You Are a Fashion Red Alert

Chambray button-up: Banana Republic, thrifted * Skirt: Tulle * Two-tone brogues: UO, remixed * Belt: thrifted, remixed * Wood bangles: H&M, remixed * Jacket (seen in picture below): thrifted, remixed

I am so excited to be posting these pictures because I'm just so happy with how they turned out! I loved this outfit (this skirt is the black version of the white skirt I wore to the brewery festival), and we managed to get out to the lakeshore right as the sun was setting and got some awesome lighting up against the rocks and the waves. The waves were insanely intense, and I kept trying to climb down to get to some of the rocks that are closer to the water, but I got scared decided I had a better angle from higher up. Oh, and FYI, I am absolutely not that tan. Because of the low sunlight, we got a glimpse of what I might look like just before cancer sets in. I'm an SPF 45 kind of gal.

So I wanted to take the time to thank you all for your support and excitement about my simplify-my-life project!! I'm really happy about my new commitment to spending less and doing more. One thing that comes with this is a pretty serious shopping ban. I never ever spend outside of my means, and always use my debit card when buying things so that I don't rack up credit card bills. I've never been in debt, other than with student loans, and I keep a pretty normal budget for all the necessities. But I have been spending a lot more than is necessary. I see something I like, and if I have the money for it, I buy it. I don't give a lot of thought to what else that money could be put towards, like buying a car, getting a new place, traveling to Europe and South America, and just general long-term savings. Plus, I literally have everything I could possibly want, and more. Cleaning my closet last week was a part of the process, and I was able to see just how much stuff I have. How many dresses, skirts, blouses of every color and cut. And while I love all my stuff, and I didn't throw out anything that I love or wear regularly, I definitely don't need to add to what I already have.

Okay, I'm sorry, I know I'm talking about serious stuff here, but oh. my. god. How funny is this photo??!?!?!?

So I'm imposing an umbrella ban. I'm just not buying stuff. Not new shorts, not sandals for "this season", not even underwear and socks, unless the ones I have literally fall apart. Joe is going to help keep me in line for those times when I convince myself that Born shoes are never $39.99 and I should allow myself this one splurge. I know it kind of sucks, but I'm honestly really excited about it. There are a few things coming up in our lives that I'll need some extra cash for, and it would be nice to not feel super stressed about everything. Plus, in the event that I ever move, I would need nothing short of a full-sized U-Haul to cart my stuff away. And Joe pointed out that the odds that I'd find another one-bedroom apartment with three walk-in closets at my disposal are slim to none. So wish me luck, everyone! I know it's a bit extreme as shopping bans go, but it's a majorly important thing for me to do. Reevaluating the way I spend means renovating the way that I live. And to me, a closet full of stuff is nothing compared to a sun-soaked east-facing living room with a big ol' yard, or a three-week jaunt through Ecuador, or a shiny new car, or a comfortable savings account for those "oh shit" moments. :)

Title song: Reel Big Fish, "Ban the Tube Top"