In the season of gifting, and the omnipresent 'SALE' signage, its tempting to shop, and shop (and shop some more). But in an effort to keep it simple, further the lessons of generosity we try so hard all year to foster in our children, and remain on that #budget, I am turning off my social media feed for a while (and updating who I follow).
I'm also getting rid of nearly everything non-essential in my closet. I read an article about a few working moms who took a challenge to wear nothing but a simple black dress to work everyday for 2 weeks. They could change up the accessories, the shoes, the lip color. But the outfit itself was the same (or a variation of the same black dress) every day. The result? Elation. Freedom. More spare time they touted. While I'm not running out for 5 black dresses tomorrow, I'm taking the lesson to heart. That $100 pattern blouse with bell sleeves and a fancy neckline? You'll wear it once. You'll promise to wear it again next year, but it will probably feel dated by then (because lets be serious- if Loft shows me one more cold-shoulder/bell sleeve/tie sleeve top, those loose sloppy layers and ties just begging to be dipped into my toddler's mashed carrots, or whatever else I may be eating myself- I'm going to lose my sh*t).
So the more 'special' something looks in the store, the less likely you'll actually get your money's worth out of it. A pair of black velvet pants? Sure- they are 1) black, and 2) can dress up any outfit making it 'holiday' on more than 1 occasion without being an obvious outfit repeat (which, by the way, I do all the time and have zero problem with). A plaid button down from J.Crew that every blogger is wearing in every staged Instagram shot and new outfit post? Sure- plaid is good for at least half the year on the east coast, and can be worn partially tucked into those black velvet pants with some nice earrings for a festive party. Go for it.
But put down the flow-y, peasant-meets-NYC drop sleeve, open shoulder, lace trimmed top and get something you won't groan about seeing in your closet 9 months from now. Too late? There's always the Salvation Army and local donation drives, which we frequent every month as the baby outgrows his adorable clothes.
So happy holidays, shop less, accessorize what you have more, and drink up. (I am not downsizing our wine supply).
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