A Year of Nothing New

It's a simple idea. A year with no new clothes. Or shoes. Or accessories. That about sums it up. But people I've mentioned this to seem to have questions. So...

When I say "nothing new", I really mean "brand new". For one year, I'm committed to only buying used, from thrift shops, Goodwill, consignment, etc. The ONLY exceptions are: underwear, and 1 pair of sneakers for the gym.


I started in January 2012, and in the interest of full disclosure, before I added "accessories" I bought a $4 headband for a Gatsby-inspired event. I wore it to a work-event as well and plan to give it to a friend who will wear it to another event, so it's not a "one and done" purchase. In retrospect, I didn't need it.


The big question I get is "Why?" I have no real answer and I keep asking myself "why" also. There's no big social idea driving this, no financial hardship, no real goal.

Although, whenever I find myself in a shopping-situation, and I'm thinking, "Oh cute - I want that!" I stop. There it is. I "want" that. Do I "need" that? No. The answer is always no. No matter what it is, I don't need it. Another skirt? No. A new bathing suit? Nope. A cute new purse? Ohhhh....kinda...no. No. Don't need it.

And I guess that's the point. I'm forcing myself to know the difference between "want" and "need." Yes, we all already KNOW the difference, but I want to live the difference.

And so here I am, 5 months into a Year of Nothing New. I'm learning to 'refashion' my thrift store finds, which is becoming a hobby I really enjoy. My inspiration - refashionista.net - does it way better than I ever could, but I have fun trying.

So -- I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Will I crack at some point and splurge on a brand-new pair of gym shorts? I might, but I hope not. And I'll post pics of my thrift-store finds, and refashion efforts. And maybe, just maybe, this experiment won't just be a year, but a lifestyle.

Here you go - recent Goodwill purchase. Pink, short-sleeved button down from Express, $5.00. White (it really is white, I know it looks yellow, and I actually NEEDED a white dress shirt) button-down from Ann Taylor, $5.00. Reversable tank in turquoise and fuscia (so it's like 2 shirts in one!), $5.00.