Things that I love...

At the inspiration of my friend Megan Hunt, I set out last year to change my shopping habits, specifically as they relate to clothes. I was one of those types that just trolled the Banana Republic Online sale section on a routine basis and ordered what was on sale (in several colors). Some of it got sent back if it didn’t fit, but a lot of it stayed in my closet. Here is where that got me:

And surprisingly, I often had the feeling that I had “nothing to wear”.
So last summer I decided to stop buying clothes for the rest of the year. This decision was made initially because I started tracking my spending in 2009 and was a bit disturbed at what I had already spent by June. It was a little hard at first – but once I committed to not buying anything it was surprisingly easy to stick to it. I think a big success factor was that I had told people my plan – I had, as my sister calls them, “accountabilibuddies” to keep me on track. Since I told enough people I was going to do this, the thought of having to admit I slipped up seemed downright embarrassing.

So anyway, back to my inspiration! My friend Megan Hunt builds her wardrobe using the advice of one Tim Gunn: only buy clothes that you love. That way, you love everything in your closet and you never have to feel like you have nothing to wear. I wanted this attitude and I wanted to be excited about wearing what was in my closet. I wanted quality – not quantity.

So one of the things I’ve bought since my self-imposed ban was lifted (that I love!) is this ruffle-collar dress I snagged at a J Crew Outlet in Denver.

I am in love with ruffles – especially on collars. And bows too if you can’t tell from my shoesies.

And suddenly I’m on the prowl for dresses I can wear to work. Pants and I are having a harder and harder time agreeing on how I should look. Not sure if I’m developing my “womanly” body and everything is shifting around or if through this recent revolution I’ve just decided I don’t love many of the pants I have. Either way, I think its best we just see each other once and awhile for now.