I’m finished with the 30 for 30 challenge and my shopping ban is over.
Wohoo!
Click on the numbers for a quick recap of the challenge: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Now, the question I’ve been getting a lot is, “How did you do it? How were you able to hold off spending for two months?!”
The simple answer is food.
The lengthier explanation is that S. challenged me to a two month shopping ban as a bet. If I broke my ban, I would pay for his dinner. If I won, he’d pay for mine. But this wasn’t just any dinner, this was a steak dinner at the famous Mastro’s Steakhouse in Los Angeles.
Outfit Details: Madewell cardigan – XS, J.Crew skirt – 0P, Madewell belt – XS, Forever 21 necklace, Louis Vuitton cross-body bag, Aldo pumps
I don’t eat steak often, less than six times a year, so it’s a huge deal. I’ve been to Fleming’s, Ruth’s Chris, and Morton’s Steakhouses, but I heard Mastro’s blows them all out of the water. We’ll have to see if the food really lives up to the hype.
When I was browsing the malls and I wanted to buy a clothing item, I thought, “This fashion piece or a steak dinner?”
Seriously.
Over the weekend, S. came to visit and we went one of the best (and windiest) places to view the Golden Gate Bridge. Fort Point is located directly under the bridge which provides a spectacular close-up of this enormous man-made structure.
At the top of the fort, the wind was blowing so strong, I felt my earrings fluttering about so desperately that I had to take them off for safe keeping. But the view of the city and the bridge was so breathtaking with clear skies all day.
Outfit Details: Forever 21 peacoat – XS, Martin + Osa sweater – XS, Madewell jeans -24, Corso Como boots
The 30 for 30 challenge was beneficial in curbing my spending and remixing my closet. I wish I had taken more photos, but it’s not always feasible with a one-man photography team. For two months, I didn’t spend a single penny on any clothes, shoes, and accessories. Now that my ban is finished, I’m wary of new expenditures. I don’t feel the need to run to the nearest mall and buy something, I do just fine window shopping. I have a few purchases in mind, but they’re very basic and not worth reviewing.
Aside from limiting my shopping budget, the 30 for 30 has another positive side effect. It has given me more time to expand my blog onto YouTube. That’s right, I’m throwing my hat into the vlogging ring and I have my first “official” Stylepint TV video below. I’d love some feedback and please subscribe to my YouTube channel, here. I promise to beef it up so it’s not as empty.
If you want to see more outfit photos:
- Please follow me on Weardrobe: here
- Please be my friend on Facebook: here
- Please “heart” my post on Teen Vogue Fashion Click: here
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats on finishing 30-for-30! I am in awe of your tenacity and wish I can do the same.
I was at Fort Point by accident when I was in San Francisco over Christmas last year…we were supposed to bike across the GGB but my entire family lack direction so we strayed and found ourselves there. The view is gorgeous though!
What a scenic post! Congrats on finishing 30-for-30 challenge. I never tried one due to my laziness but I am definitely up for next one. Also, loved your video. The fact that you support the local designers seem very meaningful.
Lol! I wish I had thought of using food as motivation! Big congrats on finishing the 30×30, but most of all, for not shopping for 2 months!! I spy your new vintage LV! LOVE that first outfit with the bag. You look so radiant!
PS – Do report back on Mastro’s food. I’ve only had Ruth’s Chris’ steak and thought it was the best I’ve ever had.
Congratulations on finishing! So now you get to gorge on some gourmet steak as well as have a curb for your spending…that is really nice. Your first Youtube video is so professional. What a nice introduction to the Youtube community. =0D
I love the cardigan’s color on you!
It goes so well with yout skin, just fab.
I heart outfit #1 sooo much! The combination of purple with the tan/rust is so gorgeous. Also, yay on starting a new youtube feature – looking forward to more vids
{*HURRAH!!} Impressed that you did the 30 for 30. I’m so in awe whenever I read about this challenge. {*WOW} So… shame on me. I thought I was following your blog this whole time but it looks like I wasn’t. No wonder I was missing all your posts. -_-; I’ve got lots to catch up on.
I really love your outfit! The color combination and accessories. The necklace really jumps out at me. FAB-YU-LOUS! I really like how you combined pricier items (J. Crew and Madewell) with more affordable brands (F21). Maybe that’s my opinion but sometimes I find it SO hard to spend money at J. Crew and Madewell. [Actually never got to in stores for Madewell; purchases were made via online.]
Also, can’t wait to watch your next vlog.
<3 S.
LOL. I love your comment! It made me smile extra wide!
I mix and match a lot, not only with brands but to make it work for all sorts of situations from casual to dressy. That way, I maximize my closet to truly make it “work” for me. I completely understand when it comes to Madewell and J.Crew…it’s expensive for me too.
With Madewell, I bought most of my things heavily discounted in the LA store so each item cost less than $30, with a few exceptions. The same goes for J.Crew, which I’ve only bought online and mostly on final sale.
@Elle: You can totally do it! I took it one day at a time…and sometimes, by the hour. Some days, I’d scope out things online, put it in my cart and close the browser to prevent myself from caving in.
@miss.studious: I really do try to go for independent and local designers because I value their uniqueness and creativity. Even though it might be harder to find, that’s what makes shopping so fun. All the big box stores are everywhere, so there’s no real need to travel to shop at those places. But those smaller boutiques, I’d make a special trip because they have something you can’t find anywhere else!
@Cee: I’m definitely motivated by food, but I think it’s also a pride thing because I know I have good self-control. LOL. I’ll definitely keep you posted about Mastro’s…Ruth’s Chris is quite delicious with all that butter!
@Banhannas: Thanks! I figured I should start off with a simple video so people know what my blog is about in a more personalize manner. As for the professionalism, I leave it up to S. who created something better than I even imagined. Now I have to learn how to do it myself to keep up the quality. =)
@Relatable Style: I tend to pick dark saturated jewel tones because I think those colors are flattering for many skin tones. But I’d love to try new colors and shades that still give off that wonderful pop!
@SewPetiteGal: I’m trying to expand into YT and I hope it’ll be successful since I’m being more purposeful about what types of videos to post. =)
Congratulations on finishing the 30×30! I couldn’t do it a second time, but I remember how accomplished I felt after doing it. Maybe sometime this year I’ll be able to try it again.
Love the purple cardigan. I need to try Madewell’s stuff.
Youtube is stating “error when I try to post my comments there so, here they are. :]
Congratulations on your official vlog debut! :] You’re wellspoken and project your voice well (I notice such things since I have a high pitched, kid voice myself ^^) And I like the music too.
Have you been to Sway? I like their clothing and jewelry because they’re unique and cute, pretty affordable, and the pieces I bought see to to fit my petite body well.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sway-berkeley
BTW, I would love to see some makeup routine posts, blog or vlog, I like how your makeup accents your face but is very natural.
what a genius color combo–the purple and rust color skirt really go well together!
Well this has to be my favorite outfit of your 30 for 30….(I think
Congratulations on finishing the challenge and I hope your steak dinner is totally amazing!!!
congrats on finishing your challenge!! i need to try your technique too to stave off my spending. that steak sounds delicious!
your YT video is great!! what software did you use to edit it? it looks so professional!
Thanks Kileen! I think having a great motivator/reward at the end of the ban gives you something to look forward to and it has to be something you really truly want so you will have serious thoughts about shopping.
For me, it’s food. LOL. As for the YT video, it was done on iMovie.
Congratulations on finishing the remix challenge! I really liked the way you put together the colours for the skirt and the long cardigan. I don’t have any long cardigans in my closet because I was afraid they would make me look short, but now I know that I can pair them with skirts, I might have to get some.
@Cara Mia: Madewell is pretty awesome, if you like J.Crew, I’m sure you’ll appreciate Madewell’s aesthetic!
@Jentacular: I haven’t been to Sway, but it sounds I like I need to visit! I’ll try to incorporate your ideas into my videos. I don’t wear a lot of makeup and I prefer to “enhance” instead of “cover-up” my face.
@Leena: It’s one of my favorite color combos, almost complementary, but subtle.
@Callandra: Thanks! I hope the food is worth two months of no shopping! =)
@RK: I am an avid fan of long cardigans and I wore them to my heart’s content for the past 30 days. =)
Hey! Loved these photos! and your style! And food is the ultimate motivation! I use it all the time for my bets! haha, I love food. I’m so looking forward to reading more from you, I love being able to see someone’s personality through their blog too, and you look like you rock! Can’t wait for what’s next, in the meantime, I’ll have to add some sort of petite challenge for my blog, I’ve been inspired
Wow! I am truly in awe of you for completely the no-shopping ban! That’s insane. When I try and do this, I always tell myself, just buy one little thing… and I keep saying it until I buy plenty. So congratulations- I may try this again. LOL. Great pictures Stylepint
I’m in love with your first outfit here! The deep purple cardigan looks amazing with the skirt. The colors are beautiful and rich. I’m also doing 30 for 30 and am kind of having trouble coming up with the last few outfits lol. I will be finishing them up tomorrow. San Francisco looks stunning by the way! I’ve always wanted to go there:)
@Frankie Ortiz: Thanks for stopping by my blog! I definitely try to make my site personable because what fun is a personal style blog without personality? =)
@J.L.: Keep trying, I think it gets easier over time. This isn’t my first time implementing a shopping ban, but it’s the first time I consciously stuck to it for two whole months!
@Liza: Good luck completing the challenge, I think you’ll do great. SF is a very scenic city and I hope to have more photos of the city as I continue to explore it!
Ruth’s Chris is my favorite local restaurant here in SD but Mastro’s is my all time favorite!!! So amazing! I’m hoping to eat at their “Tree House” In vegas next month… what a great trade off to shopping!
Congrats on finishing a round of the 30 for 30!! I can’t believe you held out on shopping for 2 months for a steak dinner. haha! I hope it’s good!!
Great job and congrats on finishing the challenge! Major hats off to you!!!
And yay for your youtube video!!!:D Subscribing right now..LOL
@Haute Pretty Pink: Ooh! If you say Mastro’s is good, I’ll take your word for it. I hope it’s as delicious as I imagine! =)
@Katrina: Thanks! I was swayed by food, but I’m pretty sure the dinner will be worth it.
@Really Petite: LOL. Thanks, I’m glad that I stuck to the challenge because I would be so sad if I broke the ban!
Congratulations on your shopping ban and your completion of the 30 for 30 challenge Jess! You inspire me : )
A belated congrats! I’ve been following all your outfits and think you did a great job. And it’s amazing you that didn’t spend anything for 2 months… I honestly don’t think I can do that even if I wanted to!
Btw your video looks really good, the intro is very professional and I look forward to seeing more from you!
What a professional looking video! S did a fabulous job with the editing and music. Great 1st vlog!
I have the jcrew wool bell skirt (in gray) too. I’ll have to try styling it like you did. Super cute!
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