Y'all are going to split a gut when I explain the spending diet in the subject, but for now we'll just get to the fashion photos (not too great, as usual, but better than last time!) cause I know that's what y'all want to see.

I bought this same pair of pants at target a while back, full price ($24.99); I think this purple pair was $11 on clearance. I was really happy to find them because a couple of weeks I couldn't find my size in that color.

They're a bit tight right now - the teal pair I already own is one size up -- but they really stretch when you wear them & I still have a few pounds to lose. I probably wouldn't normally wear them with this black cashmere turtleneck but do you live in the northeast? Do you know how cold it is? It's a wonder I was willing to change to take photos at all but I wanted to share this stuff with you!



I almost bought these shoes a while back when they were on sale for $20; yesterday I paid less than $13 & I'm sorry I didn't get the navy pair, too. It almost makes me want to go back out today . . . almost. Crossing fingers they still have the navy in my size when I do venture out.

I find Target flats tend to really rub my heels raw -- not always, but often -- but one of those heel protectors usually does the trick.



I am not sure about this skirt, but considering it only cost $7 I'll probably just keep it. I have a purple peplum top it will probably pair nicely with (I was so NOT going to change into that yesterday). Again, a bit tight. And yes, 51 yr old women shouldn't shop in the juniors department.

I try to dress age appropriate but yes, I still sometimes shop in the juniors department. So sue me.



I originally forget to take photos of these jeans. I bought them a few weeks ago (yes, also on clearance) & absolutely love them. They're curvy skinny (fit 4) at Target and they really fit my curves well. They're a bit too long but right now they're pretty much living in boots anyway.



This dress was part of the Neiman Marcus/Target collaboration and debuted at $99. Altho I fell in love with it immediately, there was no way I was paying that much for a dress from Target. Heck, I don't pay that much for a dress pretty much anywhere.

They went on sale, 50% off; nope, still not biting.

Finally $30. Yes, please! It's not perfect -- I actually wish the twist was just a bit higher, for just under the bustline, but for $30 I am very happy with it. It's probably hard to see, but it's also got a slight hi/lo hem (high in the front, low in the back). A trend I originally resisted this summer & then became obsessed with & now have a ton of hi/lo dresses - and am currently keeping an eye on a few more new ones at Target.

I don't wear dresses a lot in winter -- except to weigh in in -- but not this week! That was a trip, trying to figure out something to weigh in in that wouldn't add weight but would still be warm enough. Apparently I chose wisely (thank you, fleece lined leggings).

I do wear dresses a lot in the summer, tho. They're comfortable but not sloppy looking.



I bought this coat at H&M back in Vegas. Faux Fur is something else I'm obsessed with. It actually goes with the dress really well . . . only one of the buttons fell off the minute I got to the hotel room, and now I see the other one is AWOL too! I have one but not sure I have the other. I guess I'll have to look around & see if I can find it. I really do love this coat.



As to the spending diet . . . well, obviously I'm still spending. But I've been spending less. Losing Simba actually helped . . . I had no desire to shop for about a week. I'm beginning to feel the pull again.

But I have spent far less on clothes this month. I know that some of my shopping is a form of self medication but since I do spend within my means (hello, Target & Marshalls!) I'm ok with it . . . to a degree.

Yesterday's trip to Target was a reward for losing weight this week -- plus picking up a few items I actually needed, like saline. I have a gift card to Express & 2 to Marshalls . . . I've actually had them a while now . . . and one to JCP, too, now that I think about it. I'm holding them hostage to help keep me focused this week. I'd really like to lose a pound this week. It's a time of the month where it can be difficult for me, but it's doable.

As I've said to friends, goals are always good. Even if you don't achieve them, they keep you focused.

If I lose that pound, next week will most likely include a trip to the mall. I will have to be stern with myself if I don't lose the pound & wait until I do lose it for that trip. There will always be new clothes to buy.

And as you can see, fashion doesn't always have to break the bank, either. I think I spend $30 yesterday for the shoes, skirt & pants. Not as good as some of my friends when it comes to bargain shopping, but it did make me happy.