Spending Rehab?

So, not that I spend oodles and oodles of money on frivolous things, but thinking about it... what could be bad about a spending rehab?

My cousin posted a link to her friends blog where two gal pals have decided to put themselves through a torturous test and not shopping for a YEAR! From their page http://www.365fashionrehab.com/ here's the details...

Rules & Regs

For one entire, whole, long year (365 days for those of you who may not be in the know) we will not purchase ANY (eeek!) of the following:

1. Clothes of any kind. No socks, underthings, coats, t-shirts, tanks, jeans, dresses, tights, workout gear, rain gear, snow gear, skirts, skorts (as if), sweaters, bikinis, etc...

2. Accessories. Including all pumps, t-straps, platforms, spectators, wedges, booties, Havianas, sneakers, clutches, hobos, satchels, baguettes, totes, weekenders, wallets, hats, gloves, jewelry, and, of course, sunglasses.

3. Make-up. No power plumping lip gloss, liquid eyeliner, fancy foundation, romantic red lipstick, eyelash curling mascara, shimmering bronzer, eye-popping shadow- you get the picture.

4. Home Decor. Broad category of decorative pillows, fancy candles, vases, stationary and general "I do not need it but think they are cute knick-knacks that who's kidding who we probably don't have room for anyway".

5. Gifts. If we receive gifts in the categories above we cannot use/enjoy them until rehab is over!

... Now I don't consider myself quite the shopaholic, but just thinking about what they're doing is making me think about doing some cutting back. Really... how many lipglosses does one have to have on the go at one time? I did the purse count and had, what was it 8? Embarrassing! If I just used one til it was gone I'm sure I would still have glossy lips 12 months from now if I rooted around my make up bags, maybe even longer!

And in this, "no clothing" category... I suppose this would be a good way to get myself into a big fitness push. No clothing until the stuff I own doesn't fit me anymore and its absolutely necessary? Suppose it could be an idea.

If I took the money from all those "frivolous" / unnecessary purchases and put them against student debt, I bet I would see a significant difference. Maybe...? Oh who knows. I guess like I said to begin with, I don't shop like mad to begin with. BUT... if I could cancel out trips to the dollar store for example... or Walmart, that might help. They are those places where I find myself wandering out of boredom and purchasing for gratification rather than necessity.

So, shall I try it? Only purchasing out of Necessity? Last year I hopped on the coupon train last year and am sure I saved a bunch of pocket cash taking on that initiative alone. My rules will be maybe not so sever though... Might need some time to actually come up with them though.

Ok, so that will be my next mission. Come up with guidelines and perhaps see what will be challenging enough to make me appreciate what I'm undertaking, but not so outlandish that I'm not allowed to ever leave the house again. Sounds fair.
On that note, I'm off to do some thinking.