So I was all fired up to tackle No-Buy July like it was some kind of 31-day famine (which, essentially, it kind of is) and totally knuckle down to the task of not buying clothes, shoes, accessories and non-essential beauty items.

Guess what. I failed within the first 8 hours.

Not even joking.

Here's the story though, and hopefully you'll cut me a break on it.

I had signed up to do a free pilates class offered at lunchtime on Wednesday, 1 July and I was most excited and keen to get started. After the usual morning drama of getting Miss L up and ready for daycare, whereupon she generally wails and clings to me like a limpet, I detached her, sped home, snatched up my handbag and made the bus with seconds to spare.

It wasn't until I got off the bus in town that I realised I had forgotten my gym bag.

DOOM.

What to do. 

You know what to do.

Head down to Kmart (which mercifully opens at 7.30am in the city) and grab a few items to allow me to undertake the class as planned during the free trial week. 

So here's my No-Buy July buy:

Short-sleeve print top - $8 Singlet - $2 Leggings - $7 Not pictured - 3 pack of crew socks - $3

Luckily, pilates doesn't require shoes and I had a pair of casual loafers in my work shoe collection that I could wear to walk there that didn't look ridiculous. 

As you can see, the above outfit cost me a very reasonable $20 and when I was explaining my fail to my friend Lindell, she suggested offsetting the expenditure with a donation to charity. Luckily, a guy from the Alannah and Madeline Foundation came a-knocking at my door the next day and I was able to help him out a little. Not quite to the "between $30-$1280" (!) tune he was hoping for but help nonetheless.

I've also had to buy a couple of gifts, one for my Sisterhood of the Travelling Gift sister (a fun gift exchange project hosted by Fashionista in Surburbia, Icadoo and A Quirky Bird) and a <$5 lucky dip for our Christmas in July work function. 

It's been difficult to avoid the shops, email alerts and general internet advertising of awesome sales and bargains. Sure, No-Buy July rhymes but it's a REALLY DUMB TIME TO NOT BE SHOPPING. I feel like I'm losing money by missing out on the sales. 

Maybe next year I'll go for NoSpenderSeptember.

Are you participating in No-Buy July? How are you tracking?

Yes, you're so welcome for that earworm.



80s hair rock anthems aside, there are only four more days of No-Buy July to endure, so here are the items I have prioritised procurement of upon my return to retail:

Purse (wallet)

Do you say purse or wallet? I've always said purse but depending on your country of origin, you may use this term to refer to your overall handbag. Anyway, I'm referring to the receptacle you keep your cash and cards in.

My old one is bulky, heavy and busted so it needs to go. I'm also sick of the press stud coming apart in my bag, thus spreading out the purse to take up even more room and get caught up in things like headphones and tissue packets so I'm aiming for a zippered version. I've had this one on my radar for some time:

Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Lacey Wallet in Fuchsia Saks Fifth Avenue - $256

Obvs I am not looking to pay $256 so I have eBay and Gumtree alerts set up and have been scouring the internet for bargains. Yes, I did see it on the Kate Spade website earlier this month. Yes it was on sale with a further 25% off sale prices. No, I don't want to talk about it.

iPhone cover

Seems like a minor thing but I have been sans cover for a while now, which is rather a dangerous place to be as the mother of a toddler. What I'm hoping for is one with a slot at the back for my Metrocard; a proximity card for Adelaide's public transport system. I want to be able to tap and go so it needs to faciliate this without me scrabbling to get it out every time. Critically, I don't want a wallet or flip-style cover, being that I'm on a mission to reduce the number of such items in my bag, and I don't need a wrist strap, cartoon motif or swinging charm because I am not 12. It also needs to have a nice grippy texture because I am fussy. Then I can be mostly rid of my card holder as I have the Stocard app for keeping all the details of my loyalty cards.

Something like this, maybe:

Card Slot Bar Hybrid Hard Rubber Cover Case for iPhone 5S AliExpress - $6.57 USD

With the reduction in purse size and the phasing out of the card holder (which also comes unstuck and/or buries itself deep in the darkest recesses of my bag just as the bus pulls up, necessitating the one-handed frantic pull-out of ALL THE THINGS), I can save a whopping 785 cubic centimetres in bag space, which is all leading up to the ultimate goal of a smaller handbag. I hope you appreciate that I don't do maths for fun but I am committed to bringing you All The Facts.

Boots

Spendless boots, assorted prices

I still proper need some new boots even though there is not a lot of winter to go (yay). Spendless have the ones I was eyeballing reduced and have added some new ankle ones to the mix that are worth a look. I'm still trying to decide if I will get good wear from the brown pair or stick to the black for now. That's what No-Buy July has been good for, rationalising and really thinking through purchases without any buyer's remorse to show for it.

Almost Posh: As Seen on TV

I am pleased/terrified to be able to share with you all (which I may regret, depending on how goofy I look) that I will be talking about my No Buy July experience tomorrow on Channel 9's "Mornings" show. Yes, for reals. So tune in at about 10.10am Sydney time to see how that goes! 

Apologies for the radio silence of late on both the blog and the socials. Here's what's going on; as some of you know I started a new full-time job end June and it is fully, full-on, full-time. I start a lot earlier so I don't have either light or time to get an outfit snap in the mornings and evenings and weekends have been trying to cram the rest of my life in. It's been challenging. But people have been nice, I can do the work and the dress code means I can continue to wear the same style of thing. I'm at another engineering firm which is super similar to my old place of work so it's just a matter of same stuff, different logo and trying to find that work/life balance.

I've combined June and July's purchases for the Style Cost round-up which is on the lean side. Another side effect is not having the time or inclination to wander around the shops, coupled with not enjoying a lot of what's on offer at the moment. I'm ready to call it, I'm done with the statement sleeve. It's great for cocktails or brunch but not so much for trying to take meeting notes.

On with the purchases. In June, I hit up Savers to great effect with this excellent buy, a pair of Jo Mercer leather riding boots which would normally be about $350 for a mere $20.


I have already worn these A LOT and they are fantastic, now if only I could find a similar pair in brown.

Also at Savers, this surprisingly hefty knit tunic which came from Supre of all places (seen with boots as described above):


On the same shopping trip, I got a couple of dresses from Kmart. This one was a bit steep at $25:


And also this one for $15:


I also got a navy beaded necklace for $4, seen here with my Styling Curvy x Adrift Lifestyle Basics shirt, which I ADORE. My girl Jenni really nailed this collection and it sold like hot cakes, understandably so.


I also picked up a multi-layered necklace from Forever New for $12.95 down from $22-odd bucks which was nice. No pic though, soz.

Moving into July - as some of you may remember I have attempted No-Buy July in the past and failed spectacularly and here I am nearly doing it without even trying. My only purchases amounted to a selection of earrings pictured below (5 for $20 at Lovisa valued at over $70 plus another $7.95 for the Sportsgirl sunbursts)


Finally, right towards the end of the month, I picked up a grey marle foil print top from Katies at 40% off which I have worn but didn't get a picture of and it doesn't appear to be online but there were heaps in store so go check it out.

Monthly totals

Items acquired (June): 7
Items acquired (July): 7 (but 6 of them are pairs of earrings, so . . .)Total RRP ticket "value" (June) - $524.99
Total paid (June) - $164.95
Total RRP ticket "value" (July) - $88.90
Total paid (July) - $27.95
YTD spend - $1,194.68
YTD "value" - $3,016.44

Did you have a go at No Buy July this year?

Well, I’m just over the halfway point of No-Buy July and am still managing to stick to the commitment of not buying clothes, shoes, accessories or non-essential beauty items. Who knew I actually bought that much? 

Actually, I don't even know that I *do* buy that much really (#denial?), but cutting out all the associated looking, browsing and quick ducks into Priceline has certainly left a noticeable gap.

As previously stated, it’s been extremely challenging during the time of mid-year sales both in store and online. I am getting notifications e'rry day of a further reduction in sale items and the FOMO is at a record high.

Let’s be real though. I’m not expecting a medal for managing not to shop for 31 days, and even as I explain it to some people I feel like it’s all a bit #firstworldproblems. Regardless, I'm going to tell you how I'm getting through it. 

Blogging

[image credit]

Supporting

Guys, did you know The Iconic had 40% off essentials??

It's good to know people are there with me on the journey; Mica from Away From The Blue, Christina from Love That Lippie, Wendy from Beach Style Mum and Jen (@lady_lambkin) are all sharing the struggle! It's nice to get supportive messages and comments and read how others are going on the journey. 

I apologise wholeheartedly for use of the word "journey". What's next, tears and the makeover episode?? Gag. 

Reflecting

[image credit]

Seriously though, I’ve used this time to reflect on my shopping habits. I’ve realised that shopping is an actual pastime for me. A hobby. And because my purchases are generally minor and at low price points, it has been sustainable, even on a reduced wage. Working in the city, right next to Rundle Mall, means that lunchtime is often spent in unavoidable proximity to retail outlets. On my days off from work, checking out the shops is something to do or somewhere to meet family and friends under cover in cold weather.

Having the time to really mull over my potential purchases with a month lag time has helped to clarify needs versus wants. I am confident in my need for a new purse as my old one is officially shabby and busted. So when August comes around, I won't feel any guilt in purchasing a new one. Do I need to test out a potential dupe for Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder? Probs not critical. Why don't I save my money for the real deal?

Clearing

I’ve managed to list and sell a bunch of items on Gumtree and eBay and donate a few big bags to Savers. This has given me greater visibility on my wardobe and helped me really identify the gaps. I've also decided not to buy any more cold-weather items and focus on transseasonal pieces so I don't arrive into Spring and be all "I have nothing, therefore I must BUY ALL THE SPRING THINGS."

I've given up on trading due to too many dealings with people who aren't firmly grounded in reality, however Stacie (@indigo_daydream) is doing very well out of it. So it's possible to succeed if you have the patience.

Redirecting

I've identified lunch time on my work days as a vulnerable time so I've tried to steer clear of temptation. Instead of walking through the Mall, I might take a walk along the river. I've picked up a tai chi ballet class on Fridays that I'm really enjoying. On my non-work days, my daughter and I enjoy some at-home time in front of the fire with books and toys and TV. And new camera effect apps on the iPhone.

Happily I haven't redirected my free time into eating. Yet.

Gifting

I participated in the Sisterhood of The Travelling Gift gift exchange and sent off my parcel to Leanne this week. A day later, I received my gift from Erin, which was amazing!! Check out all the lovely and pretty and thoughtful things! So that was a lovely buzz that didn't involve me shopping for myself.








17 days down, 14 to go.

As an aside, I may or may not have been interviewed by a major publication about No Buy July. 

More on that as it comes to hand.

On the weekend, I visited my Mum and while there, she asked me to do her make-up for a stage production she was directing and performing in that evening.

I warned her I haven't done anyone's makeup since the 1995 Rock 'n' Roll Eisteddfod (and even then, that was a clown face #justsaying) but she insisted. So I had a go and started off alright, using her Nude by Nature BB cream, mineral powder and finishing veil as a base with blush and bronzer. I hadn't used Nude by Nature products before but they applied quite nicely even if it was a bit fiddly to get out of some of the smaller containers. The bronzer and blush were highly pigmented but could be blended out once I got the hang of it (and after a quick correct with some more BB cream). 

When we got to the eyes, she presented me with what was easily the most awful eyeshadow palette I've ever seen anyone actually own. Ever.



A crusty $2 shop special with weird chunks of I don't know what, and about as much pigment as the chalk dust that builds up around Miss L's blackboard. Also, no brushes to speak of.

"Haven't you got anything else?" I whined, after repeatedly telling her she should have told me so I could have brought real makeup and proper brushes along.

"I have one other palette," she said and came back with this:



Me: "OMG. I can't believe you still have that!!"

This bad boy from Piaf, who no longer exist as far as I can tell, is about 30 years old and saw my sister and I through every school social, Blue Light Disco and stage production of our childhood. LOOK. AT. IT.

I ended up using the Nude By Nature blush and bronzer on the eyes as shadow.

I then attempted to use a jumbo eyeliner crayon and ended up wiping/smudging most of it off with a cotton tip which worked out okay. A deep wine Rimmel lipstick completed the look.

Even if you or someone you know isn't a big makeup user, you might as well have something useable in your collection and you absolutely don't need to spend a fortune on it.

So Mum, when we meet up tomorrow, we will go to Priceline and have a look at some simple and budget-friendly eye products that are suitable for your occasional needs (and skin tone):

Maybelline Expert Eyeshadow Quad in "Designer Chocolates" $14.95

Models Prefer Customised Eye Shadow Quad in "Espresso Yourself" $10.99

Nude by Nature Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette $24.95 (currently on special for $19.96)

Rimmel Glam Eyes HD in "Brixton Brown" $15.95

Essence Quattro Eyeshadow in "To Die For" $6.15

There is obviously no need to have a full 30 piece professional brush set if you only wear eye make-up occasionally but at least two brushes would be good - or cheat and get a double-ended one like this beauty from Models Prefer:

Models Prefer Double Eyeshadow Brush $14.99 (Currently on 3 for 2 special)

Obvs I won't be buying anything because No-Buy July (and I already have my awesome Tarte Poppy Picnic palette). It will be tough browsing Priceline but I'll get through it with support.

Speaking of which, did you see Mica from Away From The Blue and I in the Sydney Morning Herald talking about No-Buy July?

#aqb100stylechallenge with A Quirky Bird

Over at A Quirky Bird, Zoe is running a cool worldwide style challenge, inviting readers to submit an outfit edit costing $100 or under to be in the running for a $100 Coles Myer gift card.

Now, for me, this would normally be no trouble. The catch was that all items needed to be current - so op-shopped or vintage pieces that usually get me well under that kind of dollar limit were out.

I spent some time digging around some of my favourite online shopping sites, which was incredibly difficult for me, given my No-Buy July status, so I hope you all appreciate the torture and torment I've put myself through to get this collection together.

Let's all agree not to mention the wavy red underline from my PowerPoint screenshot, shall we? Many thanks

I settled on this embroidered Lee Cooper tie-waist dress from Big W to build my look around, in the on-trend Marsala shade. 

From there, I snagged a bargainic pair of basic black leggings at Best & Less, then sussed out jackets at Crossroads, where this biker one caught my eye. 

A well-placed targeted advertisement lead me to find this peacock Boohoo scarf and I hit up the Cotton On online empire to snag a well-priced pair of boots and some fun shades. 

Sitting at $93.95, I knew I could squeeze a cute pair of earrings in under budget, and a quick look at Colette Hayman proved me right.

All prices were current as at 10 July, 2015.

#findingmystyle with Agent Mystery Case and The Fashionable Mum

I've also entered into the Outfit Under $50 #findingmystylechallenge hosted by The Fashionable Mum and Agent Mystery Case in the hope of also winning $50 towards the inevitable August binge.

This one was easier for me to pull out of my own wardrobe because I could include vintage and op-shopped pieces:



Having said that, the dress is actually current at Kmart for $20. I bought it in another colourway first, then loved it so much I went back and got this one.

Sunglasses were also from Kmart a little while ago for a hefty $8.

(As an aside, can we all agree Kmart need to get with the online shopping program? I easily could have completed the first challenge in five minutes if I could have accessed their stock online!)

The vintage brown PU bag with cool lucite handles picked up in this op shop trip for $4.

Tights are from a Myer dump bin years ago for $5.

Shoes are vintage leather Footrest brand, also snagged at the op shop for $2.

Oh, and I've just noticed/remembered the belt - it isn't the one that comes with the dress but I pulled it off another one so essentially, it's free. That brings this outfit to a total of $39, well under the limit.

Now, fingers crossed so I can properly celebrate at the end of No-Buy July!

Have you ever won a style challenge? Are you having a crack at either of these?

As the year draws to a close (I KNOW, I can't even believe it either), I present the standard wrap-up post, looking back over my first full calendar year of blogging activity.

Before I get into the season that was, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who reads, follows, likes, comments and shares my content or activity; across all platforms. I feel a definite sense of engagement and community here at Almost Posh and interacting with you all has been one of the main drivers to continue on doing what I enjoy doing! Look forward to bringing you more of whatever it is you like in 2016.

Let's have a little look back over the year then . . .

January

I change the name of the blog (from Ghetteaux Posh), make some fitness related resolutions (LOL!), suffer a toddler-related wardrobe malfunction at the shops and do a bit more shopping with mixed results.

February




I start my Australis Velourlips obsession after a swatch session at Priceline, attend the Fashion Icons exhibition at the Art Gallery of SA, spend more money at Priceline, give you my awesome spaghetti bolognese recipe, spend a weekend at the Adelaide Shores resort and talk some more about Velourlips.

March




I get my hair did at Miss Coiffure, partake in the Style and Shenanigans colour challenge on Insta, throw back to awful turtlenecked ribbed tops, spend even more money at Priceline, bang on about how much I love rose gold (with a super early peek at the iPhone 6s!), have a go at contouring (badly) and advise that you should never say never when it comes to fashion trends.

April



I review the Nail Beauty Luxury Lounge, talk about coaching in a life sense, launch the #PoshLadyIndigo style challenge with Jen and Stacie, review some products gifted by Scholl and Airwick, share some ANZAC Day family stories and announce the winner of the #PoshLadyIndigo style challenge.

May



I share 7 Ways to Shop With Success, attend some fancy events, have a go at DJing for the first time, give some ideas for quick loungeroom makeovers and the same for the bedroom, go to the shops in my slippers and address the issue of milia seeds.

June




I share a winter wishlist, throwback to the cheongsam dress, attempt iCurvy's Spin The Pin challenge, get some op shop bargains, attend the Little Blog Big workshop, get some lovely presents from Stacie after her US trip and start planning for No-Buy July.

July




I share my minimal hairdressing abilities, throwback to internet homepages, attempt a couple of style challenges, share my Mum's vintage makeup stash, appear in the Herald Sun and the Age talking about No-Buy July, then appear on Mornings to do the same.

August




I share some tips for being better with your bucks, review some gifted fashion bags from Pleatopia, head to Sydney where I met Christina and Sephora, take part in the Restyle challenge, and review a mini haul from Beauty Heaven.

September




I do a beauty blogger tag and try out my Tarte palette, have Stacie model some sunglasses that were gifted from Glassesshop.com, work some culottes, celebrate Almost Posh's first birthday with a new look, talk about lip products, share some blog-based learnings, attend the Adelaide Hair and Makeup Show with Bridie and start my affiliate relationship with The Iconic.

October



I complete the 30 Lippies In 30 Days challenge, go to three posts a week with the first Posh Picks post, have amazing fun playing dress-ups for the Adelaide Fashion Festival Style Blogger challenge, discuss my ongoing quest for the perfect eyeliner, pick up a haul from Mix Apparel, get a Liebster Award nomination, attend the Adelaide Fashion Festival and Cheesefest.

November



I wear some denim skirts, squee about Sephora being online, buy some basics, attend two lovely weddings, talk jazzy pants, share some valuable tips on how to wake up tired, review Jamberry nail wraps kindly send over by Sam and spend a nice posh day at the cricket.

December




Slowing down the posting schedule for the holidays, I make a mixed bag attempt at some style challenges, review my Black Friday purchases from Sephora, meet up with some Adelaide bloggers, share some sales alerts (which may be still going) and win a pair of Nine West flats thanks to Stacie!

I hope everyone has had a good year, I've enjoyed it. Here's to 2016 being even better!!