Shopping Ban Update

Happy Wednesday, lovelies! I hope you are having a wonderful week. ;) I totally loved this outfit. It is so basic and really minimal, but for some reason just felt really amazing on. While I love my colors, some days a bunch of neutrals with a splash of burgundy is all you need. ;)

So, I am nearing the end of my shopping ban and I thought I would just give y'all a little update. I have done really well. The only spending on me has been using an old navy gift card from GCOGH. To be honest keeping the ban hasn't been much of an issue for me for a couple of reasons. First, the only stores around are walmart and Cato. It was pretty easy to just stay out of Cato (I took the kiddo to the park or the library instead) and I know what walmart has and am waiting for it to go on clearance anyway. Secondly, our finances were really tight. We are getting down to our last couple of months before the bank account is empty. (Hubby is preaching at a really small church that pays a couple hundred a week and has been unable to find another job.) So, we were looking at not being able to give our kiddo the Christmas we wanted to. Don't get me wrong, he will get plenty from grandparents and other family members, but we didn't think we would be able to do much. And it broke my heart. So there was big motivation to save every penny I could. Now comes the happy ending. Over the past three weeks we have received three monetary gifts in varying amounts that will allow us to make this Christmas special. I have seen God provide for us in miraculous ways over and over again. (You don't make it through seminary with Him providing), but it continues to surprise and amaze me how He blesses us. I felt kind of silly praying and being upset about Christmas when I know that my child is not in need and will get plenty. But God knew my heart and blessed us with the ability to provide for him ourselves.While our future is still totally up in the air and I have no idea if hubby will have a job anytime soon, I know that I can trust that God will continue to provide for us and take care of us. And for now, that is enough.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde and Rae Gun Wear.

Basics Re-Mixed Link-up

outfit 1: grey sweater with polka dot flats and long beaded necklace

outfit 2: coral blouse with polka dot flats

outfit 3: cream sweater with belt and leopard flats and bag

So, last week I talked about one of my favorite skirts from my grandmother that I love but never wear. I challenged you to find a closet orphan or basic and create three outfits with it. Here are my three outfits. What you see are screenshots of my ensembles from Go Chic or Go Home. As you can see, I have an inspiration photo in each outfit, which is great for me because in some cases it reminds me what look I am aiming for.

I have really been enjoying GCGH lately as I spend time building outfits for the coming season. If you would like an invite or help in using the site, be sure to let me know. It is a great community and a lot of fun!

Now, as promised, here is the link-up!

I am not a huge fan of a bunch of rules. So for this one it is super easy. Link up any post (or posts, as many as you like) showing ways to remix any item. Easy right? It doesn't have to be current and you do not have to be participating in the shopping ban. If you feel like it, link back to me in your post and I would love for you to follow, but it isn't necessary. That's it!


Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Rolled Up Pretty and Rae Gun Wear!

 

Hearts and Boots and Swaps, OH MY!

It's the weekend, y'all! I realize that this comes as a complete surprise to most of you and so I thought I'd let you know. ;)  I am actually pretty pleased with this outfit. With one teeny tiny exception. The boots. I love the color and the style and the price. I thrifted them for $15 back in the summer and realized upon wearing them that I was so excited to find them that I didn't pay attention to the fit. Y'all these things are about two sizes too big. I felt like I had on clown shoes all day. Crazy. Anywho. Once the ban is over, I will be on the lookout for a better fitting pair of tan/cognac boots. (I will also have birthday money to spend on them which means I can get a decent pair.)

Now then, on to other things. I mentioned in an earlier post the possibility of organizing an online clothing swap as part of my shopping ban. So here's the thing. There will definitely be some organization to go in to it. If you are interested in participating, I will need you to let me know in the comments so that I have some idea of how many people are interested. Next week I will have you begin emailing me with your information (sizes and amount of clothing and accessories you will be adding to the swap).  I am still working on the logistics so if you have any ideas or have done this before, please feel free to help me out! ;)

Hope y'all have an amazing weekend!

Linking up with All Things Chic, Blonde Episodes, Casual Friday and Favorite Frock Friday.

Outfit Details:
cardi: walmart (2009)
blouse: charlotte russe (2009)
khakis: walmart (2010)
boots: thrifted (2012)

A Basic Black Maxi Skirt

Oddly enough for such a basic piece, this maxi skirt is a bit of a closet orphan. I haven't worn it in ages. I love it and it makes me happy every time I put it on because it belonged to my beloved Grammy. Which totally cracks me up, because my Grammy was two inches shorter than I am. She had to wear it up around her ribs in order for it to not drag on the floor. ;) It is a little on the tight side around the hips, so I prefer to wear it with a longer top. And stand sideways for photos. ;) That helps. 

So, now for the challenge. Do you have any closet orphans that really qualify as basics?  Why don't you wear them?  Can you build at least 3 (although my personal number is 5) outfits with that piece?  If you are interested, whether you are doing the shopping ban or not, I would love to have you link up your closet orphan with me next Thursday. I will be building 5 outfits with this skirt.

See you next Thursday!

Linking up with Rolled Up Pretty, The Pleated Poppy and Rae Gun Wear.

Shopping Ban Thoughts

Not much to say about this outfit. I've worn it about four times now. It is super comfy while still feeling chic enough for anything. The red jeans will be on heavy rotation I'm sure as will this top which will be perfect for layering as the weather continues to cool.

So, y'all I have had something on my mind lately. It started with Peggy's post on consumerism. Then the following day I heard a message on the radio about teaching our kids to be givers rather than takers. In the same way all of the lessons in the Bible on giving are not because God wants or needs our money but because He wants us to learn to be givers rather than takers. Of course, I was nodding my head thinking about how I want my kiddo to find more joy in giving gifts and time and love than in receiving. Then I had one of those moments when I was like, 'am I leading by example?' And it totally hit me that I'm not. While it is never in large amounts because we just don't have much, I spend way too much money on myself. I have also been spending a lot of time on Go Chic or Go Home lately putting together outfits for fall and winter. And y'all, I have 407 ensembles. And I'm not even done with my inspiration photos. Clearly I have enough.

So, if one of my goals as a parent is to teach my kiddo an attitude of gratitude so to speak, then shouldn't I be living it? If I am continually buying new things, I am not modeling contentment and gratitude for what I have. And ouch, sometimes being a parent hurts. If what I teach my son isn't modeled by my life it will have little impact on him.

In light of the above and because finances are really tight right now, I am going on a shopping ban until my birthday. (December 13) My goal is learn to be content with what I have. And to spend the time I would normally spend shopping doing other more important things. Obviously replacing holey tights would be an exception, but other than that I will not be shopping (or even looking at) any clothing, shoes or accessories until mid December.

If anyone would like to join me, let me know in the comments. Maybe we can do a linky party from time to time.

Linking up with Blonde Episodes, All Things Chic and Casual Friday.