Yes, the title is an allusion to yesterday's post, "How Happy Is the Little Stone." I want to talk about an area in which I have a lot of trouble achieving casual simplicity.
One of my biggest besetting sins is an addiction to buying clothes. It's not a question of fashion because I gave up trying to follow the latest trends years ago. It's partially about color. I crave a lot of color in my life and one way I get it is to buy clothes. It's also about projecting an image. Some days I feel more artistic than others, and I'm more likely to wear my black leather jacket and black wool beret with a colorful scarf. Some days I feel more traditional, so I might wear my camel plaid skirt and brown loafers. Some days, I want comfort clothes, so I'll wear a favorite sweater.
The last few years I've been working at reducing the number of clothes I buy. Two years ago, I gave up buying clothes for Lent. It might sound strange that it was difficult to go 40 days without purchasing a new item of apparel, but it was. Forcing myself to wait was a good experience, and since then my clothing purchases have lessened considerably. This year, especially, I've had to discipline myself not to buy new things because of our reduced income.
Ironically, one reason I've been able to be content with what I have is that I'd already acquired such a large wardrobe. One positive is that I do wear my clothes for a long time. I don't get tired of something after just a year or two. Anyway, this year I haven't really needed to buy much, and I've managed to keep my "wants" under control.
Now, I'm worried. Because of my dietary changes, I am slowly but surely losing weight, about a pound-and-a-half a month. I'm not particularly trying to lose weight; it's just happening because I'm eating differently. I'm assuming at some point, my metabolism will adjust and the weight loss will slow or stop. But some of my pants are starting to droop almost as badly as those worn by some teenage boys. If I lose much more weight, I'm going to have to have a lot of unwearable items of clothing.
I don't want to buy a whole new wardrobe. I know how I get once I start acquiring clothes. I might buy a striped pullover sweater, for instance, and within days, I'm thinking of two or three colors of corduroy pants that would go with it or the perfect shade for a turtleneck to wear under it, and the goal of putting together a perfectly coordinated outfit just consumes me. I'd rather not start.
On the other hand, I want to do what's best for my health. I could really stand to lose more weight, even if that does make my current wardrobe unwearable. It would be a case of really screwed up priorities to decide I have to stop losing weight just to hang on to my current clothes.
Sigh. This all sounds very petty and self-absorbed. I guess I'm going to have to pray and ask God to help me, so that if I do have to start buying clothes in a smaller size, I'll have the discipline not to go overboard about it.
I'm not exactly sure why I decided to post about this today except that it's been on my mind. I hope it wasn't too boring.
25 comments:
You just need to find a good tailor - that would fix you up. I despise buying clothes - I wear the same stuff forever.
A tailor is a good thing for certain things. Also, don't knock Consignment stores. My sister lost 40 pounds on Jenny Craig and bought a whole new wardrobe at the more upscale consignment stores (Like "My Sister's Closet").
Some of the weight I lost from walking the dog is starting to come back, partly because, like you said, I plateaued, and partly because I am not watching what I eat as much. (sigh) I only lost 15-20, so I bought a few pants, but other things I could still wear.
Yes, I like to buy clothes too. I am a bit addicted to Eddie Bauer, lol. What I find after losing some weight is that all I require are a few new pairs of jeans and slacks. My shirts and sweaters and jackets are still fine. My friend Julie and I hit the Goodwill Stores in nice neighborhoods, lol again, and sometimes pick up some amazing pieces. I no longer wear skirts.
Now that I need things for my new condo it is amazing that suddenly I have all the clothes I need.
Ditto Diane on the consignment stores. You can sell some of what you have and pick up what you need in the smaller sizes.
And if you don't sew, you might want to try your hand at it. It's very relaxing and the outcome is doubly satisfying because you did it yourself.
I love the green adage of ''reusing'.. is cool - if can get to some of the ' consignement', etc..feel like helping with not ' the consumptive' model, but finding beautiful stuff. ( one in Evanston - forget its name).
okay..me on a budget thoughts,
sp
=-)
oops, consignment.
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Well, between alterations, charity stores and e-bay I'm sure you could sort through them all. Making a bit of money to use when you have a stable weight to replensish. If you are happy losing a few pounds then don't let anything stand in your way! Good for you! (There are some pretty tops in there...)
Good morning Ruth! Yes, my shoulder is work related, and yes I work in a hospital. I am but a lowly admitting registrar :-)
My thoughts are the same as everyone else's it seems, to use a consignment/second hand store and/or E-bay to sell some of your clothes and put that towards the much needed new wardrobe. Congrats on losing the weight. I know it's not an easy thing to do and especially kudos to you because you're not trying to lose weight! As one who struggles daily with my weight that is indeed a blessing.
looks like everyone has said it all. There was an article in our local paper written by a newscaster who decided in the interest of being 'green' and frugal amongst other things....went for a year without a single clothing purchase other than necessary undergarments.
She survived. Now she did not lose weight so I understand that is something you are dealing with. But goes to show you...one can make do so I like your beginning post...it is good to 'reuse' and seek guidance before purchasing. Weird but I pray before I have a necessary purchase as budget demands it. I usually find with that prayer over my 'head' that I make better choices :).
Now for the ideas...yes a tailor...a consignment store and sometimes, just how we mix and match existing clothing will take us through a five or so pound loss. Like an untucked shirt covers a slightly baggy and pinned pant waistline. I make it a practice not to buy new clothes due to weight loss til I lose well over ten pounds. It is too easy to gain those again...(ooops...I might have just done that in the last few months!). Anyway...Ruth. Losing weight due to health - good health, is a terrific thing. Bless you as you continue that journey. So a purchase item here or there is a gift you should give yourself.
Thanks. These are really good ideas.
I'll have to think about the consignment store idea. My practice has been to give my clothes to AmVets or Goodwill, so that they can benefit someone less fortunate than I am. So the idea of selling them seems, I don't know, greedy. (I'm not saying that it really is greedy. It's just an emotional perception because of my practice of donating.)
I'd also have to figure out the nearest consignment store since I live in a small town on the fringes of the Chicago suburbs. I know for sure my community doesn't have one.
I'm going to try to make it through 2008 without any purchases . . . if I can. I've lost 13 pounds since Christmas. If the weight loss keeps on at the same rate, I could lose another 5 or 6 by the end of the year. Or I could plateau. It seems too soon to take action but not too soon to prepare my wardrobe contingency plan. LOL
There are many- I have to admit I like goodwill, etc.= ) supports a good cause, etc.
I have found very good quality there.. it is very ' green'.
Daughter loves "Crossroads" in Evanston.
s
Thanks for the name, S.
It's really not a bad problems to have.. but still a problem - your health (weightloss) versus curbing your clothes addiction. It sounds like you are getting control of both areas of your life. I would take on purchasing clothes like you decide about calories. I would very selectively chose new, better fitted clothing that is versatile and classic. Like you don't eat every food now just because you have a craving, you can now chose clothing with more inner control and boundaries. You're an inspiration to all of us.
That's kind of a good problem to have ;). You're probably much healthier now...but I understand the hesitation you have with the new need to buy clothes. I tend to overspend on food...I like the expensive stuff. But I noticed that when I go to the Farmer's market, I don't overspend because I have to use cash-when it's gone...it's gone! Perhaps this idea could apply to shopping for clothing as well.
Being someone who detests shopping for clothes, I can't offer much help. I do most of my shopping at the Goodwill anyway! LOL. I wear mostly tees and sweaters and sweat pants. And everything gets stained. I never did learn how to wash clothes properly it seems. Water, soap and bleach doesn't seem to do the trick. Anyhow. I think its' way more important that you lost weight and are healthier. If you can find a good seamstress, you might get some of the pants taken in. Otherwise, I'd fill in with second hand or good will. I'm such a fashion maven! Parker wears bib overhauls so he is little help either!
FIRST!! Congrats on the diet!
Second....just get a good tailor, I believe someone else said that.
And I am your polar opposite in clothes buying.
I can go YEARS without buying.
It's a disgrace, sometimes.
I have to wear the kids' clothes, now.
I share your weakness - I never go to stores but I buy a lot of clothes and shoes on line. Shoes because I have trouble finding comfortable shoes so I wear out the ones I do have and besides I'm a sucker for those e-mails that websites send..."Sale on shoes at Footsmart!" So I order them... I must have 50 pair of shoes. And they're all dowdy comfortable shoes, so I'm no Imelda Marcos!
I also buy clothes on line but I've been trying to wait till end-of-season sales lately so I won't feel as guilty. (I got some summer stuff for about $10 each!)
All the other advice is great - while you're still losing weight (wish I had THAT problem) you can have some of your favorites taken in - and then when you stabilize try consignment shops and end-of-season sales, etc.
My problem is I think I have quite enough clothes but I don't like any of them. I'm trying not to be so trendy and go more for classic(my age!) It works in the opposite for me - I'm motivated to lose a couple pounds when the pants start getting tight, so I guess that's good. I like clothes, but dislike shopping.
I share your clothing obsession. So this post fascinated me. Recently my clothing switch turned to "off" (not sure why); I haven't bought anything new for many months.
I like buying clothes second-hand because I feel like that somewhat undermines the sweatshop conditions under which most clothing is produced.
Great colorful closet, Ruth!
I'm so glad to hear about the positive health changes. That's really great. I have a few theories but I won't dole out advice. I imagine you'll meditate on it and come to the conclusion that's right for you. Meanwhile, kudos for making those changes. I know that can be a hard thing to do.
I really relate to what you said about craving color! I've noticed that I very seldom do b&w photos--I just have such a hard time letting go of the color.
As for shopping. Well, I simply don't have the money for it right now. Most of the time I'm fine with it, but all it takes is a trip to the mall to turn me into a wantin' child. :}
and you are never boring!
It's so nice that you're losing weight without having to try too hard! Well done on that!
I understand what you mean about clothes. I have things in my wardrobe that I suddenly notice are a bit shabby and I'll think 'but this is new!! And then I'll think some more and realise it's about ten years old! But if I start buying, I do have a tendency to think 'I know what would go really well with that ... ' just like you.
As part of my general decluttering I'll be getting rid of some. Most will go to thrift/charity shops, and hopefully benefit others who don't want to buy all new.
I love color too. If I find a blouse or shirt in a style I like, I tend to get 10 of them in different colors!! But it's not so much the style that grabs me but the choices of color. So I can relate!
It's the artist in me, I think! And you're an artist too...a word-artist and a yarn-artist!!
I'm impressed with your consistent weight loss.
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