Shopping Ban update for October

from a store in DTLA

So another month of this so-called shopping ban and another failure to add to the books.  If you've been following my Insta-story, you know we've been doing about 2 weeks of traveling with our Airstream.  And most of the time we're glamping at campsites (side note: I got a request from a reader to do a post of my top glamping spots in California so that'll be up soonish), but we had a couple days in LA (which IMHO is the shopping mecca on the west coast).  I browsed around DTLA (downtown LA), which back when I was going to UCLA was deader than dead.  Now there's a ton of cool stores like Vrai and Oro at the ROW at DTLA and COS stores (the big sister to H&M).  And well of course if I'm looking, I'm going to be tempted to buy, and buy I did at both of those places (oh and at the new Bridge & Burn store in LA too).  I was especially guilty about buying stuff at COS since they're fast fashion and I was on track to a completely fast fashion-free year.  But I can no longer claim that prize.  Ah well, guess it just goes to show that I'm weak when it comes to clothes.  

On a related note, I'm really trying to view my collection of clothes and what I wear daily as just a facet of my self expression and not such a main focus of my life.  I want to do great things while looking stylish, I don't want to just look stylish (and by 'great things' I mean anything meaningful acts big or small).  And lately I feel like my clothes have been more of a focus than my actual actions, so I might take a step back and try to focus more on doing rather than accumulating.  If this sounds vague and confusing, it's probably because I don't feel very clear on it myself.  

Anyway two more months to go, and the most consumeristic time of the year so we'll see how I weather that.  Though come January I'm totally going to let myself try some new Elizabeth Suzann items since I've been dying to try them since month one!

Shopping Ban Update for August and September & Giveaway Etiquette Questions

wearing Everlane Modern Oxfords

It's almost mid-October, which means this horrific year is slowly coming to a close.  I pray that we can ride out the rest of this year sans any more tragedies.  On a much more frivolous note, this also means this silly little shopping ban of mine is almost over.  TBH I've been so busy in August and September that I haven't had much time to go shopping!  No time?  No temptations!  (Well I went once to a mall to pick up some AirPods and though I was tempted by some sales, I was able to resist.  And speaking of these AirPods, they are amazing!  Finally some bluetooth wireless earphones that work seamlessly and also don't fall out of my ear.) 

I have, though inadvertently accumulated a lot of new clothes from all the reviews I've done.  I need to do a closet clean out and sale but again, no time.  I'll probably get some kind of sale up over the Fall (or later in the Fall, possibly winter if I can't get my act together).  Also I plan to do some giveaways but let me ask you this: is it rude to give away slightly used items like this Good West Co bag that, truth be told, have only been used with my outfit shots and a post about leather cleaners?  I do think this is a really lovely bag with gorgeous leather (and handmade in San Francisco by a really wonderful woman who I've met!), but it just doesn't get used since I have too many other bags.  I could try to sell it online, but I much rather give it to a reader.  What do you think?  

Shopping Ban update for July

Building Block Mini Rucksack in Concrete

Fail.  July was a complete fail when it came to the shopping ban.  It all started with some 'window shopping' when I had about 45 minutes to kill in San Francisco.  I was meeting up with friends for dinner at Hayes Valley and so when I got there early I thought I would browse.  Nope there's no such thing as window shopping and harmless browsing when you have a shopping addiction AND it's sale season.  I caved and bought this backpack from Building Block (at a killer price, but still I shouldn't have).  And then you know that feeling where you've already off the wagon, so you might as well try to get away with more?  And then I saw an Hermes Lindy 30 (like this one) for a great used price at Fashionphile and justified it by saying I already sold 2 bags (the Mansur Gavriel Lady bag and the Goyard tote) so it's like a 'trade.'  Well yes and no.  I still need to sell a couple more bags to make up the difference which I'm in the process of doing.  So I'm basically downsizing my purse collection to trade it in for one Hermes, so that's a good thing right?

I guess the upside of this shopping ban, even when I do fail it, is that I'm at least not tempted to shop the online sales.  I used to get a real feeling that I'm missing out when I don't shop the sales.  But I've realized that I'm probably not going to buy anything life-changing at a sale (and most of the time I end up buying mediocre stuff because it's on sale).  So nowadays because I'm on this (supposed) ban, I tell myself not to waste any time looking online (and TBH it mostly works except instead I find myself spending more time on sites like Fashionphile that sell used items).

Anyway I'm going to keep on trying (try, try again amrite?) and we'll see how the rest of the year goes with this shopping ban.  

Shopping Ban Update For June

My thrift shopping haul: Marine Layer skirt, Current/Elliot denim shirt, SuperDry khaki shirt, Madewell tee, and Bateau Petit tee

So you know how back in May I was like, oh this shopping ban is a piece of cake?  Well of course as soon as I say those words, my raging consumption addiction comes back to bite me in the butt.  So I let myself go thrift shopping at Crossroads to satisfy that craving.  It's not ideal to be adding new items to the closet (especially when a lot of other conscious consumption bloggers were doing a no-shop June) so I did feel a bit guilty.  But then I told myself hey at least I'm funding a system that recycles clothes and keeps them from the dump.  And technically I didn't even spend money since I had enough credit from "trading" in my clothes to cover the cost of the new-to-me duds (with some credit left over).  I guess this is the best way for me to manage my shopping addiction while still following my rules for an ethical closet (which is summed up really well in the picture from this post).  I'm tempted to call it right now and say it was just a 6 month shopping ban, but ah well I'll keep trying.  But really, I can't wait for this ban to be over, though I have a feeling I won't be hitting up the malls right after it (at least the urge for that has really left me... or so I think until I prove myself wrong again of course, lol).  In the meantime the downsizing of my closet and the honing of my style continues.

P.S. Those who follow my insta-stories know I got a new used bag, after selling off several from my collection.  Currently feeling a bit guilty about it but at the same time I'm justifying it as a 3 bags out, one bag in sort of deal (and really I did get such a good deal on this pre-owned bag).  But since this is a July purchase I'll deal with it in my July post lol >.<

P.P.S I've just read this article and it describes me pretty much to a tee.  I like well-made items and I like these items to be also made at least ethically if not also sustainably.  And I'm super lucky enough to be able to afford to buy these kinds of goods so that's what I choose.  Yes, buying sustainable and ethical items can sometimes be expensive but buying fast fashion in bulk can be equally expensive in my opinion.  Those items don't last, nor can they really be traded for new to you clothes at a place like Crossroads (and forget trying to sell them on places like eBay).  Buy quality items from consignment stores and not only are you helping to maintain the resell market but you're not lining the pockets of polluting corporations.  Ok ok I'll get off my soap box now lol.

May Shopping Ban Update

What?! I can't believe it's already June!  This means my shopping ban is almost half-way through!  And funnily enough, I'm just starting to get used to it.  I mean I still want new stuff of course, like these Elizabeth Suzann Clyde linen pants up top (the search for the perfect ethically made linen pants continues!).  But I don't feel like I need it right now, and I'm actually okay to wait until next summer.  Somehow the urgency is gone and the need to shop is gone.

However I am still getting new things in for review from Everlane, Grana and Cuyana.  But most of those are requested by readers, and I can't say no to readers (lol, actually thanks for enabling me guys and giving me suggestions.  I totally love it and am just using y'all as an excuse but really keep the requests coming).  So I do get a small steady stream of new things into my life, which I'm super grateful for.

But right now I'm feeling good.  It's like day 3 on a juice cleanse you know: you get past all the crankiness and hard days and you finally are on a day that feels effortless.  I think that's where I'm at with this shopping ban.

By the way these jumpsuits from YSTR caught my eye, and I would probably have tried one out if I wasn't on a ban.  But I don't need it.

Shopping Ban update for April

{Thanks to wardrobeminimalist for the graphic, which I'm just loving!  I guess I'm still working on #1 and #2, though when I do shop I definitely do #3, #4, and #5}

Hi guys, well I did purchase one item in April, which makes me think what does it even mean to be on a shopping ban when I break it every other month?  Also what does it mean to be on a ban when I'm still getting things on credit from Everlane and Grana (essentially getting 5-8 new items a month).  I guess it's a pretty flimsy ban.  But ah well, I'm going to keep trying.  Anyway the one thing I did purchase (a Celine wallet, review coming soon) was first very much needed, and secondly I purchased it second-hand.  I think one way to not buy into the fast fashion market is by buying things used or "pre-owned".  At least that way your money doesn't go into the pockets of the over-producing disposable-fashion-making corporations, but rather the recyclers or the thrift market (shoutout to Slowre!).  Also you pay so much less!  

Anyway I think I'm going to alter the ban so that I let myself purchase any used items (if and when I need them, rather than just used items from Crossroads which was my original resolution), and I'm also going to cool it for a bit on the items from Everlane and Grana (again).  Right now I rather focus on honing my style with the things I do have.  And then I might responsibly add some items from them to further evolve my style in the future.  But as for May, I'm going to try for another strict ban on adding anything to my closet (especially while I catch up on my reviews again).  I feel like I'm on one of those fast diets, where you eat whatever you want every other day and then a strict fast on the other days.  Except I'm doing that with shopping and it's every other month. (And P.S. I heard those fast diets work just as well as a regular ole' dieting plus they're really hard to do, I should know, I tried it once.  #notworthit).

On the bright side, this so-called shopping ban has at least prevented me from purchasing things that I think I wanted.  I'm currently no longer lusting over the Polene bag and Sevilla Smith shoes I really wanted from the last shopping ban update post.  I think that's also due to the change in weather (ie leather boots are just not going to work in this 90 degree weather Silicon Valley's been having).  Also, I "cured" my craving for a new bag by digging up an old classic (a really old Balenciaga) that I've been keeping in storage.  

Oh and lastly, this doesn't have anything to do with the ban but for those of you who purchased from TemporaryHousewifeyCloset and were wondering if I donated to EarthJustice or I embezzled the money, I donated $180 (net profits of the sale of my Grana and Everlane items) to them last week.  I decided I'm not going to be adding anything to THCloset currently, but I'll restart it again when I have the time.  And I think I'll be donating to another charity (I know they say that donating to one charity is the best bang for your buck, but I think I rather focus on something else now).  I really want to donate to a charity that funds education (because the U.S. seriously needs better education if we're going to keep on producing people who are going to change the world for the better.  Plus I read this shocking post from one of my favorite bloggers about her woes with student loans).  Anyone know of any awesome education non-profits?

Shopping ban update for March

{Squeezing this update in between my Spring 10x10 challenge here since by the time the challenge is over we'll be deep into April}

So I did it!  I managed to go without anything new for one month.  I guess I kept myself busy with my back-log of reviews that needed to be done and I just told myself, "Ok, you gotta be able to at least go one month."  So no thrift shopping and no purchases on credit from Everlane or Grana.  But April 1st, I was itching to go back to my old ways and I allowed myself to try some new things from Everlane (their dipped tote and their modern loafer slides--still waiting for these to come in and to be honest I'm really just curious about slides but I'm pretty sure they'll be too narrow for my feet).  But in the end I'm glad I waited a month since it really clarified what I wanted from Everlane and Grana when the temporary ban was over (I also repurchased Grana's linen boyfriend shirt since I seem to have lost my first one--I can't find it for the life of me, and now that summer is rolling around I really want a good linen shirt in my life).  I'm also itching to go thrift shopping but I'm waiting until I absolutely feel like I need to go shopping and then I'm going to treat myself.  But I've realized that by at least waiting it really helped me to be more selective when it did come time to try some new things.  I'm going to let myself celebrate this small victory but like any addict, I can't get too relaxed and let myself fall back to old habits.  Also the capsule closet is helping in that whenever I want something fresh in my closet, I 'shop' my storage bins and add something new.  But for the most part nothing new has been added to my capsule either.  Let's hope I can keep this slow and conscious consumption going through April.  In the meantime, here is my current list of things I want to buy if I were not on a ban:

My lust for these hand-made shoes are still going strong: The Sandy from Sevilla Smith

the numero un bag from Polene (a french brand I just discovered); I emailed them to ask them a little more about their manufacturing process and I'm happy to report that they "only make our bags in Spain in the famous town of Ubrique and all the workers in the factories are well paid. This is a town with a high level of social protection for them because most of the peoples are working in this industry."  Coincidentally this is also where Everlane makes their leather foldover crossbody which I loooove (the leather is so yummy).  I really want to try this bag out (would readers be down if I did a one-in-one out policy for my bags so I can experiment with this bag and report back?  Or is that breaking the ban? lol).

And Polene's numero trois bag

My first capsule, part two: Still in Progress

So this is what my capsule wardrobe (aka my Airstream closet) looks like at the moment.  At first I was a bit stressed out trying to make it 'perfect' but then a cold front hit and I had to go digging back into the bins to pull out a couple sweaters.  And that's when I decided, well it's my capsule wardrobe and I'm going to do it the way I want.   That means I'm not going to stress out about having the perfect number or selection of clothes and instead let my capsule have more of a 'flow' to it.  That means if I need something then I will let myself go back to storage and pull out what I need.  Then that item will have a place in my capsule closet, thus the space for a couple more hanging items and the nearly empty shelf for dresses.  I'll fill it as I need.  Also whatever I don't pull to use in my capsule for the warm season will be up on the chopping block.  I kind of see it as a 2 closet system and whatever doesn't get moved to the primary closet will be sold or donated.  And for the most part, my going out clothes (ie blogger clothes) will stay at the garage and not be included in my Airstream capsule closet since I pretty much live at our workplace and I usually leave to go to events/dinners from there and not the Airstream (logistically it makes sense since the garage is closer to the city than the RV park we live in).  So this may not be a fully enclosed capsule collection but that's okay with me.  Whatever works and makes me happy right?

P.S. And since I'm a total newbie at this capsuling thing, here's a link to an expert capsuler so you can get some real tips on how to do this: 

P.P.S. I'm happy to report that thus far my renewed shopping ban for March has been going very well.  No new things in!  In April I will go back to my original rules of allowing myself to thrift shop as well as try out Everlane and Grana items purchased on credit (thanks to everyone who has supported me on this!)

For the love of clothes (and accessories)

Snapshot from the Chanel store in Ala Moana, Honolulu

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about my consumption habits, especially due to my shopping ban resolution this year (and my failure of keeping said ban).  To be honest I haven't always been so fashion/style-minded (remember that story about wearing the same jeans and sweaters all throughout grad school).  But my consumption habits have really sky-rocketed since starting this blog.  At first I felt like I had to consume to have something to blog about.  If I wasn't writing about something useful, some kind of new information, why would people even stop by to visit?  But last year, it really morphed into its own beast.  I was getting boxes almost on the daily.  And here I am trying to espouse conscious consumption, minimalism, and intentional buying.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Instead I was buying all these new items "for the blog" but not really using them.  And even if I am purchasing the bulk of my items from companies that care about their workers and the quality of their items, there's just no way one person could effectively wear every single item I was purchasing.  And on top of that I had my "uniform" so I wasn't even wearing over half of my "blogger clothes".  All of this is starting to feel more disingenuous to who I am and what I believe in (which really is buy less, buy quality, and use well).  I don't know what the solution here is, except to slow my roll (which is what I keep repeating, I know).  The ban has helped on that some.  On the bright side, I feel like I'm getting to know my style better so I really hope that after distilling my current style this year, I'll only be adding things periodically to keep it evolving.  But sometimes I wonder if I'll ever break out of this crazy consumption cycle?

P.S. Thank you to everyone who commented with encouragement and with super helpful tips on my "Failure in Feb" post.  I feel more determined than ever to make this shopping ban work.  Also thanks to you guys I'm going to be committing to doing a capsule wardrobe (which is what I should have been doing ever since I moved into an Airstream) so stay tuned for that!

Shopping ban progress report: Failure in February

The bag that I desperately whined and weaseled my way to (I used everything in my persuasion arsenal for this one and then felt dirty after, lol)

I literally acted like an addict all February.  I wheedled my way to my drug (stuff, more specifically bags), and really bent some rules along the way (ok ok 'broke' is probably the more accurate word here).  Also I justified buying swimsuits because now I'm trying to swim on a regular basis, but I didn't need to go and buy 8 items from Patagonia (darn that sale).  I'm going to be honest here and say I most definitely failed.  And now I'm really starting to think I have a problem.  I think I might be addicted to shopping (friends who know me well will probably say 'no duh' at this point).  I know I love shopping but always told myself I can stop anytime I want (and isn't this what all addicts say).  And lo and behold I don't last more than 6 weeks.  And when I was trying to reduce my spending on my closet, I found that I ended up spending a lot more on makeup and skin care (but hey on the bright side I did find Bella Cuore).  It's like I need to buy something every once in awhile even though I have waaay too much of everything.  Well a shopping addiction probably isn't the worse thing in the world (#firstworldproblems), but an addiction to anything can be bad news.  At this point I feel like I need to do this just to prove to myself that I can.  So back on the shopping ban wagon I go and no more trying to get others to do the dirty work for me (ie buy me gifts, lol)... though March is my birthday month.  Ah well, at least no more buying things off of eBay just because I have money in my paypal account.  And definitely less spending on skin care and makeup products (but I'm on a hunt for a good tinted sunscreen with coverage or foundation with sunscreen that won't melt off my face come summer...so that quest is still gonna happen).  Also no more stuff from Everlane and Grana for the time being because I'm still behind on my reviews.  I'm not going to get any more stuff until I'm all caught up and have literally run out of things to write about on this blog (I still have to do my review of the Everlane wide leg pants and a bunch of silk items from Grana as well as their active wear).    

January: Progress... sort of

Hi guys!  This quick post is for those who are interested in my shopping ban and closet purge (and my general quest to downsize and simplify).  My current closet situation equals 5 large plastic bins of clothes, one and a half plastic bins of shoes, and a small closet with essentials at the Airstream.  

January's progress: sold 10 items of clothes, but kept 1 Everlane sweater (the cotton fisherman sweater--review of that coming soon), a PJ set c/o Grana, and one tee purchased on eBay with credit (eBay bucks).  So that's a net total of 6 items out of my closet.  Oh boy, I'm going to have to do better than that next month.  In February I plan to do at least one run to Crossroads and one to Goodwill so I'll be able to get that net total purge into the double digits there.

On the bright side, I have officially completed one month of the shopping ban (spent $0 on clothes and accessories).  Currently I'm still wanting Elizabeth Suzann's Georgia Tee & Clyde Pants and now also want Sevilla Smith's booties pictured (lol thanks to reader Sandy).

P.S. After writing about eating whole30 and vegan once I week I've promptly been on the opposite binge (half a pint of ice cream one day and half a bag of cheetos the next day, which meant 2 days of my stomach being out of whack).  I guess my stomach is getting old; it looks like I can no longer consume copious amounts of junk food without consequences.  Anyway the progress to improve my health starts today!

The Shopping Ban- Almost One Month In

Ever since I declared my shopping ban here, I've been eyeing these Clyde pants and Georgia Tee from Elizabeth Suzann (pics above).  My first solution was to find something similar that's already in my closet.  For the Clyde pants, I thought that Grana's silk ankle pants were close enough (with a somewhat similar silhouette), but I didn't really have anything similar when it come to the Georgia Tee.  So I fudged a bit and ordered two things from Everlane that could be possible dupes (I know I allowed myself purchases from places I have referral credit saved, but it did feel a bit like cheating since I am searching outside of my closet and ordering items.  BUT since this is only my first month of the ban and I'm surprisingly struggling a bit more than I thought I would, I'm being easy on myself).

I first ordered the cashmere crop mock neck (review on that coming soon).  I was hoping the squarish shape but the soft drapey fabric would mimic the Georgia Tee.  But nope, it didn't quite work out.  My second item was a repeat purchase.  I had already reviewed Everlane's poplin square shirt here (which I didn't really love), but I thought if I ordered it in a larger size and in a  different color it might fill the style void I was craving.  And it worked better than the sweater did but I still didn't love it.  And it still didn't feel like a dupe for Elizabeth Suzann's version.  I think it has to do with the unique shape of the sleeves on the Georgia Tee.

My military stance and my blogger stance ;P

I got some second opinions on Instagram; that was the first time I used it in that way: to get real-time feedback on the items I were debating on.  And I loved it!  I was pretty iffy on keeping both items, but after hearing your feedback I knew I should follow my gut and keep them only if I loved them.  And I didn't love them, so back they went.  Thanks again for everyone who left a comment and for your honesty.  Sometimes it's hard to have an objective eye about the stuff you want/own so it really helps when you get other people's opinions.

Anyways in the meantime I'll just live with the fact that I don't have a Georgia Tee in my life (which is really okay since I have something like 200 other tops in my life--of which I hope to cut down to 50).  Also my birthday will be here in a couple of months and if I'm still craving the tee then I know what to ask for as a present (ok ok I know I should be focused on purging not acquiring, but going from 100% to 0% shopping will take some getting used to).