resisting temptation

This might seem shallow to you, but in the interest of keeping it real around here, I thought I'd share.

I have this problem...a shopping problem.  I just adore pretty, cool, or unique things.  I also adore fun, quirky, bright, shiny, cute, interesting things.  And by things, I mean shoes.  And bracelets.  And shirts.  And skirts.  And shoes.  And sweaters.  And earrings.  And scarves.  And shoes.  And boots.  And hats.  Oh, and shoes.  See, it's a problem.

Let me explain it just a little further, so I can really feel ridiculous.  Lately, in order to curb my shopping impulses, I have sort of made a law unto myself that I can only shop at thrift stores.  Because, really, not only are they generally cheaper, but let's face it: it's hard to find stuff that fits properly, doesn't have any stains or rips, and that I actually "love".  {I fall in love very easily with clothing items.}  Plus, when I do find something that meets the aforementioned requirements, it is usually way cooler and more unique than anything I would find in a regular store.

But wait, let me define my normal, when it comes to stores.  I don't shop at Macy's or Bergdorf {not that we have that in OKC}, or even the mall.  I used to venture into the mall sometimes, but then I discovered Ross...and Burlington Coat Factory...and Marshalls.  And all the lovely, cheap-o stores that perfectly fit my desire to hunt and find treasures at a really low price.  Almost as good as thrift stores.  Oh, except that it is waaaay too easy for me to find things I "love" at stores like Ross.

Here's a perfect example...A few weeks ago, I allowed myself to go to Burlington, because I needed to get a flowy black vest.  {This is false.  I don't need anything when it comes to clothing.}  And I did find and purchase a flowy black vest, for a great low price.  I also found and purchased a cream colored vest, a green vest, a black sparkly hat, a black fedora, and a purple hat.  Oh, and a pair of earrings...or two.  Seriously.  And I didn't even let myself look at the shoes, because I was terrified of what gems I would discover that I couldn't live without.

As much as I joke about this little problem of mine, it has actually been a big problem.  My lack of self control when it comes to buying, has led to financial struggles.  I drive an ancient, crappy car...because I buy shoes.  So, I am using this post to test the theory of "admitting you have a problem is the first step to overcoming it."  Now I've put it out there for all the world {okay, for my twelve readers} to see.  I feel exposed and a bit ashamed.

But wait, I can't leave it on that note.  I want you all to be proud of me.  Because yesterday, I resisted temptation.  I went into the evil place of temptation Ross on my lunch break to buy a birthday present for a friend.  And what do you know, I found an adorable animal print fedora and some snuggly-looking clogs that would look oh-so-fab with the fedora...What's that you say?  You didn't know that clogs could look snuggly?  Well, they can and these ones did.  Look, I have proof...



I loved these so much that I just had to.....take a picture of them.  That's right, friends.  I set them on this shelf, snapped this photo on my phone, and walked away.  See, aren't you so proud of me now?

And yes, I know that I should have returned the hat to it's little hook at the front of the store, but I was secretly hoping that some fabulous girl, who wears a size 8 shoe and could rock an animal print fedora, would come along after me and scoop them up and give them a happy home.  Together.  Forever.

Did I mention I have a problem?

I'm working on it...

~abi~