#NOSHOP19: February Update
I am SO happy to that it’s finally March! C has a theory that as soon as we hit March, it slowly but surely feels like spring. We probably still have a snow storm or two up our sleeve but they don’t seem as bad when the sun stays out later and they melt quickly.
I have now officially finished my second month of #noshop19. I cringe even writing that because I don’t feel nearly as proud of myself as I did after month one. Technically, I didn’t break any rules, but I feel like I found ways to work around them vs. following them as they were intended. I’ll get more into that in a bit but feel like I should start with the positives first.
I got rid of more stuff (a cheap H&M tee, two pairs of sunnies, a sweater from Nordstrom that fell apart in the wash, a fleece jacket, a striped shirt, a maternity tank, and a Barbour sweater, just off the top of my head). I’m feeling more than ever how few THINGS actually “spark joy!” Alternatively, I’m also realizing that even though I’ve probably decreased my wardrobe at this point by almost 70%, I still don’t wear much of it. I’m trying to not “over edit” at this point because I’m also holding on to a good 10 lbs of holiday/work stress/motherhood weight that I just can’t seem to shake and I don’t want to confuse me feeling uncomfortable in things as me no longer loving them.
I have also realized that I do have a pretty significant gap in my wardrobe in terms of outfits I feel good about for work. Admittedly, I work in a very casual environment (jeans, tees, all fine) so I can make due with what I have; but I’d feel better about myself if I could pull together a few more polished outfits. This may also be due in part to the season – once I can wear flats again I feel pretty solid in a crisp button down, jeans, and my Chloe flats.
The urge to shop also came on STRONG this month. As I predicted, brands are launching new spring lines, and we just booked a family trip to Florida for April. I know I will end up wearing the same shirt and jeans shorts 99% of the time so I’m not super worried about it but the temptation was real!
So… this month I replaced several items that I got rid of/wore old/sold AND I had to buy quite a bit for Nell who is growing like a weed and needed some new things. As promised, I bought 95% of Nell’s spring goods from the H&M Conscious Line and have a seasonal Mac & Mia box (we’ve worked with our stylist Sarah for years!) waiting for me when I get home from Denmark. Nell destroys her outfits at school so many days require 2-3 outfits – and with two working parents, we simply can’t keep up on the laundry fast enough to enable us to by less clothing options for Nell. It is what it is, but I did have to buy quite a bit so it FELT like I was cheating even though It was a “need.”
I also replaced quite a few items for myself this month. All within the “rules” and still nowhere near replacing even what I’ve gotten rid of this year, but I felt very guilty clicking “purchase” after an online shopping-free January! Here’s the damage:
- I replaced my LV Neverfull with a laptop backpack. Truthfully, I’ve been using my Ricky Bag for work for the last year or so and it’s really starting to show wear from slugging around a heavy laptop and being stuffed to the brim. It’s one of two total handbags that I own and it’s an investment piece, so I really wanted to stop using it as a work bag. I bought a Moleskine Laptop Backpack before I headed to Denmark and it’s been SUCH a good buy. Not to mention my shoulder isn’t aching and both of my hands are free!
- I got rid of 4 pairs of jeans this month (3 were worn, 1 I sold) and replaced them with these Levi Wedgie Icon Jeans. I wanted something more “modern” but not too trendy that I could wear for fun and at work. These fit the bill and were also already on my list from Jan as something I knew I would need to buy soon.
- I replaced a super cheap and oversized H&M black and white striped tee that got a hole in it this month with this one from the ShopBop sale. I haven’t seen it yet but it may go back.
- I used my “credits” from the fleece zip up, Emerson Fry shirt from last month, and an EDIT shirt I sold to buy two new work shirts. This feels like the biggest “cheat” because I actively had to think about what I was replacing. On the other hand I’m trying not to beat myself up about it because I literally only have button downs for work and my role does require me to dress up once in a while.
So that’s my “dirty laundry”… now that I’m reading the list it’s pretty harmless but for March I’m going to tighten up my replacement rule a bit. I can only replace something that is actually 100% worn out. We will see how I do but that should keep me moving in the right direction.
I have also taken on WAY too much these first few months of the year; between #noshop19, Whole30, Faster Way to Fat Loss, THREE work trips (including the 7-day trip I’m on now) back to back, Nell’s First Birthday, C’s Birthday, etc. March will be about simplifying. I’ve already cut way down on Instagram as I simply don’t have the time (and most of my travel has been confidential re: work) but I’ll probably slow down even more. I think it’s been a key trigger in making me miss shopping again so alas, time to rebalance.
Anyway, my head is DEFINITELY still in the game and I am confident that I can complete this challenge. While I’ve had my temptations this month, it’s felt really, really great to flex my willpower and say “no.” As always, feel free to leave any questions in the comments and I will get back to you!
