a sartorial challenge…
April 26, 2012
Last week I was really inspired by this post on A is for Ampersand, written by Julie of We So Thrifty. I’m not a regular mall shopper, but I do like to pop into Forever 21 or H&M every couple of months to satisfy my craving of novelty prints and cheap jewelry. Oh. and don’t even get me started on my Target impulse buys.
I decided it was time for a challenge! I really admire Julie’s commitment to a year, but I’m going to start small with 5 months and maybe build from there. From May 1 to October 1, I will only be buying second hand clothing. This will mostly be at thrift stores, but when I’m feeling like a splurge, vintage & consignments stores are okay too.
Although a lot of my clothing is already thrifted/vintage, I really want to cut back on the amount of trendy/throw-away pieces in my closet. I also plan to benefit by saving money during the summer (the time of year that I make less!), and learn to be more creative with my wardrobe. I also want to get back into sewing over the summer and hope to make a few clothing items. Plus we all know 2nd hand clothing is more friendly on the environment!
- All clothing items must be 2nd hand: thrift stores, ebay (still must be used), Etsy (still must be used), and vintage/consigment stores are all acceptable.
- Underwear is an exception and will be purchased new :)
- One exception is if I’m on vacation I’m allowed to buy one new item, as long as it’s from a local boutique and/or handmade.
- Accessories don’t count, but must be bought at a local boutique or on Etsy.
I’m looking forward to instilling new habits that will hopefully carry on after the challenge is complete! I’m excited to have this blog to hold me accountable and I will be doing regular updates, although outfit posts will still contain pieces bought new prior to the challenge.
Since I already don’t hit up the mall too often, the hardest part for me will be staying away from online shopping, especially my beloved ModCloth! I plan to still check out their site for outfit inspiration, as long as I’m not getting too tempted.
Make sure you check out Amy’s and Julie’s blogs for mucho thrifting inspiration!
Anyone feel like joining in??
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26 Responses to a sartorial challenge…
That is such an awesome pledge. I wish I could take it as well…unfortunately (well only in this department) I just started working at a new shop and though they don’t require me to wear the clothes, I definitely could not say no to them for any given period of time haha. I definitely am with you though on buying more timeless pieces and staying away from trends, that’s a good idea!!
Good for you though! Can’t wait to see your purchases.
Yeah, that would be impossible to work around clothes and resist shopping :)
What a great challenge, Lisa! ;D And I’m really looking forward to seeing you sew more; you’ve done amazing things with your sewing machine!
Thanks so much Miki, although “amazing” might be a stretch :)
Wooohoooo!! I just might have to do this with you!
Yes!
i think this is an excellent idea, and i’d like to say i’d try, but i won’t lie, i always end buying something i don’t need at target. but honestly though, when i wear an outfit where some part of it isn’t thrifted, i really feel kind of bad and almost a little materialistic (even though what isn’t thrifted is most likely from target or f21, so no expensive). maybe i’ll give it a try – unofficially!
Target is SO hard! I run in for necessities & come out with a new wardrobe :) Unofficially is good! Let me know how it goes!
Great idea Lisa! I’ll join you as soon as wedding season is over! I’m a bridesmaid in a June wedding and I have to buy the usual matching dress/shoes/accessories sorta thing. Be my motivation til I get there!
Yay! I feel like you’re already so good at not caving with “throw-away” fashion, you have such a good wardrobe of classic pieces. You do have a lot of weddings lately :)
I really admire this pledge, and I really should follow your example, but I’m just so weak. Still, I’m inspired! Looking forward to future outfit posts.
You’re not weak! I just need to curb my shopping addiction :)
LOVE IT! You go girl. And I haven’t said that since 1997, but this situation calls for it. Welcome to the club!
Thanks for inspiring me! I’ve thought about doing shoppping bans before but know I would fail. Your post really sounded like something I could do!
OK. I’m in. We’re doing it. My only purchase from here on out that is not second hand will be underwear. hah. A gal has to draw the line somewhere! hahaha. This is fun. We can keep each other motivated! I do live miles away from the biggest mall in america, but I really hate going to the mall, so I think I can do this! I’m in! Have a great weekend, too, dear. I am heading to an estate sale that said they will have guards. *yes, guards!* because there will be SO much stuff. I will be sure to blog about it next week. I will keep my eye out for any owls for ya, too. xoxo
Yay! That is awesome- we can totally do it! I feel like the hardest part for me will be shoes :) Hopefully I start finding more cool ones at the thrift store in my size! I can’t wait to see what you find at the estate sale and if there’s any crazy stories that required guards! Be careful :) Have a great weekend!
Super way to go girl!! That’s so awesome you’ve made this long pledge, & that you’re trying to get into more “lasting” pieces & work w/ your current wardrobe, super admirable! & I look forward to some remix lessons from you : ) I think I just may do a post & join in join on the fun as well.I don’t think I’ve bought any new clothing/accessories in maybe a year…well except handmade pieces. I guess I was topping off my embroidered blouse collection about this time last yr, but handmade is def an exception for me.
I feel like you are already the queen of this! You always have the best thrifted wardrobes! I think handmade is a good exception that’s why I’m allowing myself that one piece on vacation :)
Good luck! I wish I had your will power. But then again, it seems like every time you post about your thrifting finds I think, “Hot damn, she’s good at finding things at thrift stores. I want to go thrift shopping with her”
I love thrifting, but I’m not sure I could go that long without stocking up on jewelry! i love big statement pieces and almost never find them while thrifting….maybe that would be a good challenge!
This is the perfect challenge to take on Lisa! I have been doing this (informally) since March and do I ever have much more money in my pocket:) Modcloth was the hardest part of it for me so far…so tempting! Looking forward to your thrifty finds.
Best wishes with it! xx Marisa
I saw this on Amy’s blog and I REALLY want to do it, but I don’t know how long I can commit! Maybe I could try it for a month and go from there?? IDK! Way to go on committing to 5 months!
haha I’m actually the opposite in a way. I only shop secondhand(besides underwear of course) and it’s actually hard for me to go to the mall or somewhere to buy something new. Like if I need something I have to go new, I’ll go to the mall and the prices always just scare me away. I hate the mall but I do love Target. I’m so cheap that thrifting is the only way I can allow myself to have a closet full of clothes haha
Sorry this comment was so rambly–if that’s a word. :)
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This is so amazing! I want to do this too! How does it work?