My 6 Month NO Shopping Challenge is COMPLETE! A few things sparked my desire to do a no shopping challenge. 1.) My dad's passing 2.) Watching the MINIMALISM documentary on Netflix.  Both of these weighed heavily on me, and it was just a few days before the new year, so no better time to start a challenge.

"I want the stuff in my life to be light, easily managed, simple, so that the best of my energy is free for people, dreams, creativity. How we live matters, and what you choose to own will shape your life, whether you choose to admit it or not. Let's live lightly, freely, courageously, surrounded only by what brings joy, simplicity, and beauty." - Present over Perfect


Experiences:
The goal of this challenge was to focus on experiences vs. buying things. During my time on earth, I want to spend my time, energy and money on experiences with my family rather than accumulating stuff.  My family budget was also a concern this year, and I knew there were trips I wanted to go on and things I wanted to do and I couldn't afford both (shopping and trips). Thankfully Alex and I were able to take a kidless vacation to Mexico for 5 days, and we were able to go on a few date nights and not feel bad about hiring a babysitter. I took my son, Turner, on lots of fun dates (movies, circus, baseball games, restaurants, etc). In the past Turner and I would go on mommy/son dates, and we would hit up the outlet mall together and shop. During the challenge, instead of shopping we would go see a movie or have dinner together. We went to Olive Garden once and it was so much fun!

I get cabin fever very easily, and I enjoy spending time outside of my home BY MYSELF. I think that happens when you have three young kiddos who are wild and constantly crying or fussing. Prior to the challenge, I found myself spending my alone time by going to Target or running to the mall or discount store (Homegoods, TJ Maxx). Often times I wouldn't buy anything, but window shopping doesn't help my desire to shop. I wondered what I would do instead of shopping to get out of the house, and I found a few things! Exercise, writing, and I was able to attend a lot of fun blogger events.

Simplicity:
I love for my house to be clean, simple and not feel cluttered. Less clothes = less clutter. Less home décor = less clutter. The amount of stuff I've bought from Target during the holidays is average, but I wanted to make it ZERO. No cute Valentine's Day décor, no Easter bunny garlands, no cute planters, no throw pillows, NOTHING! I think I stepped in to Target about once a month or less during the past 6 months. I have not accumulated much over the past 6 months, and have made a Goodwill run at least once a month! I think it would be cool to write down of everything I bring in to my home over the next 6 months. That's a whole different challenge ; )
MONTH 1 (JANUARY):

- No purchases

MONTH 2 (FEBRUARY):

- No purchases

- Received:
Athleta swimsuits and workout gear
Dr. Scholl's leather loafers and slip-on sneakers
Swedish Hasbeens braided clogs

MONTH 3 (MARCH):

Purchased:
- Yellow tee from Old Navy for a family photo shoot (sold later on Poshmark)
- Made $140 from Poshmark Sales, purchased two peplum tees from Urban Outfitters

MONTH 4 (APRIL):

I blame Adelante and their adorable store and AMAZING styles for this month's purchases ; ).

Purchased:
- Dress from Adelante ($65)
- Striped Tee from Adelante ($25)


Received:
- Gift card from Hill country Galleria / purchased sunglasses, shoes & shorts from H&M, top from Loft
- Gift card from The Arboretum, purchased two pairs of high-waisted wide leg jeans from Gap
- Fossil Q Accomplice Leather Hybrid Smartwatch & Black Maya Hobo Bag
- Hanna Andersson Dress - My Mom bought my family matching outfits for Easter

MONTH 5 (MAY):

All of these purchases were because I was freaking out before my Mexico vacation that I had nothing to wear.

Purchased:
- Dress from Cincinnati boutique ($62)
- Target Beach Bag ($12)
- Free People sunglasses ($30)
- Target Off The Shoulder dress ($28)

Received:
- Swimsuit from Kingdom and State

MONTH 6 (JUNE):

No purchases

Received:
- Outdoor Voices work out top and leggings
- Dr. Martens - My mom bought me this AMAZING pair of Dr. Marten's when we were in Seattle. She has her own pair in black... #HipMom
- Fossil crossbody bag
- Cece Lively Mama Tee



Blogger pros:
Being a blogger definitely helped me during this challenge because I received a few things that gave me the excitement and rush like shopping would. I pitched a lot more clothing companies than I normally would have, and I was able to get some awesome partnerships. For example, for my trip to Mexico I desperately needed a new swimsuit. I owned two, and they didn't fit since my twins were born. I emailed over 10 different swimsuit companies before someone said YES, and that someone was Athleta! I tried their swimsuits on in store and fell in love, and thankfully they wanted to collaborate. I even guest blogged on their site! I also did a few blog posts where I was given gift cards to Austin malls, so that was a big help.

It's OK to rewear:
One of my biggest takeaways from this challenge is that it's OK to wear the same outfits OVER and OVER again. I have my staples for work and weekend, but in the past I felt the need to buy a new item or outfit for special events. I mean, everyone would notice if I showed up in something I wear all the time right?! Wrong! No one cares. I found myself wearing my favorite go-to outfits over and over again, because they make me feel good. For Austin Fashion Week I wore an H&M dress I bought last year and had worn to multiple weddings and events. How dare I show up to AFW in something I've worn so many times! Wrong! It can be hard as a blogger to constantly see other fashion bloggers sharing the newest trends, but I've become kind of immune to it over time (similar to window shopping). I don't subscribe to Like To Know It, and I the only clothing company emails I get are from Gap.

Next steps:
I loved this challenge so much I don't want to stop! I'm going to change up the rules a bit and allow myself to purchase ONE item per month. This is mainly due to the fact that my favorite pair of American Eagle Tomgirl jeans are two sizes too big, and I've been desperately wanting to buy the correct size. I feel like even with the challenge I brought in quite a few items to my closet over the past 6 months. I wonder how much I would have brought in my closet if I hadn't been on a shopping ban? Do you ever track/count your purchases over the course of 6 months or a year? I also feel if I focus on buying less clothing every month, I'll be able to purchase higher quality items and I will REALLY want them. There's no on-the-whim shopping anywhere. Every purchase is intentional.

I'm going to do a MAJOR closet clean out this weekend and will be selling everything on Poshmark. Find my closet here, and I price things very low/ready to sell!


If you joined along, THANK YOU! How did you do?

What are your thoughts on my challenge? Would you be interested in participating in my next challenge from July 1 - Dec. 31? Use the hashtag #BuyLessLiveMoreChallenge on social if you decide to join me and feel free to change up the rules depending on what suits you best!