RULES!!

Reader Questions

Well, I don’t know if these people are actually readers, but they are my friends and family who have been asking about what I’m doing here.  When I told my mom about my challenge she sort of gasped and her eyes got wide.  Ha!  My mom is a very even keeled person so this was a funny reaction from her.  So, I’m sorry that I never really laid out the rules for this challenge BEFORE it started but hopefully this will help!

Question:  Is your ban just for new clothes?  Can you shop at thrift and consignment stores?

Answer:  Sigh.  This project is about not buying any clothes…at all.  I had to make that rule because even when I was shopping a lot I considered myself “thrifty”.  This meant that I found a lot of fabulous (and sometimes unnecessary) clothing and very good prices!  Clothes Mentor is great for a deal!  But my problem is that the great deal could be on a black fringy mini-skirt and I would buy it.  $10 for THIS?!  Don’t mind if I do!  But then I don’t.  I don’t wear it.  Because um, Midwestern hospital office employees that spend their weekends watching Netflix don’t have much use for those types of clothing items.  That black fringy mini-skirt is sitting in my closet.  I didn’t even try it on at the store.  Once I found out that it was $10 plus 25 percent off my eyes glazed over and I opened my wallet.  Maybe someone I’ll wear it?  That was my reasoning, I guess?  But I have a closet full of things I’m not wearing.  When I look at it, I see dollar signs.  What could I have done with that money if I didn’t spend it on that useless skirt?  Now, we all need to have some fun pieces.  Don’t get me wrong!  But this year I need to buckle down and WEAR those fun pieces instead of acquiring more.  I promise if I wear that mini-skirt I will post it!  Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that.  Oh, geez…sorry about rambling.  No new clothes.  365 days.  That’s the deal.

Question:  What about accessories?

Answer:  When I started this project I told myself that accessories are OK to buy.  The first reason is that I’m so picky.  All of my earrings, bracelets and rings fit into one super fancy Tupperware container.  The second reason is that I don’t want to be completely left out of shopping with my girlfriends.  If I go to the mall with a friend I’d like to be able to browse SOMETHING.  So, I’ve chosen accessories.  I have plenty of panties and bras.  I don’t have too many PJ’s but I consider those clothes so too bad for me.  Basically, I felt that accessories might spruce up the clothes already in my closet and help me work with what I’ve got in there.  I would like to buy some 99 cent headscarves from Ohio Thrift and see if I can pair them with lots of denim capris and cardigans this summer!  I’m a bit worried about gym clothes.  But honestly, I can get through the year.  I don’t have to look fancy at the gym!  People, I have so many scarves.  You don’t even want to know.  But I’m sure at some point in this challenge I will count them.  I do not need more scarves.  (repeat)

Question:  Why one year?

Answer:  Because I think it sounds impressive!

Question:  What about gift cards?

Answer:  Yeah, I can use them.  My mom sometimes gets me a gift card for my birthday (in May).  If she does I will either save it, or use it for a white cardigan (something I feel I actually NEED for summer.)  I won’t just be begging people for gift cards, though.  That feels dishonest!

Question:  Are you worried?

Answer:  Yes.  I’m worried that I will fail or stop blogging to stay accountable.  I’m afraid of summer.  I really don’t like summer very much and sometimes shop my way thru it, if that makes sense.  The high temps and humidity stress me out and I just don’t like the clothes as much.  I’m worried that I’ll cave when the weather turns warm.  But I’m working on a battle plan (see above for thrift store head scarf plans).  I just need to try and keep it fun and realize that it’s just temporary.  Also, if I don’t like summer clothes…why spend money on them?  I have enough maxi dresses to get me thru to fall.