EDIT style.
I recently went more than a year without buying a single item of clothing for myself. Not even a t-shirt. Not underwear. Socks? Nope.
I’ll admit it was a bit painful at first. That fabulous leather belt on clearance at J. Crew? I didn’t buy it – unless as a gift for someone else.
So why did I do it? To save money and to see if I could. I already owned a closetful of clothes, many of which I hardly ever wore. It became kind of a game to replicate an outfit I saw or get ready for a big event using only what I already owned.
I learned some interesting things that year. Rather than hoarding the clothes I had on hand, I actually recycled nearly 1/3 of my closet. I kept a list of essential items to buy once my self-imposed moratorium ended so I’d be less likely to go on a wild shopping binge. And most important, I realized that with just a few well-edited basics to choose from, I could feel fine in whatever I wore and focus on something else.
I share more about how I did it here: Nothing New for a Year: The Edited Closet and here: Nothing New for a Year: How to Shop Your Closet.
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The Edited Makeup Bag: 9 Essentials
Edit by Design 
Great idea for an experiment. I think I might try the editing down part, not the going a year without shopping part. In New York I worked at this fancy graphic design agency and was always in awe of my creative director, not so much for design ability (although it was very good) but for her sense of style and ease. Everyday she managed to look so polished, effortlessly. She finally let me in on her secret. She always had 10 classic (expensive) items in her closet that she mixed and matched for an entire season. And some pieces were basic/timeless enough that they could work for all seasons.
Great advice, Janette! And since you’re one of the most stylish people I know, there will no doubt be a huge waiting list for your hand-me-downs. By all means, sign me up! (Though I’m guessing the clear Michael Kors wedges will stay in your closet…) :-)
A whole year + without new clothes? That IS a huge accomplishment. I am trying to edit down my wardrobe (and my life), so finding your blog is kismet. :-)
Hope life is treating you well.
Alicia
@leximaven on Twitter
Hello @leximaven! Still in Boston? Glad you stopped by — my Twitter presence is … well, mostly absence these days. Keep me posted on your editing project. (Tried to check out your blog but the link’s down. Love the title!)