Daydreamin’

I’m coming to the end of a year long sentence.

On June 1, 2009, I stopped buying clothes. The last article of clothing I purchased was a beautiful $40 pink and green top from a downtown boutique. I loved that shirt. Unfortunately, because Hubby forgot to take the ink pen out of his pants pockets (or, as he would say, I forgot to check his pockets…but this is another story for another time), the beautiful shirt faced a black death sometime around August. I teared up.

I made this decision after reading about our young adults minister, Jason, taking this on. When I heard about his choice not to buy clothes for a year, I realized something: I have an abundance of clothes. I don’t need any more. I definitely want more…but aren’t there more important things to be concerned about in life?

Plus, I had been splurging on twice a month Sunday shopping trips that needed to cease, especially as my hubby was about to quit his job and pursue school full-time. So after about two weeks of asking myself, “Can I really do this?” I took the plunge.

What a year.

Granted, I have been BLESSED beyond measure and gotten to somewhat cheat – my mom, thinking that my reason was solely based on financial reasons, I think, has purchased me several new items of clothing, including much needed (by about December) undies. Bless her soul. For my birthday, my husband took me to Academy, where I was able to add a couple of new sports bras to the two I already had (Obviously, before this running kick, I didn’t exercise much…at all…). And for Christmas, my mother-in-law got me a gift certificate to an athletics store, where I purchased some running clothing. So it’s not been too bad in that aspect.

In addition, while I didn’t lose any weight running, I did lose dress sizes, so all the old clothes in my closet that I hadn’t fit into since I got married – ta da!! New clothes!!

Well, sort of. I was very put out when I tried on several gorgeous work dresses from last year and found that they just hang on me this year. They’re at least two sizes two big – and that includes one of my favorites! I’m distressed. (And, as a side note, if anyone wants to be a BIG help and take in the dresses for me, I would love you forever and buy you all sorts of Maggie Moos ice cream…)

Last summer was really hard. I’d go shopping with friends…and they’d buy new clothes…and I wouldn’t. To make myself feel better, I’d buy Hubby some new shirts (apparently I have a shopping problem), but over time, even that faded.

I’m not a shopper anymore. I’m straight up just not interested.

Ahem.

HOWEVER.

There are a few items I am super psyched about purchasing come June 1:

Lingerie. I would kill for a new, sexy nightgown about now.

That yellow shirt in the store window of that same boutique where I bought my last shirt. The store is actually going out of business, and I’m crossing my fingers that they stay open until June 1.

High heeled shoes. I’m jonesing here.

An actual sleeveless running shirt. Not the undershirts I’ve been wearing. A real no-sleeved running shirt.

It’s really been a good experience/experiment for me. And, thanks to kind family members who’ve helped me semi-cheat, it hasn’t been hard. At first, my mind went others-focused as I tried to purchase items for other people, such as my Hubby. But over time…I went on one shopping trip to Stage recently with a friend. Other than that…I couldn’t tell you the last time I’ve shopped.

But…

Anyone want to join me June 1? ;)