Fabulous Financials

When you’re spending someone else’s money!! Yea baby!

A while back, a Marshalls marketing rep contacted me about their new fall campaign.  The subject line of the email included the word “shoes” so you know the rest of this story…THE END.

LOL just kidding!

Being one of my favorite stores, her email definitely caught my attention.  But what she was offering seemed too good to be true.  YOU - send ME money - so I can shop at your store - then write about it.  Ah hell, I do that anyway!!  Teasing a shopaholic who hasn’t had a fix since September 2nd can be catastrophic. LOL

I had to do a little research (read: google her info!) before responding.  Then we had a few email exchanges to make sure she was legit.  You see, I’m the most skeptical and critical person you will ever meet.  I scrutinize and investigate EVERYTHING.  This trait works well for me in my career, but it can be a blessing and a curse.  On one hand, people trust my judgment because of it.  On the other, people think I’m a hard ass.  Either one works for me. LOL  So if I decide to share something on the blog, then you know it’s really that good.

So guess what I received yesterday?  Two $50 gift cards from Marshalls!

I’m supposed to use one at the new Marshalls Shoe Mega Shop and the other at the new Marshalls in-store boutique, the CUBE.  Shoes and chic accessories…oh my!!  I haven’t decided if I’ll buy something for myself or get started on my Christmas list.  Either way, I get to actually BUY something this time so this should be fun.  Woo wee!!

I’ll let you know what I think of the prices and inventory.

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On September 2, I made a public promise that I would do no shopping for myself until January 2009.  In fact, my exact words were:

As of today, 2 September 2008, I promise not to buy anymore clothes, shoes, or accessories (for myself) for the rest of this year.  Four months and I mean it.  No exceptions.

Did you read that last sentence?  No. Exceptions. I can’t believe I said that. LOL

Well, it’s been almost two months since I’ve made that statement and I’ve been true to my word.  No exceptions.  I have not purchased a pair of shoes, clothing, or accessory since the beginning of September - for myself OR anyone else.  Woo wee!

Some days are hard, other days are…easy hard as hell.  But I can’t take all the credit.  My friends constantly remind me of my commitment.  Gotta love ‘em.  My BabyGirl never misses a moment to remind me of my commitment - especially when she can compare it to something I’ve told her she couldn’t do.  Gotta love her! LOL  I even have a few associates who’ve said my decision was stupid and I could never do it.  Gotta love the naysayers!

But most importantly, I’ve learned something about myself in the past two months.

I’ve learned that I don’t need to buy anything to satisfy my urge to shop.  I simply enjoy the hunt of shopping and the thrill of finding a bargain.  I just need to search and find, but the ultimate prize doesn’t have to be for me.  When I help someone else find what they’re looking for and it’s a great deal, I get similar satisfaction.  Sorta like a really weak orgasm.  LOL!  Although I still lust after the things I may want for myself, the desire to shop has been (temporarily) satisfied.

How long will this last?  Who knows.

2 months down, 2 more of the hardest (pun intended for the holidays) months to go.

Yesterday was a beautiful day.  Although I spent most of the day relaxing, I also felt very productive.  I needed that extra day to do…just whatever.

BabyGirl and I spent most of the day cooking, eating, and lounging.  While she was selecting her first day of school ensemble, I decided to clean and organize my closet.

Lawd knows, it was long overdue!!

The Purge

After what felt like 2 of the longest hours, ever, I emerged from the rubbish with two 13 gallon trash bags full of clothes and one full of shoes.  Not only was my closet disorderly, but it was full of ’stuff’ that I had not worn in YEARS.  It’s funny how my style has changed.  Some of the crap, I can’t even believe I bought, much less stepped out of the house wearing.  BabyGirl was like “wow ma, you’ve changed.  thank gawd!” LOL!  I took pics (for old times sake), but I’m too embarrassed to show you. LOL!

Old Clothes & Shoes

I separated the bags of clothes between consignment shop contributions and goodwill donations.  As for the shoes, some are still fly, just not my style anymore - loafers, closed toe, low heel, plain, brown, black, etc.  Many were only worn once or twice, so I’ll allow my family and friends to have first dibs before I donate them.

Clothes to Keep

After the purge, I counted 12 suits that I love.  I mean, timeless pieces that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.  As long as they hold up (and I don’t gain any weight), I could wear them forever.  Several others I kept for fill-ins days, better known as bad hair days, aunt flow days, or just don’t feel like being at work days.  I’m sure you understand.

Shoes to Keep

I also counted 50 pairs of shoes left over.  I got rid of bunch because my closet was getting ridiculous.  Shoes were everywhere and the boxes were taking up too much dang space.  I found an old over-the-door shoe rack and used it to store the shoes I wear most often.  All others were placed in their respective boxes and stacked at the top of the closet.  I sorted them based on season, then again based on mood.  When I’m feeling fabulous, my shoe game is fiyah!  I break out the 3″+ with a tailored suit.  On blah days, I stick to lower heeled pumps or maybe even slide-ins.  As a woman, I’m an emotional creature, so my shoes must be versatile.  I’m sure you understand.

My Promise

After everything was neatly put away, I did a quick scan and realized that I have everything I can possibly need - and more.  Therefore, I made a vow to myself and I will also confess it to you.  As of today, 2 September 2008, I promise not to buy anymore clothes, shoes, or accessories (for myself) for the rest of this year.  Four months and I mean it.  No exceptions.  I did it before and I’m about to do it again.

*pinky swear*

This is going to be a difficult 4 months, especially during holiday sales, but I say what I mean and I mean what I say.  Every time I’m tempted to shop (for myself), I’m going to deposit what I would have spent into my new savings account.

Why are families spending HUNDREDS $$ on “back to school” shopping? Did you know retailers consider this time of year as one of the most profitable shopping seasons, only 3^rd in line after Christmas and Mother’s Day. I don’t get the hype and I won’t allow you to fall for it either.

Visit Work It, Mom! to read my article on eight budget conscious preparations for back to school.

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I think I’ve been using “summer” and “vacation planning” as an excuse to spend. My credit card statement just closed on the 23rd and I paid the balance in full the next day. However, between the 23rd and today, I’ve managed to charge another $1,800. That’s about 2 weeks.

$1,800 in TWO weeks.

Whoa! None of the charges were for necessities or bills - just stuff. Fun stuff, cute stuff, fabulous stuff, house stuff, like to have stuff, interesting stuff, etc. But all “stuff” nonetheless.

So here’s my plan.

I just made a $1,200 payment, simply to make the balance look normal for this time of the month. Now, I am going to…uh…this is going to be hard, but umm…I gotta do it. *exhale*

Unless I am on vacation (two more trips this month), I will not spend another dime in this place or either of these stores:

photo credit: LLudo

• Bath & Body Works - me luvs the smell good (especially cucumber melon and sweet pea) and the spa scrub for my feetsez. *daydreaming*
• Nordstrom - how can I resist a shoe sale when the friggin store is less than 5 minutes from my house? It’s a set up!
• Macy’s - went in for a few spring/summer suits, but the lined suits were 60% off.
• Target - make a list, go in for 5 things and come out with 30. *sigh*
• Ross - see, what had happened was…

Shoot, I won’t even try to explain. These are my favorite stores and I can’t deny it. But you know what? I am banning myself for the month of July! Even while I’m on vacation, my entire “shopping” limit is $100 $200 $300 for each trip the rest of this month. The thought is funny to me too. Ha!

Do you think I can do it? If I can’t, I’m going to give away a $50 gift card to one of the stores.

My crime vacation partners read my blog, so I’m gonna need both of you to keep me focused. M’kay? I can’t afford to give away money, especially when I’m banned from spending. And I sure as hell don’t want to someone else shopping in one of MY favorite stores on MY dime!

I feel the pain already. LOL