Why?

​Why?  That’s a really good question to kick off this blog.  Why would I decide to not buy any new clothes for a year?  Simply put – I own too many clothes.  Who doesn’t though, right?  A recent survey was conducted by ING Direct and Capital One banks and it estimated that the average woman (with a life expectancy of 80 years of age) will spend approximately $125,000 in her lifetime on clothing and accessories. This will equate to just over 3,100 different items and include 145 handbags, 185 dresses and yes you’ve guessed it, over 270 pairs of shoes. (http://www.prisonerofclass.com/how-much-women-actually-spend-on-clothing-accessories)
When I first read those numbers I started counting in my head and realized that I have, at 41 years of age, already owned near 200 pairs of shoes.  Eek!  I would never describe myself as a “shoe person”.  I’m just a normal person who needs to wear shoes and I own the appropriate number of them.  Wrong.  At this very moment there are 50+ pairs in my closet.  50+!!  And I hate to admit it but I recently moved and got rid of at least 10 pairs!  Dear Lord.
Another factor that led to my “year of hand me downs” decision was that I really am trying to become a Social Contributor and not a Social Consumer.  What does that mean?  It means I want to contribute to society and not just take, take, take. 
I’m a blessed person, you’re blessed person, any woman born in America is a blessed person (I’m quoting Oprah on that one).   So as blessed and fortunate people aren’t we supposed to help others?  I think we should and that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last year.
The problem with my volunteer work and donation drives is that they are starting to feel “hollow” if I’m not willing to make changes in my own personal life.  I don’t want to pollute the planet, so I recycle.  I don’t want people to suffer, so I volunteer.  I don’t want people in third world countries to starve, so I donate money.  See where I’m going with this? 
Even with all I do I still feel shallow when I look at my closet or at the shopping bags on my table.  So I’ve decided to do something about it.  Call it a new year’s resolution, call it a social experiment, call it a crazy idea…but I’m doing it.
Ground rules, yup – I’m going to need those.  So here’s what I’m thinking:

• I will purchase NO new clothes for one year starting January 1, 2017.
• I will visit thrift stores, yard sales, etc if I need any additional clothing items.
• The only items I will buy new are “under things”.  You know what I mean.  I’m not buying used underwear or socks.  Sorry, not doing it.
• If an item of clothing goes unworn during this year, it’s gone.  I will donate EVERY piece of clothing and EVERY pair of shoes that do not get worn at least one time this year.

I think that’s a good start to laying down some ground rules.  Let’s face it, I’m pretty much making this up as I go, so there are bound to be items I haven’t thought of yet.
So that’s pretty much it.  That’s what I’m doing.  My boyfriend doesn’t think I can do it.  When I told him my idea, he laughed.  Don’t be mad at him…I’d laugh too if my sister or best friend told me they were doing this.  It’s ridiculous!  Omg, so ridiculous.  But so many things in 2016 were ridiculous but not in a positive way.  So I’m going to try to do something ridiculously positive in 2017. 
I hope you decide to keep reading about this ridiculous experiment.  I think I’ll need the accountability.

At my 20 year high school reunion with my boyfriend, Dinesh. He bought me this Kate Spade dress. I LOVE this dress...and those shoes. I plan on wearing this dress to every fancy event or dinner this year. See, no new cocktail dress needed.