School makes the future look a little bleak in terms of purchasing power. So I did what any type A obsessive planner would do. I made a 5 year plan. It takes into account my bills, food, savings, and even modest vacations. I allowed a discrecenary fund for things like coffee with friends and dinners out, but my plan is to use this fund to treat myself on long term purchases I've had my eye on.
I figure, if I can think of an item long enough to save for it, then the wait will make it all the better. If I lose interest, then its probably for the best that I didn't buy it impulsively
Here are 10 items I have my eye on right now:::::: ->>>>
1) ASOS Beige Oversized Coat
Saving time: ~1.25 months.
I love the idea of a Beige Coat. I do not need another coat. San Diego just does not get cold enough to warrant a lot of outerwear. Even if I woke up on a cold morning and went for a brisk walk, I would be shedding layers before I got around the block. I can't justify to myself owning a 10th coat just because I think it would look super awesome and normcore with a college sweater underneath. Still, its on my list because Atlantic Pacific Rocked it, and I can't wait to wear it with a baseball cap.
2) Pure Maracula Oil
Saving time: ~0.3 Months.
I was skeptical about the whole face oil movement until I tried a caster oil makeup removal mask. The makeup actually came up and my skin looked dewy and happy for three days afterwards. Now I want to jump on board. I read an article about Zooey Deschanel following her oil cleansing routine with another oil moisturizer, and I am just killing to try it out. Its expensive for an impulse buy beauty item, so I want to dwell for a month or so before I take the plunge for the small bottle.
3) Arizona Silver Birkenstocks.
Saving Time: ~0.75 Months
I so was going to buy these for my October purchase. I didn't go for it fast enough and I missed the season entirely. Overnight, it went from blazing humidity to sweater and pumpkin spice latte weather. I want to enjoy my purchases now, but I still am waiting for the day to get these.
4) Stila Beso Lipstick/stain
Saving Time: ~0.15
I tried this on in the store and it looked really cute but TOO red if you know what I mean. I also tried to make it through a sit down dinner with it on, and my table napkin looked like an open wound afterwards. It also stained up the inside of my car. I had to clean it off using makeup remover. Its super adorable on, but I don't know if I would have the discipline to keep it on my lips and off everything else. This is a relatively small purchase, but its still important than I think about these things before I do it. $22 is not nothing, and before I know it, I would be penny and nickeled to death.
5) Nikon D7100
Saving Time: ~7 months.
I have been talking about buying a 7000 series Nikon for months and months and months. I never feel like I can pull the trigger because I already have a semi-pro DSLR and I can't justify the purchase any other way. But... Everytime I pull the shutter on my D5000, I imagine that every shot would be that much more crisp with a shiny 7000 series camera. It performs better at higher ISOs, the shutter speeds are faster, its weather sealed, etc, etc, etc.... but at the end of the day, the only way I know I won't regret the purchase is if I save up for it diligently.
6) Jcrew Necklace
Saving Time : ~ 0.75 months.
I saw this necklace at Allergic to Vanilla and had pause about how bomber it looked. It looks like one of my bracelets. Allergic to Vanilla makes it look amazing with a cable knit sweater. I can't wait to wear it with plain t-shirts and cardigens.
7) Matin Neoprene Fast Access Strap
Saving time: ~0.5 Months
My camera strap needs an upgrade. Camera stuff is so expensive, and I take photos less frequently than I used to. I can't help myself from getting onto the trap of thinking I would take more photos if I had better stuff. This strap would make the system portable. My neck strap is just cumbersome and just a tad too short to be an effective crossbody. If I had this, maybe I would bring my camera everywhere.
8) Stuart Weitzman 5050s.
Saving time: ~4.5 months
I know I already own tall boots. The appeal of these are that they are over-the-knee and have no heel. The suede pair I have now have a tiny 1" lift that makes them horrible for trips require more than just brief walking jags. Pink Peonies and Quarter Life Closet makes specifically these boots look fabulous. It might be too late for me to start saving for these babies. By the time I gather my change, it won't be cold enough to wear them.
9) Athleta Tulip Dress
Saving time: ~0.75 Months.
I tried this dress on at the Athleta Store at the UTC mall. It is adorable with an incredibly flattering fit. I own so many dresses already, and I am unable to wear them at work. Dresses are also not really a hanging out at home clothing for me either. I couldn't justify it at the time but I think its almost about time. Athleta is having a 20% off all dresses sale this weekend, and I am glad I waited. I think this purchase will be this months item.
10) Celine Mini Luggage in Hot Pink
Saving Time: ~23 months.
I saved the biggest item for last. This is such an "it bag" purchase. I have a feeling that its not going to be the IT back in 2 years, so I'm glad that my discretionary fund exists for items like these. I love its robot face and the happy pink color. Its big enough to be my school bag but not so big that it makes me look like a bag lady like I do with my coach diaper bag. I don't want to say that I don't deserve nice things like this, but I'd have to really want it before I got that spendy.
And thats it! I'll let you know how it goes. I am currently using Mint on my phone to track my purchases. I love the roll over tool that I can use to keep track of how much money I keep in this fund over time.
Have a good weekend,
Maria
