Shopping my closet for Spring Trends

I don't know about any of you, but for me, there is something about Spring that just screams... shopping! And it's not just because I am deprived right now and everything 'screams'.....shopping to me :)
Spring is the time of new life, new beginnings.....and new clothes. Right? Are you with me?
Picture this......the weather warms up, the colours of Spring surround you and sales signs pop-up in all your favorite stores.....now if that doesn't make you want to freshen up your current wardrobe.....then you are crazy!! Talk about temptation.....as if the arrival of a new season isn't enough, my latest daily report from Rachel Zoe reminded me of all the wonderful Spring trends that I will not be able to participate in this year. Or so I thought.....
As I was browsing through the Electric Spring Brights that Rachel recommends, I did a mental inventory of my existing wardrobe and realized that I actually have a lot of the pieces already! So, obviously I went shopping in my closet for cute and easy ways to brighten up my basics without spending a penny!
I discovered that I had 7 items out of the 20 Rachel listed.....that is an impressive 35%!
Then....because I was bored.... I decided to do a little photo shoot to show you what I found.
Check out these *AMAZING* shots and I hope you like my ideas!


Rachel Zoe's 'Bright Ideas for Spring' .............and my version 

Cool Clutch        Turquoise Gems

My fave coral pink clutch (Feet First)  and giant turquoise cocktail ring (Aldo) totally brightens up my plain white tee and dark jeans!

Fun Shades

Purple ray-ban style sunglasses  ($5 from Garage)....I broke out of my black, white or metallic rut for a less practical (but more fun) pair of shades.

Coloured Skinny Jeans

I found these Volcom Skinny jeans  last summer for $10.  Why did I buy red jeans? Duh....they were $10! Have I worn them? Sadly.... no. I thought I was daring enough, but have you seen how bright they are? However, this year is about breaking out of my comfort zone though....so bring on the red jeans!

Graphic Scarf

As you can tell, I really like telling the price of things.....but it's only because I LOVE a great deal. Speaking of great deals.....did I mention that this scarf was $3!!! So cute right? And a perfect way to dress up an otherwise plain outfit.

Statement Necklace Bold Belt

Wearing the same white tee and dark jeans that has been the staple of each outfit, I added a multi-strand beaded necklace in a fun turquoise colour (from American Eagle) and a coral skinny belt (from Urban Outfitters) to make it feel a bit more 'Springy'. It may not seem like much.....but not bad for making do with what I already have!

* Since sarcasm is often lost in written form....I wanted to clarify that, I know these shots are far from amazing. I am neither a model nor a photographer... but hey....I had fun ok!?!*

So, the moral of this story is......don't just go shopping when a new season rolls in because you feel the need to fill your wardrobe with the hottest trends.......shop your closet first and you just might find that you can make it work with what you have. And if you do decide to go shopping outside your closet I just have one favor to ask......buy something in my honour :)

Lindsay

Giving up.....

But wait, it's not what you think! Don't worry. I am still fully committed to the stop shopping and start living project....actually I might even say that it has been pretty effortless so far (once I got over the initial hump of course). So what am I giving up on? "The White Bone". It is March's book club selection and it is.....well, let's just say....not my cup of tea. This book is about elephants, from the perspective of elephants....weird, yet kind of intriguing, but as I started reading I must say I didn't really love it. Just like my Dad's fave t-shirt says....so many books, so little time....to me this means, don't waste time reading books you don't love. I gave it the 'Oprah recommended' 100 page try, wasn't into it....moving on....please don't judge me. Guess I will get an early start on April's selection.
Lindsay

The key to my success so far? Too busy to even think about shopping

I recently noticed that I have been very neglectful of this blog.....but it has been for good reason, I promise! Not only has keeping busy made this project so much easier but also, I wouldn't really have anything to write about if I was just sitting at home all the time. First of all, I want to show off my February gift to myself.....my cute pink toque!

Now, did I need a pink toque? No, not really....but I didn't have to buy any yarn because I had it at home and I really wanted to get back into crocheting before I started making things for other people (like booties for my friends' new baby.....will post pic of those as soon as they are finished). So consider this.....like a practice piece for future crocheting items!






You may remember that one of the motivations for this challenge was to stop spending my money on stuff so that I had more to spend on experiences. So finally after paying off my credit card from the last shop of 2010 I am now able to start doing fun things like play football, go snowboarding and take on yet another challenge.....the 40 Day Yoga Challenge.
Yep, that's right....last week I joined a ladies flag football team and let me tell you, I am not great....but it sure is fun! I admit I was worried at first whether I could throw a football, but as it turns out I really know nothing about football, because at my first practice I learned that I don't ever need to throw it......just catch it, run and don't let anyone take my flag. Ok..... I thought...... this football thing might be easier than I expected. Then, I tried to catch the ball while running. Hmmm...not so easy after all, but it was my first practice so I will only get better as the season continues. Well, hopefully.
I also hit up ladies night at Seymour Mountain with my friend and although it was superbusy we had a beautiful night and it was tons of fun. Did you know that ladies ride free at Seymour on Monday nights from 6-10pm? Such a great way to start the week off!
I have also decided that 2011 must be the year of the challenge because I decided to try the 40 Day Yoga Challenge starting on March 13. The idea of the challenge is simple.....do yoga once a day for 40 days straight, however, sticking to it for the whole time.....not so simple. According to the website;
"Yogic science confirms that it takes 40 days to fully develop a new life-promoting habit or to drop a current destructive habit. The Semperviva Challenge is a great way to strengthen the body, unburden the mind, and begin a daily commitment to yourself." 
So I am really hoping that it I can stick to it because those of you who know me well, know that my mind would certainly benefit from a little 'unburdening', as they call it. Wish me luck!

Lindsay

• Side note: If it takes 40 days to develop or drop a habit.....with this logic, wouldn't that mean that I have already dropped the shopping habit (or developed the no-shopping habit.....depending on how you look at it)? Clearly, the rest of the year should be smooth sailing.....well, that's what I will tell myself anyway!