A Success And A Fail

At the end of September, I challenged myself to an entire month of no shopping.  For all of October, I steered clear of stores that would lure me in with their cute boots, capes, and sweaters.  It wasn't the hardest thing I ever did, but it did take some self-restraint and creativity with my lunch breaks (which I commonly spend at TJ Maxx, Old Navy, Marshalls, and Target!). 

Well - I almost made it through the entire month with no shopping until my trip to see a client in New Bern, NC.  I've already told you about my two favorite stores in that sweet city, and I was there with a co-worker that was experiencing New Bern for the first time.  She wanted to do some shopping, so I took her into Twice As Nice.  This consignment store is totally hit-or-miss, but I did find something there that I bought.  It was a hard decision for me because I knew I'd be breaking my committment (and it was on the 28th - almost made it!) but it was something I consider more of a necessity than a luxury.

This Ann Taylor black skirt is just what I needed for work.  It's a thick jersey knit material with gold and black buttons going down the front and a built-in belt.  Ya'll - it was $16.98.  It looks brand new.  It fit perfectly, no alterations needed.  If I'd found it in Charlotte, I just would have put it on hold until November!  So there -- I broke my committment, but not for a lot of money, and not for something I won't wear quite often.  My last black work skirt was bought in (ahem) 2004 ... no, I am not kidding.

So that is my fail, and here is my success -- I crossed off #27 on my 30/30/30 list and enjoyed my first Starbucks red cup of the season yesterday morning.

The Apple Crumb Latte ... purely delicious.

I'll be leaving Memphis today and heading back home.  Lots of fun stories to update you on from my trip!