Haul Post Trepidation

One of my favorite bloggers, Meagan Kyla from Coffin Kitsch, just wrote about responsible spending and saving money.

This was only two days after I gleefully wrote about my frivolous spending. Yikes! Have I become the little devil standing on people’s shoulders encouraging them to do bad things?!

Nah. The truth is I am a big proponent of responsible spending. I carried debt when I was younger, and it was a heavy mental burden. In recent years, I have become quite frugal, and I’m much happier for it.

I have established a system that really works for me. I set up direct deposit that automatically divides my paycheck:  some goes into my retirement account, some goes into savings, a little bit goes into my fun money account, and the rest goes into my household/regular expenses account. Knowing my expenses are covered and I am saving appropriately, I can spend my fun money as frivolously as I want without any guilt.

Of course, as I mentioned in my last post, it’s rare that I actually spend my fun money. Frugality has seeped into my bones and become part of me. ;) But I do believe we should all give ourselves a little treat now and then... though that treat can certainly be an experience rather than a purchase!

After receiving my first package of treats, I debated whether to post about them. I have mixed feelings about “haul” posts. On one hand, they’re fun in a window-shopping sort of way. It’s interesting to see what’s out there in Retail Land, plus I like to see how people incorporate new items into their wardrobes or home decor. On the other hand, they can be a real downer for people who don’t have the means or opportunity to obtain similar hauls. (I always feel guilty posting about Halloween stuff that is only available in the States.) Worst of all, if presented badly, haul posts can come across as bragging.

Thus it is with some trepidation that I am doing a haul post. It’s really meant to be more a review post, as I made some first-time purchases.

I’ve browsed the website of Angel Clothing many times, but this was my first time ordering from them. I was impressed with their quick processing and shipping. I placed the order Friday, July 8 and received the package Thursday, July 14. From the UK to the US in only five business days. Nice! :D

One item I bought is essentially a duplicate. I had purchased this bag in the white bats version some time ago. It’s HUGE for a handbag but great as a tote. It’s perfect for hauling my stuff -- purse, drink bottle, lunch, sunglasses, etc. – back and forth to work. I like it so much, I decided to get the purple bats version. I was pleasantly surprised that the lining is purple. :)

On to the cardigan! I love cardigans. LOVE them. But I need tall sizes thanks to my ridiculously long arms, which means my options are generally limited to plain cardigans from JC Penney or Old Navy. Bleh. :P I love decorated cardigans by brands such as Sourpuss and Banned; however, I never bought any because I knew the sleeves would be too short.

But then I saw the Banned purple bats cardigan. More specifically, I saw that the sleeves went down over the model's hands... which meant they might actually reach my wrists.  And they do! :D Hooray!

The cardigan appears to be of good quality. The fabric feels very nice, soft to the touch with some stretch. It's 80% rayon, so I'll probably overheat and burst into flames the first time I wear it... but at least I'll go out with my sleeves touching my wrists, dammit! ;)

Finally, the jewelry. Restyle has some pretty jewelry, but they’re always out of stock on their website. Alchemy Gothic pieces are gorgeous but expensive. Angel Clothing to the rescue! :) They had some Restyle jewelry in stock, and their prices on Alchemy Gothic jewelry were excellent… so I purchased from them.

Restyle Vivian earrings: Large but not overly heavy. The stones are a very pretty shade of purple.

Restyle Vespertilio necklace: A dramatic piece; large and quite heavy. I will have to be careful not to bend over and conk myself on the forehead with the pendant swinging forward.

Restyle Flying Crows necklace/brooch: Very pretty! I like that it has a pin on the back so it can be worn as a brooch.

Alchemy Gothic Viennese Nights necklace: This is my first AG necklace and I absolutely love it! The metal has a nice patina and the crystals are lovely.

Overall, I'm very happy with everything I bought. Angel Clothing has good prices and excellent service, and I'll definitely shop there again. Though it might be six months before I'm willing to spend frivolously again!

This concludes my haul/review post. I very much hope it did not generate bad feelings in anyone!