Readers, I've been challenged. My coworker, Michele, has asked me to stop (gulp) shopping. I'm not allowed to buy anything I don't super need for (get this) two weeks. We're in this recession, after all, and it has yet to stop my purchasing habits. Michele wants to know if it's possible for me to chill out with the spending and boost my budget. I agreed to the challenge in an effort to encourage others to save during the tough economic times. Although fashion is my life--and, in fact, it's my work (ahem)--I, too, can make the sacrifice in the name of research, your amusement and my financial future.

So, here are the rules...

Stop the Shop: Recessionista Agreement

I, Ysolt, iVillage Beauty & Style editor, agree to forgo all non-essential shopping for 30 days, as of Monday the 30th day of March 2009. In accordance with the following rules, I will NOT purchase (by cash, credit card, check, debit or money order):

• ANY beauty products (i.e. makeup and hair and skincare products).
  
• Daily hygiene items are acceptable.
  
• These include and are limited to: toothpaste, floss, soap and shampoo.
  
• ANY beauty treatments (i.e. manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, waxings, haircuts, colorings).
  
• ANY clothes or accessories (i.e. bags, shoes, jewelry).
  
• ANY gifts, regardless of birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

ASKING, BEGGING, BRIBING AND/OR THREATENING OTHERS TO PURCHASE ABOVE ITEMS IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.

Gas, food and necessary household (i.e. laundry detergent, toilet paper, dish soap, cleaning supplies) purchases are allowed.

Any transgressions are subject to ridicule and embarrassment by the iVillage staff.

Okay, so here I go--I will not shop for two weeks, starting now. I'll blog about my experience during my scary shopping hiatus. Want to feel my pain? Are you brave enough? Go on a shopping hiatus with me and please tell me (via comment) how it goes for you! Good luck to us!

--Ysolt