2014 Closet Remix Challenge: February Update

I've got spring fever! I need to get into the world and out of the house! February being the shortest month was one of the longest for me. I swear I have that SADD and find it hard to do anything after I finish working. It's so dark and cold out and I just am so tired and have no energy. 

What does all of this have to do with the challenge? Actually a lot. I'm an emotional shopper just like I am an emotional eater. Since I haven't been shopping, I've been eating. If you give up one thing, you have to replace it with another. I'm smarter now that I realize this. I feel like this last month it was a lot harder to not shop. I see people on IG who say " I fell off the wagon" or "I did a month and I can't handle it anymore" or "this item was so worth it". I hear you all and I definitely relate to everything that you say. 

I felt the urge to shop this month way more than in January. And you know what? I did actually shop. I made a list at the beginning of the year of some items that I am looking for or some items that need to be replaced. I'm still going by that list and trying not to purchase a whole lot else. I did sell a couple of items on Poshmark and I did use a gift card to purchase a bag and I did receive a bonus at work. These are all things that I didn't consider when I said I didn't want to shop all year. 

I think I need to change my focus. I'm still going to purchase minimal items. You know what? I did actually find myself in a Walmart to look at that blue and white striped top that is all over IG right now. I looked at it and no offense to anyone who has it, but I didn't think it was for me. I didn't feel the urge to even try it on. I realized I didn't need it. I wasn't looking for it, it wasn't on my list, and I just didn't need it. I was happy to set it back on the rack. Is that going to be the case everytime? No, it won't. It's just I feel I have a little more self-control now. And wasn't that the whole point of the closet remix? 

I think I'm changing my focus to be that I need to get back in the gym and lose some weight. I'm joining Weight Watchers again and I'm looking to start fresh. I will feel better in all of the clothes and shoes that I already own. Confidence comes from within. If I feel great about myself, it will show. It won't matter what I have on because it will show on the outside. I know I do a good job with that already but I'm tired of being tired. Exercise is the key and I need to up the ante with my fruits and vegetables. 

I found myself scurrying to the mall last Sunday before I left for Charlotte looking for things to wear. I purchased two dresses and two jackets from New York and Company. I left them in the bag and threw them in my suitcase along with all of the other clothes that I brought. I never wore any of them! I tried them on in the hotel and realized I didn't like any of it. It's all going back today. I received so many compliments on the outfits I did wear and it was just stuff I already had! I was comfortable and showed confidence and that's what matters.

Here is the recap for the month all written down in my journal:

So for the month of February, I exchanged a dress from J Crew for a different one, I bought a jean jacket off the list, and some tan flats off of my list. I used a $50 gift card that I got from J Crew for shipping my items late at Christmas so I spent $15 total. I bought a $4 tee shirt from Target and used a gift card so I spent nothing. I also used a reward gift card from Macys to purchase this amazing pink tote. I've had my eye on the Michael Kors one but this one was on sale and the price was right so I spent nothing out of pocket! 

I did go into the mall and I found the striped dress in Gap hanging on a rack in my size and the only one there. I've had my eye on this dress and so it was meant to be! I deposited money from Poshmark into my account so I didn't spend out of pocket. I did really well all month but then came the spring fever! I went into Kohls and I spent $10 for the blue and white striped shirt since I had a coupon and then also got this adorable top to wear in the spring. I also found the bicycle shirt from Old Navy but I'm still undecided as to whether or not I will keep it. 

Confession: as I was laying everything out to take a picture, I realized that I also bought another tee from my list at JCrew. I wanted the silky tee but realized that it was impractical to wear a lot so I did the linen tee instead. I paid $20 for it that I didn't remember spending. This is also why a journal is a great thing to have! 

There you have it. I'm an emotional person so I make choices based on how I feel. If I am happy, I shop. If I am sad, I shop. If I'm having a rotten day, I shop. Or insert " eat" there or "drink" there- you get the point. However, in doing this experiment for two months now I know that blogging is also such a therapeutic way for me to express my feelings and emotions. I hope you all appreciate my honesty and openness and I'm glad that you have taken the time to read and follow along with me on this journey. 

Are any of you still out there not shopping? Anyone taking a different approach? I'm thinking this month I may shop but only from thrift stores. I think it will be a unique way to look for some of the items I still want or need. I think it might curb the urge to look and find things and it won't be the same as what everyone else has. I will also be adding a ton of stuff to my Poshmark closet this month. You can follow me on there at sandaef14. Let me know your thoughts on how I did and how you're doing. 

Thanks for reading and following along with me! 

Sandae