New (Birth) Year Resolution: Buy (Almost) Nothing New for a Year

 

Like many of us, I've been reading a lot lately about overconsumption, consumerism, capitalism, etc. and how these things are impacting our planet. Obviously, it's not good, and something needs to change, but how? How much can one person truly do to make a difference? 

I started looking at my own habits, and while I think I have some good ones (veganism, recycling, etc), there is definitely room for improvement. One glaringly obvious way, evidenced by my closet and my checkbook, is my clothing consumption. Now, I'm no fashionista, don't don designer duds nor dress to impress every day, but I do have a healthy shoe collection and like a new outfit as much as any girl. The problem is, I lean toward "fast fashion" for the very reason everyone does: It's cheap and it's available. I swear, I keep Old Navy in business. I'm there every season, stocking up on inexpensive sweaters in the cool months, tanks and light dresses during the warm ones. The quality isn't terrible, and the items last long enough, but inevitably they end up being donated to the charity shop or, god forbid, the landfill. 

(In my defense, my weight tends to fluctuate which requires shopping for the right size since I rarely hold onto my "fat clothes." Good advice from the weight loss gurus, but not practical for those of us yo-yo dieters.)

So, what to do? How can I continue to wear the cute clothes I enjoy without contributing to the problem and also lessening the strain on my budget? One easy suggestion: Buy Second Hand. Now, I have been a thrift shopper for many years, spent hours with my mom or my daughters treasure hunting at one thrift store or another. I rarely leave a shop empty handed, always find some little token, a small dopamine-popping treat for myself or others. I don't rely on these places for the bulk of my wardrobe, though. The items are side dishes, not the entrees. This is where the change has to happen. 

For the next year, I'm committing to these rules:

• Buy (mostly) second hand, with certain exceptions. Lingerie, workout wear, socks, sneakers, etc. will be new, just due to my own personal hygiene phobias. I have purchased vintage boudoir nighties on occasion, but that's a story for another time. *wink* 
• Buy (mostly) only when needed, not on impulse, but that rule will be flexible because who truly can determine whether those stilettos are a need or a want? I mean, seriously!

Vintage handbag & pearls, new peep toe slingbacks

• Clean out & clear out closet, sell or donate unwanted items. 
• Shop mindfully, paying attention to quality as well as price. Choose items that have some staying power, but a few trendy pieces are acceptable. 
• Be bold! Don't be afraid to break the rules! Wear what you want, not what "fashion" dictates. Be yourself, what's comfortable, but also try on some new looks and see how it feels! 

That's what I have so far, and I've already made progress. Last week I took a pile of donations to our local humane society thrift store, and when I decided to reward myself with a new dress, I went to Poshmark instead of the mall. 

I've been looking at some older photos of myself, from back when my kids were small, and remembering how much I liked those longer flowy dresses. I have a similar one (from Old Navy), a cute button down that's flattering and comfy, but it's been hard to find others. Well, apparently the 90's are now considered vintage (yikes!) and those dresses are all over the second hand clothing sites, often being touted as "cottage core." Hmm..ok. Well, how lucky for me! 

I ended up purchasing a couple, both from the same brand, Betsy Lauren. This black floral maxi fit perfectly out of the package, just needed a quick wash and light iron! I love the lattice back and the button front! 

I don't know about my dress being truly "vintage," but
Beren's Jeep certainly is! 

I wore it out to brunch yesterday, felt pretty cute, and was delighted by the compliments from the adorable young server..and my handsome hubby.  

The details: 

        Item: Vintage 1990s Betsy Lauren dress

        Purchased: Poshmark

        Cost: $18 plus tax & shipping: $25.51 Total

        Expression on hubby's face: Priceless. ;) 

 Would anyone like to join me on this challenge? I know my friend Benzaiten has been chatting about this issue as well. Maybe we mature goddesses can start to make a difference, heal the world one second hand dress at a time! 

Rapunzel~

Cocktails at the Castle

At the risk of sounding like I have a drinking problem, (hiccup!) I long for the days when couples had regular a "cocktail hour" at the end of their day. What a lovely way to segue from work to home. And, ooh, don't even get me started on formal cocktail parties! *swoon* So glamorous!

Tonight I'm going to slip on a LBD and my favorite high heels (see below), dab some Chanel No 5 behind my ears and pretend that I'm a 1950's housewife. Beren will put on some lounge music and I'll shake up these sexy little drinks for us. Oh, honey, I can barely wait until 5 pm!

P.S. This recipe comes from a book Kali bought me a few years ago, Highballs High Heels;what does that say about me that my teenage daughter bought me a drinking book? Hmm.....

P.S.S. I dedicate this drink to my friend Steph who loves shoes just about as much as I do!



Stiletto Cocktail

So, you think a woman's drink is some froufrou frappe sweet enough to melt your molars? Well, sure if you're talking about Gidget bar-hopping in Honolulu. But this classic 50's combo is for another kind of gal altogether; elusive, magnetic, a no-nonsense woman who invites her guest inside for a late-night bourbon and razor-sharp repartee. You won't need to pop a film noir video in the VCR for atmosphere - you're it, baby! Power, culture, femininity, and a hint of danger - all in one glass. Just remember, when you walk across his chest with those spike heels, show no mercy.

1 1/2 cups cracked ice
6 ounces Amaretto
3 ounces good Kentucky bourbon
2 ounces fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar syrup
10 or 12 ice cubes

Garnish:
2 lemon peels

Fill a cocktail shaker with the cracked ice and add the Amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Shake vigorously to blend and chill.

Divide the ice cubes between two old-fashioned glasses. Strain half the mixture into each glass. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink to serve. Serves 2


Pssst...update...cocktail hour was fabulous! Kali joined us for a bit, we all looooved the stiletto cocktail, will definitely be making this one again. Lots of fun, a perfect start to the weekend!