Really?
I'm surprised. Maybe you'll change your mind when you start reading how boring my life is. ;)
So, today I shall give the masses what they desire...insight into my life.
Can I be honest? Throughout my time in Wilmington I've pretty much been broke. No lie...I took a huge pay cut to move here and the cost of living has been considerably higher than in Charlotte.
Which is weird...because Charlotte is 4x the size of Wilmington.
I guess because I live at the beach it's expensive, huh? Anywho...
My new job pays well. I'm excited to be able to build up my savings account again and to have a bit more of a financial cushion. I'm excited to be able to pay off my debt (credit card and my car) and be completely debt-free. I'm excited to be able to shop again.
However, I know that I had to go through this season (almost a whole year!) of being broke to be able to really appreciate a season of bounty. I had to go through this time of living paycheck to paycheck to realize the importance of having a financial cushion.
I don't regret any of it. I've learned from it. I've gained a new appreciation for the value of a dollar earned. I haven't gone clothes shopping in close to a year. With the exception of a pair of uniform khakis for work, everything new has come from birthday/Christmas money or gifts. (And we're realistically talking about no more than 5 items.)
Y'all probably didn't notice. Hopefully??
Something I learned while on a virtual shopping freeze was to be really good about mixing up my wardrobe and wearing things a few different ways. For example, look how many times I wore my green skirt...
Or my royal blue cardigan...
And can we just talk about how often I rock these (hand me down) jeans?
The point is, I tried to not let the fact that I was (and still am at the present moment) broke affect my ability to be stylish. People, it CAN be done.
I'm living proof.
And while I don't plan on going on some mad shopping spree when I start getting paid, I definitely think there are a few things I need to add to my wardrobe to bulk up the "corporate" side of it a bit more.
But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I hope you enjoyed a little glimpsy-poo into my life. And if you're still awake at this point. Bravo!
Loved this post! And I had no idea you had bought almost nothing new all year.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea!
ReplyDeleteYou might enjoy Greater Than Rubies http://greaterthanrubies.net/ Caitlin is on a self-imposed, year long clothes buying freeze. She is mastering re-mixing and looking lovely, just like you. :)
Love your style! I remember your first day at CB...I was like that girl is wearing a shirt I have BUT she paired it with a purple cardigan...purple, I never thought to wear purple with it and I have purple! I was an Old Navy printed tank with Yellow floral print and it has a hint of purple in it.
ReplyDeleteI sure am going to miss you and I look forward to our "date" this weekend! :-)
I love this post! Getting dressed on a budget isn't an easy task sometimes. It can be frustrating. But you make it look so effortless. Making the post out of an item by remixing and such - such a great way to make the most out of the clothes you have. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteCallie
www.coffeeandcardigans.com
So true! I'm on a spending freeze and have actually felt more creative b/c I have to create "new" outfits of what I already own! As much as I miss shopping, I know it's good for me :)
ReplyDelete