Giving up retail shopping

Hello readers! I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week! That means it's almost December, which means it's almost 2011! Crazy how fast this year has flown by. 

Lately, I've had a difficult time adjusting my wardrobe to "winter" here in the south. In Georgia that translates to jeans and long sleeves, versus my native Michigan where winter means layers upon layers, gloves, coats, scarves, snow boots. Very, very, very cold snowy winters that I rarely miss.

My amazing friend Sarah brought me a box and a rubbermaid container of clothing last night. FULL of vintage clothes, things she hadn't wore in years; it was full of so many goodies! This dress was one of the best pieces! It fits me perfectly. 

And! I wore it with a bright yellow berret and my grey cardigan earlier. It was so warm outside, about 70 degrees, and I was able to walk around without my cardigan! Soaking up the sunshine. I love living in Georgia. Days like today make it so worthwhile. 

For those of you that are new to reading my blog, I have spent all of 2010 wearing only second hand clothing. No retail shopping, no malls, no clothing stores. Only thrift stores, resale shops, or clothing already in my closet. 2010 meant taking a stand and changing the way I wore clothing entirely. 

I wanted to bring attention to the alternative to retail shopping. Used doesn't always mean trash. So many people dismiss thrift stores and second-hand clothing, which is very unfortunate. I also wanted to inspire people to change the way they view their clothing. With simple sewing skills, the possibilities are endless! Thrifting is so much more enjoyable when you see the clothing for it's potential, and what you can do to bring that item new life, versus seeing something someone discarded.

It's been great. Not buying new clothing (underwear and shoes were my only exception) was difficult at first, but once I didn't have a choice, and avoided the mall and clothing stores, I didn't miss it for a long time.

With this yearlong oath I know I also saved a lot of money. I think I'm quite the compulsive shopper, my dad calls me a "compulsive spender". So buying 8 pairs of different colors high waisted denim shorts, which are justifiable since they're different colors ha, at Goodwill for $3 a piece is a whole lot better than buying them for $20 each retail price. I can never leave the thrift store without spending at least $20. But lately I've been disciplining myself, saying no to certain pieces, putting things back, etc. 

I haven't yet decided if I'm going to carry this into 2011. Sometimes I really miss shopping shopping. Plato's Closet, a resale shop that carries only clothing in perfect condition, has helped with my needs for certain items in my wardrobe, such as white t-shirts, tank tops, and things that never really make it to the thrift store. 

On top of giving up retail shopping for recycling purposes, I do not agree with clothing stores that make complete crap manufactured clothing. Things are not made with longevity in mind anymore. These companies like Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, for example, just want to sell sell sell. I'm sorry, but a brand new t-shirt for $2.50 is not a deal. It's made by a child or person getting paid $.50 a day, and doesn't last more than a few months of normal wear and tear. 

Ever notice how the side seams on that $2.50 shirt don't seem so straight after a few washes? It's made with complete disregard for proper garment construction and it's not even cut from the fabric properly. 

My mind is wandering and I'm babbling, but in conclusion, this year has been so rewarding. I love how I've grown from this experience and I encourage you all to consider the challenge of a year without "new" clothing.

More tutorials this week as I'm spending Thanksgiving alone with my amazing cats. I'm thinking about sharing my amazing cranberry-cherry pie recipe with you all for a great Thanksgiving dish to share with your loved ones!