The Challenge.

So, I finally decided to take the plunge. I’ve been flirting with this idea for a while now. What idea, you ask? Well, the idea that one only buys secondhand, vintage, or handmade for a year. (I’m sure you’ve heard of Dottie Angel’s Challenge of the Utmost Kind! You haven’t? Well, do click here and learn more!)

I have to be honest, I like to shop. I like things. I like getting new things—or I should clarify, new-to-me things. I used to be a very conscientious consumer. I boycotted Wal-Mart (still do), bought from companies like American Apparel, shopped secondhand. But somehow, I got lazy and started buying more and not caring where it came from. This is partly because I started to enjoy developing my personal style and wanted to wear more dresses and skirts. My wardrobe full of jeans and tees seemed boring and I started shopping for new looks.

This challenge shouldn’t be too hard (though only time will tell.) I’m not a big consumer to begin with. There are probably four main things I spend money on (beyond bills and necessities), and I feel they all better me in one way or another. Books to make me think, music to make me feel, clothes to express myself and fabric to help me create. I rarely travel or eat out or go to the movies nor do I indulge in the latest techno gadgets. I live with my parents* so I don’t have to buy household stuff—though I’d like to keep an eye out for cute vintage items I might want in my future home.

Obviously, things like undergarments will still be bought new. (Though, I did just stock up and if my undies become threadbare, I plan to attempt to make some of my own or shop Etsy or American Apparel.) I was hoping to limit it to that, but I’ve realized, for the sake of sanity I need two other exemptions in this challenge. When you’re 6’ with a size 12 shoe, you have to snatch things up when you find them. So if I spot the perfect shoe new somewhere, I may buy it. Or if Gap has a really awesome sale, I may get a pair of jeans/pants. However, I’ve been having fun hunting for vintage shoes on eBay and I don’t wear pants too often, so I don’t forsee this being a big issue—but one worth mentioning and clarifying anyway. I am thinking I may even treat myself to the occasional thing from small indie boutiques like ModCloth, Ruche, etc. But overall, I’m hoping to add more handmade and vintage to my wardrobe.

As for books and music: I rarely buy new books. I get them used or borrow from the library. And the music I buy is digital.

Now the exciting bit: This challenge is even going to extend into my sewing! I will only be buying secondhand/vintage or organic fabrics for the next year. I will still need to buy things like notions (threads, zippers, etc) and matching solid cottons/linens though. However, I’ll do my best to buy them secondhand wherever I can. Or I could be lucky and continue to receive fabric and trims from generous people. (The photos in this post show the most recent crafty bits given to me by one of my Mom’s friends!)

I realize I’m only a month and half into this challenge and I’ve already cheated. And not like: I bought a shirt at Kohl’s but more like I bought a new laptop. Like I said, it’s rarity for me to get a new techno gadget and don’t plan on having to buy another one for years. After I submitted my order at Sony, I thought, maybe I should just give up this challenge altogether. But no, I won’t get hung up on this snag. Onward with the original plan!

I know many of you already live your lives like this and I feel almost silly to be suddenly taking this on. All in all, I’m just trying to up the ante—to really challenge myself to get back to a more intentional, conscious lifestyle. And I think it’ll be fun!

*I do pay a very fair room and board! I hate to have people think I’m some freeloader still living at home at 26.