This month’s activities included some of my heavy-lifting job (jeans, cotton turtlenecks, sweatshirts), a few lunches and dinners out with friends, and one cocktail party. I already owned everything I needed for all of these activities, so I never felt that “need” to buy new clothes. And I stay out of the way of temptation in stores, I’ve cut out all catalogs; overall, I felt only the occasional twinge of admiration for something. Admiration does not HAVE to equal desire; more on that idea tomorrow.
Good for you! And good for me/us as well. Thanks to all your ideas and stylin'I don't "need" anything either. Maybe a replacement of a well-worn item next month. I wanted to say that you've encouraged me to dig out– and wear– some of the items in my large collection of accessories. It's been a real lift to my morale. Living in a tiny northern village surrounded by farms, the occasions for dressing "up" are few, but I can at least enjoy the lovely things sitting in my drawers and jewlry case.
Smiles to you–
Swissy
Thank you for the motivation to start my own shopping fast. I've lasted one month so far. And I've purged a couple of bags of clothes too. Not adding new clothes for a month has given me a chance to sep back and notice how little I can wear in one month.
Congratulations!
I have a question, and I hope it doesn't seem rude…are the clothes pictured above actually your real clothes, or an approximation of what you own???
You have such a gorgeous wardrobe, it's no wonder you can make it through a shopping fast!
I totally enjoy your site, it gives me so many great ideas.
the clothing pictured above is just an approximation – but an awfully close one – many of the brands are the same. I'm trying to photograph my own things, but the sun's going to have to shine quite a bit more in Chicago before that will be possible! and thanks for being here!
"Admiration does not always have to equal desire."
This rings so true: I have found that creating 'wishlists' and inspirational collages actually assists me in making more use of the clothes that I already own. Just being able to see the items before you, as opposed to shuffling around in the wardrobe always tends to inspire fresh ideas, new ways of pairing things up, etc. I'm sure you mentioned this in a previous post somewhere, which delighted me! It is a refreshing feeling to have reached the point where looking doesn't have to lead to purchasing (even if the temptation flutters by). And it's true, as the comments above have said – it is surprising how much we already have to work with when we really take the time to look. I wonder about how brainwashed our culture has become… whatever propelled us to develop such an unhealthy obsession with constant renewal?
With your inspiration I too have started a shopping fast. I have now completed one month. I had moved half my clothes into the guest bedroom and I am just wearing the remaining half. I am hoping to wear these so often that I can throw them away in a year or so. My goal is to reduce my total wardrobe by a minimum of 20% by year's end. Then I will reassess and so if I need to do another year.
Major finding is that it only takes half the time to dress each day becuase I only have half the choice. And I am NOT getting tired of wearing the same things. Its been a revelation and a sort of release. Thank You.
If I may chime in as I cringe when I read "throw away" clothing.
Please don't throw them away:( If at all possible, please donate or recycle anything that is truly threadbare. There are places that one can recycle if you do a search for your town/city:)
I just found your blog and absolutely love it. I have been attempting to narrow my wardrobe down to just key pieces. I have decided that 2012 would be my year of living simple but I actually call it “Living the Parisian Lifestyle”. I searched the internet/blogs/books for the “key pieces” that I could spice up with accessories. However, after endlessly searching I couldn’t seem to find what the key pieces were. Sure I could find “10 Key Pieces” (white shirt/blazer/leather biker jacket/black dress/etc…) but that just didn’t seem to answer my questions. Then I found your website and you have a handle on what I have been trying to find. Your “crazy eights” and how to mix & match and accessorizing them are fantastic! Thank you very much for blogging and sharing your ideas.
I have been following the website for months now… Thank you for your inspiration. I am having a no spend year so this piece is interesting in using what you all ready have in your closet.
When exactly did you begin your shopping fast? I would like to read about it from the beginning. I am new to the site and am enjoying it immensely. I recently retired and have been clearing out much of my "unusable" wardrobe, replacing with new pieces. But I may have shopped in haste. My choices do not necessarily coordinate with what I have left- many pieces, few outfits.
I started back in September. I think if you click on the "Labels" tag that says "my wardrobe", it should show you all of the relevant posts about my wardrobe cleaning, and the fast.
thanks for being here,
Vivienne