by Lynda Harm
My “fashion fast” was a cleansing exercise that tested my will power, put my closet to the test and thoroughly disrupted my routines. I made it through a year without shopping, but I can’t wait to shop again. Now, I have a Closet Clarity Plan that organizes what I own, what I need, and what I want. I plan to use it every time I buy anything to wear. Here’s what my year taught me:
- I don’t really need a new outfit for every important occasion because the occasion is usually more important than what I’m wearing.
- I took the 80% of my closet that I rarely wore and figured out why. Usually it was fit. I found a tailor for the stuff worth saving and donated the rest.
- The items that didn’t make the cut were mainly outdated skirts and impulse buys.
- There were a few “sentimental pieces.” I had a belt made from an outdated evening gown I was attached to. I wear the belt all the time. This made it easier to let go of the gown.
- Because I needed to see everything I had to work with before getting dressed, I reorganized my closet very early in the year.
- The items I wore the most were black pants, cashmere sweaters, a pair of flat black boots, a slim skirt, and white shirts. I wore pearls a lot, a pair of stud earrings, and a cuff bracelet.
- I wore high heels! With everything. It felt good, especially when I was wearing casual clothes. Jeans and heels made me feel great!
- My footwear wore out first. It seems shoes take a lot of wear and tear especially when there is no new blood coming into the rotation.
- I wished I had a good suit. I vowed to get one after the fast and shop for it like it was an investment.
- Instead of going shopping I went for facials and hair appointments. I felt great when my hair looked good.
- I discovered that no matter how long I had something and no matter how many times I’d worn it, my husband would still ask, ”Is that new?” To which I would ALWAYS reply…”This old thing?”
- I worked out more. Now I feel better in whatever I wear and I look better in nothing too!
- I thought about my constant struggle to fight aging. I decided to love my body and my age and just get on with it. I’m not the same person I was 30 years ago so why do I need to look like I did then?
- I thought about those who have less than I do, and I tried to use my time and assets (clothing, money, talents, experience) to help others in need.
- My best accessory is still my smile.
- If I didn’t wear it this year I’ll never wear it!
- What I’m buying first: A leopard printed trench coat (I love the one from Doncaster this season, it’s expensive but I know I’ll wear it many many times), a new pair of flat black boots, and pair of nude pumps.
READ MORE:
Advanced Style: Fashion Week Party 2011: PHOTOS!
Fashion’s Night Out: In Pictures
Fashion’s Night Out: What is it?
Getting Dressed is Easier When Less is More
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[...] Lessons Learned From A Year of NO Shopping [...]
Love this flash…following a lot of the above I find that I am enjoying my clothes so much more in my 40s …so much so I’m blogging !!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, once we consider each item in our closet as part of our core wardrobe we become better at honing our personal style! Lynda Harm’s fashion fast opened her eyes to what her personal style was really all about. She also learned what clothes mean to her. It’s interesting how many women found what she did fascinating and inspiring.
What inspiring results! Thank you!
Hi Rosie, Thanks for your comment!
What an inspirational article. I’m getting my nerve up to do the same next year.
Hey Deb, Just do it. Don’t wait to get up the nerve!
Congratulations! Your gleanings are most helpful and inspiring. I found it interesting that the pieces you wore most were core classic pieces. I want to go back and read more of your adventure.
Thanks Annette! Glad to inspire!
I loved this article. Lots of great tips. A great way to discern between “fashion” and “style.” Fashion follows trends. Style is memorable!
Love, love, love this flash! She is a brave woman for sure! But her points are so true. I was commenting to a friend just today, that I don’t need it. After trying on a darling longer jacket (which is my fav style for my body type) I decided that I certainly had enough animal prints in my closet to start a zoo.
Thanks for the great article! Susie Galvez