(Nearly) No Shopping for One Year

December 18th will mark the one year anniversary of my self-imposed, nearly no shopping challenge.

Why? I had bought a very sweet 1940's cottage and with that purchase came new light fixtures and re-wiring and appliances and paint and curtains and accessories. I also bought a new car. And I had done a great deal of training for an athletic event which required more purchases for fitness equipment, coaching and entry fees. I also had two children still in college. And I had a closet filled with cute, mostly-on-sale clothes and accessories. When I moved I had made numerous trips to the local thrift store with carloads of donations, I had given many items away to friends and family and had even left more on the curbside in a dumpster or as giveaways to neighbors. Even after giving away lots of stuff, I still had closets packed and a garage filled with more items. It made me sick to my stomach when I thought about it. 

Don't get me wrong, I have good stuff. Ask anyone. The recipients of my giveaways would agree. But I started realizing the more items I got rid of, the more I still needed to weed through and throw or giveaway. And I did not need to add anything. So after finishing up my Christmas shopping which more recently always included a few items for myself, I decided I wanted to just stop buying for one year. I wanted my children, who also have had the privilege of excess, see their mom not buy stuff too. 

I had a few rules for myself. I could buy gifts for others for birthdays, wedding, holidays, etc. I could also buy anything I really needed for myself that was for a physical necessity. I had broken my ankle and the truth was that a lot of shoes hurt me and if I wore them I felt it would slow down my healing process and I wondered if I would ever get to run again. I also told myself if I received gift certificates I could spend them if I wanted. I had my first out of the country trip planned sometime in the spring and I told myself I could buy items there too. 

Right away I was given some gift certificates during Christmas. Knowing that I would want to spend them wisely, I was careful. I remember I had one $50 gift card to the GAP. I was able to purchase a black and white striped skirt and two pairs of pants on sale and felt like I was really getting a good bargain. I also admit about 6 months later when I began to go through my closet in earnest, I gave away one of the pairs of pants. Why? They were too big and I had only worn them one time. I learned a good lesson: only buy items that fit well. Shoes cramp your toes? Do not buy them. Pants that are loosely comfortable in the dressing room will be sloppily baggy after one wearing. Take inventory of what you already own before you purchase anything new.

However, I did purchase some items. I bought two pairs of sandals for $14 apiece. I teach and all my other sandals, even the ones with small heels on caused my ankle to hurt. They were worth every penny. Before I went to Ireland I bought a really great waterproof raincoat. It only sprinkled one day as the Irish people said I brought the sun from California. Did I return the jacket when I returned? No. The truth is I plan to use it on other trips, especially ones while bike touring. I also had bought a comfy pair of black ballet shoes that I could wear during my trip. Sadly I left them in my hotel and had to replace them. I also bought an Irish knit sweater and poncho and a dress. I have worn all of those items numerous times and every time they remind me of my Irish holiday. I also purchased gifts for my loved ones while there. And that brought me joy. And I learned how to pack very light for a ten day trip so I would have room for the gift purchases. One day I swam before school. I went to get dressed and realized I left all my clothes at home, except for my baggy torn sweatpants which I had worn over my swimsuit. I had to make a quick run to a local store and found a simple black t-shirt dress for $29. I wore it a few times and ended up giving it to my youngest daughter.  Another time I was with my youngest daughter in Rockridge at a vintage clothing store. We pulled a lovely handmade black velvet dress off the rack that looked like it might be my size. I tried it on and it fit perfect and was only $40. I thought about it long and hard before I decided I could purchase it too. I do not claim to be perfect but I am practical. I knew I'd have some holiday parties and this dress would work. And when I grew tired of it some day I could easily resell it or give it away as it is a classic cut. I also bought a black dress at an outdoor clothing store that I can wear year-round and was on clearance. I have worn it no less than fifteen times and it is the kind of dress that won't really ever go out of style. I feel slightly guilty about it but not enough to have skipped purchasing it.

Even with all of my justifications I purchased far less than I would normally. I also found myself taking every item of clothing out of my closets and dressers, boxes and bins this past September. I gave away a few bags of items to my girlfriend. I gave away another couple to my sister-in-law and her sisters. I then filled up my car with the remainder of donations for my local thrift store. I had a friend who was available and I would take a photo of items and have her help me decide. Fortunately for me she was on a break between jobs and helped me with some tough decisions. I would be lying if I said I didn't take a few items from the give-away pile and place them back in my closet. But I would also be telling you the truth when I say I will go through it all again at the end of the next four seasons and purge again. 

I have gone through my garage twice to get rid of items. My friends and family will attest to the fact that I love to decorate for the holidays. This year for Halloween, rather than take down the four or more bins of decor, I hung one wreath and one banner. I displayed exactly three votives and purchased three pumpkins on my porch. The pumpkins will remain until Thanksgiving, if they don't spoil. I don't know that I will pull out the fall decor at all this year. It will depend on what I decide to do the week I have off. Will I spend a day decorating or a day hiking or running or biking? For Christmas I'm sure I will decorate as my youngest daughter has been away at college this year. But I'm not sure what will make it's way out of the garage and the bins and into the house. 

I do know this: I am sure I have more money, though the truth is I have spent the past months paying myself back for the trip I took to Ireland. It was worth it. I also began to pull out clothing from years ago and wear it in new and creative ways. I  like having less to choose from when I go to get dressed. I enjoy giving it away to friends and family who genuinely appreciate the gesture. I also have more time. I do not ever go window shopping or run into a store just because I have a free evening. Instead I read or write or go outside on an adventure or I call up a friend and spend time with them. 

I have learned that I have been a bit of a hoarder. It probably stems from being the fourth kid in my family and the third girl, wearing hand-me-downs and on-sale items growing up.

I think if you came over to look today, you'd be shocked at how much I still have inside my house, my garage and my closets. I feel better but I will continue to discard. And with each item I set aside, I know I will continue to feel lighter.  

When Dec 18th comes, friends have asked if I will run to the store for a shopping spree. The answer is no, with one exception which I will share about in another blog posting.  The fact is I'm sure I could go another year without purchasing one item and I would be fine. I know  I will never spend recklessly again. I will spend thoughtfully. Does it match items I already own or is it too similar? Does it fit? Will I wear it? Will I use it in my home? Is it timeless or if it's trendy, is it lower in cost because I know I won't be wearing it in a few years.

Overall I think it's been a good mindset to have and one that I will practice in my life moving forward.