I also try to shop smartly; I could not go an entire year without buying at least one pair of shoes. However, since I don’t have orthotic issues, weight issues or other health concerns (partially due to good genes, partially due to hard work [and I understand not everyone will see what I've written as a "good thing," but please be assured I mean no malice]), I can buy inexpensively. The clearance section at DSW, Payless Shoes, Ross, etc. I set spending limits and find the self-control to stick with them (I haven’t paid more than $15 for a pair of shoes in years).

And the hardest part, at least for me, is turning my back on being image-conscious. I am, after all, a girly girl. I would love to wear nothing but designer jeans, very expensive T-shirts, Jimmy Choos or Manolos, and have a Coach or Dooney & Burke bag. However, those items will not inherently enhance my existence, provide good health, augment my career, or truly just make me happy. So rather than spending, I find other outlets for creativity, happiness, activity, eating, etc.