Happy New Year, everyone!
After I posted my closet inventory over the past week, I think I've pinpointed a few other things I need to get rid of and clean out, so it was definitely beneficial! I think I finally discovered a consistent style in 2012, and I'm excited to look at my closet differently in 2013. Other than getting rid of a few extraneous and redundant items, I thought the next logical step would be to discuss my closet's future in 2013.
In 2013, I plan to take a break from shopping. I know, I know...
Obviously, this will be hard, so I came up with a few rules and goals for me and my blog next year:
After I posted my closet inventory over the past week, I think I've pinpointed a few other things I need to get rid of and clean out, so it was definitely beneficial! I think I finally discovered a consistent style in 2012, and I'm excited to look at my closet differently in 2013. Other than getting rid of a few extraneous and redundant items, I thought the next logical step would be to discuss my closet's future in 2013.
In 2013, I plan to take a break from shopping. I know, I know...
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| Credit here |
- I am allowed to shop with birthday money and giftcards. I will only pay the amount of tax on the purchase out of pocket (I think that's fair, right?). So, anything "new" that you see in my blog from now on, I bought before December 31st. I will update my Closet Inventory page with any new purchases in 2013.
- I resolve to buy clothes or shoes for special occasions only. I think that this will be a nice treat for me in between non-shopping spells, but I will try hard not to justify buying something to wear for a future special event.
- I need a quality pair of jeans. I am letting myself break the no-shopping rule in order to invest in a nice pair (or two) at some point this year. As for other items still on my "wish list," I will attempt to track them down when I have birthday money or giftcards.
- Make-up and beauty items don't "count" as shopping. I've found a basic look that works for me and I tend to shop within that look (meaning, I don't have a shopaholic issue here! ha!).
- Also, work out gear doesn't count as "shopping." Running is a top personal priority this year, so I need some quality support!
- If an item falls apart, I am allowed to replace it (within reason, of course).
- Because I wear skirts so much, I'm making it a personal and blog goal to wear pants to work once a week.
- Last, I'm not going to accept c/o items for my blog in 2013. I want my blog to reflect a realistic working woman's budget and keep my closet as relatively minimal as possible.
- I will, however, accept more skirts from my mom. You're forewarned.
- (by the way, she has officially created an Etsy! She plans to do monogramming, purses and clutches, pillows/house decor, and skirts! I'll let you know when she opens for business.)
These rules are not meant to make it easier for me to excuse shopping, I just wanted to make it more realistic than a complete ban on anything and everything. Yes, it's going to be hard...and I almost don't expect myself to adhere to the rules all the time. I imagine there will be heavy temptation when I see an item that I really want. I be as open and honest about my struggles, failures, and successes with this endeavor. I am looking forward to your support and advice through the shopping break.
What do you think about my goals and rules? Did I leave anything out?
XO,
30 comments:
Well done, Whitney! I think you've set some reasonable and workable goals for yourself. I can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!
Good luck on your goals this year! I can't wait to visit your mom's etsy shop!
I really need to go through my closet and figure out what works and doesn't for the new year. Thanks for sharing your series! I think sometimes taking a break from shopping is helpful, and it seems like you've set up a few good guidelines to help yourself. Cheer to 2013!
I'm so excited for you! You'll feel so accomplished and happy with your wardrobe and after a few weeks, you won't even think about shopping anymore! You have a great wardrobe to work with, so I'm excited to see all the different ways you can wear things. Once you've worn an item several different ways, I'd love to see collages of all of the different outfits - I think that would be so inspiring! Happy New Year doll!
Hi, I've started reading your blog this year. I think its really inspiring to see how nice you look and what great outfits you put together, knowing from your closet inventory that you really are on a budget. I look forward to your 2013 plans. X
Your "rules" sound perfect! I went out yesterday to do some shopping and decided to stick with only replacing items in my closet or filling holes from items I'd sold with the intention of replacing. Because of that I only bought one thing (a white blazer)!
i admire you so much for doing this, just because i don't know if i will ever be to the point where i can say that i'm happy enough with my wardrobe as it is that i can try the same thing. i'm getting there--i spent a lot of time last night weeding out clothes from my closet and just saying goodbye and being done with it--but i have a ways to go. i'm looking forward to hearing about how this works for you throughout the year and will always be available to cheer you on if it gets a little tough (the thought of steering clear from the goodwill for an entire makes me break out in a cold sweat!).
Good luck on your shopping ban! I think it good to allow yourself gift cards and special occasions. It is kind of like a diet, if you say no never, that is all you will think about! I can't wait to see how this turns out.
Lady you're like superwoman. I think this is such a great goal, and really realistic. I can't wait to see how you do!
Samantha @ Sam ipsa loquitur
Good luck
These are great rules. Am I out of the loop though--what does " I'm not going to accept c/o items for my blog in 2013" mean?
Totally LOVE this! I too, need to do a HUGE closet overhaul AND I need to stop adding to the closet. I think I'll follow your lead and aim to be much more purposeful with my buying. Thanks for the inspiration!
So glad you're on board! I'm hoping that the extra $ in my account will help out with some vacation planning or help me to be more charitable. :)
c/o means "care of" or "courtesy of." I'm making a resolution not to accept any "free" or gratuitous items from companies to review for my blog in 2013. I want my outfits to be solely influenced from my closet. :)
Thank you! I think I will need it...
Oh gosh, I don't know about superwoman! I've already been tempted by all the sales! ha! I am anxious to see how this year pans out, but I'm optimistic that I'll be more purposeful with my money.
Agreed 100%! You're absolutely right! If you deny yourself everything all the time, that makes for a dull life. ;)
I have been getting so overwhelmed with "what do I need next?" for my wardrobe, that I want 2013 to be a grateful year of appreciation for what I have. I think that was the biggest driving factor -- not even necessarily that I'm happy with my wardrobe!
I admire your hardcore thrifting skills! I wish I were that good at it!
That's awesome! That took some amazing self-control! :)
I completely agree that I'll feel accomplished and happy -- I'm looking forward to putting that money toward more meaningful things and changing my focus away from how more stuff makes me happy. I'll definitely do some collages!
So glad you found it helpful. :) Happy New Year, friend!
I will definitely put a link up when she has it up and running!
Thank you!
I am excited about 2013, as well! Thank you so much!
Love this idea! I recently put together a "shopping list" of things that my closet is missing...and I'm only allowing myself to purchase things on that list. As a poor graduate student, I need to be more accountable for my purchases, and I certainly have enough with what I currently own.
I like that your intention is to be happy with what you already have. That's a message I think we all can take to heart :) Good luck! I'm excited to see what this year brings!
That's an excellent way to stick to a budget! That's what I did (or tried to do) in 2012. Let me know how it works for you!
I completely agree -- I think we all have so much more than we need, and it's nice to stop and be thankful (and give away the excess).
that is an excellent point. when i think that i bought 200 pieces of clothes/shoes/accessories this year it kind of makes me crazy... i am going to do some thinking about my clothing budget for 2013 or maybe only allot myself x number of items each month. i'm feeling the itch to be a little more mindful about my clothing purchases.
I think the key is not trying things on! If I don't try it on I won't feel like I have to get it.
You know I think this is great! i meant to post earlier but for some reason I couldnt when you first posted this. If you find temptation shoot me an email or text and I'll talk you out of buying---bahaha! Excited about the challenge :)
I am admittedly one of the "lurkers from the corner" when it comes to commenting online. However, I felt obliged to tell you that I am absolutely inspired by your story, your ambition to reflect and your willingness to make yourself vulnerable to all of us out here in cyberland. I love your ideas and your honesty and I look forward to another year of fashion growth (with your help)! :)
Thank you for taking some time to de-lurk! I appreciated the kind comment! I truly appreciate your sincerity! You're too sweet!
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