Cheap Thrills

On Saturday, my 6-month shopping ban ended. I waited patiently until the day ended before even looking online for places that may have the stuff I've listed over the past few weeks of things I thought I needed to incorporate into my wardrobe.

Because I was giddy with excitement, I didn't end up falling asleep until 4:00 Sunday morning. AFTER I organized my sock drawer, realizing that I have 5 pairs of black tights, 2 pairs of electric blue ones, and 2 maroon ones. Ridiculous.

I promptly woke up at 7:00 am. I didn't even grab anything to eat before I left the house, dressed in the comfiest and most convenient ensemble ever (leggings, skirt, and pullover-- no pictures because I was too gung-ho to shop.

Now, I thought about this day a lot. And just like when one goes on a diet, they don't just stuff themselves silly when the diet is over. That would spoil all the hard work they put into that fast, right? So I decided that I would ease myself into the whole shopping routine again by setting a limit for myself and following a list.

For a while, I felt like I forgot how to shop. For reals. It seemed like I had no enthusiasm for looking at clothing. I would pass rack after rack without even glancing to check if any of the items in the rack were on sale. Is this good? I hope so.

I spent a good 4 hours walking around from shop to shop, driving from one part of the shopping district to another, checking out merchandise and comparing prices. By the end of the 4 hours, I knew what I needed to go back for and even had enough time to think of how to incorporate those pieces into outfits.

I had set my budget for this shopping trip to $100 because I was really terrified that if I didn't, I would just buy anything in sight.

Well, I failed there. But not by much, and I stuck to my list. I ended up spending $160 but I was pleased with my haul, and I feel like I don't need to go back and buy anything else for a while. I mean, possibly, for another month or so. I know, right? CRAZY.

So here it is, ya'll. My Haul of Cheap Thrills. Enjoy.

1. White Lace Top from TJMaxx-- $7.00



Who doesn't love lace? I needed layering pieces that I can wear over dresses or under blazers and cardigans. The flowier, the better. 
2. Black Flat Boots from Target -- $35.00

I have really huge calves, no thanks to my dad. :) So I had to get these babies a size up from what I usually wear. I'm surprised at how comfortable they are! I needed a pair of flat boots that I can wear with jeans or to toughen up girly skirts and dresses. 
*THESE NEXT ONES ARE A BIT RIDICILOUS. BUT I SWEAR, THEY WERE ON THE LIST*
3. Hello Kitty Beanie-- $9.00

I had a HK cardigan on my wishlist last post, and I went to my F21 to get one because I need cardigans of different colors, but they didn't have it anymore. (Of course, because they're cute). But I DID need a beanie/snow hat for the winter. Might as well get the cutest one possible.
4. Hello Kitty Hot Pink Cardigan-- $25

I don't have a lot of colored cardigans, and I like that this one is bright and has cute details on it (in HK's face!!!) Look at that adorable tag!
5. Hello Kitty Jumper-- $20

Because believe it or not, I don't have any comfortable sweaters. Most of them are tighter than I would like or are too itchy.

LAST Hello Kitty one, I promise.

6. Hello Kitty Pullover-- $18

Perhaps my most favorite purchase of all. I love the HK big head design, and am LUSTING over the printed leggings. But, they're not on the list, so I didn't get them. 
7. Skinny Orange Belt -- $3.50I need to branch out with color, and this is my first orange piece ever! (at least I think it is!) Just like with leopard print, I'm taking the orange in small doses until I'm comfy with it. 
8. Bow Rings-- $1.50 each

Ok, I'll admit, these weren't really on the list. But they were cute and inexpensive. Plus, rings are my weakness. $3 for 2! 

9. Ruff Hewn Puffer Coat-- which I got for such a steal. Originally $140, I got it for (get ready for it...) $35.

And it's from this season, too. I waffled quite a bit on whether or not I wanted this or a black one, but because I knew I needed to start playing with more color, I got this instead. 
Like I said earlier, I'm quite thrilled. And I didn't feel the need to buy everything else in sight. I even picked up a couple of ideas for clothes I'd like to make myself instead of purchasing a mass-produced copy. So there you go, folks! My 6-month challenge has ended, and I'm quite proud of myself for getting through it! I thought I spent a decent amount of money on pieces that I know I need and will be able to wear all the time, and I'm developing a new system of purchasing so I can fully assess how much I really need/want an item (it makes me sound crazy, but I promise you, I'm not.)