The Holiday Season

Tomorrow is November 1st. While some would consider Thanksgiving the beginning of the holiday season, I start a little earlier. Now, I'm not putting out my Christmas tree or any other decorations...yet. But I have started by:

(1) Starting Christmas Shopping

(2) Planning my holiday cookie swap party (invitations received, sending out this week!)

(3) Picking a holiday home tour (Pretty sure, it will be the tour in Amelia Island)

All of the above require funds. In order to ensure I have enough to fund these fun activities, I decided to put myself on a shopping diet for the rest of the year. Anyone who reads this blogs knows I love to shop--while it is bargain shopping, it is still shopping!

I've put the following plan in place to help curtail my urge to swipe (my debit card!).

(1) Unsubscribe from blogs that focus on shopping. I'm still reading all the OOTD blogs, as they help me rethink how to remix items in my wardrobe. However, ones that focus on current sales and what they are buying--I'm taking a temporary break.

(2) Unsubscribe from blogs by those who have a way bigger budget than me. Truth: these blogs sometimes make me feel less than..know what I mean? Rather than make myself feel bad that I can't buy (insert lovely but pricey item here), I will focus on other items. Plus eliminating this influence makes it easier to not shop!

(3) Unsubscribe from shopping related emails. This includes: Ruelala, Gilt, Haute, One Kings Lane, 6pm, Old Navy, Gap, Lands End, LL Bean, Vineyard Vines, Shop Style, Ballard Designs Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, AND all my eBay saved searches (Lilly Pulitizer, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic). The less I know about a sale, the better off I will be!

(4) Start a running program (figures it will make me too tired to shop)

(5) No shopping during my lunch break (this is where I did the most damage)

(6) Limit dinners out -- keep it to meeting friends for a drink or other lower costs activities.

I love the holidays! But I don't want to go into debt over it. I plan to buy all presents in cash, which is why I have already started (hurts less when I spread it out).

Are you already thinking about the holidays?

Tuesday 10.26 and Wednesday 10.27

Tuesday's outfit

I can't believe the weather is back to summer temps! So, this dress was a light and breezy choice!



Dress: Ruby Road, Dillard's
Shoes: Bandolino
Earrings: Forever XXI

Close up of my earrings



Wednesday's outfit

This skirt was hiding in my closet. I've had it for like 5 years, something like that? It's very comfortable and I love the swing of it.
Also, cracking up that Andie and I both wore purple and aqua today!!



Shirt: Ross
Skirt: Gap
Shoes: Bandolino (3 days in a row!)
Necklace: Forever XXI
Earrings: Charming Charlie

Close up of my accessories

Monday 10.25

On Friday, I stopped by the new Forever XXI at the Town Center. I only buy accessories at XXI--they have a great variety and of course, they are super cheap! I picked up a peacock headband for $4.80, quite the deal!



Skirt: Antonio Melani, Dillard's Clearance Center
Shirt: Mossimo, Target
Cardi: Bealls
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Bracelet: Premier

Close up of headband

Friday 10.22

This whole outfit was planned around my new feather headband, purchased yesterday in San Marco during Affair in the Square--a neighborhood wine tasting/party. The event was fun and I even won a $50 gift certificate to a great restaurant! (www.bistrox.com)



Dress: Ross
Cardi: Bealls
Necklace: Premier
Tights: Nine West Anne Klein, Ross
Shoes: Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Headband: Olive


Here is a closeup of my headband!



Off to meet one of my best friends for a little drink. Happy Friday!

Tuesday 10.19

Debuting my new skirt from Talbots!

Skirt: Talbots, on clearance for $38
Shirt and Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Naturalizer
Necklaces: I'm actually wearing 2 necklaces. One from Forever XXI and the other Liz Clairborne

Teal Monday and the beginning of the shopping moratorium

The Jaguars vs. Titans is tonight's Monday Night Football game! There was lots of Teal at work today--honestly there was a lot of teal everywhere today! Here is my work appropriate Jaguar fan outfit:



Cardi: Bealls
Top: H&M
Skirt, Merona (Target) via eBay
Shoes: Black wedges by Bandolino, TJ Maxx
Earrings: Charming Charlie

Also, J and I have started our shopping moratorium. Christmas is only a few months away. We usually stop buying for ourselves around this time of year, so we can Christmas shop for each other. Being the planner than I am, I've already started my shopping. In fact, I bought something for J today. Obviously, I won't be sharing it on here :)

Happy Monday and Go Jags!

What I Would Have Bought

I had to buy a new battery for my car today. I would have rather bought the below:

Things I would have bought by natylite78 featuring black shoes

Naturalizer Black Leather Lennox Shoe
$79 - naturalizer.com
Black shoes »

Speedy 25
$645 - louisvuitton.com
Canvas handbags »

Jalda Embossed Croc Leather Eden Clutch
$187 - endless.com
Leather handbag »

Kate Spade New York - Pave the Way Scatter Necklace (Black...
$129 - zappos.com
Black necklace »