OWNCloset:: 21 Things I have learned

I have  gone 363 days with out shopping! Some people think I am absolutely nuts for giving myself a personal challenge like this, they are in disbelief that I would volunteer for this, and they can't imagine not having new clothes! But during the year, I learned somethings about myself, my closet, and what is actually like to NEED something!

Things I have learned ~
1. I wear the same 4-5 tops each season.
2. You really don't need a new dress for every wedding.
3. I don't have great fashion sense, so who cares if its not up to date!
4. I need to buy outfits, or else the top or skirt will never be worn.
5. I am missing some basic staples.... like black heels.
6. I have enough sweatpants, t-shirts to outfit the entire state of South Carolina.
7. I have a lot more free time when I am not shopping! I would just go to the mall to kill time!
8. Nobody calls you out if you repeat an outfit.
9. I have things in my closet that should have never been bought.
10. I still have things in my closet that I haven't worn in 363 days.
11. Not shopping for yourself, made Christmas shopping a lot quicker.
12. On average I spend $100 month on clothes or shoes. (Trust me, there where months that were much higher!)
13. I need to make better choices when purchasing a purse.
14. Moving to a town with a 'crappy' mall has helped a lot during this past year.
15. I really need black shoes. I pair I was using as a universal pair just broke!
16. I wear my work clothes even when I am not at work.
17. My fiance doesn't even realize if a shirt is new, old, pretty, or ugly, so why does it matter if I have a new outfit for Valentine's Day?
18. I don't think I have a set style.
19. I really only need 3 pairs of jeans, because that's all I wear.
20. I really should Good Will my clothes at least twice a year to get stuff out of my way!
21. I have a slight problem with t-shirts, and can't seem to break up with them.

6 months of OWNcloset

Wow! Its been 6 months since I challenged myself not to go shopping for a year! It hasn't been a joy ride, but it has been easier than I expected.  In the first few weeks, it was exciting and sorta easy because everyone thought I was nuts and would never make it. So it was sorta like I wanted to prove them wrong.  As the fall went on, I got busy with work and broke out the fall clothes so I was looking at 'new' things in my closet... Yes ... I started to 'trick' myself that I had new clothes. I really wanted to go buy some new boots, and skinny jeans. So far I have rocked my old wardrobe, repeated things, and felt good along the way. I haven't been spotted by the fashion police (that I know of) and have noticed a difference in my bank account.

Post Christmas shopping and sales almost had me break down! I found these super cute shoes, at an AWESOME price, during the extra clearance sale and Dillard's .. and I really really really wanted them! I begged Marc to buy them for me (since that wouldn't be 'breaking' the rules) but he said NO! ( It may have been the sequins...) After I left the mall empty handed I started thinking ... Last year I would have bought a ton of stuff on clearance, just because it was a 'good' price .. not because I NEEDED it... so hopefully this year of not buying is teaching me better self control at the mall... Ha...

So back up, the main reason we were at the mall... Because I could buy new bras, panties, and socks! WOO HOOO!! I made it 6 months!! REWARD!!! Ahem .. more like replacement! After a mini shopping spree (with in the budget) I was super excited! I made sure when I brought these new things into my wardrobe that I threw out old things. Let's be real.... If I won't wear it this year .... I'll never wear it!

I'll be dreaming about these shoes for another 178 days. I am sure there will be many more pairs that I want, just need to have, can't pass up, beg Marc to buy, but I will be STRONG! I will make it to JULY 1st 2013!!

OWNCloset Update

168 days since I have gone shopping! Its been pretty easy so far. Work has kept me very busy with little to no down time, and we have a terrible mall. So the combination has worked out wonderfully.

I must say, my Christmas shopping has been a lot more focused since I can't shop for myself. Its actually been quite nice.  As far as my Christmas list, its been a little hard to come up with since I haven't been in a mall to see things for my wish list.

I can honestly say I have wore clothing that hasn't been out of my closet for at least 5 years. I was able to update a navy dress with some newer accessories and even got some compliments! I also have tossed some things into the goodwill box. Because, lets be real - If I don't want to wear it this year ... I'll never wear it!

I am SUPER excited for my half way point!!! JANUARY 1st! That means I am able to go SHOPPING! But... only for new under things :) If I am unable to go on New Year's Day, I will allow myself to go over the weekend... but not twice :) Now this may be TMI - but I am seriously afraid of buying uncomfortable bra or underwear, since I will have to wait until July to replace it!

If you are just catching this blog and wondering what I am talking about check here for an explanation.

Cousin B!

I feel guilty that I have convinced some friends go do this challenge with me. While I don't think I twisted their arms (to hard)- i feel bad when they ask for permission to buy clothes. By no means are my rules the end all be all, so I feel bad they are suffering with me. (But, honestly, I am happy I am not alone!)

My cousin is in need of a party dress for a wedding coming up and claims to have nothing in her closet. Various reasons... Size, style, appropriate, season, color, etc...  So she went shopping! IN OTHER FRIENDS CLOSET! YIPPEE for Cousin B! While she wasn't successful, she at least exhausted all options before heading to the local mall. At the mall she found something described as a 'navy, classic, staple dress for the future'. 

While she may 'break the pact' as she stated it, I count this as a win still. Before any of us started OWNCloset, we would have never considered borrowing clothes or shopping in friends' closets as our first option.  Nor would we have bought a staple dress with the thought of wearing it again.

Yay Cousin B! Hope you splurged on some good accessories from your mom or sisters' closets! 

OWNCloset Update

278 days

39 weeks

9 months 

UNTIL I CAN GO SHOPPING! Wow, put it like that and I don't know if I will make it! It seems like forever, worse then waiting for Christmas, vacation, or your birthday. 

I'll bring you up to speed on a few things related to OWNCloset...

I can't bring myself to unsubscribe to my millions of retail emails. And it is painful when I delete an email title ... 70% off TODAY ONLY! I will say deleting email is easier then throwing away my family and friends coupons for Macy's... And knowing their is an $11.47 credit on my Macy's credit card is even worse. It's like free money just sitting there, and I can't spend it.

I can honestly say this is the first time since I was 14 that I already started a Christmas list. I don't consider clothes and accessories on my list as cheating because you are allowed to except gifts. (Check the rules, just can't lobby for them!) But, I am worried that my family may laugh, and go with other gift options to make me really suffer in my OWNCloset.... Please be nice Santa, I have been good!!!

I recently went to Old Navy to purchase a gift for a friend, and well... I am somewhat thankful I can't buy new clothes. I had a hard enough time embracing and welcoming skinny jeans to my closet.... Let alone NEON COLORED skinny jeans. But I am happy to report that I had total self control and was able to browse ANd walk out empty handed. ( Minus the gift of course.)

88 days

13 weeks

3 months ( almost) 

Of NO SHOPPING!

Busy Season

Tis the Season, and I don't hear any Christmas music. Soccer is in full swing and we opened with ACC play in Boston and Maryland. I thought BC and Miami were long road trips, but as we welcome Notre Dame to the ACC- travel will get more exciting. Between the new addition to the ACC and the Apple press conference, I don't know what is bigger in my world! iPhone 5!?!

Clemson kicked off the football season, and is now 3-0. They head to Florida State this weekend for College Game Day.  Speaking of Florida, Marc's parents are coming for a visit this weekend. We haven't seen them since the Bahamas so it will be a great visit.

Another visit that is over due is to my college roomie.  She took the OWNCloset Challenge, and I am sad to say she went shopping! Not sure if I am sad, or jealous, or both... but with good reason, she needed to look stunning at a boyfriend's family function ... so I guess we will let her slip this time.

Slipping from Summer to Fall is happening as we speak, the Clemson sunsets continue to look fabulous and the crisp fall air is rolling in.  I haven't had a Pumpkin Spice Latte yet, surprised Facebook hasn't revolted against me yet. Heavens, its soon time for Peppermint Mocha season....

Back to School NOT shopping!

The other crazy lovely ladies that are doing OWNcloset challenge with me are all school teachers. They are preparing their classrooms, working on lesson plans...err Pinterest projects and dreading the school bell just as much as the kiddos.  The best part of Back to School is tax free weekend and all the clothing sales as families stock up on new jeans, shirts, and gym shoes. This goes for teacher too! But not this year! So dig into the back of your closet, push as side the beach cover up and get excited about your TEACHER clothes!


Just remember:
1.Your kids are all new, and haven't seen your wardrobe ....unless they are on the 13 year plan.
2.You haven't seen your teacher clothes since May...so its like a fresh start.
3.Your coworkers are teachers...not stylists from People Magazine.
4.Your clothes aren't as old as your school supplies....or the janitor.
5.You won't get sent to the principals office for a repeat sweater offense.

Realizations

I was emailing back and forth with my mom about a family friend's wedding and travel plans. I immediately got excited for 3 reasons.

1. It's a WEDDING!
2. I can GO because it is after soccer season.
3. I can get a NEW dress.

I love getting new dresses for fancy events and normally start looking way before I need it. I quickly went from high to low when I realized that I can't buy a new dress. And.... gasp... I have to repeat something in my closet.  I have plenty of dresses, and don't wear them often so the repeat offense shouldn't be to big of a deal, but man I was seriously bummed out.  I posted a facebook status related to not shopping for a new dress and got instant feedback. Lots of girl friends posted or texted that I can go shopping in their closets and they would be glad to have a virtual fashion show! Instantly I was back on track with OWNcloset, and super excited that my friends are so supportive of me completing the challenge!  I only have 323 days to go...

Compare!

So if your started OWNcloset on July1st with me: CONGRATULATIONS on surviving your first month! It wasn't that bad was it?! You can hate me now, but thank me later! Check out this quick math. Most of us use online banking and have access to last year's bank statements. Go ahead download July 2011 and do some math. Look at all the charges that fall in the category of clothing! If you don't do a monthly budget, you are going to be surprised!

At a glance I spent $179.46 on clothing and accessories in JULY alone!
$179.46 x 12 = $2153.52


The scary part for me is I didn't include a few charges at Target, because I am not sure what was actually purchased in the transaction, and I know me... July isn't really a big shopping month for me normally. So if I were to compare other months, it might be even more shocking.

Speaking of budgets, that is something I am also working on. I have a pretty intense budget template thanks to my excel guru sister but there are a lot of easy ones out there!  By just entering my receipts into categories I can see how much I spend on things like entertainment, fast food, and personal beauty. (aka CVS!)

Sorry for the side track, but back to July 2011 compared to July 2012. Now do you have motivation to stay on board for August?!

One Month Down

The first month of OWNcloset challenge is complete! Phew. Harder at times then I thought, but overall not to bad.  My challenge is about to get really easy as I start busy season at work and I am in work clothes 7 days a week. :) 

Stuff I have learned so far:

1. I still fit in all of my clothes in my closet. Even those in the back corner.

2. Not being able to shop for clothes and accessories makes errand running much faster.

3. Accessories are going to be the hardest thing NOT to buy because its an easiest way to change an outfit.

4. I tend to gravitate to the same tops anyway so why buy more?

                                         5. NOBODY thinks I am going to survive a year of my OWNcloset.

6. I am really glad my friends are doing it to!

                                         334 days to go

                                         152 days until I can buy 'under things'

                                         11 months to go! 

Guest Blogger!

When Abby asked me to join her OWNCloset challenge, I wasn’t sure I could do it. Mainly, because I like to shop. And I especially like to find good deals.  Who can honestly pass up a good sale? So I thought about it, and it sounds like exactly what I need to do.  There are plenty of clothes in my drawers and stuffed away in my closet that I am sure I haven’t worn in over a year.  I could really use a good closet cleaning/Good Will party…  Also, saving money is a priority right now, so I figured, WHY NOT?! I’ll jump on this bandwagon!

And then I went to Crabtree Mall in Raleigh....

Purpose of trip: get phone fixed.  

Obstacles of trip: EVERY. SINGLE. STORE I passed on the way to Apple.

My goodness did that take some self control. But, I am very proud to say that I left Raleigh without my debit card leaving my wallet!!! This is a win in my book.

Let me just tell you, it’s a blessing I live in Greenville where shopping is just pitiful.  Just don’t let Abby and me hang out and be near stores and we will be ok :)

~Tara

Thanks Tara for sharing your OWNcloset experiences! I am glad we are doing this together. I just wish we were closer to share clothes, and all of our new found free time. Stay strong! 

Temptations galore

Since I have started a new job I have been busy and not had much extra time to go shopping.  This weekend was different though - my mom and dad came to visit and generally my mom and I go shopping. EVERYDAY.   The first trip to Target for toilet paper was fine, easy, in and out.  The second trip to Target for a lamp shade was different.  Like most Targets the layout is the same; walk in and on the left hand side is the women's clothing. So that was our first stop.  My mom was looking for a bathing suit cover up and I was checking out all these cute stylish shirts.  I am loving the new lacy style tops, and the tops with solid on the front and sheer pattern in the back! So adorable!  I am proud to say I walked out EMPTY handed even though I reaaaaallly wanted something new! I didn't even get my lamp shade which was a bummer.  We also went to TJ Maxx where I saw the same cute tops.  They are haunting me. Which brings up a new thought - what if I make one of these tops? Is that cheating? I haven't decided yet.  While it is technically new, and adding something new to my closet,  I still didn't buy it?!?!  I feel like this first month or so will be all about rationalizing, and adding amendments to the rules of OWNcloset.

I have recruited two brave women to accept this challenge with me.

T- a very stylish college friend and elementary teacher who loves to shop, a good deal, and always up on the new trends. She pulls them off well too :)  She has accepted a 6 month challenge, but I hope to convince her into a  year after that!

B - my cousin who loves retail therapy and a good haircut just as much as I do; is going to start the challenge August 1st.  She is an artist with a creative mind so I don't see her failing the fashion gods even if she can't go shopping!

Anyone else out there going to accept the challenge? Let us know!

Rules and Regulations

OWNcloset has been a topic of conversation for a few weeks now. Friends, family and coworkers are doubting me and asking some good questions.

Are you allowed to lobby for clothes as presents?

NO! That is cheating.  My birthday is around the corner and if someone gets me something in the wardrobe category that is O.K but I can't point out, drop hints, ask for anything specifically.

Accessories ... to buy or not to buy?

I think the jury is still out. But if I am going to do this challenge to the fullest effect, then the answer is NO. No new jewelry, scarfs, shoes, hats, purses, bags etc ...

Is trading clothes by mail allowed?
Yes, but it has to be a TRADE! You can't convince your cousin in Miami (everybody has one...) to send you something new! You are borrowing something from their closet. Not Macy's racks.

Isn't it silly to spend $$$ on alterations and mailing clothes?
Yes, but see the project is really to use what you already have. And be happy with your stuff. Saving money from not shopping for a year is an extra benefit.

Why are you allowed to buy under things?
Let's be honest.... I am not a man, so if my underwear has a hole it in - I am not going to continue to wear. Or worse, just throw it out and NOT replace it.  Plus things in this category are close to your skin, get oils on them, get washed daily, and just plain wear out.  I think the half way mark is a good compromise.

If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments and I will answer them!

Day 10

OWNcloset: Day 10

I have to pack for a professional conference where we have to dress up. Which I don't get; nikes and sweats are dress code in the ATR. Hmmph. Oh well, it brings me to today's challenge of OWNcloset: trendy summer dress clothes.  I would normally run to TJ Maxx and buy something new but that's not allowed.  I put together a few outfits with pieces I haven't worn in at least 4 years. So either classic style never goes out of style, or I wasn't in style 4 years ago. 

You be the judge: navy pencil skirt, white tailored shirt, tan wedges and a chunky necklace.

Another plus side to not buying new clothes is your have to fit into your old ones :) So that means Cook Out runs are going to be kept to a minimum and maybe I will finally figure out how to enjoy running.