No.Shop.November. Sounds insane, right? Let me explain…
Last October, a fellow shop-a-holic friend of mine and I quietly admitted that we were coming to terms with our shopping, “problem.” If you’ve ever raced home to a waiting package, hung it up, and destroyed the evidence before anyone took notice of your new item, you’ve got a problem. If your credit card number is saved in the checkout section of an online store you frequent, you’ve got a problem. If you have more than 10 items with tags on them in your closet, you’ve got a problem. Catch my drift?
Since our spending was getting out of control and the holidays were fast approaching, we decided to challenge ourselves to throw in the towel. We banned shopping for ourselves for the month of November.
What? We banned ourselves from shopping for ourselves for one month.
Why? A few reasons, really. One, our spending was getting excessive. Two, we needed to actually start wearing the clothes we had been buying all year. And lastly, the holidays should really be a time to focus on giving, and we wanted to dedicate our time to shopping for gifts for others.
How? We signed a contract agreement with a witness present detailing our commitment, and the rules. We supported each other at the breaking points. We still got to shop for other people, which made things a lot easier. Annnnnd we cheated a little bit. BUT we realized that this is something we can absolutely do, if we fully commit.
So, when recently faced with the same problem as last October, we took it upon ourselves to make No Shop November an annual tradition. We have signed our contract (allowing the purchase of only beauty products that we previously owned and have completely run out of), and the fact that I am telling you all about it right now means that I am really making this known and holding myself accountable.
What to expect? I might feel cranky at first. (I’ll try not to take it out on you.) I’ll be in gift-giving mode. (Family & friends, please have your wishlists ready.) Money unspent is money saved. (My wallet will be happy.) I’ll be wearing some things you may or may not have ever seen before. (I’ll try to keep it exciting.) My Wednesday Wishlists will change over to Wednesday Gift Lists.
Wish me luck, my friends!! And for anyone that feels inspired: are you up for the No Shop November challenge?!
Way to go, I’m sure it’ll be hard, but I best we’ll see some great outfits put together with what you already have
Ginny
mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com
thanks, Ginny! x
we’ve 100% been there & done that. we tend to do it between January & March . . . but November is a great time do it too! wish the best of luck & keep us posted!!!!!
it’s kind of like a juice cleanse for your closet
xo. c & v
http://www.likefreshlaundry.com/
will do! you’re so right, I like that analogy! x
Good luck!! I need to be doing that too, LOL!
Amberly
http://www.asliceofglam.com
thanks, Amberly! you can do it!! x
This is a great idea…I’m not sure I’d be able to stick to it completely, especially during holiday season, but being able to buy for others is the most important thing! I may just rally up a few friends and do this too!
Alyssa
The Glossy Life
best of luck if you decide to try it, Alyssa!! x
Ohh it will be hard before the holiday season:( Good luck dear!
Kisses
Elena
http://dcinstyle.com/blog/
haha you’ve got that right, Elena! x
Hi, my name is Chelsea and I have a problem. I feel like you are speaking to me Em! Perhaps I should place a ban on spending in November myself.
you can do it!! x
Oh I totally love this idea Em! I will work on this as well!
xx Amy
Leopard and Lillies
good luck, Amy!! x
What a cool idea! This is very inspiring!
http://www.beautyandbows.com
thanks, Star! x
Emily,
I read your blog daily and I just love the idea of No Shop November (I love your blog in general)! I told my mom that you and a friend did this and she said that we should do it too (we’re shopaholics)! Could you send me a copy of the agreement you drew up? We need something like this to hold ourselves accountable, like you said. Having a buddy and an agreement sounds like the best plan to be successful.
Thanks,
Erin
you are too cute, Erin! thanks for reading! I will send a sample over soon. Good luck to you and your Mom! x
Great idea! So perfect for this time of year too since you can still shop for other people and sometimes that’s more fun!
http://www.whenwewander.blogspot.com
thanks, Kait! I agree! x
I did a 60 days of no shopping challenge in 2011, and it was that difficult
It’s similar to a fast: hard to go through but then amazing towards the end. You’ll learn so much about what you really like when you’re not buying something new every week (which I did at the time). So good luck to you this month!
that is impressive, Diana! x
What a great idea! I never last long on shopping freezes. You are awesome for doing this! Good luck & have an amazing weekend!!
xoAmy
http://www.dreamingincashmere.com
I like this idea! But for me makes no sense as I don’t buy things often. At first it’s difficult to resist buying but after a while you get used to it. I only do my shopping twice a year (this year it has been only once actually, since I moved countries and am very attached to one clothing brand that does not exist here and does not ship here). I’ve been doing this for the past three or four years and, yes, I do buy one thing here and there but mainly I keep a list of items I find interesting and one list of the basics that need replacing. I then purchase what I need/want during two sales seasons. Anyway, it’s not exactly easy to resist but having my lists keeps me focused. Good luck!
that is a great idea, Rita! thanks for sharing x
What an excellent idea, I just realised I too have a shopping problem. Good luck with this, would love to read about how you’re progressing.
xx Jenee C.
{camo meets couture}
thanks, Jenee! I will keep you posted! x
wayy to go! i could totally relate to the first paragraph. I have stopped shopping (mostly) for myself because we are planning our wedding, but I am totally on board for this challenge! I’m excited to shop for others though! good luck!
Chioma
C’s Evolution of Style
I think shopping for your wedding will be even more exciting! Congrats, Chioma! x
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