Fashion Addict Rehab

Last post!

2008-02-28T09:52:00.002Z

Hm well I read this and it really put me off my self indulgence ramblings.....
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/janet-street-porter/editoratlarge-just-blog-off-and-take-your-selfpromotion-and-cat-flap-with-you-768491.html

Old Janet has got a point, however I realise there is a great community of people all around the world who share info and spur you on. I enjoyed undertaking the blog venture and it has really helped me to sort out my priorities and finances. I can't recommend Make Do & Mend - how to buy a designer handbag etc enough. It is a great little number.

One final world- Janet Street Porter you are such a f*****g opinionated git but fair play a bit too accurate too.

love to all out there x

Day 38 endeavours

2008-02-08T09:23:00.000Z

I realise my blog is hardly the most inspiring of subject matters and it is also one that is self inflicted - my troubles that is....
However, I am hard pressed to explain what is essentially a love of clothes. I am as passionate about clothes - a wide and varied selection in the same way someone loves a football team.

I don't support just one shop or one designer - more an overwhelming desire to visually display styles and looks.
I realise this is pointless if you don't have the funds or don't work within a budget. I am giving up purchasing designer items and sticking to the high street. I did look at Primark & Peacocks given the prices but my heart is ready to go to the conference league yet.....

On a plus note I've redistributed my funds to stem the interest charges on my credit card. This is sure going to help with reducing the debt and also as I cut it up I'm not spending on credit. Things are looking up however hard the struggle!!!

Will I see the sunshine again on my finances...is there an end to making my sandwiches for work?

Day 37 how to survive

2008-02-07T20:56:00.000Z

As the stock piles into stores, as I walk by of a morn on the way to work, so the resolve crumbles.
I am really really struggling.

Day 36 Fashion forward

2008-02-06T19:11:00.001Z

Ok ok so I have succombed and had a peek in the shops. It was as I feared - all new and inviting.

I had voices in my head - buy me buy me.......

But I was good and walked away. I didn't moan when I got back to work after lunch instead I struck up a conversation about Ross Kemp!

How will I avoid the temptation?

Day 35 new obsession revealed

2008-02-05T20:58:00.000Z

Basically I've become obssesed by Ross Kemp in Afghanistan. It is my fav programme of the year to date.

I sort of get mixed emotions on it all but am completely riverted. It stops me being a fash pash airhead and puts everything in context. Last night was quite gruesome, when a soldier died, and his mother gave permission for the clip to be shown. She was so heart broken.

Google the programme and you can view great clips.

Day 34 robbing Peter...

2008-02-04T18:28:00.000Z

I have a dilemma. Do I pay off more on my card and have a bigger overdraft but end up paying less interest?

It will mean my credit card debt goes down quicker and I won't be able to go very mad with an overdraft so it wull only be once I can do this...
Agh decisions.

Day 33 thank you

2008-02-03T13:17:00.000Z

Yes, yes, yes - the cheapies are doing it good. Primark, George at Asda - how my purse springs lept for joy. With a a budget of £60 I shall be able to inject some new dresses etc. Today's Sunday Times Style magazine has given me hope.

The £12 canvas bag from Peacocks is mine!

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article3261171.ece

Will I beat you to the tills at Asda??

Day 33 relaxing

2008-02-02T10:35:00.000Z

Clearly you will want to know about the hot date but that would be telling. This blog is about my redemption from fashion not a recovery from Russell Brand type sex addiction!

Two glasses of wine were all I had......

Luckily today's High Street fashion page number in the Guardian's weekend magazine is the pits - it actually put me off clothes. Mind you the measure is funny with their Coleen v Kate mention not to mention Kelly & Kate.

Also the Fashion bloogy awards are upon us and if you want to vote here is the link, http://mahalofashion.blogspot.com/

Do smiley faces last?

Day 32 new month new look

2008-02-01T12:58:00.000Z

Well actually same old look clotheswise but a new frame of mind. How happy am I that February is a short month, more money to pay debt back if I stick to budget.

Tonight I have a hot date and am mentally thinking what look to achieve and how to put it together. Also I've mentioned lack of funds as I don't want to stretch myself or be a money grabber even if he is paying. I've suggested an easy bar for an earlyish drink and set myself a time limit. I'm filled with resolve and strictness that is very pleasing to the wallet if not to the eye.

At least I can slink out early on a Friday from my desk....

Will I stick to my guns?
Plus does any blogger out there know why my spell check isn't working? Help please.....

Day 31 all said and done

2008-01-31T14:24:00.001Z

This really is the end of the month. I worked out today it will take me um, ages to repay my credit card debt. In fact, all of 24 months paying about £275 a month- this would cover the interest repayments as well. It could be more.

All I can say is...I have learnt a very hard lesson the very very hard way. New year, new beginnings, all on the right track.

What will the next month bring - any joy? Any cash windfalls? Any light fashion relief?

Day 30 - opps!

2008-01-30T19:58:00.001Z

Got my credit card statement today. Not a great read as the interest is horrendous £107 - I've spent nothing but am still paying for my past mistakes. Agh!

What can I do to reduce this mess fast? That's legal!?

Day 29 and counting

2008-01-29T21:24:00.000Z

So far so good ....apart from the New Look number I've had a pretty good month. I'm surprising myself. I'm starting to feel quite toned and healthy - lack of alcohol!

I actually couldn't be bothered to buy Grazia this week which is amazing.
I'm also starting to see a veneer of cheapness regarding clothes. My fave shop French Connection is off limits and I'm coping well. After a few weeks of feeling dreadful I think I can cope with the limits I'm under. I am worried about the coming season but my strategy is to adopt white and wear it lots!

Will me new found resolve last?

Day 28 If only...

2008-01-28T12:35:00.000Z

Next year it could all be mine. I so heart this skirt!

A gorg Oscar de la Renta number from net-a-porter
Full cotton twill skirt
Blue cotton twill skirt with a removable flared petticoat underneath.

A mere £1,900!

However if I had no debt and had saved all year this could be mine...............

Do I have the will power to stay on the straight and narrow? Would I save or splurge?

Day 27 Camaraderie

2008-01-27T14:17:00.000Z

Being skint and broke in January is good fun given that all your mates seem to be in the same position. Last night we all opted to stay in and watch Sky movie's tribute to Heath Ledger.

It was Brokeback Mountain and a poignant time was had by all - although quite childishly, some of us had to look away or resort to giggles at the sex scenes. My flatmates boyfriend particularly struggled with it all, though he did think the film was an epic - like us all.

So the antidote to it all was a Sky Plus offering of Ross Kemp in Afghanistan. I don't think we were meant to laugh at it. It was really interesting to learn about the soldiers but Ross Kemp with his Taliban scarf had us in fits. See, being a debt ridden girl isn't all dullness.

Will my friends be as supportive in February?

Day 26 questioning self indulgence

2008-01-26T12:38:00.000Z

After realising that others struggle with finances versus fashion purchases, I wondered if it was a bit self indulgent writing a blog that merely reflected my struggle and thoughts. How interesting can a young women's stupid indulgence be?

I'm hardly providing advice a la Style Bubble or Mrs Fashion (to mention but two as they are British). There are also a few other fashion addict type musings going on too. I am the only one concerned with not spending another penny on a single item of clothing until my debt is gone and I have a clothing budget I stick to.

I have to confess this is the hardest thing I've ever done, because I truly love clothes and define myself with my outfits. Come on, I hear a few people say - are you that shallow. Durr, yes! OK I recycle (a lot), keep healthy, don't smoke and at the moment due to funds don't drink or even go out much. I read novels, the papers and am generally well informed. I like music and films but clothes are my passion. I can date any item within a year or two - spot a designer label a mile off in TK Maxx - no mean feat.

Ultimately I do this to help me beat my addiction which harms literally no one but myself.

Day 25 And I thought I had problems...

2008-01-25T21:07:00.000Z

What is it with people who rack up £30k debts? How does one not notice?
I actually felt quite sane after flicking through a book called 'In the red' - a bit of a Make Do & Mend rip off if you ask me. The author keeps a diary about her recovery as a shopaholic. All very dull in reality and to self absorbed to entertain me!

One thing I do agree with Alexis Hall, the author of book - you have to go cold turkey. However unbearable it is - it is the only way.

Where I differ is obvious. My debt is mismanagement of all my fiances overall made worse by my love of fashion. I don't have to have the latest it bag nor do I buy something to emulate someone else. Nope, mine is a pure love of an item and a mind that produces wonderful images of how to wear it and what it will feel like. I spend selectively but until this year conveniently forgot about living within your means. And yes my debt includes, travel, nights out, off-licence visits and oh moments of madness in Space NK.

Honestly there is nothing like someone else's stupidity to cheer you up.

Will smugness come before a fall?

Day 24 Lunchtime misery

2008-01-24T12:12:00.000Z

Oh dear! Lunchtime is such a problem these days. Well it was a problem before of a different sort, hence the debt. All those little browsing sessions have left me nearly penniless. Now I have to walk the streets.
Yes, yes I know it is only an hour but that hour used to fly by and now it seems an age. I do read a few blogs but I love the style ones which only adds to the torture. Although some inspiration is gained for mixing and matching of existing items.
I've done the book shop number already this week, a la Ms.Battrick and again very useful, it fills a spot. But today is Thursday! I've ate my home made sandwiches (don't!), I've had a look at Style.com, happily couture is way out of my league, and now I'm bored.
If I wander outside I don't trust myself not to take a peek.
Looks like I'll have to make friends with someone from audit!

Hows does a girl keep on the straight and narrow?

Day 23 Gawd!

2008-01-23T12:50:00.001Z

Blimey how dramatic and sad ref Heath Ledger.
Nothing like a shock death to make you not so self centred.
I'm shocked.

Day 22 Celebration time

2008-01-22T13:30:00.000Z

At last a dent has been made. Officially, at this time before interested gets added, my credit card debt is £5,568.29!!!
It is heading in the right direction. I feel saintly. I've spent nothing and paid some back.
Ha when all around me are falling (the footsie that is) I'm crawling back into credit.
Still praying for that lottery win though!

Do I dare celebrate? How does one celebrate with nothing?

Day 21 the nearly bought

2008-01-21T21:47:00.000Z

There it was all green, stripy and with gold buttons - at £16 a veritable bargain. I walked away.....aghhhhhh

TOPSHOP Gold Button Rib Stripe Top

In Chocolate, Navy, Green
£16.00
Striped short sleeve top with placket detail and gold buttons 100% Cotton. Machine washable.

Day 20 Skinted

2008-01-20T12:00:00.000Z

The sad thing about having spent too much is the fact I'm too poor to afford even the skinted versions of minted items. One also knows the skinted stuff is fashion addict territory while the minted is for the style acquisition brigade.
I'm in the midst of planning how to look 2008 with 2007 s/s stuff. I'm heartened by the fact the trends are mainly similar/same as last year but for a fashion addict a few subtle shifts are enough to make you tear your hair out.
It is the knowing it's not quite bang on trend that fills me with despair. How I long to gain the nonchalant style of a Nigella/L'Wren/Deyn/Wintour - peeps who regardless of their age or the seasons must haves - have a look for them. OK Deyn is going to struggle in a couple of years time if she's to avoid the Boy George problem - the look that went on for way toooooo long!

I take comfort from the belief that old Kate Moss suffers like I do, but she at least has the benefit of choice/money and a stylist to hand. Me, I'm too poor, to unknown and am not being sort out by a single stylist. Fashion addiction is a downward spiral and I'm still in search of the up.

Will I acquire a stylish demise? How does one become stylish not fashionable a ls Ms.Chanel?

Day 19 Empty hours

2008-01-19T10:37:00.000Z

The good thing about not drinking due to no money is a clear head and being a few pounds lighter. The bad thing is no lying in until rid of hangover and an ability to wake up providing you with too much time to read papers, surf fashion sites etc.

My mind is hearting a Gucci belt.

My bank balance is telling me the canvas one for £19 in Gap.

Am I the Chris Moyles of the fashion world - always aiming too high? Does pride come before a fall? Will Aled's hair recede faster than Moyles's beard grows?

Day 18 Pass....

2008-01-18T20:27:00.000Z

I officially need an evening out pass from Ms.Battrick. It's no joke. After my initial euphoria over having a nice telling off, I've done my spreadsheet and for the next six months I'm on eau de tap. Thank goodness I've got an Oystercard, which is an essential. Otherwise I'd be house bound.

Luckily no one is in the mood for nights out after our Christmas excess - too many clubbing nights and parties. Tonight I'll be out for about 2 hours. One hour travelling and the other whilst my small glass of wine or half a beer lasts. Great!

Will I get through the month without a splurge? Is it worth it?

Day 17 Comfort over style

2008-01-17T12:00:00.000Z

Today was one day I didn't want to draw attention to myself at work. I choose to wear round neck jumper with skirt, ribbed tights and my Gap Pierre Hardy patent sandals - so comfy you can run for a bus in them. No accessories adorn my outfit and my make up is au natural.

This morning I woke up sporting my newly acquired Spice Girls t-shirt. I won it on the office away day sessions -ok! The slogan 'who do you think you are' appealed to me. However, I'm remembering my competitive approach to said comp to win said t-shirt. I think the pretty boy from Customer Relations took his drink elsewhere after my shameless singing on the karaoke. I think I did Kylie, Britney, Madonna and the Spice Girls or was it Geri quite proud. Let's face it they are safe in their day jobs and I've got a free item after weeks of nothing.

I'm going to brazen the obvious remarks out all day. I perfected my facial expressions in the shower this morning -faintly amused or sneer depending on delivery.

A girl has to get what she wants by fair means or foul - doesn't she?

Day 15 & 16 all blur into one

2008-01-16T20:08:00.000Z

For all I know someone could have a set a new trend in the lifetime I've been away. How can a group of trainers and so called leadership people make one feel as if you are in a cheap TV programme? You know one like, Janice Dickinson model agency. The format runs as follows, repeat, repeat, repeat, new bit, back to repeat a vous. Oh, plus dramatic build up with supporting music to reveal ....absolutely nothing.

All I know is that for two nights I have binge drunk on the company. Is there a subliminal message when sent on away days. Will bore you to death first then give you the opportunity to drink yourself to death. Hurray now you've gone we don't have to a) go through the effort to sack you or b)pay you off with too much money.

Does all of this mean I've forgotten about clothes? Have I become so utterly numb that I lose the will to look or shop?