Fabulous Financials

After 2.5 months, I finally ended my ‘no shopping’ diet. Surprisingly, it wasn’t very hard. I just said I wasn’t going to do it, then I didn’t do it. Wow, I’m getting good as this financial discipline stuff. Wish I could say the same about my discipline to live a healthier lifestyle, but I’m working on it. Anyhoo, where was I? Oh, the end of my shopping diet…

On March 10th, the official end of my ‘no shopping’ diet, I tried to buy these shoes. Unfortunately, they didn’t have my size (7.5) in the store, so I had to order them. Which technically means, I didn’t really buy anything since I don’t have them in my hands. LOL But maaaaaaaaan, I can’t wait to see them, smell them, touch them, feel them, then put those babies on my feet. Yes, I am obsessed with shoes. Ha! It’s been over 3 months since I’ve had a new pair (remember these?) and I’m loooong overdue! LOL

I don’t intend to wear them right now though, but they fit the bill for my holiday pumps. I’m sure you remember the shoe emergency from last year. Not being able to find the perfect shoe for a holiday party is so not cute. When I saw them, I didn’t have to think twice about snatching ‘em up. Won’t catch me slipping again! No way, un un!

Side note: if you’re wondering, I couldn’t resign today. Boss was out of the office. Lucky heffa! I started to email my resignation so she could read it on her BlackBerry. LOL She called around 11 to see how things were running and she sounded like a chain smoker on crack. I didn’t have the nerve to do it over the phone. Yes, I do have a heart - albeit really small. Oh well…she just delayed the inevitable. I’ve been practicing my speech all day!

Now ok, let’s see…what else did I buy this weekend?

In the spirit of spring, I wanted to add at least two vibrant colors to my wardrobe. But I have to be careful because not everything looks good against my skin tone. So I chose turquoise and orange for my colors of the season - not to be worn together of course. LOL

First up: a pair of turquoise earrings with the matching necklace and coordinating ballerina flats

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The jewelry is from Ashley Stewart ($12, I think?) and the shoes are from Filene’s Basement ($7) - both can be worn with just about anything. I can wear them on casual weekends with jeans, capris, or shorts. I actually had my khaki wrap skirt in mind when I bought them. I can also wear the jewelry with a cute dress or I may even try to pull it off against a white button down if I can wear slacks in my new office on Fridays. The options are endless.

Second up: an orange and gold necklace with coordinating bracelets

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This jewelry is from DOTS ($4 each). I must admit, I’d never heard of this store before. I was leaving one of my favorite stores, Ross Dress for Less, and there it was. My eyes were attracted to the colorful mannequins in the window, so I went in to take a peak. It’s amazing what you can find when you’re in a shopping mood. LOL If trendy is your thing, this is your store! They have LOTS of spring selections - and they’re cheap. I mean, real cheap. Not sure if that’s a good thing, but I don’t think I saw anything above $20. Weird.

I love the way orange looks against my skin tone, so I also bought an orange tank ($12.99, also from DOTS) and an orange blouse from my most favorite-est store, Nordstrom’s ($too damn much.99). I’ll have to reserve the blouse for a special occasion because it’s real sexy cute and the tank can be accessorized with some jeans on a casual day, a girl’s outing perhaps.

Third up: a black handbag

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This is a Liz that I copped from TJ Maxx ($22). Nothing extravagant about it. For some reason, most of my purses are bold, in color and design. I didn’t realize that. So when I was preparing for my last interview, I told myself that I needed a mid-sized, solid black handbag. My only requirement was that it had to be genuine leather, timeless (i.e. non-trendy), and less than $50. This one fit the bill perfectly.

Fourth up: a pair of slingbacks

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What’s a solid black purse without black shoes? LOL These are Anne Klein slingbacks from Filene’s Basement (regular price $89.99, sale $49.99). Not only are they quality shoes at a decent price, but I walked around the store for about 20 minutes and they are SUPER comfy. Oh, and they don’t slip off my feet like most slingbacks, which is an extra plus. I can already envision how many different ways I can wear them. These babies were a steal.

Other things purchased but not pictured:

• a pair of caramel colored slacks - hope I can chuck the suits soon
• a white button down - can never have too many
• two pairs of workout capris - I haven’t given up
• pink and gray Nike’s - gotta be cute when I workout LOL
• brown and white jewelry - I’m addicted to neutral tones
• pink satin jacket and gold ballerina flats for BabyGirl - feel like a bad mom when I buy for myself and don’t buy anything for her. She has a job now, I need to get over this.

By the way, my camera (cheap little Kodak EasyShare) is about to go ka-plunk. And you know what that means? I might have to buy another one of those too. *sigh* Oh well…

Total damage: ~$350

I think I’ve done my civic duty to stimulate the economy. And I did it early!

Aren’t I a good citizen? LOL j/k

Have you bought any cute shoes lately?