Latest Outfit: Black and White

Banana Republic diamond jacquard pullover | J. Crew no. 2 pencil skirt (other colours) | Kate Spade 'Bow Bridge Kennedy' bag | Joe Fresh shoes | Necklace (old) | Clinique Chubby Stick in 'Plumped Up Pink'

Black and white is such a classic combination, but as one of spring's biggest trends, it's been reincarnated and reinvorgated in the form of bold graphic patterns. I've been drawn to all the black-and-white pieces trickling into stores lately, particularly this pullover from Banana Republic. Although the colours more closely resemble oatmeal and black in real life, I just couldn't resist the honeycomb pattern (so fun!) and thoughts of pairing it with bright pencil skirts and bags. Neutral colours and a graphic knit make this sweater feel as versatile as a black cardigan, but add much more visual interest to basic outfits. I can see myself wearing this sweater often as we slowly transition from winter to spring.

In other news, with finances still very much on my mind, I went through my credit card bills from the last two months and added up all my clothing-related purchases. I was shocked at the total. Flabbergasted! Granted, I love what I bought and they're quality pieces I'm happy to have and hang onto. And a lot of it was holiday sale purchases, replacing worn-out essentials (a good bra is expensive), and scope-out-spring-merchandise-and-buy-strategically shopping. But no matter how you slice it, it was still an obscene amount.

On some level, I think shopping has been my way of distracting myself from stress and burnout. (See how tired I look in the photo above? And that was on a Sunday.) By rewarding myself with a purchase here, a purchase there, the thrill of a new addition to my wardrobe became an emotional crutch. Increasingly, I found that getting through a tough day was a little easier if I could mindlessly browse online after writing my blog post in the evening, that a tough week was made better by the anticipation of a parcel in the mail.

It has to stop, and I have turn to other coping mechanisms: salsa and yoga, which I've neglected shamefully; more downtime during the evenings; more sleep; booking a real vacation. I'm sticking to a set monthly clothing allowance going forward. In the long run, it'll be much healthier for my wallet, waistline, and overall outlook.

This is a tough thing to admit online and I'm not proud of it, but now that I have admitted it to you I feel like openness and accountability will make it easier for me to stick to my goals, so thanks for letting me share. The sweater you see in this post is one of the last pre-clothing-allowance buys.

Now, on a much lighter note, have a good weekend!

9 comments

  1. I can completely relate to shopping as a means of escapism, but I gotta say...you don't look tired here. Just lovely! you should see me right about now, my eye bags are terrifying. Loving the purple and green together!

    Alex xoxo

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  2. I went through the very same thing last year when I decided I wanted to go to Europe - I was blown away by how much I was spending on clothes (and at Shoppers - that was obscene). At first it was a bit annoying to have a clothing allowance, but after a short time I realized that it actually made shopping more fun and made my purchase more rewarding because I was only buying pieces that I *really* loved. Good luck, I'm sure you're going to rock this clothing allowance!
    And, speaking of coveting, I love your sweater! So cute!

    Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca

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  3. You remind me that I haven't worn that skirt in awhile! I'll have to pull it out for the office next week :)

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    Replies
    1. It's definitely a piece one can love year after year. :)

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  4. I completely relate to you Lisa. I am giving myself a shopping budget as well. My closet is so stuffed that I know I don't need any more clothes. I know it's for emotional reasons that I shop. Good luck with your shopping budget!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  5. so very pretty Lisa! i adore this color mixture. graphic design has been full of honeycombs lately and i love the in-surge in fashion too! your sweater is too cute.

    oh those darned credit card bills hey? i have become almost catatonic when adding them up myself. i feel ya lades! i've been working on re-programming my online purchases also. it's a vortex of mindless extravagance i'm sure of that. sometimes i can't help but satisfy the rush but the repercussions seriously suck poo so i feel that salsa + yoga come along just when you need a better balance point. huzzah to that times a mill!!! xo ♥

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