Wednesday, October 2, 2013

It's Black and White

I scored this dress back in August from Langford Market at the Texas Style Council prom night. I am not sure why it has taken me so long to wear it. It's been hanging in the front of my closet for the last two months. I should be ashamed of myself that it's just making an appearance now. A basic, black and white stripe shift dress is not something to put on the back burner.
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Dress: Langford Market c/o (similar here and here) // Belt: Lookbook Store c/o // Shoes: Zara (similar here and here) // Bag: Phillip Lim for Target (similar here) // Necklace: Thrifted (similar here and here) // Bracelet: Nordstrom c/o // Watch: T+J Designs c/o // Sunglasses: Forever 21 (similar here)

Okay, I need to confess why this dress has been tucked away for the last two months. It's because September spending kicked my booty with shopping. I have been itching to wear all the new stuff I bought and ignored all the pretty things that I already had hanging. 

Do you remember my Labor Day shopping haul? Yes, it was out of control. Then the Phillip Lim for Target collaboration rolled around and I bought not one, but TWO bags. I finally took a deep and sorrowful breath and returned one of the bags yesterday. Obviously it wasn't the black one.

So, here is the deal. I am making a vow to myself and all of blog land that I will (with all my strength) NOT buy anything to add to my closet during the month of October. The only exception is if I sell something on Poshmark and use the money I make to get something new.

I spiraled out of control and I am 100% acknowledging it and taking full responsibility. I think we all went a little coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs last month because of the excitement for fall clothes and a new season. But, the irrational whipping out of a check card, pretending I have an endless bank account has got to stop.

It's time to wear the clothes I already own, ones that have only been worn a time or two, remix pieces, play dress up and get creative. It's a sin, people....a sin to look back at the money I spent last month on material things. I am ashamed. My tail is between my legs.

I know I am not alone and that's the only thing getting me through the guilt. 

It's black and white...no gray areas. It's time to work my closet, ban online "window" shopping and leave my bank card at home.

P.S. I am guest posting for Laura with Walking in Memphis in High Heels today. Hop on over and say hi!

 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 
 
 

Shanna

79 comments:

Rebecca said...

OMG I feel for you Shanna.....we call that buyer's remorse. Dont worry, it will pay off in time...just be a little patient. I'm so in love with that bold striped dress....it's so versatile!!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Lauren @ Style Elixir said...

You look so GORGEOUS Shanna!!! I love this dress on you, beautiful as always!

I hope you're having a great week - thank you for hosting this link up!

Lauren xx
www.stylelixir.com

Ladies in Navy said...

Shanna this is so high end and gorgeous! Everything is perfect
kw ladies in navy

Real Life Dress Up said...

Did you return the Phillip Lim bag to target? I just blogged about an $8 Phillip Lim bag I bought brand new at Target two days ago! Apparently, Target has a great secret they are keeping from us! Love your blog!

http://reallifedressup.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-story-of-my-8-phillip-lim-purse.html

Taylor Bradford said...

LOVE.THIS.OUTFIT! :)

Unknown said...

Shanna - I am doing the walk of shame for over shopping in September. I didn't even know how much stuff I bought until the credit card bill came. I think I may need to join you on this ban. Good luck!

And of course as I am reading that you returned the bag - I am thinking shucks - I could've bought it from you.

alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Anonymous said...

Great striped dress! I did quite a bit of online shopping last month, but for better or worse most of the items didn't really work out so I ended up returning them. Have a wonderful day!

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

Gasp! I wish I would have struck a deal with the Target customer service to call me if anyone returned a bag!!! =( And don't feel bad...I ALWAYS have stuff with tags hanging in my closet...yet I still have nothing to wear!

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Sweets of Life said...

What an amazing outfit. Love these stripe dress and its looks so gorgeous with these belt.
Just found your amazing blog. Really like your style. I'm your new reader and follower.
xo, Petra

http://www.sweetsoflife86.blogspot.com

Chelsea Oliver said...

I have had to force myself to give up shopping a few times and totally understand where you're coming from. At least October is a fun month and you should be busy with fall activities which will help the month of no shopping fly by! This look is gorgeous, as always, by the way!

-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

Charming Lucy said...

You have totally inspired me to join you in the no-shop October! I have been spending like there is no tomorrow and I have plenty to wear! I just need someone to show me how to put it all together!! Love the dress and the belt is amazing! Keep encouraging us with your shopping ban! I will need all the help I can get!! Susan

Kimberly said...

I am such a sucker for stripes and this dress is so perfect on you! Also I think we are belt twins because I own one that looks identical to yours :)

www.pennypincherfashion.com

Nina Piccini said...

DROOL! I'm drooling over here - this look is SO SO awesome!!! loving the simplicity an cut of that dress, the shoes are to die for and the phillip lim bag - the perfect addition to your black and white look!


xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

You had me at black and white shift dress.

Tara | The Mix said...

The dress looks awesome on you, especially with the belt! Best of luck with your shopping ban...I know that is so hard!

Ashley said...

In your defense....I think it's hard during this time of year to not buy anything new. All the new collections have been making an appearance, everyone is switching out their wardrobe...I want to buy everything!!!

But I'm rooting for you, girl!! Your wardrobe is so awesome...you'll be able to shop your own closet with no problem!

Sarah Tucker said...

Gosh, my friend is so pretty :)

Danavee said...

Can I join in on that ban?! I went crazy online last week. I have felt guilty since I hit "confirm purchase".

Melody said...

OMG I needd that belt in my life!! And your shoes. Your whole outfit is so cute!!

Anonymous said...

love this outfit!

You can totally take part in seasonal transitions with me! It's the perfect way to "re-wear" your closet!

you look ammazing, and those shoes are to die for!

Alison @ Get Your Pretty On said...

This is one of my favorites, ever. Love the stripes and gold, LOVE. I've had to slow my spending roll too. It's so hard when the seasons change, I want everything. Good for you for putting the brakes on in October.

Setarra said...

October is the perfect month to take a break from shopping. With the change of weather and need for layering, I'm sure you will come up with some awesome outfits. Major kudos for your self discipline!!

Charlotte said...

I just have to say that I love how you wear sunglasses in a lot of your posts...you always look so cute! I tried to pull off the look and ended up looking like a huge dork haha. Also, I can relate to the over spending for fall...while my purchases were mostly thrifted I still went a little overboard and decided I need to cut back (as hard as that's going to be). Maybe I'll just stay in my house until November...

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

And you said you couldn't do a no spend month! I have faith in you! Can't wait to see you shop your own closet.

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

This dress is so adorable! I feel you on the shopping. I've been really trying to cut back because I went a little crazy last month too!

Lauren
Fizz and Frosting

Dhruvi said...

Oh dear, the shopping. I can't even talk about that - I'm unemployed & I shop like I'm a baller. It's freakin terrible. You've inspired me to try & not buy anything this month though! Let's see how that goes! On a brighter note - you look absolutely fab in this outfit. Werk it!

Dhruvi
Stilettos & Sequins
Phillip Lim x Target Giveaway

Anonymous said...

I hardly ever buy anything (and I mean ANYTHING) for myself because I have remorse for spending money. It's the other side of the spectrum, really. I need a push to spend money on myself.

It's all about balance!

Unknown said...

I'm in for no-shop October unless I have some miraculous extra money float my way. I also went INSANE with my spending in September on all new fall clothes :-/ and bags, and shoes....it's got to stop at some point.

Unknown said...

I saw this on Instagram last night and should have commented but we have this dress! Just a few left though, 2 smalls and 3 larges! http://www.shopaverylane.com/collections/new/products/sail-away-with-me-dress
:-)

susan jakovina said...

I have ALREADY failed the October shopping ban. Feel any better? ;)
Ava started preschool yest and what better way to get my mind off that then go shopping?
Looking just lovely today girl! xo

Laura said...

omg shanna this dress was MADE for you- you look totally gorgeous!!

Amy Shaughnessy said...

Love this look!! That belt is awesome. My spending was a little out of control too and taking this past month to not shop has been great. I have so much stuff in my closet and don't really need to add anything for the next year!

Amy

Helene in Between said...

not buying anything in october?! that will be tough!! but i know that you do have tons of absolutely gorgeous pieces and can style them to be completely new outfits!

Sarah said...

Love this dress and I think you can do about a million and one things with it!

I hear you, I've been a little nuts lately. Eeek. BUT I am so excited to see how you remix things in your closet!

Alyssa said...

This is a great dress, but it's the belt that totally makes it for me. What an awesome combo!

jackie jade said...

love this dress! and i totally get on kicks where i go a little overboard with the shopping while not really wearing what i already have. i'm trying to just mix the pieces i already have too.
-- jackie @ jade and oak

Anonymous said...

I am in love with that dress! And those SHOES! My heart skipped a beat. ;) Thanks for the great link up Shanna! -Devin

Rachel said...

I sooo need to belt my dresses more often!

Lindsay said...

I think we all have a hard time with shopping every once in awhile. My husband will attest that my problem never goes away :). I love this outfit and your hair looks so pretty like this!

Lindsay Erin said...

I love this dress. I have a huge thing for stripes. And I am totally guilty of purchasing things and leaving them hanging in the closet. I am anxiously awaiting a new dress and jeggings from ON! Then I'm using my cash bucks for non-maternity pieces. I'm in love with everything they have right now.

Elegance and Mommyhood said...

Girl, I absolutely Love that Dress. I agree: a B+W Striped Dress shouldn't be ignored. But then you did get some awesome things in September. Loving the Shoes & the Belt, here. I wanted to ask you, the items that you got c/o... how did you get them? You always have so much great stuff given to you.

I, too wore & linked a Dress today. I am wearing a Pretty LBD so please check it out Shanna. As always, my pleasure to link up.

Happy Hump Day. Ada. =)

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I was supposed to go on a spending freeze last month....didn't work out so well. Try again this month? lol...

TheTinyHeart said...

You know I am a sucker for stripes, such a cute dress! When all the new fall clothes come out, it's hard not to want everything! I try to make a list of things I want that are "missing" in my closet and try to just stick to those so I don't go overboard.

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
PayPal Cash Giveaway!

Always Maylee said...

You look beautiful in this dress and I can't get over how much I love those shoes on you. Fall clothes are so cute and irresistible but you can do it!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Unknown said...

Look how long your hair is getting! I love it -- and this outfit, annnnd those shoes. Oh and you :)
xo

J is for Jessica said...

I am such an impulse buyer! I have had to start telling myself to wait at least 24 hours and then decide if I still really want it. But I want these shoes!!

Wine and Couture said...

Love this belt, I have one! Looks great with the striped dress!
xoxo
Lee
everydayfashiononbudget.blogspot.com

Vett Vandiver said...

omg love your dress and that belt! amazing!!

Trish @ The Corner of East & Autumn said...

Wow! Do I know the feeling. I got a little coo coo too with fall. Cute striped dress, one that I keep thinking that I need to add to my closet.

Trish @ East & Autumn www.eastandatumn.blogspot.com

noel bressler said...

I made the same sort of declaration in September...only instead of banning shopping, I put myself on a very tight allowance. One month down and I was able to stick to it!

Unknown said...

Love that dress! I do that all the time....buy things and it takes me FOREVER to wear them!

Tiffany Ima
Style Honestly

Ashley said...

Love love that dress! I am obsessed with anything striped!! You look gorgeous..

Xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash

Katie Did What said...

Oh, I know exaaaactly what you mean. I have had to put shopping bans on myself, too, out of sheer shock at my spending habits haha ;) Thankfully I married a guy who is REALLY smart with money and he makes sure I don't go toooo crazy! Good luck on your October vow! You can do it!

p.s. you look cute, as always. And shopping bans are fun because they force you to rediscover fabulous pieces in your closet you may have forgotton you even own!!

Unknown said...

The dress is beautiful on you! It looks like if could be one of those that is flattering on anyone-even me! :)

Rachel said...

I love the dress! And I totally feel you; I need to be on a shopping hiatus for a little while...

Chrissy R said...

I so appreciate your honesty on your blog...it's inspiring and freeing to let the rest of us do the same. P.S. Like the outfit too!

Jessi said...

I've felt a little out-of-control with my spending lately too! I need to be better, especially with the holidays coming up! Good luck with your spending ban - you can do it! I LOVE this dress, it's gorgeous with the gold belt and those shoes are seriously to die for!
Jessi
http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com/2013/10/september-happenings.html

Unknown said...

Love, love, love your look. The dress looks amazing paired with that belt. So chic! Good luck with not shopping. I think we all go through shoppers remorse. I tend to keep the tags on everything. If I don't wear it in a month, I try to return it.

Liz
elizabethnygard.com

Because of Jackie said...

YES. I am in with you, sister. I'm going to Lucky FAAB at the end of this month and have been shopping like crazy. Should I mention I already have a closetful of great stuff to wear there? I will take this challenge with you:) P.S. That dress with the gold accents, LOVE!

Unknown said...

Those shoes are TDF... love them!
I am committing the same thing this month, starting tomorrow!

Tammy Jo said...

CUUUUUUTE dress!!!

Head to Toe Chic said...

This dress is so pretty!! and I love it with the gold belt!

My shopping was out of control over the summer but I've finally calmed down which is good :)

xo,
Angela

Bri said...

Whooooo girl, I ate the same Coco Puffs you did. I need to step back and look at all my Fall pieces I already HAVE. Still with tags on them.

Unknown said...

This dress is so gorgeous! Love the black and white stripes! I know what you mean! Sometimes there are pieces that just get forgotten about because you just keep getting new things! Good luck on your shopping ban!

Rebecca
www.winnipegstyle.ca

Erin Stewart said...

I love the belt your paired with the dress. They're perfect together! =)

Unknown said...

Beautiful white and black dress and those heels are to die for! I love them.

-Vogue&Heels
www.vogueandheels.com

Nikki said...

This dress is so cute! I love it. And I love the shoes! I have been feeling a little out of control lately too. I am going to try to really watch my purchases this month... I ordered a few things at the end of Sept that I haven't gotten yet, but that doesn't count right? :) I am going to really try to shop my closet more this month!

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

I have made the same vow...no spending on myself in October! I started to feel a little guilty when I realized my kids had no clothes or shoes for fall. Guess I lost my focus for awhile :)

A Pinch Of Jasmine said...

Wow! I absolutely love your outfit!!

Ashleigh said...

Good for you Shanna! I'd have bought the other LIM bag off of you though. $5 above retail. My store was out.
I love this dress, and all the luxe gold accessories! You look classy and the shoes are downright sexy!
-ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Chioma said...

love that dress on you! :)

~Chioma
C's Evolution of Style

Shira said...

You look AMAZING and I am in envy of your no shopping resolution. I have zero self control and don't even attempt things like that! haha. oh and october is my birthday month- it's just the wrong month to do it! :)

My-cliffnotes said...

You are so chic I love that dress!

I vow to not add to my closet either! Swear!!

Carly said...

I love that dress, and I think it's a GREAT idea to work with what you got!!! We can't all just spend neverending amounts, right?

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Good for you for deciding to cut back on spending, and for acknowledging that you went out of control in the first place! I think it's hard not to sometimes, especially with the change of seasons (and great collabs), so kudos! And I LOVE this dress, especially with the gold belt! I'm still obsessed with those heels, too!

FitTravelerAJ said...

I have been shopping SO much lately! I really need to slow down, especially since Christmas shopping is coming up! But I agree with you, I need to wear what I have and remix items!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

Penniless Socialite said...

I've myself on a shopping hiatus as well. However, I didn't even really buy much for Fall. I'm just going to have to wear stuff from last year....let's see how long this lasts...I am betting 2 weeks for me.
Tara
Penniless Socialite
$25 Target and Jewelry Giveaway!

Janna Renee said...

I'm not a huge fan of the black and white stripe thing, but THIS dress is CLASSY! Work it, girl!

The_Leather_Skirt_Blog said...

A truly incredible dress that should have seen the world sooner.

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