No Shop September

I didn't shop during the month of September.

*GASP*

That's right, aside from two Phillip Lim for Target bags that I planned ahead for, I didn't buy any clothes, shoes, jewelry, or bags. Why did I do it?

     1) I shopped a lot in the month of August
     2) I don't "need" anything new, especially since the weather hasn't cooled off yet
     3) I don't want to be a shopaholic anymore.

There, I said it. I don't want to be a shopaholic anymore. I no longer want to associate myself with that word. I mean, I even use that word to describe myself in my Instagram bio, so how can I keep up the facade that I don't have a problem?

So let's get a little bit personal. This has always been my logic: I don't have debt, so I'm not a shopaholic. Or, my shopping isn't out of control because I don't have debt. What kind of logic is that? Thanks to Mint.com, I am able to see what percentage of my paycheck is being spent on clothes. Scary! I tried to push away those little nagging thoughts and twinges of guilt for buying just one more pair of black boots, or that ever so unique top (the one that looks so similar to three I already have in my closet). But those thoughts popping up.

Then the real guilt set in.

So picture this, I'm lying in bed one night, feeling physically nervous that I won't be able to get my hands on those Phillip Lim bags I'd been craving, and I thought of the lilies of the field, and how they don't care what they wear.

That was the point when I realized, something is really wrong here. What I wear should not bring me anxiety! I already have enough things to worry about.

I'm starting to get a bit literal here, but stick with me. The moment we allow something as unimportant as what we wear control us, to cause us anxiety, or drain our bank accounts, there is something wrong. God does not want us to worry about anything, so in that moment of "Limsanity," I decided I needed to do something about it.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with getting joy out of fashion. For me, it is a hobby, an interest, a passion. It allows me to express my artistic side. It is a successful money-making industry which employs millions of people worldwide. It is an industry which values art, creativity, and beauty. And these are things God also loves.

And is the earth not so beautiful? It doesn't take more than a quick glance around you to know that God created something amazing and awe inspiring for us. In Genesis 1:31, God looked around, and knew that His work was good.

God admires our beauty as well.

So what I am saying, is that as a Christian young woman, I want to be smarter about how I shop, what I buy, and how much I spend. I don't want to stress over it, eat ramen because of it, or have to rearrange my budget for it. I don't want it to be an addiction anymore, but rather, a creative outlet which I can use to express the talents and passions God has given me.

I know (at least I hope), there are more of you ladies out there feeling the same way I am, and that's why I have decided to document my journey as a "recovering shopaholic" as I continue my shopping ban into the month of October. Every Tuesday in October, I will bring you a new post packed with information about how to shop your closet, how to find the best bargain, how to decide what you really need, and how to blog on a budget. I want to share my tips and tricks with you, so we can still be fashionista's without breaking the bank or feeling guilty.