October 19, 2009
six weeks in my closet
I’m packing to go to Chicago tomorrow (well right now I’m not packing, right now I’m sitting on the floor looking at the very small pile of clothes on the bed and wondering what exactly I’m going to wear on Wednesday because all I have picked out are a pair of underwear and some ballet flats) and I’ll tell you what, nothing makes you rethink your closet like trying to pack for a trip.
Or two trips, really, in two weeks. Yes, that will do it.
While I’ve been packing and unpacking and repacking, I’ve been thinking — and writing — about not shopping, specifically about what it would take to go an entire year without shopping.
Not me, mind you. I’m not giving up shopping. Rachelle is. Good lord no, not me.
I couldn’t go a year without shopping, but I could go something like six weeks, which happens to be exactly how long until the end of November. So that’s what I’m doing: I’m giving up shopping (for clothes for myself) for the next six weeks. But there’s one caveat: Wade and I are supposed to go to a black tie function in early November, and I do not have a dress, not one that can stand up to Wade’s (borrowed) tuxedo. So I’ll be shopping for that.
But! To make it more interesting (because what’s the point of shopping if it isn’t interesting?) I’m only going to shop thrift and consignment stores for a dress. Ooh does that make you nervous? Because it makes me a little nervous. God only knows what I will find.
In the mean time, when I’m not out looking for the Perfect Vintage Evening Gown (For Under $100), I’ll be doing my best to take my own advice about shopping my closet, which is how I wound up wearing a summery dress layered over a blouse with my boots today. Go me! Next up: Funky patterned tights. Possibly with peep toed shoes! Get ready.
For the next six weeks, I’ll be posting photos of what I’m wearing here and in The Working Closet Flickr pool, and writing about my not shopping adventures at BlogHer. I would like for this to be less about the not shopping (which implies a kind of pining for things at J. Crew and counting down to actually buying them) and more about rethinking what I already own (because truly, I have some lovely things — just not a black tie appropriate gown).
And now I have to go stuff some things in my suitcase and get on the road again. Coming soon: Photos of me with a turkey. Yes, really! But not a live turkey, a Butterball turkey. I know you’re excited. Especially since I might be wearing nothing but underwear and ballet flats.
Posted by Susan @ 10:38 pm • pretty things, other places
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October 19th, 2009 at 10:51 pm, kat Says:
i think it’s fantastic that you’re going to shop thrift and consignment places! i have a favorite store near me which is made to look like a little boutique and i LOVE it. i always find things there - the owner is great and i have saved a LOT.
but..wow black tie. that is …well impressive! does ebay count as consignment?
October 20th, 2009 at 12:04 am, Sonnya Says:
Ok, so…I gotta ask…..did you really wear that today? It was SO NICE here! (read:warm) You look all ready for fall and I spent the day in soccer shorts and a sleeveless tshirt…mostly outside at soccer scrimmages and practices. I think Susan needs to get outside more! Sunshine, girlfriend, is your friend!
October 20th, 2009 at 6:47 am, Corey Says:
I love shopping consignment for formal occasions! There used to be a shop here that sold consigned and some new dresses. Even the new ones were half off because it was a consignment store. I got some really great things!
October 20th, 2009 at 8:58 am, Alex Says:
What a lovely outfit. And the boots are magnificent. I look forward to the cool outfits to come.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm, Mary Says:
You are going to Chicago and have vowed no shopping????
You must not have any free time during your trip or want the ultimate test of your will.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:33 pm, Amira @ DefineMature.com Says:
Oh, I like what you’re wearing.
It’s much too warm here for long sleeves, but then again, it’s summer for like the majority of the year around here. Plus the Gulf adds so much humidity…ACK..
October 20th, 2009 at 9:35 pm, Chris Says:
I made the “No clothes shopping for a year” my New Years resolution on December 31st, 2008. Over 10 months later I am happy to report that I have been successful in not buying a single piece of clothing. The most interesting thing about this experiment is that I have stopped missing shopping sprees. In fact they never even cross my mind any more. Instead I have realized how many clothes I already have and that there is no need to add more.
Who knows how long this trend will continue through 2010 and beyond.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:07 pm, Amy Says:
So you think it’s fine to wear flat boots with skirts? I tried that look for the first time last week when I went to teach high schoolers. I felt funny about it and asked my stylish female students who were gathering up their things at the end of class if they thought I’d done okay with my outfit, as I consider myself “boot challenged.” The two of them looked at me uncomfortably and agreed that I’d have been better off with heeled boots when wearing a skirt. But then I see other girls wearing short, summery dresses with Uggs! I feel very confused about boots….are there any boot guidelines that you’d care to share? Thanks!
October 27th, 2009 at 3:11 pm, Allyson/@HBMomof2 Says:
I went to the other website and read her challenge and I think I am going to try it. I am actually really looking forward to it. I have recruited a bunch of friends to do it with me, just like when I go on diets. (Yes, I said diets, with a plural.) Anyway, we are going on a one year clothes diet. I found that most of my very successful, college educated friends have already been cutting back to the bone for other reasons, but not one mentioned it until my email. So good luck to you and 6 weeks and I will continue to read, just to live vicariously through your purchases!
October 28th, 2009 at 9:52 pm, emery jo Says:
have you found the dress yet? i saw some really great ones the other day while thrifting…