Check-in: Clothing Fast

If you are curious about my year long fast from buying new clothes, it's almost over!  [The finish line is my birthday- August 14.]  

Though my husband said the other day that I'm not really on a fast anymore. You might not know it but I'm still on it.  I haven't done so well since my last update [Valentine's Day].  During the first 6 months I did well and only bought 2 items.  

Since February, I've bought the following:

1. cardigan
2. cream sweater
3. gray/black casual top 
4. jean capris
5. polka dot dress top
6. dress
7. black maxi skirt
8. gray t-shirt
9. white t-shirt
10. tank top
11. tank top

If I can make it three more weeks without buying anything I will have bought 13 new clothing items in a year.  If full disclosure is helpful, I bought a swimsuit too.  The 4th of July weekend we were in the Wisconsin Dells and I nearly had a wardrobe malfunction.  True story.  If you've got a suit that is becoming more sheer and losing a bit of elasticity, take it from me, it's time to get a new one. 

6 months in: a confession

I must confess.  I bought a new pair of jeans.

Which is fine except for, you know, I'm on this year long fast from buying new clothes [more here].  

I made it six months so I'm thinking of a way to justify my purchase.  

Maybe it was my celebration purchase of making it half way.  

As for the shirt I bought?  Oh, yeah, I hadn't mentioned that yet.  It was my Valentine's Day gift to myself.  I'm feeling the love [for myself].  I was a little nervous after bagging it, as if I would get caught in the act.  It's a good thing I don't smoke or I might have been tempted to chain smoke right about then.  

I'm hoping due to the circumstances and the holiday...I get a "get out of jail free" pass.  

After falling off the wagon, I contemplated whether I should call off the fast at the 6 month mark but I am going to continue on.  

Wish me luck.  I always feel like shopping the most in the spring. 

This is the outfit.  Was it worth breaking the fast over?  I don't know but it sure is going to be nice having another pair of jeans in my closet that fit [I have 5 pair less then when my fast began...which means I don't have many!].    

Stretchy Pants & Bigger Bras

I've hit a low point in my year long clothing fast.  It's been five months.  My jeans don't fit.  I've gained a few pounds.  Maybe 8 lbs.  Which is fine with me since I've been on, what seems to be, a life-long pursuit of gaining weight.  One thing I liked about being pregnant was I looked healthy and filled out.  So, anyway, last night I did try on jeans at the Gap.  I left quite dejected and wondered if I have a weird shape.  There were lots of options and cuts and I'm not sure what I'm looking for?  
Who am I?  Skinny?  Curvy? Long & Lean? Super Skinny?  Real Straight?  Sexy boyfriend?  Skinny Boot?  Original? 

via

I fumbled through it with the sales person as I asked for help....which I never do.  I'm tall...I tell her [Obviously].  Looking for a straight cut that would work with my shape.  She said I could try the "curvy" because that doesn't mean what you'd think it means [Ok?].   The pair that worked best for me, fit great except they gaped at the small of my back.  Don't know what that means?  I think it might have to do with my buns.  I couldn't fit into the smaller size.  After this, the Gap employee said I must be an "irregular" size.  At which point I just wished my sister was with me to help me find a pair of jeans.  

Of course, I told my sister about the whole experience and she said I should probably get pregnant and move into maternity pants.  

Pregnancy, ah, yes, the memories...of stretchy pants and bigger bras.  

Linking up with Just Write.

2 Months In: Clothing Fast

Two months in on my year long fast from buying new clothes.   

Good thing I gave myself the exception of buying new underwear and socks.  I'm wondering if after the year I will have the best sock & underwear collection ever.

There are things I didn't consider when I set my goal.  Like, what if I gain weight?  It might finally be happening.  This is a good thing.  For me, as long as I can remember, I've been in pursuit of curves. Remember the jeans I mentioned having here?  I've cut two from the line-up.  The first pair were creating the dreaded "muffin top" which is never a good look.  Either I'm not as slim as I think or I'm not as toned.  Or something.  The second pair ripped.  No worries, I've still got 5 pairs of jeans left.  

I've purchased two things second hand which doesn't break any of my "rules" since I'm not consuming I'm just bringing home items already in circulation.  Rescuing them, really, and giving them a second chance and the love they need.  

• A 100% cotton button up shirt for $3.99.  
• A long, light brown cotton & cashmere cardigan for $4.99.   It's perfect for fall and, because it's long, it could help if any of my other jeans start looking a bit too "J-Lo".

It's going well.  I can do this.  Ten months left.  

The Fabric of Our Lives

[Image: Kate Bosworth, a face of cotton, via ]

The other day I was thinking I should write an update on my clothing fast.  You know, tell how things are going.  I was feeling like, you know...it's time.  Then I realized it had been 10 DAYS since my first post with my goal.  10.  Days.  

What have I done?!

Clearly, this is going to be harder for me than I originally thought...if I feel like 10 days is a celebration.

I've been a good girl.  I have not purchased any clothing.  I mostly haven't been in any clothing stores.  

Already I'm rethinking how I will purchase clothes differently when this fast is over.  Maybe this is a little premature, to be thinking how I'll shop, since I have another 300 plus days left on the fast.

I'll share what I'm thinking for you, since someone else must be shopping.  I'm also surprised by the feedback I've gotten.  More than a few people have told me they have considerably less clothes than I do.  I still can't believe this.  I don't think I have a lot of clothes.  Either I must be in denial or those who have more clothes don't tell.  

#1.  I would buy fewer but higher quality items.  

• Example, I got this solid black, long sleeved, v-neck, 100% cotton top for my birthday.  Fits great.  Goes with almost everything.  It looks just as good as it did a month ago and I've worn it and washed it a few times.  I also got another top, a thin, lacey, rayon, nylon one.  I don't think it's going to last long.

#2.  I would buy more natural fiber clothes.  

• I'd read labels to see what they are made of and say no [more often] to nylon, polyester, synthetics, and yes to more cotton.  Clothes that last longer [cotton, wool, silk, cashmere, or blends of those].  Makes me think of the cotton commercials.  "The fabric of our lives".  Love this one with Zooey Deschanel.  

Or this one...

And this one.  Ok, enough.  I just love them.  

#3.  I would buy more staples.

• The building blocks of a wardrobe.  Things along the lines of this list.  Since I started my fast I realized I don't have a pair of black dress pants.  They'd be good to have.  I'd get a few more of the "essentials" and less of the rest.    

I do have a pair of black, yoga pants.  Not appropriate for the job interview but perfect for days like today.  I hope they last all year.  

Linking up with The Better Mom.

What's in my closet?

• 7 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of leggings
• 7 camis
• 10 tank tops or sleeveless tops
• 16 short sleeved tops or tees
• 1 sleeveless, light sweater
• 4 pairs of shorts
• 6 sweaters/cardigans
• 7 long [or three quarter length] sleeved shirts
• 3 button up, collared shirts [long or three quarter length sleeve]
• 7 skirts
• 2 pairs of dress pants/trousers
• 8 dresses
• 4 blazers/jackets
• 2 short, mini-sweaters [shrugs?]
• 15 pairs of shoes/boots [plus 2 pairs outdoor,winter boots, 1 pair of flip flops, and 2 pairs of sandals]
• 3 purses
• 9 scarves

I currently have all my clothes [summer & winter] together and nothing in my "off season" tote.  In addition to my closet, I have a minimal amount of pjs, yoga pants, and workout clothes in my dresser.

So, here's my starting point and arsenal for my year long "Clothing Fast":

[Not pictured, 3 pairs of shoes.  Two pairs are athletic shoes.]

What's in your closet?  Do tell.  

Clothing Fast: 365 Days

I've decided.  I'm taking a year off from buying clothes. 

I have been intrigued by the idea and inspired by my friend, Leslie, who resolved in January not to buy any new clothes for a year.   Read about it here.  

My reasons?  

• I wonder what this experience could teach me over the year.  
• I dislike consumerism and a disposable mentality 
• I think by eliminating all new clothes for a year it could help me to focus on more important things.
• I have enough.  Tomorrow I am going to post about what's in my closet.
• It will cause me to take care of what I have more.  
• It will push me to be more creative with what I wear and use what I have. 
• When my fast is over, I think I will buy fewer things but higher quality, staple pieces. 
• For me, it's not really about money, although I'm sure it will save time, money, and mental energy.  I'll be free from trying on clothes in fitting rooms for a year! 

I may be overly ambitious right now.  I just had my birthday and, as a result, have more cute things in my closet. I'm feeling set with my birthday gifts and fall things.  I'm pretty sure it might wear off come spring.

I've decided my fast will be from my 35th birthday 'til my 36th. I'm kind of rounding down but birthday 'til birthday will be easy to remember.  I must confess, I have bought brown, leather boots since my birthday.  They are beauties.  I didn't know I was going to start the fast when I bought them but good thing I squeaked them in before the fast started!   

I am going to give myself a little liberty to purchase new socks and underwear through the year.  I mean really.  

Other than than, no new clothes for one year unless they are gifted.  If I'm desperately in need of something, I may give myself permission to thrift  [minimally].  Also, if there's an emergency...say my swimsuit breaks.  Well, you never know, it could happen.  

I'd love someone to join me on my adventure.  Send me a message or comment if you'd like to.  I'd also love to hear reasons why you would or wouldn't do it or what you think it might teach you.  Do you think it's crazy?  Talk to me. 

Linking up with The Better Mom.