The 365 Fashion Challenge

by kekiandglam8588

Hi, my name is Kerrie and I’m addicted to shopping.

It’s true. I have a HUGE problem with over-shopping and over-spending. I buy on impulse, spend money I don’t have and struggle to set a budget, let alone stick to one. This cannot go on. This year I need to start saving. I need to know that one day I am going to be able to afford to travel, to buy a house, to do the things I want to do without worrying about my finances because I just bought a dress I didn’t actually need. I know this resonates with many people but for me this can no longer be something I joke about. This is serious and something needs to change.

SO, being the start of a New Year I have created a challenge for myself. It’s going to be hard, there may be tears, but if there’s one thing I know for sure: it will be worth it. Without further ado, I would like to introduce….

The 365 Fashion Challenge.

The challenge is to go 365 days without spending more than $365 on clothing, accessories, shoes, makeup and hair. I will re-work what is already in my filled-to-the-brim wardrobe, I will DIY my heart out, I will seek out bargains and thrift-store treasures instead of things I cannot afford, I will become the most budget-savvy fashionista the planet has ever seen!!! (Ok, not sure about that last part but it does sound pretty awesome). Here’s the part where I pledge to you the things I am / am not going to do:

* I pledge to spend a maximum of $365 on clothes, makeup, my hair, shoes and accessories over the next 365 days*, working to monthly budget. (*Starting Friday 13 January, 2012 and finishing on Saturday 13 January, 2013)

* I pledge to document this challenge, to keep a record of how much I have spent and how much I have left to spend.

* I pledge to confess if I ‘slip up’ and overspend on a particular month.

* I pledge to buy second-hand and attempt DIY projects where possible.

 * I pledge to make gifts for friends and family members birthdays, and special occasions.

 * I pledge to take an inventory of what items I already have in my wardrobe and remix my outfits from what I already own.

 * I pledge to  encourage others to join me on this exciting challenge.

 

And the 12 Guidelines I will follow:

1. A spending limit of $365 over the next 365 days, which breaks down to $30.40 per month (or just $1 per day!). I will work to a budget of $30.40 per month. What has not been spent at the end of the month, rolls over into the next month.

 2. Outfits must be put together from what is already in my wardrobe thus making outfit choices more creative/interesting. Outfits will then be posted on the blog with a description of when it was bought and where from. If a new item is included the cost will also be mentioned. If an item has been DIY’ed a description of this will also be mentioned.

 3. Brand new clothing must only be bought if absolutely necessary, and if possible should be bought on sale.

4. Secondhand clothing must be bought where possible.

 5. Clothing already in wardrobe may be re-worked into something new via a DIY project, but the cost of doing this will be taken out of the $365 budget.

6. Once the $365 is gone, it’s gone. The earlier it goes the harder the challenge will become.

7. The $365 must be recorded down to every last cent. The balance must be updated whenever something is purchased. This MUST be made public to my blog audience.

8. Clothing may be borrowed from sister or friends if they allow it, if the occasion calls for it.

9. New clothing may be accepted as a gift.

10. Receiving “extra” money (as a gift, for extra work or from selling goods) does not mean the $365 gets added to. Rather this money goes into a savings account for travel and important things i.e. a house one day!

 11. I will make gifts and cards for my friends and family members when their birthdays come along. The cost of doing this will be taken from the $365 budget.

 12. The aim of this challenge is to dress creatively and stylishly on an extremely tight, strict budget. It is to curb my ridiculous spending and shopping habits. It is to encourage others to be thrifty and think about their spending habits – particularly those who are already on a tight budget to begin with.

Additional note: While the above talks only about fashion, the same applies for makeup and hair. I will search for the cheapest makeup/cosmetic deals possible, will continue to dye and cut my hair at home and will endeavour to try DIY beauty treatments such as face masks and conditioning treatments. Any makeup/hair purchases* will come out of the $365 budget also. *Shampoo and conditioner, face wipes and moisturiser are bought when I do my grocery shop and therefore will NOT come out of the $365 budget.

I look forward to having you along for the ride! Wish me luck and keep an eye out for The 365 Fashion Challenge updates and posts.

Xx

P.S The challenge starts today! Now, yes NOW! Seize the moment! Opening balance: $365.