Completing: 10. Do not buy any clothes, jewelry, and shoes for the full year
This goal was added to my 2015 bucket list for a few reasons: 1. ongoing desire to focus less on my physical appearance, 2. live more simply, 3. be a more conscientious consumer (if you recall, a 2014 goal).
I’m not a hoarder of crap purchased because it was a great deal, nor do I spend crazy amounts of money on expensive things. Last year, I probably spent $100 on clothes, shoes, and jewelry every few months or so. I wasn’t breaking the bank, but I got really fed up with my constant need to want more.
Though I’ve seen a few things I wouldn’t mind owning, that desire has been dwindling over the past few months. It’s freeing to know I can’t purchase anything new, which also forces me to be more creative with what I already have (and to remain the same size).
I also like being free from the guilt that comes with impulsive purchasing. Thoughts inevitably run through my mind after I purchase something such as, “Where did this come from?” “How many children worked in a factory in Bangladesh to make this?” “Do I really need it?” “I have too much already!”
[Retired] Catholic guilt is a bitch.
I unfollowed my favorite brands on Instagram, I’ve unsubscribed from newsletters, purged clothes, and I don’t have any desire to online shop in my spare time.
Caveat: I won’t deny gifts of clothing, jewelry, or shoes if someone felt compelled to buy them for me. However, NO GIFT CARDS. That’s a slippery slope.
The hardest part of this goal is training myself to get out of the habit of wanting, not the refraining from purchasing part.
Confession time! I want to give you an idea of just how much I have acquired over 15+ years, and despite many purges later, whether purchased myself or gifted. I used to work in retail and to put it simply, I really just love putting together a fantastic outfit. I’m publicly shaming myself… exposing my vice… being honest with the world…
- Shoes: 70
- Hats (including two baseball caps): 28
- Necklaces: 40
- Jackets (winter jackets to blazers): 35
I literally laughed out loud when I finished counting my shoes. I’m an animal.
– Lyssa