The shopping fast is over.

I’ve had my eye on these for months. I’d seen them in magazines before they even hit the stores. I don’t even know what I’m going to wear with them … but I’ll figure something out.

I saved money by waiting, too — originally $19.50, they’re on sale at Old Navy now for $11.70!

Of course, I spent that saved money by buying a second pair.

I couldn’t resist. I love this pattern, too!

Over the weekend I picked up a few items at Ann Taylor LOFT — I had $100 in savings cards that I had to use! And Banana Republic sent me an email today to take an extra 20% off their sale items.

I know, it seems like the fast just made me explode back into my old shopping habits. Well, I had some birthday money to spend! And, yes, it was a little pent-up.

I did learn some things I needed during my fast. I guess when you’re not buying things, you pay more attention to the flaws in what you do have.

Most of my pants are too short, even with flats. And I only have one pair of jeans I can wear with the majority of my heels (2-3 inch). I need to find some longer pants!

I can use a casual pair of brown flats and possibly black boots that are flat enough for my barely-long-enough pants. (They’re not all hopeless!)

I also need some neutral sandals to wear with my beach dresses in Jamaica. And a one-piece bathing suit for triathlon training, but that doesn’t count. It’s something I actually need!

Before I buy anything else, I should really go through my closet again. If the weather would make up its mind, I could rotate my clothes and shoes for spring/summer!

or, why I’m not allowed to go shopping anymore …

Since She Likes Purple inquired about my shoe purchases … below you will find the footwear that entered my house during the month of January.

Before I cut myself off on January 15.

See, there are several ladies (the aforementioned She Likes Purple, and a couple others) that have sworn off unnecessary shopping for 30 or 60 days.

At first, I thought, “Good for them!,” but it wasn’t for me. Shopping is too much fun!

I never used to indulge myself … but as we’ve gotten more established, I realize I do deserve to have nice things, and have increased my (still somewhat cheap) budget accordingly.

Though, I’ve been on a bit of a shopping spree lately. After a string of large purchases, I decided I was on board too. At least for 30 days. I’d sort of like to make it until my birthday (March 29) — but yikes, that’s really far away!

On to the shoes …

I found these Ann Taylor satin peep-toe heels on sale for $39.99, which is actually higher than I usually spend on shoes (boot budget is a big higher!). I’m a bargain hunter; while I have a lot of nice shoes, I usually get killer deals. I figured since these are exactly what I’ve been looking for for years, and they were originally $118, I could make an exception.

Technically, these bronze Ann Taylor peep-toes entered my house on January 16, one day after I said I’d stop the unnecessary purchasing. But I had things to return to Ann Taylor, and still walked out with more money than I came in with (on my credit card statement).

Also, I decided these were destined to be mine. When I was in there days earlier (pre shopping ban), I saw them on the sale rack, in my size. I wanted them, but resisted for some reason. I figured if they were still there when I brought in my returns, they were meant to be.

I’ve had my eye on these Steve Madden wedges for a while over at Endless.com. When I thought they were sold out, it made me kind of sad … and then I looked again and found them. So I really had to buy them, right?

I’ve previously documented my love for the Keds Eleanor skimmers. I had seen the “Dove” style and when I finally found them marked down to $18, I had to buy. But I also fell in love with the wood button on the “Elephant” style and got those too.

And then, Ann Taylor LOFT had these on clearance for $9, and I couldn’t resist. Also, I realized I only have one other pair of black flats which are a little more casual, so this was a great purchase!

And you already know about the patent boots.

Were you counting? Did I actually buy seven pairs of shoes in two weeks?

So yeah, I’m officially cut off.

I joked with my husband that I had to build an addition to my shoe rack!
(Um, I really did. I’ll post an update later with “before” and “after” shots!)