Because I love shopping. A little too much. It’s a love that must be kept in check so it doesn’t become an idol and a life-sucker.
Because shopping can turn into a vicious cycle for me…
Picture this. I’m out and about running errands and I decide to stop in TJ Maxx, Ross, Nordstrom Rack, fill-in-the-blank discount clothing store. Or I have to run into the mall for one item – perhaps a new powder from the cosmetic counter or a gift for a friend, and suddenly I find myself perusing the sales racks at Banana and J.Crew and Nordstrom and Ann Taylor Loft… and the list goes on and on.
And the thing is… I am a very good shopper. I am patient. I am consistent. I know my style. And I find deals.
But deals are not always good, because when I find them, I buy them. And thus starts the cycle. I find an amazing shirt for $12, awesome new shoes for $17, and the cutest dress in the world that I will wear ALL the time for $20. And suddenly I’ve spent $49 plus tax, and I go home and stress about spending $50 when I didn’t really need anything at all. And then I tell myself I’ll take back at least one item and I fret over which one it should be. I’ll wear the dress the most, but it’s also the most expensive. Do I keep the $12 steal of a deal shirt because it was the cheapest, even though I don’t really need any more tops. Do the shoes fit me exactly right? Or did I get so excited about them that I overlooked the fact that the left shoe slides on my foot a little bit?
So after I agonize over what to return, I go back to the store, wasting gas and time for the extra trip, and carefully try to avert my eyes from the freshly re-stocked racks, so I don’t start the cycle all over again.
Sounds exhausting and stressful right? Well, it is. It’s a life sucker. It’s a trap of consumption and guilt and I just don’t want to be a part of it anymore.
I want to be happy with the {many} clothes I already own and I don’t want to spend my life searching for receipts and driving back and forth to TJ Maxx with endless purchases and returns.
So I am on a fast. No more shopping for a while. I’m breaking the cycle. I am going to be content with what I have. I am going to find activities to do for enjoyment other than perusing sales racks. I am going to be creative with what I already own and experiment with outfits in my own closets.
The first set...
I don’t know how long this fast is going to be. For the month of May for sure. Maybe for two months. Maybe all summer.
And to kick off the fast, to celebrate the amazing clothes I already own and the way I have been abundantly blessed by the Lord with a full closet, when so many people around the world live day to day with only one or two outfits to their name, I am doing a 30 for 30 remix again. I did one last year and found it fun and almost too easy… so I am trying it again and making it a little bit harder on myself.
Here’s the general idea. You choose 30 items from your wardrobe and wear those same 30 items, in different, creative ways for 30 days {in my case, for 31 days since that’s how many days are in May}. Last time I did it, I counted clothing only, not shoes or accessories and I think I only wore 21 items in a month, so this time I am including shoes in the count to make it a little bit more challenging.
So here is a glimpse at my first week of the REMIX, and here is to breaking the cycle of consumerism and learning to be content!
Day 1: Off to bible study with some lovely ladies from church
I NEVER wear belts with jeans, so this is a weird outfit for me...
but check out the tunic pretending to be a blouse.
The rest of these are just Instagram pics. Sorry. #OOTD, right? :)
Day 2: Off to work... subbing at a local high school.
This is how I like to wear a belt. Skinny and high on the waist.
Day 2B: Changed into shorts after my workout for Missional Community that evening.
Day 3: Subbing again.
Tunic as a tunic with a long pearl necklace.
What about you? Are you trapped in a cycle of consumerism? Are you a slave to the $20 deals? I am not trying to make you feel bad but I want to encourage you to break free if you are anything like me. Will you join me in dressing and shopping and not shopping to the glory of God?
*Linking up with The Pleated Poppy and 5 Days, 5 Ways*
15 comments:
Good for you, Jen! Your outfits are super cute. I'm excited to see the others you come up with as you remix your closet!
That red shirt looks fabulous on you!!! Love it!
I really love this! Beacause I have seen so many people in the blogging world lately talking about how much clothes they have and how they can't stop shopping and how everyone else is jealous. I love to shop like the next girl, but have learned restraint because of budget. It's nice to hear others are as well! Good for you and the 30x30 is fun! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
first, belt looks great!
now, i admire your desire for self-control and that shopping would not be god of your life.
I am on a fast from shopping too! It's not so official, but we have no "extra" money these days so it's a must and it's really hard to not stop by the mall or even wander into the clothing section at Target and "check out" deals while I'm out. I did 30 for 30 in September and agree it was almost too easy (tho I did include shoes). Maybe I will do it for June!
This made me laugh- this totally describes me (and my mom) to a tee! Shopping is an obsession, and a problem and I applaud you on recognizing it- and creating this challenge for yourself. I did my 30 for 30 in December and am planning on another in July!
Good luck and I'll check back to see what great looks you put together!
what you wrote sounds exactly like me. i am a very good deal-searching shopper, but like you it is a life sucker. i have more than i could ever wear in a year, yet still feel the "need" to be on the lookout for a great deal. really trying to find other things that make me as happy as shopping does. thanks for your post--cute outfits too!
what you wrote sounds exactly like me. i am a very good deal-searching shopper, but like you it is a life sucker. i have more than i could ever wear in a year, yet still feel the "need" to be on the lookout for a great deal. really trying to find other things that make me as happy as shopping does. thanks for your post--cute outfits too!
Good for you~! I am a huge fan of remixing your closet and that is what I do most times on my blog. I was a huge shopaholic and I have been able to make so many outfits with what I have! It is pretty satisfying to make something totally cute with what you already have!! Good luck on your fast :) I am excited to see what you do!
Creamy
girl, you exactly described me. to the T. it is such a vicious circle, and once it starts... man. i just did it last weekend. thanks for sharing this. so relate-able.
and cute outfits! :)
I too need to go on a fast! :)
I love your 30 for 30s!!! I would totally do it, but lets face it, most days I'm wearing lounge clothes all day because we don't leave the house most of the time. So I'll live vicariously through you :) I've gone a good solid year without buying anything new. If I've bought it, it's been from a garage sale or thrift. It definitely challenges me to be more creative with my wardrobe and its saves a ton of money :) Can't wait to see the other 26 outfits!
I couldn't have said it better myself. I can totally relate to being a slave to the $20 deals. I think I'll join you in the shopping fast. My closet is filled to the brim and I actually do like my clothes. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yay for you girl! Woohoo! I'm excited to see what you come up with! I'm always happier with my closet during a clothes buying fast.
Great outfits!! I can relate to your clothing fast... maybe I should join in? First time visiting your blog from wiww and can't wait to come back!
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