by Beks
Someone gave me cash as a gift for Christmas with strict instructions…
DON’T SPEND IT ON DEBT.
Hmm. I guess I’m a smidge predictable.
I went to the mall to pick out a new pair of tan work slacks. Mine are currently being held together by a hair tie and a safety pin. No, I’m not joking and yes, my shirt always covers it. Geez, I’m not THAT unprofessional.
I went to Fashion Valley mall here in San Diego. It’s a distance from my house but I made the trek because the place is huge and it has a good mix of cheap and expensive stores. That way, when I started to feel silly about shopping at Forever 21 at 30 years old, I could escape to H & M. Then, after discovering that both those stores make clothing that only lasts one wash cycle, hence the safety pin/hair tie situation, I’d end up at Nordstrom.
Sigh.
I had blow money burning a hole in my wallet. Money with no specific need. Money to spend on whatever I wanted…
And all I found was a $9 clearance sweater…
Long enough to cover the safety pin and hair tie.
At this rate, I’ll have the money spent by 2014.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
I know. I had my parents give me some money for my birthday last year specifically with instructions to spend it on myself, and not spend it on things around the house or something for my son or wife, because they know that when I do have some money that I want to spend, most of the time I’ll funnel it somewhere else. Spending that money was difficult but I finally got it done 🙂 But that’s a good problem to have, I suppose!
Dude, two words for you: INTERNET SHOPPING. Why should you trek all over creation? Go online. If you use retailmenot, you can get codes for % off and/or free shipping. PLUS, and I think this is the best part, you can read reviews of other people who bought the clothes first. That way if they only last thru one wash, you know before hand.
Enjoy your money. I think you definitely deserve some new pants once in awhile. 🙂
I agree with Shannon. Websites like Rue La La and Gilt Group is great way to find deals on designer goods that you can wear to work.
Do you have a Ross, TJMaxx or Marshall’s in your area.
Have you tried New York and Co? They always have coupons out. I’ve gotten tons of work pants there with q’s and sales for under $20.
You may also want to try thrift stores. I’ve heard that the best ones are in the richest neighborhoods. I’ve never tried it myself, but I’ve read enough articles about people scoring good work clothes this way – including designer stuff.
Good luck!
Beks,
I read a fashion blog, where I’ve gotten great leads on clothing that fits well and is in style. And I’m short (but not as short as you)! 😉
http://youlookfab.com/blog/ Good luck, and you might want to try Banana Republic for pants.
No suggestions about where to shop for clothes from me. I rarely buy them. I’m the last person I spend money on anyway.
Did your instructions give you a deadline? If not, spend it as slowly as you want. Just make sure the cash giver sees you in the new sweater. 🙂
Try Gap, they are having a huge sale and had lots of khakis in all different styles. You are an inspiration 🙂
If they gave you cash, then spend it how you want – not how they want.
If they don’t like it, then they’ll spend a little more time and buy your something themselves next time.
(Cash as a gift doesn’t offend me, but cash with conditions does.)