I didn’t shop for an entire year.

You see that skirt and that shirt I’m wearing? Those are the first pieces of clothing I’ve purchased in a YEAR.

Last July (2017) I was coming to the end of breastfeeding Lily, and I decided it was time for some new bras to celebrate. So, I went out and scored some awesome bras for some killer deals, and I went home and told Steven I wasn’t going to go shopping again for at least a year.

Well, my friends, it’s been a year and the only things I’ve purchased is that outfit up above for our family photos. The first month or two of not shopping was surprisingly tough. I don’t really care for shopping, so I thought it’d be easy. But I kept seeing things people were wearing and thinking “oh my gosh that is SO CUTE!” and wishing I had it as well. I started this challenge for the sake of trying something new, because I like to push myself, and I wanted to practice contentment and gratitude for the things I do have.

There were a couple of exceptions to this challenge – if someone bought me clothing, I wouldn’t turn it down, and if someone offered me hand-me-downs and I liked them, I wouldn’t turn them down. Over the past year I’ve added 3 tanktops (two hand me downs and one from a lost-and-found sale at the gym), two pairs of leggings (birthday gift), a cardigan (christmas gift), a HP t-shirt (Christmas gift), and a sweatshirt (hand me down) to my closet. What was cool though about this challenge is that when I went to my workshop in the Outer Banks in October, I was so tempted to get a new outfit for headshots, but after a conversation with Steven I pushed myself to find something in my closet that I felt would work, and I did! It worked perfectly!

This image below is my ENTIRE wardrobe. I don’t pack clothes away for the winter or summer and then re-arrange. This is everything I own for clothing. 2 of those 6 pink drawers are my shorts/bathing suits/pajamas and the rest are for other things. The three purple baskets are for pants (one is for leggings/sweatpants, one is for denim-type pants, and one is professional pants) and that’s all I’ve got! I’m SO in love with the clothes that I do have, and not shopping for a year really helped me figure out what it is I really actually like to wear, and what styles I’m drawn to. I don’t want to get too caught up in what’s current and trendy and instead focus on pieces of clothing that I absolutely LOVE and FEEL great in!

Before my one year ended, I made a little wish list of articles of clothing I’d like to get, and now that my challenge is over, I don’t actually feel a pull to go through and buy them! I’m sure over time I’ll add some to my wardrobe, but I feel so content and happy and grateful for what I do have! It’s actually sort of freeing! I know now that when I do add something to my wardrobe, it’s not just an impulse buy. It’s going to be something that I’m sure I’m going to wear for a long time! Quality over quantity!!

What are some of your favorite pieces of clothing that you own? Would you ever try a challenge like this?!

 

 

Linda is a Boston-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com. To sign up for the monthly newsletter full of encouragement and real life, click here!

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You can usually find me adding books to my never-ending “to read” list; challenging myself to do things like not shop for a year; sneaking crispy m+ms from my secret hiding spot so I don’t have to share them with my daughter; and melting over seeing my children smiling at each other.

Oh and I guess I should mention - I’m a seasoned Portland wedding photographer who provides not only kick-ass wedding photos, but also a meaningful and laid-back experience from the time you book to the delivery of your final images. 

I share all things personal, business, tips, and life as a mom and business owner here on the blog!

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