2014 Closet Remix Challenge

Okay, I will admit it. I have way too many clothes and shoes. In fact, I am too embarrassed to post any pictures of my closet on here. I don't want to make myself look bad. I bet I am in the same situation though as some of you who are reading this. 

I don't think I have a problem. I don't think I have an addiction to shopping. I might be bored or easily persuaded though to buy items I don't really need. I admit I have gotten caught up in the trap of " oh, it's only _dollars" or everyone else on Instagram has it so I think I need it too. Maybe it's the countless number of outfit ideas that I think I will dream up with this one item that is such a bargain. I don't know.

Here are some examples of the "must have" items that I purchased in 2013 as a direct result of seeing them on Instagram:

Remember the fan fringe necklace? This was one of my first purchases last year. 

Or the rosette necklace? The glitter sandals? 

The J Crew pink Mari sandals- I "have" to have these! They are on sale and are so cute! 

The Zara blanket scarf- but it will keep me so warm and it's so cozy! 

The J Crew herringbone vest- I want to look cool like everyone else and it's on sale! 

 But Phillip Lim for Target is the best collaboration ever! 

Sadly, the list goes on and on...

I am not mad at anyone but myself. I love when people post their items or their outfits. It gives me such inspiration to do better myself. I know I've also been an enabler and posted sales and discounts as well. I will also tell you that I have probably wasted a lot of time and money chasing down items that I think I need. I probably could have read another book or played more games or something with the amount of time that I wasted looking for something. And then the price of gas! Oh wow! This is really starting to hit me! 

So, the 2014 Closet Remix Challenge on Instagram came at such a great time for me. The last few months I accumulated a lot of clothes and also a lot better style. I enjoy the thrill of shopping for a bargain, I admit, but sometimes I just don't add it all up. The money saved wasn't really worth the money spent. 

The challenge is all about not shopping. We said its on a month to month basis. I am going to try my best to go through March or maybe even longer.  I figure by then I will have worn all of my sweaters several times and will be getting bored and ready for warmer weather. I will only buy something if it is a necessity- like if I need to replace something or if it's a critical item that I have to have ie. undergarments, etc. I am going to see how much I save- not only money but also time. I want to see how the quality of life will be while I'm not chasing the next big thing. 

While I'm sure I will miss out on some new item that everyone is getting between now and then, I'm really going to try to do other things to keep myself occupied so I'm really not missing out. I have a lot of things on my list to accomplish this year. I have already unsubscribed from numerous emails so that I won't get tempted. I do have a couple of gift cards that I may spend but I cannot spend any of my money to get anything else. 

I love the accountability that we are giving each other on Instagram. I love that so many of us are trying to do the same thing. It really does make it easier! If you're on Instagram, follow along with us using the hashtag #2014closetremixchallenge. You'll be surprised to see not only the outfits that people wear but also the comradery that we share. 

Are you participating in a no shopping challenge? Do you have any other ideas for me? Here's to a great start in 2014! 

Thanks for reading and following along! 

Sandae