Fashion Addict Rehab

Back reading but not posting

2009-09-10T08:17:00.004+01:00

I'm not sure I'll get back into posting but I've started to read blogs again.
I was working like a mad thing and I have £800 in debts to go now but I haven't completely cured my magpie tendencies thanks to Marc Jacobs. I'm lusting after his collection...but obviously not buying!

Day 288 - half way house

2008-10-15T19:37:00.001+01:00

Work is taking up so much time I hardly have time to post or read other blogs. This is a good thing as I have had no time to go to the shops or think about clothes or anything.

I'm halfway through October and not a single spend to date - this is AMAZING.

Day 273 - new monthly goals

2008-10-01T13:27:00.002+01:00

With a new month comes new goals.
Once again I'm sticking to the no credit card spending one.
I'm going to be harsh this month as I overspent on my last months goals and go for no clothes purchases of any sort unless I get a windfall (i.e. win the lottery haha!)

I'm going to up my exercise and fit in a walk a day. I find walking stops you from looking on the internet or reading magazines plus it makes me tired without having to have a glass of wine to get some shut eye. All positive things really.

Day 268 - mixed bag

2008-09-26T15:24:00.003+01:00

First the good news, I was away on a work jolly so had the complete luxury of no food bill etc for over a week. Sometimes working away has it's benefits but it meant when I got back to London I went over my allotted £20 spend for September by £35. I bought a dress.

I'm really happy with the dress but not that happy I couldn't stick to the goals I set for the month. I've sorted out some clothes and put them on ebay. I've decided on a one in and one out policy, plus a sort out of clothes into using for gym, dusters and off to recycling.

It seems less is more. I can see things better.

The stupid thing is my saving on grocery bills has been used up by a clothes purchase when it should have gone against reducing my debt. Sometimes I can be a real idiot.

Day 257 - blinkers are on

2008-09-15T18:32:00.003+01:00

So far so good with my new found resolve. I haven't even spent my £20 allocation for a quick fix. I've completely failed to go to a charity shop, I'm still saving this one as diversionary tactics.
My biggest temptation are these and at £190 with my snagging record I'm stepping away from the lure.

What's not to like - help!

Day 251 New resolve

2008-09-09T20:38:00.003+01:00

I don't know if it is because of discovering other blogs dedicated to the same problem I face or a new found confidence but I'm doing so much better.

So far no spend on my allocation of £20 for the month. Normally I'd have blown it and be over. I've also not used the credit card which is a first as my total despite paying off a chunk had stayed the same through usage.

If only I could say something insightful but I reckon it all comes down to will power and choosing between debt and being in the black. I think also you have to lose the consumerism. I've tried all those changing energy providers and checking phone deals and you know what they are just playing with figures. Truly, you need to choose to live within your means and suffer short term hardship for long term gain.

Gulp, we'll see if I'm so chipper about it later in the week!

Day 246 - reduction

2008-09-04T13:09:00.003+01:00

Hurrah! Today has seen a reduction of £155.87 on the old credit card bill and nothing added as yet.
My estimated interest for next month is £39.83, this is so hideous and is a big warning on the follies of credit. I haven't changed to an interest free because I'm worried I would spend on the card. This way I learn the hard way and it stays learnt.

I'm fighting the shopping urges even the its only £5.00 ones!

Day 244 - goal setting!

2008-09-02T14:01:00.002+01:00

Goal setting is the way ahead it seems so my September goals are a follows:-
1. Do not use credit card
2. Do spend more than £20 - allocated clothes budget for month.

Both those are enough for me at the moment as to achieve them both would be a massive step in the right direction. I like that you can break it down into bite size options.

Day 243 - a salutory lesson

2008-09-01T12:54:00.005+01:00

Immediate apologies as this is probably the most depressing blog post I'll ever make. I've been gripped by a dreadful story here in the UK that of an arson of a mansion in Oswestry, Shropshire. It is a tragedy of epic proportions as more and more information unfolds ...and it is all related to money.

photo source: BBCi

I often have arguments with friends who blah on about money is evil of which I constantly assert that the real quote is 'the love of money is the root of all evil'. And if you set your store by money, in terms of worth and status it can come to no good. This family are testament to this. No ones knows the actual truth yet but the evidence is stacking up to a)murder and b) murder of family by the husband/father whom the bailiffs were coming for.

Without discussing it further, it made me realise how money needs to be treated with caution as it can create anxiety through debt, worry, again little or no money or debt and also criminal behaviour.

I feel most dismayed by the lose of a young girl over money and it makes me think about me silly attitude to fashion and the wasting of money I haven't got on it. OK I'm not going to go and kill anyone for money, nor steal it but perhaps I need to learn to save, give it away to those less fortunate to feed themselves and hope that we all realise that our own lives are more important than monetary value.

Day 242 Amazing what sunshine can do

2008-08-31T10:06:00.003+01:00

Phew! No need to nip to the shops when it was such a lovely day. There is nothing quite like sunshine to make you forget about worries and enjoy things. I took it easy, went for a walk, read the paper and was invited rounds to friends for Saturday evening.

We enjoyed the late summer evening.
Didn't think about clothes ro fashion once!

Day 241

2008-08-30T13:33:00.003+01:00

Longing to go shopping. I could go and buy a whole new wardrobe. It is on the A/W season that does this to me. It really is that back to school syndrome.
I'm going to attempt to thrift instead - I'm sceptical about this as I find charity shops quite smelly. I seem to go into ones that smell of wee or the person near me does! Terrible thing to say I know but I've been spoon fed on high street shops, mind you I suppose Primark gets very grubby.
Even as I write my mind is mentally purchasing items.
Will this longing ever end?

Day 238 Officially been rubbish

2008-08-27T16:06:00.002+01:00

You know what I have been unproductive and stupid all because I was swayed by a person whom I much admire as a journalist and broadcaster. But it took the common sense and honesty of a nobody (sorry SharonRose) to make me see sense and get back in the saddle so to speak.

The lovely SharonRose has a great, in fact two great blogs and it was her new blog $haronRose - $pending, $aving, Me that inspired me to rethink and make the effort to do something about my debt again.

Originally I was inspired by Make Do & Mend a book by Kate Battrick and of the blog Make Do & Mend she really got me in the budget mindset and I started the year quite well but then felt I was being a self indulgent t**t and stopped obsessing about my attempt not to spend. So things have gone slightly down hill but I feel it is even more important to get back on track.

I've managed to reduce my credit card debt to £2756 and my overdraft is at £600 but I need to make more effort to be debt free. I'm so easily beguiled by new clothes and the excitement of a new look I find it hard to resist a purchase. So here's hoping blogging will give me the extra stress to fess up to bad thoughts or deeds

Back in the fold

2008-08-26T10:56:00.002+01:00

After months of thinking it was self indulgent twaddle to write about your battle with spending I came across blogs that did just that!
It has inspired me to keep a blog diary again to help me kick the spending habit.
I'm going to work out my approach but will start posting again soon!

Last post!

2008-02-28T09:52:00.002Z

Hm well I read this and it really put me off my self indulgence ramblings.....
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-just-blog-off-and-take-your-selfpromotion-and-cat-flap-with-you-768491.html

Old Janet has got a point, however I realise there is a great community of people all around the world who share info and spur you on. I enjoyed undertaking the blog venture and it has really helped me to sort out my priorities and finances. I can't recommend Make Do & Mend - how to buy a designer handbag etc enough. It is a great little number.

One final world- Janet Street Porter you are such a f*****g opinionated git but fair play a bit too accurate too.

love to all out there x

Day 38 endeavours

2008-02-08T09:23:00.000Z

I realise my blog is hardly the most inspiring of subject matters and it is also one that is self inflicted - my troubles that is....
However, I am hard pressed to explain what is essentially a love of clothes. I am as passionate about clothes - a wide and varied selection in the same way someone loves a football team.

I don't support just one shop or one designer - more an overwhelming desire to visually display styles and looks.
I realise this is pointless if you don't have the funds or don't work within a budget. I am giving up purchasing designer items and sticking to the high street. I did look at Primark & Peacocks given the prices but my heart is ready to go to the conference league yet.....

On a plus note I've redistributed my funds to stem the interest charges on my credit card. This is sure going to help with reducing the debt and also as I cut it up I'm not spending on credit. Things are looking up however hard the struggle!!!

Will I see the sunshine again on my finances...is there an end to making my sandwiches for work?

Day 37 how to survive

2008-02-07T20:56:00.000Z

As the stock piles into stores, as I walk by of a morn on the way to work, so the resolve crumbles.
I am really really struggling.

Day 36 Fashion forward

2008-02-06T19:11:00.001Z

Ok ok so I have succombed and had a peek in the shops. It was as I feared - all new and inviting.

I had voices in my head - buy me buy me.......

But I was good and walked away. I didn't moan when I got back to work after lunch instead I struck up a conversation about Ross Kemp!

How will I avoid the temptation?

Day 35 new obsession revealed

2008-02-05T20:58:00.000Z

Basically I've become obssesed by Ross Kemp in Afghanistan. It is my fav programme of the year to date.

I sort of get mixed emotions on it all but am completely riverted. It stops me being a fash pash airhead and puts everything in context. Last night was quite gruesome, when a soldier died, and his mother gave permission for the clip to be shown. She was so heart broken.

Google the programme and you can view great clips.

Day 34 robbing Peter...

2008-02-04T18:28:00.000Z

I have a dilemma. Do I pay off more on my card and have a bigger overdraft but end up paying less interest?

It will mean my credit card debt goes down quicker and I won't be able to go very mad with an overdraft so it wull only be once I can do this...
Agh decisions.

Day 33 thank you

2008-02-03T13:17:00.000Z

Yes, yes, yes - the cheapies are doing it good. Primark, George at Asda - how my purse springs lept for joy. With a a budget of £60 I shall be able to inject some new dresses etc. Today's Sunday Times Style magazine has given me hope.

The £12 canvas bag from Peacocks is mine!

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article3261171.ece

Will I beat you to the tills at Asda??

Day 33 relaxing

2008-02-02T10:35:00.000Z

Clearly you will want to know about the hot date but that would be telling. This blog is about my redemption from fashion not a recovery from Russell Brand type sex addiction!

Two glasses of wine were all I had......

Luckily today's High Street fashion page number in the Guardian's weekend magazine is the pits - it actually put me off clothes. Mind you the measure is funny with their Coleen v Kate mention not to mention Kelly & Kate.

Also the Fashion bloogy awards are upon us and if you want to vote here is the link, http://mahalofashion.blogspot.com/

Do smiley faces last?

Day 32 new month new look

2008-02-01T12:58:00.000Z

Well actually same old look clotheswise but a new frame of mind. How happy am I that February is a short month, more money to pay debt back if I stick to budget.

Tonight I have a hot date and am mentally thinking what look to achieve and how to put it together. Also I've mentioned lack of funds as I don't want to stretch myself or be a money grabber even if he is paying. I've suggested an easy bar for an earlyish drink and set myself a time limit. I'm filled with resolve and strictness that is very pleasing to the wallet if not to the eye.

At least I can slink out early on a Friday from my desk....

Will I stick to my guns?
Plus does any blogger out there know why my spell check isn't working? Help please.....

Day 31 all said and done

2008-01-31T14:24:00.001Z

This really is the end of the month. I worked out today it will take me um, ages to repay my credit card debt. In fact, all of 24 months paying about £275 a month- this would cover the interest repayments as well. It could be more.

All I can say is...I have learnt a very hard lesson the very very hard way. New year, new beginnings, all on the right track.

What will the next month bring - any joy? Any cash windfalls? Any light fashion relief?

Day 30 - opps!

2008-01-30T19:58:00.001Z

Got my credit card statement today. Not a great read as the interest is horrendous £107 - I've spent nothing but am still paying for my past mistakes. Agh!

What can I do to reduce this mess fast? That's legal!?

Day 29 and counting

2008-01-29T21:24:00.000Z

So far so good ....apart from the New Look number I've had a pretty good month. I'm surprising myself. I'm starting to feel quite toned and healthy - lack of alcohol!

I actually couldn't be bothered to buy Grazia this week which is amazing.
I'm also starting to see a veneer of cheapness regarding clothes. My fave shop French Connection is off limits and I'm coping well. After a few weeks of feeling dreadful I think I can cope with the limits I'm under. I am worried about the coming season but my strategy is to adopt white and wear it lots!

Will me new found resolve last?