Free is not Frivolous - Part Three

Here is my third (and I think final) "Free is not Frivolous" post: Good Society Jeans.  This is the "free" item that I am most excited about.  A few weeks ago, I blogged about Good Society over on my other blog Someone's Gotta Pay.  Good Society sells jeans that are made ethically -  organic denim, sustainable farming, fair trade, no sweatshops/child labor, & they give 25% of their profits to charity.  And I was really excited about finding this company... until I saw the price: these jeans don't come cheap.

But the next day, I received an email from my dad saying that he wanted to buy me a pair, so I could give a little report of what I thought of them.  {His email said, "I'll pay (somebody's gotta)" - which is clever considering the name of my blog - if you're really curious, you can see here about that}.  Anyway, I was totally surprised and excited, and now my jeans have arrived.  Another fabulous free, frivolous-less gift!

(If you're interested in my thoughts about the jeans - more than just I love 'em - I'll be posting a little review over on Someone's Gotta Pay soon!)

The End of Frivolous-less-ness?

OK, I am not frivolous-less. I just want to put it out there. I think I might have failed a little on this challenge because I like shopping too much. I did some major cheating this past week! I didn't mean to, it just happened. (I know, that's what they all say.) But really, last week was President's Day (yay, no school!) and I went down to the city to one of my new favorite brunch places, The Bongo Room. While I was waiting to eat these delicious banana Oreo pancakes...

...we went next door to a resale shop, The Buffalo Exchange. It's one of these places where you can bring your old stuff to sell, and then get a bunch of new (old) stuff for not a lot of money. I ended up snagging a cute little coat (I know, I have a coat problem) AND a pair of Banana Republic jeans. I have a hard time finding good jeans, because the "short" size is usually too short, and the "regular" size is usually too long. But these were the perfect length, so I had to get them!

So much for being frivolous-less. At least I held out for most of the month, right?

 

Free is not Frivolous - Part Two

Okay!  Here's my next installment of "Free is not Frivolous".....Giveaway Jewelry!

Since I've started blogging, I've become slightly obsessed with all the giveaways (speaking of which, we just might do some giveaways of our own come March).  This month (actually all within two days), to my surprise, I discovered that I had won not just one, two, or three, but FOUR giveaways!  These giveaways were hosted by Vintage Wanna Bee, A Few of My Favorite Things, Fl(h)air, and Night Owl Crafting (Check them out because I'm sure they'll have more giveaways soon.)  Anyway, here's what I won: a bracelet, headband, earrings, and a hair-tie.  So many fantastic new accessories!  And we all know how much I like accessories after our Six Item Challenge.

So, can I show them off - just a little?

First, a bracelet from My Bag in the Attic & a Vintage Wanna Bee headband (Combo Giveaway)













And second, from Aprikot Designs, these cute earrings & hair-tie.  (The earrings are probably my favorite giveaway item!  I think they are adorable!)

Third, from Fl(h)air, I received all these cute flower bobbi pins.

And finally, from Belle Rose Designs, a $25.00 credit to her shop, where I loaded up on a necklace, two rings, and two bookmarks (because her shop is SO affordable).  I haven't received the order yet, but here's a sneak peak of one of the rings:

image via etsy

So fun to receive all of this free stuff, especially in this frivolous-less (well kind of) month!

Clean Out the Closet Update: Week #3

It's getting toward the end of the month - one more week! I'm starting to get down to the end of my closet. Although I will admit, I guess I have more clothes than I realized, because I haven't run out yet! (I am glad I decided to wear my jeans more than once, though.) I am slowly getting rid of some things as I go, and then I guess I'll have to try on everything else that I didn't wear at the end of the month. In the meantime, here's a peek at the outfits from this past week (just so you can be sure I'm not cheating on this challenge - unlike frivolous-less February!)

Stay tuned for the (unofficial) end of Frivolous-less February. 

I may or may not have some trouble finishing strong!

Breakin' the Rules

I SHOULD NOT be allowed to go shopping. I mean, don't even let me set foot in a store. It's too dangerous! Here's what I mean...

Today I was shopping with my mom to find something for her to wear to a wedding we are going to this weekend {Congrats, Heidi!}. I just went along to keep her company beacause I was pretty sure I could find something in my own closet to wear. After all, isn't that the rule - nothing new?

But I was also pretty sure that I was going to buy one basic black t-shirt or sweater to wear with the dress that I already own. And I was ok with that, because basic black isn't too frivolous and I would surely wear it a lot, right?

Well, I found the shirt I was looking for, but I also found a coat. And I know I own too many coats already, but when you see how adorable it is, I hope you'll forgive me for being a little bit frivolous...

I just love all of the ruffles and the belt. I couldn't help it!

 But I should say that I did show some self-restraint while shopping today - there was another shirt I wanted, but did not buy. Also, I went to Charming Charlie for the first time, and let me tell you, it is a store full of temptations. If you haven't been, find one and go. Super fun, inexpensive accessories in every color you can imagine! But I was frivolous-less and didn't buy anthing. I'll wait and be frivolous there in March.

Oh, and one more thought about the coat - I'm thinking that, as a punishment for being frivolous, I should hang it in my closet and not be allowed to wear it until March. Seems appropriate, right? 

Free is not Frivolous - Part One

February is surprisingly turning out to be a month full of new things for me: clothes, jewelry, more jewelry, more clothes.  You would probably call it frivolous if you didn't know that all of these new things have been for free!  And since I've been receiving such great goodies this month, I thought I'd share them with you.  Because free is not frivolous.

The first of these free things was hand-me-down clothes & jewelry.  Remember how I said that Allison's wardrobe is significantly larger than mine.  Well, what I didn't mention is that sometimes Allison's frivolous-less-ness results in my wardrobe growing!  This weekend I was over at her house & did a little "shopping" in her Goodwill pile.  And I left with a bag full of four sweaters, one short-sleeved shirt, one necklace, a pair of shoes, and even a pair of socks.

Of course, I have to wear them before the month is over in order to keep them in my closet, but I'm sure it won't be a problem!  (Stay tuned for more of my free & frivolous-less new items.)

Clean Out the Closet Challenge Update: Week 2

So far this challenge is living up to its name - I am definitely getting the closet cleaned out. I have a big bag and a skinny basket full of stuff that has to go! I am trying to get rid of stuff as I go, so I won't have to do it all at the end of the month. It's kind of funny, though, because Aimee came over and started looking through my reject clothing bags. As she looked, she asked me what was wrong with each item so she could decide if she wanted it or not. If it was awful, I told her, but if it was kind of cute I would try to convince her to take it. In the process, I convinced myself that I should keep a scarf that had been in the bag. Oops!

And here's a little peek into this past week's outfits...Some cute, some kinda sloppy (it's been SUPER cold, don't blame me too much!) And yes, I have been wearing my jeans more than once...



My Trip to the Goodwill: Frivolousness or Frivolousless?

I may not be doing so well on the challenge.  Already I've been to Qdoba (I told you we liked to go there), and we also ventured to the Goodwill last weekend (Have I mentioned I'm a big fan of Goodwill?)

That means I have definitely spent money I didn't need to.  First - the food.  Definitely frivolous, but remember I did get a free drink just for being a teacher.  Second - the Goodwill.  Definitely not a frivolous place, but did I really need the 5 books & shirt that I bought there?  Then again, the books are for my classroom, so I'm not sure that's too frivolous.  The shirt probably was, but I put back two skirts and another shirt.  That was frivolous-less, right?

Oh well!  At least I got a cute shirt!  Here are a couple pics of me with my new shirt (WiWW), and a couple other previous thrift store finds.

Shirt - Goodwill (that's the new one)

Cardigan - Ann Taylor Loft

Skirt - Gap

Belt - Kohl's

Tights & Shoes - Target

Necklace - I think it's a hand-me-down from Allison!

 Another purchase from the Goodwill - this khaki skirt... with POCKETS!

And my jean skirt also from the Goodwill.

These have all been worn in February, and are now in the "keep" pile!

Clean Out the Closet Challenge Update: Week 1

Here's the Good, the Bad, and the Changes for February's challenge so far...

The Good:

1. I have already found a few items of clothing to donate. Two pairs of pants and a sweatshirt have gone into the pile.
2. I am enjoying wearing all of the clothes I couldn't wear last month!

The Bad:

1. You already know that the jeans situation has been a problem.
2. I am spending too much time trying to decide what to wear everyday!

The Changes:

1. Jeans can be worn more than once. (Hopefully this will be the only change to the rules!)

And just so you can be sure I am not cheating by wearing items of clothing more than once, here is a peek at my outfits from the 1st week...

(The gray sweaters in the last 2 pictures are different, I promise! If you look closely at the sweater on the left, you can see the little white dragonfly on the shoulder!)



Frivolousless Update: Week #1

Frivolous-less February

It's been about a week of Frivolouslessness, and I decided to reflect back on the week...

It hasn't been too hard, especially since I didn't leave the house from Tuesday afternoon until Thursday afternoon. Not many opportunities to be frivolous in my house! I did go to Chic-Fil-A on Thursday for lunch but only spent $1.38 on my meal (thank you, Christmas gift cards).

The hard part came Friday after work when I stopped at The Land of Great Temptations (aka: Target). I had something to return (which I actually left in the car - oops!) and a few (non-frivolous) things to pick up. Here are my stories of frivolousless victories at Target (who knew it could be done?):

1. I needed a stapler (thank you, naughty first grader, for breaking mine on a day there was a sub in the classroom). Instead of buying the cute, purple one, I got the basic black for $2 less.
2. I was starving, but instead of getting a chocoloate-peanut butter heart like I really wanted, I got a banana - A BANANA! Cheaper and healthier!

These may seem like small victories, but for a girl who regularly spends more at Target than she should, it was quite impressive!

I also realized this weekend that if I am really sticking with my rules of spending no extra money, I will have a very boring month! Saying no to the movies and dinner out all the time and sitting in my house all alone doesn't seem like a good time. The gift cards alone just aren't going to cut it! So I am revising the frivolousless rules a little bit:

1. The no extra spending rule definitely still applies to clothing, accessories, shoes, etc... Nothing new to wear. The challenge is to clean out the closet, not add more to it!
2. A little bit of entertainment (going to the movies, going out to dinner, etc...) frivolousness is ok. Use gift cards as much as possible, but don't become a hermit just to be frivolousless.
3. No extra spending still applies to all shopping! If you don't need it, don't buy it!

Hopefully these rules will be a better fit. I'm not planning on any more changes!

I'm In.... Well, Kind Of

Maybe you've been wondering if I've decided to join Allison for "Frivolous-less February"  (or maybe not), and the answer is yes.  Well, kind of yes.  I'm in for bits & pieces of it.

Here are the commitments I'm making:

(1) The closet challenge - YES - with my own rules:

• I can wear items more than once.  (In case you don't know Allison, her closet is bigger & more full than mine!  While she may have enough clothes to dress differently everyday of the month, I'm not 100% sure that I will.)  I'll try not too, but I already know that my jeans will be worn more than once.  For sure.
• This probably goes without saying, but just in case, clothes that are out of season don't count.  Of course I won't be sending all my summer clothes to the thrift after the month is over.
• I will be sending a pile of the unworn clothing to the thrift (or to my crafting collection for some upcycling) at the end of the month.
• Same as Allison - accessories don't count, special occasions do, and this is for clothing worn most of the day.

(2)   The spending challenge - HMMM..... It's not that I plan to be frivolously spending this February or anything, but I'm just not sure I can totally commit.  After all, I already went to lunch at Chick-fil-A today - with Allison, I might add, but while she had a gift card, I was spending real money!  So, I think I'll commit to semi-frivolous-less (that's a mouthful) February for this one.  I will TRY not to spend very much money.  But the husband & I are known to make trips to Qdoba for taco salads when we don't feel like cooking.  (Can I count that as frivolous-less since teachers get free drinks?).  I don't know if we'll be throwing that one out the window.  So I'm leaving this challenge with a half-hearted "I'll try", and I'll just keep you posted on what happens.

I told you I was in.... well, kind of!

   

New Month, New Challenge

Welcome to...

Frivolous-less February

Make sure you read the title correctly - It's not frivolous February; It's frivolous-less February!

This is a two-part challenge...

Part One:

The rules are simple and few: Don't spend any money that you don't need to.

Example #1: Groceries at Target = Allowed. Cute shoes on clearance at Target = Frivolous

Example #2: Wedding shower gift from Anthropologie = Allowed. A little something for yourself from Anthropologie = Frivolous

Example #3: Dinner out for a special occasion (Birthday, Groundhog Day, etc...) = Allowed. Dinner out because you are lazy and don't feel like cooking = Frivolous

I think you get the idea...

My one exception (so far) to all of this frivolous-less-ness is using gift cards to be a little frivolous. So if you'd like to go out to dinner with me, I can do Panera, Noodles, or Chic-fil-a (I've been saving up my gift cards from Christmas).

Part Two:

This part of the challenge comes from just having finished a month of wearing only 6 items of clothing. All of the rest of my clothes were just hanging around, waiting for me to wear them again, and I started to think that it's pretty frivolous to have a closet full of clothes that aren't being worn.

Then I started to think that a lot of my clothes are never worn even when I'm not limited to just 6 items. That's when I decided on this month's clothing challenge.

The rules are a little more complicated than part one:

1. I am going to wear something different every day in February. Once something is worn, it can't be worn for the rest of the month. It goes in the "off-limits laundry basket" (OLLB).
2. When the month is over, I am going to look at the clothes I didn't wear (plus the ones that I wore and didn't like) and donate (or at least seriously think about donating) them to Goodwill.

Like the 6 items challenge, there are some exceptions:

1. Like last month, accessories don't count. Wear your shoes and scarves as many times as you want.
2. Unlike last month, special occasions do count. Wear it to a wedding, and it's done.
3. I think I'm only counting items that are worn for most of the day. Example: The clothes I wore to work have to be put in the OLLB, but the sweatshirt I wear only in the house to keep warm can be worn more than once.

I think both of these challenges sound pretty do-able. Let me know if you're joining in on either one, and feel free to add your own exceptions to the rules to make them more your style!











P.S. I know this new challenge doesn't really fit with the title of our blog anymore -maybe this is the MORE part. Aimee thinks we might need to change the title - any suggestions?