My (Not So) Style Blog

The other day, Matt and I were taking a walk around DC when he spotted a Dress Barn. He pointed it out to me, but I didn’t feel very enthused about it. I have nothing against Dress Barn, and even bought a very lovely purple dress for a wedding at a Dress Barn outlet store. It’s just… every time I go into a retail shop lately, I have a difficult time finding something that fits me nicely.

This train of thought led me to an idea: a swearing off of shopping for new retail, mass-produced clothing. For the months of May, June, and July, with August acting like a sort of grace period before the start of fall, I will adhere to the following chain of command:

1. Make or craft it myself. New purchases, like yarn or fabric, are acceptable.
2. Find it at a thrift shop. Ebay and Etsy count, as do local clothing swaps.
3. Commission a custom piece, like a made-to-fit shirt from an independent Etsy shop.

The above rules not only include clothing, but also accessories, jewelry, and bags. Certain items are excluded, like socks, bras, and underpants. Shoes are tricky, as I really would like another pair of new, comfortable walking shoes.

While I have traditionally found it difficult to snag good-fitting items at the thrift shop, I’m hoping to put my new sewing skills to the test. I’ve often hesitated to make alterations to items bought new for $60, but perhaps I wouldn’t feel so terrible about fixing up a $5 Goodwill dress.

I am allowing myself three passes, because sometimes things come up! I had a weird thought I would be invited to some formal affair, and would have no summer outfit waiting in my closet for it. In that case, if none of the above benefit me, I’ve got three times to call an out.

With this experiment, I’m hoping to learn more about working with my body’s shape and size to find more clothing I feel comfortable in and comfortable wearing. I want to gain more confidence in my sewing, and finally pull out that shirt pattern that’s been sitting on my table, intimidating and taunting me for weeks. There’s creativity to be had!

I know there are other bloggers who’ve written about similar experiences and experiments. Have you ever put a limit on your spending? What are your preferred methods of clothes shopping? Do you enjoy hacking stuff to make it fit?

Photo credit: “Thrift Store Sign” from S Jones

What a great idea! Through Mia’s post on Reading in Skirts, I discovered the Use It or Lose It Challenge on Stuff Jewish Girls Like.

The premise: chose underutilized items in your wardrobe, and do your best to incorporate them into your outfits over the next 30 days. If you still love ‘em, keep ‘em. No? Then it’s time for a Goodwill trip. Part of my whole style journey is figuring out how to use what I’ve got to its maximum potential; this challenge is the perfect opportunity!

This round calls for cardigans or jackets and shoes. Since I’ve just unpacked the last of my clothing, pulled out my fall and winter items, and organized my closet, I think this is a great time to take the challenge, even if I am a few days late on the start.

Here are my items for the challenge:

I just added a few cardigans to my collection, and I’ve been wearing them all, but I do have a blazer that I don’t think I’ve worn in about two years. It’s a wonderful piece. Why has it been stuffed in my closet? Oh, right. It is a hard red to match. It’s not red red, and it’s not dark enough to be maroon or burgundy. Browns don’t match, either. This may be a tough one.

How hot are these shoes? I think I’ve only worn them twice. They are red and sexy. (They do not match the blazer.) The shine on them makes them a tad inappropriate for work, and I’m not sure I get invited to too many parties where sexy red shoes are the norm.

Plain. Black. Comfortable. Did I already mention plain? These shoes may be best suited for pants, which I’ve mostly stopped wearing. I don’t even remember the last time I wore these shoes. Will they make it through the 30 days?

Super cute! It’s also amazing how comfortable these are for $11 shoes from Payless. These I’ve had for just a year, and have worn at least three times. I’m sure I can get them into quite a few outfits, even with the peep-toe, moving into fall.

Are you up for the challenge? What items have you got lurking in the back of your closet, waiting for a second chance?