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| My closet and a few of my acessories. |
Ever feel really overwhelmed? I mean really overwhelmed? I am. And I don’t think I’m the only one. In fact, I know I’m not…I’ve spoken to a few of you…you know who you are. Anyway, today I opened my closet door and I was assailed by that feeling again. Why? ‘Cause I’ve got a lot of clothes. I mean a whole lot. Ask Husband. Ask any of my friends. I swear. And I still shop. Again, I’m not the only one here that does that. Retail therapy is a cliche for a reason, am I right?
Don’t get the wrong idea here. I’m good with money, I have plenty of savings, I’m not in credit card debt, I don’t spend above my capabilities, I can’t relate in any way to “Confessions of a Shopacholic”, and I’m certainly no candidate for any reality tv series. It’s just way too much for me. And I really don’t need any more.
Fashion is suppossed to be fun,and it usually is for me. But like I said, today I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t face my clothes. I didn’t want to get dressed. And I didn’t. I’m sitting here in sweatpants…sweatpants that should be reserved for the sole purpose of sweating – as in working out.
So, on the heels of a recent conversation I had with a friend about paring things down and getting down to the essentials I’m going to do something drastic, at least for me anyway. I’m going to stop clothes shopping. That’s right. You heard it. *Husband is probably thinking, “WHAT?!?!?!”* I need to simplify things. I need to not get overwhelmed by my closet anymore. So, yeah I’m going to do it.
Here are my rules:
1. Clothes includes accessories – bags, watches, earrings, shoes, etc.
2. Gift certificates that I still have can be used.
3. Anything I win (and that’s unlikely), like a credit or something, can be used.
4. If it’s an essential need – and here Husband gets the verdict – like underwear or socks that’s allowed. For example, running sneakers have to be bought this year.
5. I’m allowing myself a parole during Threadsence’s/Ruche’s winter and summer clearance sale to get no more than three things combined.
6. This is to last until my birthday week (December 29th, which also happens to be the last week of the year) – at which point, if I like I can go take advantage of boxing week sales and shop.
7. Final rule: I can break all the rules twice – as in two items.
Everyone’s doing a 30 for 30 days…I’m doing an *insert number of items I own here* for 324 days. Who’s with me?
leftmeetrightstyle
February 9, 2011It's like you're inside my head. I too feel overwhelmed…although your closet is more organized than mine. Mine includes maternity clothes I haven't yet ditched and clothes I wore when I was in my early 20s which I probably will never wear again because I'll never be a size 6 again. What size are you? You can "win" my small clothes. 🙂 For the past year I've been finding shopping a form of stress relief. What's better than sitting in the comfort of your home/office and escaping for a while? Imagine yourself as that girl in the persimmon orchard (reference to the latest Ruche lookbook). But I'm starting to resist now hitting the "confirm" button when checking out. I came *this* close to buying a few new items from Threadsence. I did cave in with Ruche – ugh. At least when I resisted with Threadsence, I found that I was really proud of myself for NOT buying. I think this could this be a new source for endorphins.."the savers high". BTW, if you've noticed, I've started a blog but it's empty. I know – pathetic. I've been meaning to start posting pics, but I first have to take them! There seems to be no time..with 2 kids (2 yr old girl, 4 yr old boy) who need to get to daycare and a full-time job, I feel there's little left for me (this is where you pat me on the back). So more power to you for starting this challenge. It's funny how NOT doing something is a challenge. But the fun part is being creative with your outfits and I'm sure you'll discover some interesting combinations. I think I'll start off with something more manageable: a 30 day shopping break. Maybe after the 30 days I'll have forgotten all about shopping and it will stretch to a year. 🙂
Joanna
February 9, 2011Congrats! I think 30 days is a very reasonable time to start off with. I'm kind of an all or nothing personality so I had to go big.
And I'm so proud that you didn't buy from Threadsence – not that their stuff isn't absolutely adorable! And as for Ruche…I understand. It took all my willpower to resist!!
And as for the clothes…my closet is much more organized since I purged it at the start of the year. I went through my clothes and gave away about two garbage bags worth of clothes. It fely amazing! They were stuff I was hanging on to when I would never really wear it again.
Hey, definitely post you clothes…I'm an XS or a 0-2. I'd love to shop without shopping… would that be cheating?
Claire
February 14, 2011You have such will power! I wish I could take on that challenge. My sister is here until the end of the month (somehow I shop more when she's around) then after that I'll try and go on a shopping diet 🙂
Anyway, very cute clothes! We're sort of doing a similar thing. I'm trying to "shop my closet" by cataloging my clothes (doing a "1 Piece 3 Ways" blog).
Good luck! Looking forward to see what you come up with for the next 300+ days!!!
http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com
Joanna
February 14, 2011Doesn't our family sometimes bring out the worst in us in that way? Thanks Claire!