again.

Fall is a challenge for my clothing/shoe spending, but every season change is. Unfortunately the seasons change four times in Pittsburgh and it can range from frigid to sweaty all in one day.

I was stopped while grocery shopping and complimented on this outfit. The skirt is an Express leather pencil skirt from my local Salvation Army.

I also just LOVE FASHION. I love shopping. I love thrifting. I love making outfits. And now with babies, I love dressing them as well. It’s a real problem.

I’ve also noticed that when the seasons change, the “frenzy” as I call it, begins. I get this uncontrollable urge to buy new pieces for my wardrobe regardless if I actually need them or not.

If you let me loose, unsupervised or not, anywhere near a store…I will find something to buy.

SO this month’s challenge: OWN IT OCTOBER - I have to WEAR or USE things I already OWN…to remind myself I don’t need to (and can’t) buy more.

This is what I wore the day I fell down the stairs! I still love this H&M pink power suit and my $1 Bolero from the Irwin Fleatique.

How it will work:

1. I will dress myself in an outfit I already own each day and take a picture

2. If I find myself shopping for something I will TRY TO WAIT 24 HOURS:

   • LOOK and see if I have it already (just hidden in a basket or drawer)

   • RESEARCH ways to use things I already own to diy the thing I’m shopping for

   • ASK myself: “is it something I NEED to own right this second?”

3. Post my outfits, crafts, and/or meals each week along with my weekly spending numbers.

I actually started taking pictures of my outfits a few years ago to challenge my spending on clothes, shoes and accessories. I have a nice little stockpile of outfits ready to go, but also enjoy putting together new looks.

I bought this whole outfit and wear all the pieces together and separate.

Here are a few other questions I have been trying to ask myself when I find the “frenzy” setting in.

• How am I feeling right now? (I tend to shop most when I am stressed or sad)

• Is there something else I can do right now to distract from the urge to shop?

• Can I call or text someone about this purchase that will give me an honest opinion on whether I need it? - YAY ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS

• Is there something else this money could go to instead?

• Can I wait to buy this for 24 hours? - hardest to do in thrift stores

These shoes are the definition of “worth the 24 hour wait.” I did wait, I found them for half the price on Ebay. I conquered.

If I’ve made it to the store or am on my phone already:

• Do I want to wear this RIGHT NOW?

• Do I want to wash/take care of this?

• Do I have a place for this in my closet or dresser?

• Can I wear this with multiple things?

In honor of yesterday being October 3rd - MEAN GIRLS DAY - Mila and I wore pink, because “on Wednesdays we wear pink.” Let the challenge begin!

Mila’s shirt says “Little Miss Bossy”…no further explanation required.