Midnight Saturday marked the end of my one month self imposed shopping strike and I’m pleased to say I made it through 31 days of not shopping, but not without a few iffy moments along the way.

All in all, I reckon I did really well. As much as sometimes it was easy to say ‘no one will know’, I would know and the guilt would probably force me to confess. The only thing I bought for me for the month was Madison magazine, which I felt was justified given I didn’t receive my Marie Claire magazine (to which I subscribe) and I do need to stay in touch with what is happening in the fashion world. You might argue this is a loophole – it probably it – however given that $8.50 was my big thrill for the month, I think I am pretty safe in saying I passed with flying colours.

So now the big test comes. Putting into practise the lessons I have learnt during Dry July. The urge to go out and max my credit card is quite strong, yet when shopping yesterday and spying a gorgeous jade green overcoat I considered the jacket and put it back. Do I need another coat? Even in a colour I don’t have? I walked away.

Similarly when looking at new seasons magazines this morning (September Issues!!), I choose one and returned the others to the shelf. It seems I have grown some self control over the past month!!

In other Dry July endeavours, I did manage to go for a walk/run at least 4 and sometimes 6 times a week. I didn’t open any wine at home, and the only time I did drink at home was a single glass of Pimms (and I was just using up the ginger ale that another friend had left in the fridge!).

Now it’s August and the new season fashion awaits. I attended the Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Media Launch today and the thrill of pastels and florals inspired me to head to the shops later this week, although I do believe that when venturing shopside these days I will be doing so with more caution.

Investment and statement pieces will be the order of the day, rather than throwaway fashion. This I have learnt I can do without. Buy now, love forever will be my new mantra, rather than the buy now, throw away tomorrow philosophy I have been living for such a long time.

It also astounded me how easy it was (when pushed) to reinvent things already in my wardrobe. A scarf and tights can update any summer look to winter, while adding accessories can transform a tired outfit. This is another lesson learnt and one that I will continue to play with.

I want to know how your Dry July went. Did you make it? Congratulations to all those who made it through the month!!

Image One: Dome-button coat $229.00 at Talbots

What did you miss?
Dry July – The beginning
Dry July – 10 days in
Dry July – 25 days in