I found interesting reading Hilary's post where she talks how this journey has changed her way of shopping in a way that now she does not feel obligated to shop or hysterically needing to buy. I feel the opposite, which is interesting because we went through the same regiment and yet we came out with different views or somehow distorted views. I realized that going on a shopping diet is like going on a food diet -- a true estimate of your own will -- Well I always failed at diets because in the moment you tell me I am on diet I eat an entire chocolate cake. The only reason why I was somehow successful with my 91 days of no shopping is: time, money (lack of), lack of fashion in stores, I live in Tallahassee and more than anything a disgust for consumerism and trends.

These forces still push me to be a diligent shopper but the point is that I want to buy clothes and redo my entire wardrobe, because I feel it still sucks. There is this insatisfaction that pushes me to look, always look and maybe touch (buy). So, I have a dilemma now. I have seen pretty dresses, pretty shoes, pretty jeans and scarf that I want....but....I am struggling..struggling because I just can't buy..I just can't justify spending money in clothes, because I feel they are useless. I feel I should save money, pay travel expenses to go to conferences, or buy plants for my garden. So what is the line? How much is too much? How much should I save for clothes and the rest for more useful items? This is my struggle these days, just because I need to come up with a struggle beside sitting in my office, reading all day...You know...PhD students without a life beside books = a need for superfluous hobbies such as talking about shopping.... Anyway, the point is this one. I have never really being a shopaholic. neither I am frugal with my money. As a matter of fact I am very economical. I think because I am European. We don't have credit cards. We buy when we have cash. So there you go if I end up with few more items in my wardrobe it will all 'budget' with at the end of the month. [are we all full of excuses?:)] BUT remember Month of February only 2 items allowed.

You see? I went to look at plants for real:)



Wearing Uggs, Yoga pants from Victoria's Secret, Leather Jacket from this place in Montecatini, purse by UO, hat by Forever 21 and Indian scarf.

"Is there anything so wrong with that?"

Watched Confessions of a Shopaholic again the other night. There was one scene during the movie where Rebecca Bloomwood, the affable main character who has a dire addiction to shopping that threatens to ruin her well-dressed life, describes the joys of shopping during a Shopaholics Anonymous meeting.

"The experience is enjoyable. It's more than enjoyable. It's beautiful."



[Wearing Zigi Soho clogs, old Guess jeans that have shredded themselves, white cowl neck sweater for Alloy.com, tan chiffon coat from Lucky, brown studded belt from Wolfgang, and silver fringe earrings.]

I have never been as far down the rabbit hole as Rebecca Bloomwood, but I can relate. There is something inherently satisfying about "swiping" that card and bringing home something nice, shiny... new. However, like in the movie, it's an empty promise. It's a hallow high. And it threatens to destroy your finances while filling your closets with unneeded items that end up cluttering your mind, as well.  And, unlike how Carrie in Sex In The City famously said, shopping does not equate to cardio.

I am happy to say that I'm much much MUCH less of a shopaholic than I used to be. It took a massive clean sweep and 91 day break to realize how futile it all really was. I thought after Gin and I's first trip to the stores I would be forced to restrain myself to keep from falling back into old ways. Instead, I just don't even think about it that often. I think it's good to update your wardrobe every now and then, insert some interesting pieces for a fresh approach, but that's pretty much it.

Fashion is an amazing thing. Gross over consumerism is not.

Oh, and don't forget, come out to the Clothing Swap at Anomaly in Five Points for some "free" new clothes! It's a great way to cleanse, refresh, and donate all in one fell swoop!

Big Pendant. We have seen all shapes and sizes but one single big pendant makes a statement.



This one available at Girlprops (http://www.girlprops.com)

2. Invest in clutches that serve multiple functions. What I think is very in is having a personalized ornament that holds your drink, like the one picture here. A lady should never have to hold her drink;)



Custom-made pillow drink. I usually make my own with oriental fabrics.

3. Be ELEGANT at all times. Invest in a silk or taffeta jacket. It will change your outfit from casual to elegant. Silk is your best friend.



Italian women being who they are. Wearing (me) Moda Silk jacket and Anthropologie Silk dress.

This one is from Robert Rodriguez Black Ruffle Peak Jacket. You can buy it at Nordstrom. Nordstrom actually have a good selection of fancy jackets.

4. Add some pins to your wardrobe. I know this might sound childish but pins are fun and a way to make a statement about your identity. I used pins on my jeans (see picture).



My friend Cathrine and I back in the days of summer spent in Italy:)



I found those on Shana Logic Blog but you can find them for free at many organizations or at stores (if you paid) like Urban Outfitters and Hot Topix. I never paid for pins and have a nice collection.

I will stop here for the day but will add more as we go. Enjoy and post comments.

Been rather antisocial lately, if you don't consider time with imaginary characters to be valid social interaction. Which I do, frankly. May return to the tangible world in a few days, if I can just squeeze out these last few words.



Wearing navy knit leggings, white tank, grey cardigan from Banana, sweater boots from Urban, black pashmina, and Yamaha headphones.

Am in love with this guys voice. Apparently this song was recently in a commercial for the Ford Explorer. Interesting that they've been joining me on this little journey, as well.

For those who know me, you probably know that I am into organic, natural, local, or fair trade stuff. For this matter this Christmas I received these beautiful earrings from my friend Brigette. They are from this store in Cleveland called Revive Fair Trade. The earrings were handmade by "a fair trade organization in India that employs economically disadvantaged artisans, paying them a living wage and providing a safe and healthy working environment" (www.revivestore.com). It is one of those items that you like so much that you wear it everyday. I get really into certain items and I just cannot NOT wear them. For now these earrings are my "must" have of the day. What's yours?



Wearing Black Max and Co. t-shirt and blue contact lenses