LIFE: fashion, consumption, and the spirit of giving- 2010 NO SHOPPING CHALLENGE!

closet (tops, dresses, skirts, jackets)

Inspired by the countdown to the year's most commercialized holiday (Christmas), and after a massive editing and weeding of the closet, I've come up with a CHALLENGE for 2010.

As much as I love looking through magazines, fashion blogs, and many other sources of fashion images, I was a bit sickened this year by all of the "buy me!" screaming from every direction. After a massive edit, I made $112 (which unfortunately will go to pay for my recent speeding ticket!) at the Crossroads Trading in SF. With an overwhelming urge to purge it all and start fresh, I ended up selling a lot of the pieces I had been holding onto for various reasons. (a lot of great pieces I had been saving- for no reason).

dresser (jeans/bottoms, workout gear, bummy tees n sweats)

Even after the massive purge (I sold them about $350 of merchandise for their sales floor), I looked around and still felt that I had too much clothes. Granted, though I still have a lot more clothes than the average joe, I definitely have a lot less than most stylists. Left with a full (small sized) closet, dresser, and a few storage bins, I definitely have more than enough for everything I need (everyday, parties/events, working out, lounging) and then some.

I am in the middle of reading Thomas J. Stanley's Stop Acting Rich..and Start Acting Like A Real Millionaire. It's basic message is repeated over and over and practically hits you on the head, page by page...telling you to live beneath your means to come out a millionaire. I know, the title sounds like a self-help book...but is actually written by the foremost researcher and expert on the affluent- with an emphasis on marketing, sales, and lifestyle data. He lists specific brand names that millionaires prefer. I was told that this wasn't his best book- but I found it very interesting, having worked in high-end retail and contemporary manufacturing. I think his previous books may have been more insightful, but he did pound his message into me.

extra storage (some styling kit stuff, misc dressier things)

After cleaning out my closet and still being left with gobs of clothes- and feeling like I had already pared it down, I realized that this wasn't healthy for my new (personal) economic reform. I vow not to make any clothing purchases for the entire year. Accessories (including tights) and the odd shoe will not be counted as purchases...we'll see how I fare this year!!!

STREETSTYLE INTRO: Donovon

I spent the Christmas holiday in snowy DC and luckily ran into Donovon riding the metro. He injected a much-needed blast of cold weather fashion into the many dreary black winter wool ensembles on the street. Donovon, previously a NYC model, mastered the art of layering with different colors, patterns, and textures, for a stylish and delightfully fresh, un-stuffy look. Love the coat!

WHO: Donovon
WHERE: DC Metro, red line
OCCUPATION: Creative Director, Muse Creative Arts Agency

DC OR NY:
NY!

LIFE: birds of a feather...

photo: inhabitat

There's just something so nice about building a connection with someone who completely gets you. I've spent my life doing things that interest me, finding where I fit in the world...from the corporate, the business, the streets, the academic, and the unknown- only to reinforce that I am not a "practical" person. I am a dreamer, an idealist, a passionate worker who reaches as far as my imagination can take me. I love a little of everything, and don't often come across others who really completely "get" me- but when I do, it's a stellar relationship. I think everyone needs something like that in their lives...so thank you to those who really make me feel understood, I wholeheartedly appreciate your friendship. Thank you.

LIFE: still alive...happy holidays!

Happy holidays to anyone still reading this- thank you!

Just a quick note to let you know I'm still alive and have a few posts waiting in line for their time to shine...just have to muster up the motivation to tear myself away from hallmark christmas specials, cookies, and travel/cooking shows to write a decent few posts. Until then...enjoy all the great holiday food, fun, and friends!

WANT: short lace up booties

picture: vintage printable

All I'm wanting for right now is a perfect pair of little flat lace up booties. To tell you the truth, every fall I'm ALWAYS in want of the perfect pair of boots. Something to lust after. Something to keep myself on the lookout at all times. Something that screams of perfection- that no other substitute can fulfill. This year is no different, and I've been lusting for the perfect pair of boots. And of course, while the Loeffler Randall beauties I wrote about earlier are *available,* they are not quite affordable...for me, at least. The next most perfect boot would be something similar but shorter...

At the moment, I'm imagining all of the great outfits I could put together with my (imaginary) perfect boots, and OH they look so good on in my head. Nevermind my oversized calves. Nevermind my skinny jeans aren't fitting so well right now. Nevermind I don't even own these boots!! Oh well. Don't we all  have the perfect wardrobe in our imaginations?

I also caught MTV's The City on tv today. It was a pleasant surprise that was really entertaining and I couldn't stop watching. Yes, there was the drama...but there was also a bit more of them "working" than there was in The Hills....don't laugh at me! Yes, I'll admit it..I watched it and enjoyed it!