After about a year of blog slumber, I decided to reignite my green blog. I suppose I was just waiting for the right time and the right focus. I decided to kick it off with a bang with my New Year’s Resolution.
Recently, my husband and I reviewed our spending habits for 2010 and learned that our family of three spent about $2,300 on clothing, shoes and jewelry in one year. That is more than 3% of our total take-home spending. So, I need to take myself out of the equation. A lot of this spending was my own fault. It seems that every time I go to a store, I would see a sale item, like a $5 shirt and feel the need to buy it. Well I think I did that at least 30 times last year, so that adds up to at least $150 in just cheap $5 shirts that I hardly wear.
So out of this, I have decided that my New Year’s resolution is to stop buying “new” clothes from the regular stores. That’s right. For at least 365 days starting now, I will not buy any brand new clothes, jewelry, purses or accessories. I have no idea if anyone else has done this, but it’s a personal adventure and liberation for me. I’m excited about the challenge, except when it comes to bags and purses, I probably go weak in the knees. Maybe not that severe, but I will have to figure out a way to blind my eyes when I walk past handbags.
As I will save green and go green, my plan is to shop only in thrift and second-hand stores. I will purchase all of my clothing, shoes and accessories from places such as Goodwill, Moozie’s Closet, Salvation Army, and other second-hand stores. I’m not going to bend when it comes to special occasions, either. I may either borrow clothes from a friend or reinvent something I already own in my closet.
As the year goes on, I will be blogging my experiences and adventures. Wish me luck!
Rules and FAQs
FAQ #1) What about intimates (bras and underwear and socks)? The intimates will be the only exemption from this challenge. However, I will restrict my own buying power and encourage these as Valentine’s/Anniversary/Birthday gifts from my husband.
FAQ #2) What if someone gives you something as a gift? I accept all gifts, but for my personal clothing challenge, I am asking my family and friends to not give me clothing as gifts this year. [EXEMPTION, See Question #1] If I do receive a gift from someone who isn’t aware of my challenge, I will accept it with great sincerity.
FAQ #3) What about items with the tags left on? Some stores sell second-hand clothes with the tags still on. As long as these were original donations from the public, this is okay to purchase.
RULE #1) Limit shopping trips to 2-3 per month. Just because I am not buying NEW clothes, doesn’t mean I have to go shopping all the time in the second-hand stores. The challenge is meant to SAVE green while GOING green, not go broke in spending more just because it’s cheaper.
RULE #2) Limited to second-hand, thrift and consignment stores only. This does not include overstock stores, such as T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Burke’s Outlet or any other Outlet stores.
RULE #3) Stores are not limited to my location and may include other stores, when I travel.
I’ll try to remember this when award season starts and you’re ready to go lookin’ for a dress!
So what if I give you a gift card??? You survived test #1 by going to the mall with us today and resisting the urge to buy new clothes! More tests to come
I really had to think about this one, so this is what I came up with:
1) Depends on the store. If the gift card is for Target, then I don’t have to buy clothes or accessories. If the gift card is for Old Navy, then I could not use it on myself and get something for my daughter or husband.
2) Depends on the friend. If my friends know that I am writing this blog, then I wouldn’t expect to see a gift card.
3) Stuck. If the gift card is for a store such as the Loft, where there are no kids or mens clothes, then either a) use it as a gift for someone else or b) buy underwear and socks!
Rule #3—There is a great consignment store in Columbia called Roundabouts where I both buy and sell. Come visit, and I’ll take you on a shopping trip
Seriously, your challenge is awesome and inspiring. I wish you the best.
Thank you for your support! I’m starting a new section called “Explore the Store” where I blog about my experiences. I will definitely come visit you to go shopping! So fun!