It’s official – I made it through Week One and I’ve only got 51 more to go. What was I thinking? I wonder especially because I’m neither a frequent shopper nor much of a fashion follower. I ended up with a subscription to W magazine last year and every time it arrived I thought, “What am I going to do with this?” My husband and I joked that it was sent by my mom or brother as a subtle reminder to step it up a notch, but regardless, I enjoyed my fashion peek while it lasted.
So how did I get through the first week? I told my oldest daughter, Margaret (she’s seven going on 35), all about the “diet” (not a top 10 word at home, but I made an exception) and she kept me honest over the weekend. We went shopping for her new sneakers and leggings at three stores (Target, the Gap and Macy’s). I kept stopping to admire random things that I wanted to look at and maybe, even purchase. Um, but that’s right, “You CAN’T” she reminded me at EVERY second, glance or even, “ooh, isn’t this cute!” comment.
We made it through shopping hell, but not without a million questions, “Can you get new shoes? What if your feet grow? How about underwear or bras? Your socks – you love socks and (most important), can you buy ME new clothes?” Yes, yes, and yes. Thankfully, Margaret doesn’t need anything right now, because she is all business about the apparel diet.
I was left thinking after we got home – Why the sudden urge to purchase? I wish I were 2 or 3 sizes smaller (third baby = 3x the weight) and have enough “big girl” clothes to last until I am 60+, but I kept seeing things that would be perfect for the fall/winter and hell, even for a tropical vacation (that we aren’t taking!). The shopping trip left me with some “consumerish” things to think about and more important, a lot more money in my bank account. Thanks Margaret!
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Erin, a great post. Welcome aboard. Thank god for Margaret, my boys keep me on the straight and narrow. They are always asking….”hey, is that new?”