Express Checkout Challenge, Week 3, one to go!
I'll finish week 3 on Sunday. I feel restrained but not deprived. Know I can return to some favourite things in ten days, and for years to come.
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| Navy tunic, orange pochette |
I think of the people who have had to leave everything behind, fleeing war or other tragedies, and my experiment feels superficial. Yet, if it causes me to stop reflexively consuming, it's valuable.
It's the same with eating; when I attended Weight Watchers, we met upstairs in a church, where smells from the soup kitchen in the basement wafted up, curling around our scales and points booklets. "Isn't it odd", I said to another member, "here we are struggling not to eat so much, and two floors below, the church is caring for those who don't have enough food?"
Observations:
I buy too many nearly-identical things; why?
In my reduced-choice state, department stores, with their jammed racks, are harshly lit and overwhelming. (But in a ritzy shoe salon (like The Room at The Bay), the shoes look like an art installation.)
My bedroom closet is so uncrammed that I can see the back wall. (I removed most other clothes.) With stuffed closets, you can hide your mistakes, an edited closet won't tolerate them.
I'm enjoying that Danier black leather tee so much! It's now on sale through their web site, price, $199.
Skimmed an article on cleanses. It occurred to me: I'm doing a clothes cleanse.
My bedroom closet is so uncrammed that I can see the back wall. (I removed most other clothes.) With stuffed closets, you can hide your mistakes, an edited closet won't tolerate them.
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| Leather tee with knit back, Danier |
Skimmed an article on cleanses. It occurred to me: I'm doing a clothes cleanse.
My favourite cleanse story is from an acquaintance, Moira, who got so bored with her Master Cleanse Lemonade that she started spiking the recipe with dark rum instead of maple syrup (well, it is the same colour), and rather more than required.
Moira was ushered out of her child's basketball game for screaming "Whoop that little f-----'s ass, Susie!"
Comments
I'll have a post up at the beginning of next week with a status report, but the four straight days of 90F+ temperatures have been a challenge. I may have to break out from the herd today, just to give my one little black tank a break.
It's great to hear that you're doing well with less. It's finally cool enough here that I've made the switch to daily jeans wearing--which kind of accomplishes the same thing although in a less structured way. Love the leather T.
That's funny :)
I often wonder what I would grab if I had to choose one outfit and leave all else behind.....
I admire your dedication to the experiment.
So far, the only thing that discourages acquisition of particular items for me is when I look them up online and see a surfeit of the same or very similar thing. I lose all interest immediately. Same thing is true for retail stores where I might see, say, dozens of attractive shoes artfully arranged. If I can't choose one thing right away - and couldn't under those circumstances, then I walk away with nothing.
I've followed your experiment closely---and it has influenced my wardrobe thoughts.
Pseu: Temperature bounce got to me, too, thank heavens for camisoles!
Nancy: The leather tee has a knit back- and also looks great with jeans.
hostess: We called it a retox! I would grab my pearls, I can replace the clothes.
Vildy: The best merchgandisers know this, and create an illusion of scarcity without too many of any item displayed.
I must have more than half a dozen black jackets. All different styles. Am going to set myself the task of seeing how far I can purge this assortment.
As a reader of Geneen Roth, I think the link between overconsuming of food and overconsuming of other items is about as direct as they come. Food for thought, as they say....
Vildy: I had an aunt, excellent seamstress, who wore the same little dressmaker suit all the years I knew her, in various fabrics. It drove her daughters mad.
ma: I think of you as a collector of LBDs and they are so gorgeous.
Demi-pointe: Your comment is so valuable to me, especially the slowing down part. I am planning to expand on your thoughts, thank you.
The connection between overeating and over-shopping is undeniable, and mindfulness--whether that means consciously wearing only the clothes we really love, or concentrating on the preparation and enjoyment of delicious, healthy food--seems to be one answer.
I love the jolt of orange against your navy -- always a combination I like!
Artful, I can't wear anything "below" such as trousers more than once, so nothing down there that needs dry cleaning.
I've taught and worked in many community centres like that church; indeed it is intriguing to observe the different groups that convene there from my beloved elderly Vietnamese Tai Chi people to self-help groups and soup kitchens. Although it will be great to shop in your closets again, I'm sure many participants in this experiment will be able to give up some good but little-worn garments to people who need them. My favouite charity shop really needs stuff, as alas there has been a huge increase in women needing emergency housing of late.
I've had too many other things going on (structural work in housing co-op) to take part in this experiment, but I'm pretty keen on wearing the same things - I do like having multiples of favourite clothes though. Practically a uniform...
Anonymous; Delicious, yes- hmmm- that is the whole French Women Don't Get Fat idea- really savouring food, and she is also a proponent of a small, carefully chosen wardrobe.
Arful: I thought about it b/f buying, believer me. I'm kind of a normal sweat-er. Wear thin cami under it, do not apply deodorant immediately b/f wearing. So far, it's odor free, but will take to cleaner who specializes in leather when needed. Front and underarms can be cleaned with delicate leather cleaner cream I got at Danier. (Back is knit,sleeves and front are leather.)
AND I have sprayed whole piece with protective spray.
lagatta- Thanks, Yes will be taking some things to Goodwill, some to consignment. Very much hoping your co-op renos are moving along as it's getting cold!
On the occasions when I have a vodka cocktail I "spike" it with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and add an effervescent, no-sugar, orange-flavored vitamin C tablet from the pharmacie. A large splash of Perrier and I've got myself an almost (almost) calorie-free drink. Plus, I getting all those vitamins.
I see it as a win-win.