on quiting consumerism . . .

I was shuffling down 7th street just the other day thinking "Hey Angie B, this no spending thing isn't so tough afterall."
I should have known that I was in for some trouble. This kind of statement made outloud to myself often spells doom for even my most elaborate plans-- like the 93 times i quite smoking, elimated an entire food group in the name of health, or swore off some apparently not good enough jerk.

Feeling strong and proud, I did not hesitate when a friend visiting from England asked me to go shopping with him. Besides, it is just part of what Matt and I do when he comes to town--shopping is so much more economical when the dollar gets paid in pounds you earn abroad. We made our traditional soho circuit. He spent. I enjoyed that he was enjoying himself. (Although it really is more thrilling to watch a girlfriend's chemically induced high after charging a "perfect" new dress or pair of shoes.)

Feeling stronger and more proud, I decided to let him in on one of my favorite shopping experiences--the young designers market. Some of my favorite purchases have been made there, and at a steal. Why shouldn't Matt have the same opportunity? Excited by my enthusiasm, we proceed more directly than the a-line of my skirt.

Safely down isle one, Matt considers a tie. I am considering nothing. Rounding the first bend, Matt is looking at a jacket. I throw something over my head that seems to be a poncho. No sooner than I pop my head out of the carefully crafted hole, the young designer comes over to explain that it isn't a poncho at all. In fact, it is a top that can be worn TWO different ways, and belted and so on. Matt and I also decide that it looks quite good as a skirt. Now i am in trouble. To know me is to know that i am a sucker for anything that can be worn more ways than one...and i have even been known to justify ridiculous cost down to the number of ways that i can wear it.

Matt asks the price-only $25--the cost doesn't even need justifying, except that I promised not to spend any money for 3 months. I certainly do not need this article of fashion freedom and creativity that would look so good with so many things in my wardrobe. What to do? What to do? I did buy it. I have already worn it two different ways. With three others in store, i calculate the cost for each expression equals only 5 bucks. Not so bad. Yet I still feel the need to out myself. Bad AngieB!