Today's outfit is inspired by A-Dub's love of black and red, and E-Jo's mastery of the stripes. Today is mild again- 60 degrees at 8:30AM, so this outfit might be too warm for the weather.
This belt, which I thrifted last spring, is definitely on it's last legs. I need to replace it, probably with something new. Which brings to the issue of GAAD and my shopping desires. I've officially been on GAAD since mid July, and 4 months later. As Cynthia, Style Underdog, and the Waves have discussed recently- not shopping is hard, and sometimes you want to break it. I did try to mitigate my shopping desires by going to a swap, and that was fun, but I still feel antsy and unsatisfied with the same old clothes, when standing in front of my wardrobe at times. There a few things I need to replace (black cardigan has a whole in the sleeves, this red belt is falling apart, need a few more pairs of tights) but I fear walking into a retail store.
That said, I think I will allow myself a premeditated cheat. I am not sure when, and I will have a dollar amount. But buying a little something makes me feel refreshed and renewed in a way that yoga, jogging, or cooking does not. I am not quite sure I can explain it well, but I don't feel too bad about it. I've been very busy and focused on my research goals this semester, and I'm not rewarding myself, but I recognize that being in controlled in almost all things (how I spend my time, exercising, eating, shopping, general spending habits) creates a new kind of stress. And while all these things are good, I need to let off a little pressure every now and then.
Have a happy Wednesday, everyone!
Skirt: H&M
Cardigan: Loft (thrifted)
Belt: Not Just Vintage, thrifted
Shoes: Me Too
Tights: Target
This belt, which I thrifted last spring, is definitely on it's last legs. I need to replace it, probably with something new. Which brings to the issue of GAAD and my shopping desires. I've officially been on GAAD since mid July, and 4 months later. As Cynthia, Style Underdog, and the Waves have discussed recently- not shopping is hard, and sometimes you want to break it. I did try to mitigate my shopping desires by going to a swap, and that was fun, but I still feel antsy and unsatisfied with the same old clothes, when standing in front of my wardrobe at times. There a few things I need to replace (black cardigan has a whole in the sleeves, this red belt is falling apart, need a few more pairs of tights) but I fear walking into a retail store.
That said, I think I will allow myself a premeditated cheat. I am not sure when, and I will have a dollar amount. But buying a little something makes me feel refreshed and renewed in a way that yoga, jogging, or cooking does not. I am not quite sure I can explain it well, but I don't feel too bad about it. I've been very busy and focused on my research goals this semester, and I'm not rewarding myself, but I recognize that being in controlled in almost all things (how I spend my time, exercising, eating, shopping, general spending habits) creates a new kind of stress. And while all these things are good, I need to let off a little pressure every now and then.
Have a happy Wednesday, everyone!
Skirt: H&M
Cardigan: Loft (thrifted)
Belt: Not Just Vintage, thrifted
Shoes: Me Too
Tights: Target
Rad, I definitely understand the feeling you get when you buy something new. I like Cynthia's thought of comparing this to an actual diet, and when you're too strict on those types of diets, it almost always ends up in binging and gaining a lot of that weight right back. As a member of Weight Watchers for the past 7 years, I've been through that cycle so many times. Now, rather than being totally strict 100% of the time, I just let myself eat more than I should from time to time, or take a couple days off from the gym, and wouldn't you know, I haven't gained any weight and I haven't wanted to just stop dieting/exercising all together.
ReplyDeleteI think the same could definitely happen when you all get off of GAAD, so giving in here and there in a way that's thought out and pre-planned might not be a bad idea. And really, you shouldn't be wearing clothes with holes in them. I think it's okay to replace stuff like that.
I did a full year of "no new clothes" in 2009 - but I allowed myself to buy second-hand, thrift and consignment, as well as accept gifts and do swaps. I also instigated a "1 in, 1 out" rule that forced me to look at what was essential in my wardrobe and what wasn't. I became ruthless! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat really helped me, and has also weaned me away from the mass consumption culture of malls and manufactured in China clothing. I love my second-hand shopping even more than I used to love looking for deals in the mall, and I prefer it over shopping in a 'real' store.
I think you should be able to replace items that are worn out. And I love Anne's analogy of WW and being on a diet and not depriving yourself.
And you look fabulous today - so long and sleek!
WooHOO! I echo Sheila's final sentence here: sweet ensemble and "so long and sleek"! I love the shape and length of that skirt, and I really enjoy the red belt over stripes up top. This is NOT helping me to stay off the red and black.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it sounds like it's time for a small GAAD cheat. Clothes with holes in them are the perfect reason to plan for some replacement purchasing.
I know nothing, but I really and truly believe that buying to replace items that are falling apart and/or making you look like a bum, is a total acceptable way to GAAD, and in no way does it seem like a cheat to me. But again, I do not know the GAAD community ethos quite so well as a participant would.
ReplyDeleteYou look great! Love detailing down the front of the cardigan and the pop of red. I totally understand the other forms of stress, even when things are going to plan. Good luck plus can't wait to see what you buy!
ReplyDeleteFirst, you look fabulous Rad! The red belt is perfection. Also, I'm loving Anne's 30 for 30 and new haircut.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I've been examining my desire to buy new clothes and consumerism in general. And I've joined members of this community in looking beyond what is available in a mall. Your (as in everyone on this blog roll) thrift and swap finds, fantastic remixes, and the thought you put into the things you do purchase new are a real inspiration. Keep up the great work!
Rad- It's okay to replace something beyond repair, especially when you'll wear it until needs be replaced again. I get the guilt, though.
Anon: Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI think its amazing you've been on GAAD for this long, and I commend you. All my attempts at staying out of stores, on a budget, not shopping... I've just been failing, repeatedly.
ReplyDeleteShopping has become... something bigger than I seem to be able to control.
And when you're replacing a cardigan with holes in it, that's a bit different than buying 5 cardigans in different colors because you happen to like the style.
Chic on the Cheap
This is a great outfit. It's making me want to pull out some red and black.
ReplyDeleteI've been on GAAD for basically three months. It's never completely stopped me shopping. Changed what I felt I was allowed to shop for, yes. Saved me money, for sure. I sometimes think I ought to do something more like what Sheila did in '09 -- not cut out my shopping habit entirely, but change it...focus on finding those stores in Charlotte where Dr. Da of weathergeequechique is getting like new Anthropologie sweaters for $3, for instance. My sister has always been a thrifter and I have always been a "buy new because it's convenient" person. I'm kind of jealous of people who have the energy/determination/mad skillz to find great new-looking stuff for dirt cheap.
I really like the red belt with that outfit.
ReplyDeleteI remember you saying that you could make your own rules when you started the GAAD. This sounds like a great example of making your own rules, and allowing yourself to shop at a reasonable level.
@Anne: Yes, I am afraid to open up a big binge!
ReplyDelete@Sheila: I think that the limits that second hand shopping allow might be a good compromise. I definitely need to practice "one in, one out" more readily.
@A-Dubs: Thank you. I actually had to ditch the belt at one point yesterday, but it will be replaced soon.
@Emily: I don't mind looking like a bum too much (grad school wasn't that long ago, and it was a way to have "cred") and I'm not that in which any GAAD community except StyleNation, but I agree that it seems reasonable to replace staples.
@AnnUH: Isn't it weird how we can't just control everything in our lives the way we wish?
@Anon: Thanks for your thoughts. I definitely am a champion at guilt! And I agree- Anne's haircut is the tops.
@Lyddie: Part of the reason is that I've been stressed with my writing deadlines, so I haven't allowed my self time to shop, but I realize that shopping is kind of a nice treat for myself, a way to destress and a form of recreation. I don't want to be a Shopaholic, but all the depriving can be alienating. Wah!
@Cynthia: I agree that it doesn't stop the shopping but it's useful in helping us think about shopping. I don't want to be shopping girl first and foremost, but there's something about acquiring new clothes that is exciting. Maybe because it's so different from all the cerebral stuff I should be doing right now?
@Rebecca: Good call. I do get to make my own rules. I just hope that the rules don't cancel out the benefits of said shopping diet. Thanks.
I love this outfit. This is how I want to dress in my head for work but I think I never quite pull it off: professional without being boring.
ReplyDeleteAnd I second everyone's comments and encourage you to do a pre-meditated cheat. The thing is, while GAAD is a programme you took up, YOU took it up and I figure you can manage the guidelines for yourself. You know what you need. And I fully endorse replacing holy items. I hate to look shabby; it makes me feel very out of control. Weird but true.
WooHOO! I echo Sheila's final sentence here: sweet ensemble and "so long and sleek"! I love the shape and length of that skirt, and I really enjoy the red belt over stripes up top. This is NOT helping me to stay off the red and black.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it sounds like it's time for a small GAAD cheat. Clothes with holes in them are the perfect reason to plan for some replacement purchasing.
I did a full year of "no new clothes" in 2009 - but I allowed myself to buy second-hand, thrift and consignment, as well as accept gifts and do swaps. I also instigated a "1 in, 1 out" rule that forced me to look at what was essential in my wardrobe and what wasn't. I became ruthless! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat really helped me, and has also weaned me away from the mass consumption culture of malls and manufactured in China clothing. I love my second-hand shopping even more than I used to love looking for deals in the mall, and I prefer it over shopping in a 'real' store.
I think you should be able to replace items that are worn out. And I love Anne's analogy of WW and being on a diet and not depriving yourself.
And you look fabulous today - so long and sleek!