There is a bird in Egypt that flies into the mouth of crocodiles and dines on the tiny bits of meat strung between the giant carnivores teeth. The Plover, or Crocodile Bird, plays an important role in the dental health of the crocodile and in turn the croc does not eat the tiny bird resting gently in it’s mouth.

I heard about this symbiotic relationship this week and it made me think of my trip to San Francisco, whereby I balanced on the sharp teeth of consumerism. Unfortunately unlike the Plover, I did not escape unscathed. Instead, whilst teetering between spending money and not, I fell into the jaws of corporate America and didn’t crawl out until I’d spent nearly $200. I am ashamed.

The picture I posted yesterday shows me holding an American Eagle bag. This was the first purchase (some undies and leggings if you must know). Then I had to buy a skirt and a shirt at Gap. After this Kevin and I went to the movies. What happened after that you ask? Well, when we emerged from the theater it was freezing and we had a long walk. Next thing you know, we where in front of Old Navy and I remembered that cute jacket I had posted a while back. So we went in to check it out. Turns out, it wasn’t as cute on. But this one was! After I purchased the jacket I new I was done. Done spending again for a while. Partly because I couldn’t afford anymore but also because it was uncomfortable to spend so much money on myself. I now realize that the larger goal (buying a house) is actually more attractive than my wardobe. Who would have thought?

So, I went two months and two weeks without purchasing one item for myself. I didn’t make it to November 8, which was the goal but I came close. I can tell you that I certainly learned something with this experiment, I learned that I don’t need as much stuff as I thought I did. I learned that if you don’t have money, you probably shouldn’t spend money - the most important lesson of them all. I guess the key, as with anything, is moderation. Buying one shirt or one jacket is okay but buying a whole new wardrobe in one day is not advisable.

I believe that because of this experiment I will be more like the Plover. I will stand on the teeth of a giant (aka the MALL) and simply pluck a few items out, instead of diving in head first and risk being swallowed whole.

I know, it’s been a while since I’ve updated about the no-shopping pledge. So tomorrow I am on for a full update, in the meantime here is a teaser……………….

PS - do I look maniacal or what?

Alright, I’m embracing a new tactic, so as to make sure my updates don’t get boring. I thought that I would show you some of the things that I would buy, if I weren’t on this fast. And broke. Whatever.

Okay, so here is an adorable cowlneck belted dress from Banana Republic that retails for $130. I would totally wear this to work with heels and then out with the hubby with tall black boots.

Next we have another belted dress in black, again from Banana. This one is a trench style dress that would make me feel like a spy/executive. Who could ask for a better mix? Price = $225.

For a more casual look we have this fantastic silk shirt that is paired here with jeans and a really great necklace (both Banana). I think accessories make the outfit, more people should embrace them. The shirt is $69 and the necklace is on sale for $29 (aka practically free).

Our last Banana item is this amazing camel colored sweater dress shown here with brown tights and knee high brown boots. I think this one is my favorite because I even like the models’ hair. Plus, tights are so hot right now and I’ve been looking for an excuse to wear them. Dress is $110 and the boots are $250 (ouch!).

On to more casual wear, I’m gonna need this coat from Old Navy for the winter – don’t you love the color? Old Navy calls it “Siberian blue” but I call it “will look yummy with my hair color blue.” Best part? It is Old Navy so it only costs $89.

I am also really grooving on this little hoodie from Old Navy. Once again they get the color wrong, they call it Spinach and I call it Fall’s best green. I really should write for these websites. Price? $16 (again practically free).

While the Abercrombie website is practically pornography, I did stop by long enough to “heart” this little navy blue shirt that would look adorable with some chino’s and ballet flats. It is $69.

Oh man, I found the chino’s too! How cute are these? And they are only $59!

Alright, I will stop there. Let’s see what our total is so far:

Cowlneck dress          130

Belted dress              225

Silk shirt                   69

Necklace                   29

Sweater dress           110

Boots                       250

Jacket                       89

Hoodie                      16

Pintuck shirt              69

Chino’s                     59

Total                        $1046

But let’s be honest, I have 30% off coupon for these items because I am a super great deal getter.

Total                 $1046

Less 30%               313

New total            $733

Plus tax (7%)    $52

GRAND TOTAL = $785

Not bad for a day’s work people. This is how you shop like a champion. Any questions?

I have made it to the end of week 2, which means I have gone 14 days without purchasing anything for myself. I know for some of you this seems like a ridiculous thing to document, as you could go a whole year without purchasing something for yourself. To you I say - DON’T YOU JUDGE ME!

There are however, others of you who think my sacrifice is heroric, as you can’t go more than a few days without at least browsing (hi Mo!). To this group of people I say, DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

One of the things I’ve noticed this week as I avoid some of my fav websites and attempt to stay out of the stores, is that I’ve officially begun to grieve my consumerism. Apparently there are five recognized stages of grief. I went straight to the third stage of grief, bargaining. I guess I skipped the first two stages because I am really advanced, don’t be jealous. How did I know I was involved in emotional bargaining this week? Here are some of the questions I asked myself:

Can I buy an animal? Bunnies are cute.

Do bra’s count? I mean they go UNDER your clothes.

Make-up is a necessity right? Like water and food?

Honestly, I am afraid that by day 60 I am going to be like a rabid animal running around tearing at my hole-ridden clothes and shouting that, THE END IS NIGH!!!! Seriously what if I get the no-shopping “bends“…can that happen? Crap. I should have done more research.

Don’t fret my friends, if and when I do completely loose my mind (aka total fashion sense), I promise there will be pictures before I am carted off to the psych ward/Marshalls.

Yes, this is my closet. No, I don’t want your advice on how to be more organized. My system (oh there IS a system) works for me, it’s called: “just throw it someplace because I have five seconds and there is a child hanging from my ankle” I’m sure you’ve heard of it.

So last week I embarked upon a 90 day shopping for clothes fast. At the end of week one, I can honestly say that I am doing alright. I haven’t perished and I managed to throw together some okay outfits for work this week. However, temptation did come knocking via email. I had 15 email solicitations from the likes of Old Navy, Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, Shutterfly, Nordstroms, Macys and Victoria’s Secret. I had no idea how much online shopping I did until this week - I mean how else would I be getting so many personalized emails from all of these stores. Totally ridiculous (and by ridiculous, I mean AWESOME).

We are going out of town this weekend and I assume that is where temptation will hit. Already, as I was packing I was thinking that I don’t have the right clothes for this trip (it is really hot in Turlock) and that I was going to feel dumpy all weekend because I have no new summer clothes. However, I am resolved in my committment - there will be no shopping.

It appears that if I just stay out of the bars malls, then I don’t have a temptation to drink shop. So, no malls for me. The online stuff is much harder though my peeps, because you barely even know that you are doing it. One day you are bored at work and start surfing Banana Republic, all of the sudden there is $300 worth of clothes in your cart and you are thinking, with my 20% off and free shipping this is going to be bargain! Then the phone rings (and you have to answer it  because you are a secretary now!!!) and you wake and realize you can’t click PURCHASE NOW! no matter how much it hurts. Holy Batman this is hard!

I have to say though, all of your awesome comments have helped, I am glad to know that some of your are in this with me. To the rest of you…Don’t you judge me!

I’m off to pack dumpy clothes for my trip - till next week my fellow shoppers!