Put Together a Better Outfit

I actually didn’t spend a dime when I said I wouldn’t in August and part of September. Then I went into weird mode, where I returned stuff, exchanged stuff, sold stuff on eBay, and then somehow made money and then spent on stuff I needed. I don’t understand it, but I think I evened out. I am not supposed to spend until Thanksgiving now. I talk as if someone else imposed these rules.

Now… onto the “new” part. Put together a better outfit means the following (at least right now).

1. I need to dress younger. I am young once.
2. I really shouldn’t “invest” in clothes. They tend to fall apart, go out of style, etc. F21 and J. Crew sale have been working particularly well for me.
3. Accessories seem to be a better bargain. The price of accessories to liven up an outfit is better than the price of clothing. They seem to last longer too.
4. Simpler items are better. ‘Nough said.
5. Don’t forget warmth. You get cold. You get sick.
6. You really don’t need more clothes. You have enough stuff that works well.

I think this does it. I think. Why am I so confused about such simple matters?

I read the entries about weight loss, and they seem fairly normal. I read entries about clothing and saving money, and I sound like a total fucking lunatic. Like crazy, out of my mind nuts.

This is how it is: right now, my summer clothes are more than adequate. They’re nothing spectacular, but they’re cute, they’re functional, and I either – 1) don’t work in the summer or 2) work somewhere where dressing nicely is not really important, and is seemingly frowned upon.

Winter clothes are confusing because I don’t really know what I need. I have to hold off on that. As for summer and early fall, I’m more than OK with the amount I have.

I haven’t spend ONE PENNY since 8/1/09. I’ve used gift cards if I’ve gone near anything and have actually sold on eBay.

I might buy something for my birthday, but then I will be on hiatus from then until 10/31. I think. It sounds like a good plan right now, but who knows where we’ll be then?

Ebay really has become a great outlet. And I say outlet because I LOVE clothes, I LOVE fashion, but we just need to save money right now. We just do. End of story.

Ebay allows me to buy and sell clothes at reasonable prices, and replenish my staff while spending little or nothing. Let’s face it – I need some of these things. Is having two pairs of black pants really out of the question?

Just wanted to remind myself:

I also have to realize that I have a LOT. It might not be exciting, new, or right off the runway, but they are good pieces that I should wear without issue.

The moment that I don’t have enough is when I’ll go out and buy stuff – just like I did with summer clothes. These boots are still nagging though… still nagging….

This goal sucks, and it doesn’t. I feel that I have to follow my advice in the last poll: if I need to buy it, I need to buy it. If i don’t… well… stop buying it.

I also have to realize that I have a LOT. It might not be exciting, new, or right off the runway, but they are good pieces that I should wear without issue. Yes, some of it needs to go in the garbage (goodbye BR green sweater!), but some of it still has room for wear.

I also can’t make mistakes that I made last year – like not buying gloves that I should have, missing out on good deals that would have saved me in the long run, etc.

Even if it’s minor. I’ve come to the realization that if I need pants, I need to just buy pants. If I need tops, I need to just buy them.

I have to be smart obviously and buy things on sale, but places like Forever 21 help. Buying outfits together also help. I have to keep adding accessories, and then I’ll really have some outfits!

Because it’s constant. The second you think you have a staple in the closet, it’s been two years and suddenly it’s old, outdated, or beyond repair.

I have stuff, but it never seems like it’s enough. Target was a great find the other day, but we have to see how long the sweaters last. Obviously the pants were no good, but maybe the sweaters will be different. Either way, a sweater for $17 is nothing to laugh about. I have to buy stuff like that for now, and save the Banana Republic stuff for better days when we have more money, or I have a gift certificate.

Sucks, but it’s the truth.

Really, it is. So now, thanks to other people’s money, I have a bunch of new staples that look really cute with my regular wardrobe.

I just have to continue to do this every year – remember when the sales are, purchase my clothes then, and not get so wrapped up over the stupidity involved with thinking about clothes, getting attached to clothes, and loving clothes when they’ll be cheaper later on.

And no more Target shit. I bought BR pants for the same amount that I would have at Target, and they last longer, look nicer, and will end up being cheaper in the long run.

Now onto staying a size 2 so that I don’t have to buy new clothes again for no reason.

So I’ve sold about $200 worth of old clothes that just don’t fit. That’s fine, and it’s allowed me to purchase a few simple things that fit and look great.

I also should have realized earlier that I have a lot of basics that are easily dressed up with costume jewelry. I should have done this a while ago, and now I know that it looks great – and doesn’t cost a fortune.

that I don’t like what I have. But that’s OK, because everyone else loves what I have. I constantly get complimented on what I wear, and it feels good. I have to remember that when I’m itching for new clothes.

Now that I have a price-per-wear (ha!) spending report, it makes it easier to spend what I think I should, and to keep the clothes longer. When I see that some of my outfits are at $30 per wear, it seems ridiculous to be sick of them.

I’m allowed to buy things for special occasions, but nothing else. There’s no reason to be wearing brand new things when I so badly want a house. Save, save, save. Go team!