the official end of SwoC

I think I'd be the biggest fraud since Milli Vanilli if I continued to claim I'm sticking to my SwoC anymore. It was fun while it lasted, and I've certainly learned a lot about my shopping habits, but it's time for a change. I am now content with the fact that I am a consumer, but because of my experiment I think I'm ready to embark on a new, more thoughtful kind of consumer. I did, for the most part, stick to my final plan of not purchasing new clothes in the month of August. BUT, I did go to the Barney's sale the other week and walk away with a nice little Generra jacket.

And today I hopped in to Daffy's, this discount store that frequently stocks Tracey Reese and Plenty by Tracy Reese, along with the occasional See by Chloe top. I almost walked away clean, but then I spotted two random Frye boxes in the shoe section. Two pairs of grey grease Cavalry boots, and one of them in my size! I snapped them up. It's a no-brainer. These boots are quality (my third pair) and will last a few lifetimes. The subtle wet cement color is current but versatile, and the style of these boots is a little bit country, a little bit rock'n'roll- perfect for almost any occasion.

This purchase -- my first for fall '08 -- represents my new way of shopping. They're something I love, not like, and would have bought even if they weren't generously discounted. From now on, I'm into buying pieces that feel like me, not a passing trend.

SwoC?

You may have noticed that the SwoC posts have swiftly tapered to non-extant. There are a series of reasons for that, some of them benign and a few a bit alarming.... First, I've been consumed with work these days and find it too challenging to do more than the occasionally reblog of something I saw somewhere else. Second, for the most part, SwoC has become very routine for me, and I have few serious moments of temptation. That being said, the third reason I've avoided a SwoC post lately is because I had another slip-up. I bought new clothes. Online, nonetheless- they had to be shipped to me, causing senseless use of packing materials for the landfill and more carbon emissions. But...I think it was worth it.

To be truthful, while the first month of buying no new clothes was very rewarding, I found by the end of it that I'd come to a new understanding of my consumer habits vs. my actual needs. To be sure, I had been shopping waaaay too much, and for that reason I'm glad I embarked on this SwoC journey. BUT, I also realized that what my wardrobe lacked, despite constant new additions, was a solid base of tried-and-true classics that I could always turn to in order to look and feel stylish, and most importantly, like myself. The thing that made me realize this was my love for my Rogan for Target khaki shirt dress- one of the last new items before SwoC. I've worn it more times than most things in my closet in just one short month, and I gazed at the black version online, kicking myself for not having bought it as well while I was still allowed. Recently, all the Rogan stuff went on clearance, and I just jumped on it (and several other items). I figure I'll wear these items more often, which surely justifies the $10-$20 price tag of the clearance items, and also falls into my fresh understanding of my wardrobe needs. If I have a closet full of items I love, all the frivolous, cheap material, poor quality, trend items I used to pick up at F21 will no longer be needed. I'm not saying I'll get rid of the trend items I currently own, and certainly not that I won't purchase discount clothes again (hello? Target Go line), but I'm saying I'll think more deeply before running to the checkout line.

Aside from the Rogan slip-up (oops, I just realized that both of my SwoC hiccups were for Rogan items- both regular black label and the Target stuff), I have also allowed myself to buy some vintage items on the cheap via eBay and etsy (yes, shipping again!). But again, these items were purchased with more thought, and I'm certain they'll be getting a lot of wear.

As for Style without Consuming, I'm still sticking to it, but on new terms. I will not step into any clothing store just cause it's payday, or I feel like I deserve a treat. I will not buy all the cute, cheap trend items I can find. I will purchase items to fill holes in my wardrobe, carefully considering their versatility and how I'll feel wearing them. For the month of August, I plan to continue with strictly no new clothing shopping- sticking to thrift stores and maybe eBay and etsy.

Stay tuned.

Me in my vintage lemon yellow heavy linen dress with scalloped bodice and pocket detail from eBay

Salivating over...

...this hat!

Found via Lovepuppy, Katie Burley has an etsy shop!

Do not taunt me, Bunny.

The ever stylish Bunny Bisous shared that the Coney Island themed spring 08 Beckerman collection is on sale....

SwoC is not feeling so great right now.

SwoC: One Month and then some!

I've officially made it through my first month of SwoC, plus an additional week to make up for my little retail hiccup at the Rogan sample sale. How do I feel?
-I'm happy I was able to do this and exercise restraint in the area where I usually exercise indulgence.
-I'm also shocked that a month is reeeaaaallllly that long! Cutting off one of my favorite activities made this block of time stand out from the rest.
-I also feel invigorated- in recent weeks, I've gotten some great encouraging comments from readers and friends, and several have said that they've been inspired to cut out shopping for a month or more as well! Independent of my little blog, it seems excessive shopping is on a lot of people's consciouses, and others are also deciding to cut out the habit for a while. Several fashion/style bloggers I read have mentioned it lately.
-And I must admit, now that I've reached my planned stopping place for this project, I'm really ACHING to go shopping!

What this past month has shown me is how completely consumption has become ingrained in my life- I don't like that or want to continue that way. I've found that my interest in caring for the clothing items currently in my closet increased- I took stuff to the cleaners for the first time in months, realizing I'd have to wear them again, and I mended a few little things too. I've got really excited to come up with new ways of wearing the same stuff- a new creative outlet! I've found that I CAN (mostly) keep to a promise I make to myself, even when it means "hardship".

Today I'm celebrating the close of my month of SwoC by making a donation to offset my household's carbon for the year. Thanks to the wonders of matching gifts, this will stretch even further.

Will I continue down this path of Style without Consuming? Stay tuned to find out!

SwoC: No longer 21

After last week's shopping indiscretion, I feared my strength to resist other clothing buying opportunities had weakened. Walking down Fifth Avenue this evening in the perfectly breezy, sunny weather, I decided to pop in to Forever 21.... Admittedly, I was already thinking of how I would conceal my purchases from the watchful eye of my blog until after my SwoC deadline- June 30. But after wandering around the first floor of the 34th Street location, fighting my way through gaggles of tweens and their mothers - all rifling through the racks for an eyeleted summer fix for $20 - I started to wonder why I had even stepped through the door. Yeah, I'd spotted some very cute ruffly tops and a cute little pinafore dress, too, but I had plenty at home! The thought of guiltily shuffling through my front door with one more yellow plastic bag felt toxic. Out of habit, I got on the escalator to scan to goods upstairs. I noticed a few other cute-ish items, but nothing was getting me excited enough to wrestle it free from the tangle of hangers and spaghetti straps on the racks. Instead, I got back on the escalator and walked out the door empty handed.

So proud of myself, I am!

I realize my way of thinking has transformed a bit. While, granted- I did buy new clothes last week, I have begun to see the logic of not shopping just for the rush of shopping; grabbing any cheap little cute thing that catches my eye. I used to be a binge shopper. I could never go looking for one item and just buy that. I'd always have to grab 2 or 3 other things along with it- ESPECIALLY when in a bargain or cheap frills store. Now I think I'd prefer to be more selective. While still breaking my pledge last week, I did have the presence of mind to thoughtfully whittle down my purchases to just two key pieces for myself that I knew would add something to my wardrobe. Know what? It felt just as good to edit my purchases as it would have to buy everything that I would have normally. Living in New York and having the opportunity to go sample saling, I can make the money I keep out of chains like Forever 21 go further with some really quality, designer duds.

This is all not to say that I won't ever step foot in F21 again. I'm sure I'll shop there again. But it is to say that there is an awakening in me concerning shopping, or the limitation there of, that I find exciting. Petty as this topic may be, I feel as if I am getting a better grip of something in my life that needed addressing.

Swoc: The Walk of Shame

I had a little hiccup on Friday when walking around the Nolita, Little Italy and Tribeca neighborhoods.... I went there in search of a bon voyage gift for my old boss, and somehow ended up with a few new items for myself. I know this is really disappointing especially considering how close to the end of my month of no new clothing shopping I was (I fell off the wagon on day 22).


In my defense...they were really good deals, and they're made by the eco-responsible brand, Rogan.

I also couldn't resist a glass bead necklace from the SurEvolution sample sale- *technically* this doesn't even fall under that category of "new clothes".


Nonetheless, I am disappointed in myself for not sticking to my pledge, which I was finding very satisfying and creatively stimulating. So I'm back on the wagon once again, and have decided to tack another week on to the end of my SwoC month to pay penance. I'll now been done with my SwoC pledge on June 30, rather than the 23rd, and that week will allow for plenty of time to reflect on my shopping indiscretion.

SwoC: Day 18 Temptation!

I've entered another stressful period at work, with a lot of special projects, important meetings and deadlines approaching. This kind of thing always lures me to shop. Online. Today, my friend A didn't help things by sending me an alert of the Rogan/Loomstate sample sale in NYC. Ever since receiving my Rogan for Target shipment, I've been hooked. The thought of rewarding myself for working through challenges at the office with a Rogan black label design at 75% off might prove too tempting for me to withstand. Will I make it? Stay tuned. The sample sale is later this week....

SwoC: 10-16 Another week down!

Well, I've completed my second week of SwoC, and I'm feelin' good! Though, I must admit that I felt rather uninspired when getting dressed all workweek. I did find a TON of inspiration, and a good excuse to keep with my SwoC pledge- New York City thrift stores! Can you believe that before this week, I'd never bothered to try shopping them? I assumed that all the good stuff would be picked-over beyond hope, but I was wrong. After work one day, I stopped off at some thrift stores that stand next to each other on 23rd Street. Lo and behold, I found some fabulous stuff- most of it unworn. I found both new with tags labels like Banana Republic, French Connection, Helmut Lang, Donna Karan, John Varvatos, etc., and true vintage in great condition. The prices were a bit higher than what I'm used to, but still very affordable. It made me realize, that with the high turnover of hardly-to-never worn brands in the thrift stores, there's really never any need for me to go to the actual store.... The trick is finding just what you're looking for when you need it.

SwoC: Days 5-9

I've just returned to Brooklyn from Portland, and feel very satisfied. I had an amazing time visiting with my family and friends, I successfully kicked back and unwound, I thrifted some amazing items, and I kept to my SwoC pledge in spite of the temptations. In the remaining 4 days of my trip to Portland, my sister and I visited one more thrift store: my favorite Salvation Army. This time, I had some terrific luck in the shop department, finding some cute 70s woven sandals that I will likely add to my etsy shop since I have a similar pair, some perfectly broken-in army boots, pristine deerskin moccasins, and an interesting pair of deadstock slip-on canvas shoes. I also had lots of luck in the skirt department, pulling possibly my favorite thrift item of the trip- a cotton madras full skirt with navy buttons down the front and hidden seam pockets. I went shopping with my mom and sister, and in spite of finding an adorable bubble sleeved green linen dress, I refrained from buying. My mom even offered the tempting thought that it wouldn't count against my SwoC pledge if she were to buy the dress for me! I held strong, and I'm happy I did.

Tomorrow I'll try to get all of my photos in order and post some of the non-shopping related content from my trip. I'm still chuckling about all the great moments I had with Lil'MC, who is now a little over a year old and the best natured person I've ever encountered. He has such a strong personality, and in these months before he finds his words, his expressive face is working overtime.

To my family and friends in Oregon: Thank you so much for spending time with me this week! I had a great time and can't wait to come back to visit again.

SwoC: Days 3 and 4

I'm staying at my parents' house in Portland, Oregon now, and the loophole I left for myself to thrift shop has come in veeeery handy in the last two days.

above: my loot from Goodwill
On Sunday, my sister and I decided we would head to just one thrift store while my nephew was being watched by our mom. We decided to hit our favorite Goodwill at a *secret location* just outside Portland city limits. Man, did we score! I think a lot of the times I'm super successful thrifting, it's all about my attitude when I step through the door. This time, I didn't set my expectations too high- it was the weekend, mid-day, and I had all week to find some good stuff. Plus, we were only going to that one store instead of the 2 or 3 that we normally hit in one day, so I didn't feel rushed. Right out of the gate, we found some adorable items in the jewelry case: for me a wooden necklace with elephants, zebras and giraffes on it and a 70s patinaed gold necklace with a pendant of a tiny rose trapped in yellowed resin. My sister sorted throught the brooches and quickly pulled out an adorable old silver pin with a fork and spoon on it and a gold heart and arrow pin. The latter two items we ended up trading each other before checkout. Next we moved on to the women's blouses and pulled some great stuff. We went through the place systematically and were both completely pleased with our finds. Standing at checkout and looking at our distinct piles, our two styles were extremely evident. My sister, who is much more into pastels and charming shabby chic style, had stacks of pretty, faded cotton prints and cute kitchenwares. I think my vintage style is a bit more bold, and this was evident by looking at my stack of red handkerchief prints, lime green and brown striped cotton fabric, and navy blue gingham. I did end up buying some things that may be a bit too hip for me to pull off, but I just couldn't resist. I figure, if I end up not wearing it I can always put it in my etsy shop.

above: thrifted vintage shoes and

What I Wore May 25

First thing in the morning yesterday, my sister and I carried out our plan to shop the Memorial Day Sale at Value Village, when everything is 50% off. Again, we made out like bandits! This time, I had my eye out for items to put in my etsy store, dreams of a super-fabulous vintage shop growing in my head. While my sister headed straight for the ceramicware, I shot off towards the far wall, lined with scarves and fur collars. Among my loot, I found a wonderful wool picnic blanket in mustard and brown buffalo plaid, a mens classic wool tartan Pendelton jacket, and some delicate voile puffy sleeved girls' blouses.

above: What I Wore May 26

So, for two days straight, and not very far into my quest to not buy new clothes for a month, I've succeeded in buying a closetful of clothes! But for the purposes of my SwoC month, I'm still doing well. I supported two local charity shops, bought old clothes that had been worn and discarded by their previous wearer, and everything was neatly tossed into one large plastic bag (not wrapped in layers of elegant tissue paper and bubble wrap and shipped across the world to me).

SwoC: Day 2

above:
plane reading and
travel-ready clothes

Later today I'll be flying to Portland to visit for a week. I'm looking forward to the slower pace of the northwest for a little while. I'm also really looking forward to hitting some thrift stores with my sis.... I mentioned this in the comments of one of my Wardrobe Remix pictures, but I haven't disclosed it here and I think I ought to before I get called out-- I purposely worded my pledge to exclude thrift shopping because I knew I'd be going to Oregon during my SwoC month. Also, I feel like thrifting doesn't really count towards the kind of clothing consumerism I'm avoiding this month because it is the reusing of old, unwanted clothes as opposed to supporting the "throw away fashion" that H&M, Forever 21, Zara, etc. dish out. Anyway, I'm allowing it- in moderation.

My SwoC project, along with packing for my trip, have brought out some silly fashion creativity in me. Yesterday, as I was carefully paring-down my list of items to pack, I started throwing on random combinations of the clothes edited out of the travel bag. Below is one oddball result. I'm wearing a racer back tank top upside-down as a hood/cowl thing over a knitted babydoll dress and pencil skirt and leggings. I doubt I'd ever wear this combination in public, but I like that I'm starting to look at different ways to use the clothes I have in my closet. (And I am oddly attracted the the upside-down racer tank- expect to see me wearing this some way, some time.)

above:
messing around with clothes-
Rogan for Target organic cotton racer back tank in yellow leopard burnout
?? cotton knit sweater dress in navy
?? fatigue green pencil skirt
H&M sheer black leggings

SwoC Day 1

It's almost an hour in to my work day- a day that would normally be filled with stolen moments trolling my favorite online clothing retailers. But today is different! Today's the first day of my month of Style without Consuming (I felt the need to come up with a shiny label for this project).

This morning, instead of opening up my email and clicking on all the sale links sent to me by Gap, Old Navy, Anthropologie, Ralph Lauren, Bluefly, Banana Republic, Smart Bargains, eLuxury, etc., I scrolled down to the bottom of the page and clicked the "unsubscribe" link. The first time I did it, it was a bit painful. What will I do without knowing what cute clothes I can get for a deal today? But after a little wince, I was over it. Admittedly, I have not unsubscribed to the Racked newsletter or Daily Candy. I'm justifying by saying that they both provide great information on things other than clothing sales, and anyway, my friends rely on me to tell them what sample sale they need to hit after work. I'm not saying I won't unsubscribe later if the temptation is too much, but I'm not ready to do it yet.

I went to make myself a morning cup of coffee, and was complimented by a coworker on my outfit- primarily made up of my new khaki safari dress from Rogan Gregory's line for Target. I thought for a moment about how much I wanted to go buy the version in black as well. After all, it's made from organic cotton so would I really be breaking the rules...? Yes. I would. I reminded myself of the various black, summer, work-appropriate dresses hanging in my closet and surrendered the fantasy.

Back at my desk, an email from Nylon magazine popped up with a link for one of the SoCal surfer girl labels, mentioning some sort of "design for humanity" launch. I took the bate and clicked the link, but instead of going to shop the products I scanned the blurb about how the line would benefit Surfrider Foundation, and had an idea...! With the money I'll be saving from not buying new clothes, I should make a donation to one of the many good environmentally-focused organizations out there. Now I was feeling empowered. I even got ahead of myself and thought that maybe I should extend SwoC to a 6-month gig. Maybe I will....

Pledge

Let's face it: I'm a born shopper. Living in New York City has been a verrrry risky endeavor for me- there's good shopping at every price point here. I'm also an avid online shopper. I've joked about my shopping habits and "shopping therapy" many times, but recently, as my awareness of environmental issues grows, those jokes aren't so funny. I'm obsessively recycling and reusing packaging, buying organic when I can, limiting my use of electricity and water... but I haven't been reducing my fashion consumption. Even before coming to New York my closets bulged at the seams.

So now, after avoiding it for some time, I'm pledging to not buy another piece of new clothing.

For a month. (baby steps here, guys)

I am also pledging not to buy anything, clothing or otherwise, online for a month. (The packaging that comes with buying something online is ridiculous. I recently bought a $3 ceramic cup on sale at Anthropologie.com that was wrapped in tissue and cushion-y paper 10x the cup's volume. Not to mention the carbon output of having the item shipped from warehouse to my house.)

Am I afraid of what this new challenge will do to my daily outfits for Wardrobe Remix? No, actually, I'm excited to see what I'll come up with! I've noticed that I don't get to type "remixed" next tothe listed articles of clothing that I wear nearly enough. I still have items in my closet with the tags on them, so I have a backlog to work through. I will be pulling inspiration heavily from this project, which I read avidly as it unfolded, and will now reference once again during my own adventure.

I am, however, afraid of how I'll feel through this process. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that, but those jokes I make about retail therapy have truth to them. If you're curious to see how I do with this, please stay check back! I plan on posting more regularly in order to record any realizations or rants that I encounter along the way.