Hello style lovelies! The regular readers of my column should recall that I’m currently on what I’ve deemed a “style cleanse”. After Memorial Day, I made a short list of my summer style needs and managed to check off every last item by early June. Blame the best sales I’ve seen since the early days of the Recession. Impressive, yes, but tell that to my credit card bill!
After careful consideration, I decided to take a 45 day break, purge my closet (yet again) and reassess my monthly style budget. I’ve done this once before with great success, so why not a second time?
It’s been a long 30 or so days since the clock ticked to June 16th. Even harder given all the daily retail emails I receive. Harder still given I’m launching a business as a personal stylist. Hours of shopping for…someone else?? And I can’t buy a thing for myself? Please look up “torture” in the dictionary and my photo is sure to appear.
I’ve motored through with my eye firmly focused on the end. August 1st. The style Holy Grail. Well, almost…
Long story short: yes, I caved. I CAVED!! I admit it. I’m weak and spineless and just couldn’t resist this small retail treat. But worse yet, I lied to one of my very best friends about a purchase I may or may not have made. I’m terrible.
The dramatic details: while in Austin, we decided to indulge in some spa time on the last morning. Liz & Kristin opted for massages, while I chose a pedicure. My feet were just ragged from running and I love Liz’s local pedicure spot, Embellish.
Well, not only is Embellish a cute, girly spa, it also has a small attached boutique. And I was left alone to survey the goodies while the gals finished their massages in a separate location. Tactical Fail. Big mistake. HUGE!
I reassured myself that I was “just looking for clients” and did at first. I found a great maxi dress for one of my styling clients and a gift for a good friend. But then, panic started to set in. Embellish has a great, inexpensive jewelry section that I’ve successfully shopped during past trips. The first thing I saw, the ring below for just $10.
One little ring wouldn’t be that bad, right? Just a little slip? (I again realize how much I sound like a drug addict) But then, I found the earrings. Not one, but two beautiful pairs taunting me, each only $18. I typically wear something gold or sparkly when it comes to earrings, but had mentally noted to buy a few new choices with color given I wear neutrals so often. Like most other style scores, I found these when I wasn’t really looking. Lucky, lucky me.
I rationalized and rationalized and just couldn’t let these go. In New York or a major chain store, I at least had the hope that I could return post D-Day on August 1st. But this was a special occasion…I mean, was I going to ask my about-to-pop pregnant friend to go BACK a day before her due date? Austin, we have a problem.
So, I caved and purchased all three. $50 total. And then proceeded to lie when asked what I’d bought. (I really did buy things for others!) I still feel guilty as hell, but am so thankful I have dear friends to keep me honest. Maybe I can do penance for my style sins?
Plane ticket to Austin: $340
Contraband jewelry purchase: $50
Friends who keep you honest: Priceless
Only ten more days of torture…
XOXO,
Jen
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