When I was looking through my wardrobe for clothes for the clothes swap, it didn't occur to me that I had a lot of clothes. I didn't count them.but I realised that I had kept a number of garments I no longer wore.
Office clothes - shirts, pencil skirts, dresses
Evening wear - worn once 10 years ago
Evening wear - worn once 10 years ago
Perhaps I was thinking I would wear these again.
But I did contemplate refashioning them....when I had the time....
But sometimes, you have to let go.
So, I gave them all away to the clothes swap.
Over a hundred people let go of their clothes for the swap last Saturday. As one of the organisers, I was overwhelmed by the number of garments we collected. We set a maximum of 12 per person, and in total we received almost 1000 (yes, that's right!!!) pieces of garments, shoes and accessories.
So, I gave them all away to the clothes swap.
Over a hundred people let go of their clothes for the swap last Saturday. As one of the organisers, I was overwhelmed by the number of garments we collected. We set a maximum of 12 per person, and in total we received almost 1000 (yes, that's right!!!) pieces of garments, shoes and accessories.
Where did all those clothes come from?
Some still had their tags on.
Some were gifts but didn't match the person's style.
Some were impulse buys.
No New Clothes for a Year? Anyone Want to Join Me?
During the swap collections, I chanced upon Make Do & Mend Life's resolution to buy no new clothes for a year.
Her rules include not buying second hand or even new underwear.
I hardly buy new clothes.
The last time I did was buy yoga pants in January.
I repair and upcycle a lot too.
So can I take it further? (As you can see I put a "?" in my post title!)
No thrift shops? No new underwear?
I'm going to try. I'll keep you posted!
More pictures of the clothes swap at this link.
What a great idea - clothes swap. I know I have far too many clothes and each year I say I'm going to cut down. Looks like you had fun and found some new clothes as well.
ReplyDeleteHallo!
ReplyDeleteThe last 2 years I did't buy new clothes. I have enough and when I need something new then I swap it or find in a Kostnixladen. It is much easier than I thought.
Greetings
Maria
Hello, Maria. Yes, it is easy and it's better if you do it with friends!
DeleteI had loads of clothes that I didn't wear and held onto thinking I might wear them again as my agency sent me from job to job and different things were appropriate. I would hold onto clothes for years and years and often they would get worn again. Then I put on weight. A lot of weight. 20kgs. And I started to give stuff away. I made do as much as I could buying just enough to ensure I would be able to go to the shops in something other then sweatpants. I have spent the last few years buying the absolute minimum whilst my weight continues to change. I currently have 1 pair of jeans, 1 skirt and 2 pairs of sweatpants that fit me plus a handful of tops. I would love to join you but I think this is the year I actually get to start to rebuild my wardrobe from the ground up, slowly, buying only things I love. It's going to be interesting I think. It's been interesting reducing my wardrobe so much, I get to truly find my own style this time instead of just buying for work. I think you'll really enjoy the journey of making do until you can't make do any more.
ReplyDeleteHi Stella! You have a very good point - making do until you can't make do any more. I have a few items that have been remade again and again til the point that they really need to be thrown out, or may be I need some injection (ie. new or maybe 2nd hand) into my wardrobe. But it's true that we should only buy things we love and need rather than follow trends. Thanks for stopping by.
Deleteits been about 17 months since I bought new, and I have been upcycling charity shop buys. its been a lot more fun that i anticipated and I am getting to up sewing skills and pattern drafting. The big plus on remaking is that the properties of the fabrics are easier to guage as is the quality. will be happily remaking for the forseeable!
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear. Eimear. will be looking forward to seeing what you remake.
DeleteI was actually thinking I'd take on a challenge like this in January to ring in the new year. I think it's wonderful so many people arranged a swap and are finding ways to exchange clothing instead of throwing it out or not wearing it!
ReplyDeletehttp://passportcouture.com
I loved the swap! It was a great way to make new friends as well :-)
DeleteThat sounds awesome. I have to admit that I can spend a year without new outfits. I did it before. Maybe I'd have a hard time now, but it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to see how it goes for you.
Success!
Thanks, Debbie :-)
DeleteI love seeing what you come up with next! I actually have been wearing the same clothes and some shoes for the last 10 years. I don't buy myself clothes often. That swap looked like fun I need to go to one.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun; glad it happened!
DeleteSuch a neat idea! I'd love to do something like this! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ashleigh!
Deletefabulous idea!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea and one I have embraced before but due to finances rather than choice. I think if I were to do it again, I'd definitely buy new underwear and bras before the start date :)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I have so many pieces that I never wear and probably won't. I'm sure you're loving your "new" pieces :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful idea! Looks like you had a great turn out. So happy it went well, thanks for sharing😊
ReplyDeleteHi Agy! This is such a great idea! I also buy my clothes from thrift shops, but no "new" clothes at all???? I`ll join the challenge, no new clothes for a year! I guess I have leave out underwear, socks and mittens :)
ReplyDeleteI think the underwear part is going to be tough!
DeleteThis is a really neat concept and idea. Gosh, after reading all hear comments I feel embarrassed to say I've never bought second hand! I do buy a lot but give them all away if I'm not wearing them. My husband is in the fashion industry so he's always dressing for his job! He always is bringing me home stuff too! I will def be more aware now. Thanks
ReplyDelete