about

THE START OF IT ALL

I didn't learn much about money or finances growing up. My family liked shopping but couldn't afford expensive clothes like some of my friends.

In high school, I got my first job at the finest of dining establishments… Little Caesar’s Pizza.

It was the days of Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop” which also happened to be the place I spent the majority of my new hard-earned cash.

I liked making money, but I liked spending it even more. I would come home every weekend with my arms full of yet another thrift haul.

I was buying a lot of clothes, but at least they were cheap… for now.

#INFLUENCED

I moved cities, started university, and got my first credit card. Hello, independence!

Social media was taking off. I started following Youtube and Instagram “influencers” showing me an endless stream of things to desire.

Expensive clothing started to seem normal and I was shopping more and more.

The turning point was when I bought the trendiest sneaker at the time (Adidas Stan Smiths). It was the first time I had ever spent over $100 on a pair of shoes. I remember wearing them with mixed feelings of excitement and guilt.

It was off to the races…

LOST & CONFUSED

I left university with a degree, a broken heart, $22,000 in student loans, and no idea what I should do next.

I got a job at the nearest Aritzia (having never shopped there in my life). Suddenly I had access to a tempting staff discount and was working in the worst place for someone with a budding shopping problem… the mall.

I started posting my own outfits on Instagram. I used this new hobby as an excuse for my skyrocketing spending.

I got a second job (serving) and started reselling vintage clothes online. I was working 60+ hour weeks but all my money was ending up in my wardrobe.

BIG GIRL MONEY

I thought all my problems would be solved when I got my first corporate job. (Surprise: they weren’t.)

I thought: Finally, I have enough money to save AND buy the things I want!

Except the quantity (and prices) of what I was buying only got higher. I got a rush from buying into every trend and “looking the part” at my corporate fashion job.

I felt shame & anxiety with every purchase and was hiding shopping bags from my fiancé.

The more I shopped, the more it felt like I had "nothing to wear." I thought I knew my style, but the bags of clothes I would declutter every season said otherwise.

CRISIS MODE

My shopping was at its peak and knew I had a problem. I had reached a 6-figure salary with nothing to show for it. Minimal savings, lingering credit card debt, and a habit I couldn’t break.

I realized my shopping behavior was pushing the bigger things I wanted in life further and further away.

I thought giving it up would mean giving up my love of fashion. How could I keep this part of myself without buying new clothes all the time? Shopping is my hobby!

I had tried cutting back before, but this time it had to be for real. I knew it would be challenging… but my future self would thank me.

BREAKTHROUGH

I made a plan to quit overspending for good. I didn’t know if it was going to work, but I prioritized my mindset and tried to silence any self-doubt.

I started a no-buy challenge where I wouldn’t buy any clothes for 3 whole months. I hadn’t gone this long without shopping since I was a teenager.

At first it was hard, but it got easier every day with the unique method I set out. I kept myself busy, reflecting and decluttering.

It worked. By the end of my no-buy, I had no desire to shop. My "wishlist" was full of items I didn’t even want anymore!

The craziest part? I felt more inspired by my closet and sure of my style than ever before.

FINANCIAL FUTURE

Since my no-buy ended, I no longer shop impulsively. I get joy buying things I actually need and don’t feel tempted by every ad or social media post.

My closet isn't a place of shame and stress anymore. I am excited and inspired to get dressed — and always have something to wear.

I paid off all my credit card debt and am saving for big goals like my wedding.

I quit my corporate job, which would not have been possible with my old spending habits. Working in fashion marketing as a recovered shopaholic didn't feel right and I wanted something more...

This story started with me, but I want it to continue with you. Let’s get started.