During one of my inner dialogs last week (aka talking to myself), I realized that I’d been tussling around with the concept of “less is more”. Specifically, how when you do or have less of one thing, you make time or space for more of others.
Perhaps I can blame it on the transition of Winter into Spring but I’ve been running a lot of “miscellaneous errands” lately. And of course, “miscellaneous errands” is simply code for shopping. Much of it has been for the purpose of filling time while The Husband is off on his own pursuits. Which is fine because I enjoy my alone time and prefer shopping as a solo activity. And I really, really like to shop. But what do I really need that I don’t already have?
A couple of weeks ago in my The Ol’ Closet Switcheroo post, I owned up to having 111 pairs of assorted footwear. Based on a lot of the comments, that puts me at the higher end of the spectrum. It wouldn’t take a huge leap to conclude that I might have excesses in other parts of my wardrobe as well. In that post from two weeks ago, I also mentioned that The Husband and I are finally going to tackle a remodel of our main bedroom suite. The project will include reconfiguring/expanding wardrobe storage which I’m thrilled about because I’m pretty much maxed out on closet space.
So during that particular inner “less is more” dialog, I’d contemplated going on a shopping fast for the month of May and mentally note what I would do instead during my alone time. My first thoughts were about activities that would get me out of the house like getting back to the gym or some pampering like a massage. On the home front, I could do some container gardening and perhaps develop a household chores routine (I’m a lazy housekeeper at best). I’ve also wanted to up my “sourdough game” and try out some bread baking different techniques. There’s also any number of crafting projects I could work on plus a whole slew of inventory that needs to be listed on Poshmark.
And would you believe that the last thing that came to my mind was spending more time on this blog? Much of the editorial content I’d planned for the last couple of months has been largely put on the back burner because “I haven’t had time”. While it’s hardly a mind-blowing concept, I’ve come to the realization that less time shopping would give me much more time for other pursuits. If I’m going to be truly honest with myself, my shopping of late has likely been born more out of avoidance rather than out of need.
Let’s move on to the rest of the week, starting with Monday. I’m making a greater effort to take pics of my OOTDs before I head out on my “miscellaneous errands”. A fully retail outfit with pieces bought over a number of years except for my top which was purchased a week ago. At least I’m wearing my new things right away and getting out of the habit of saving them for a non-specific/non-existent “special occasion”.
I think that my main reason for getting out of the house on Tuesday was to go to the market. Tofu tacos were on the menu of dinner that night. My loafers were bought secondhand via Poshmark but the rest of the look is retail.
Before our semi-monthly Costco shopping, we popped into Floor & Decor for a browse. This location had recently opened in our area and I was curious to see what design inspirations we might find. See a few of our favorites below my OOTD photo. Dress and sneakers were retail; jacket and purse were both pre-loved.
On Thursday, The Husband and I headed out to visit with some friends who’ve recently become “hosts” at a campground about 30 minutes from where we live. Francine has recently retired and her husband Scott’s work is mostly remote so they’ve leased out their home and are now embracing RV living full-time. It’s been their plan to do so for many years and along with the traveling, they’ve lined up a few 3-4 month “host” gigs at a number of west coast campgrounds. Their’s is a very nice, and dare I say spacious, RV but still, talk about a less is more lifestyle.
Friday night there was a local country-western band playing at a neighborhood establishment so we mosied on over there with friends to enjoy the music. Broke out the cowboy boots for the occasion. Yeehaw!
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week’s link-up is Lucy, who shares her passion for fashion, art, history, and all beautiful things on her eponymous blog Lucybertoldi.com.
Will I go through with a shopping fast for the month of May? I haven’t yet decided but I’m leaning towards doing so. At least for the upcoming week, I’ve not planned on any “miscellaneous errands” other than making a few returns of purchases for which I’ve had a change of heart. Have you ever considered doing or having less of one thing to make time or space for more of others?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
20 Comments
Almost every day, I toy with the idea of a shopping fast. There honestly is very little I need…which should really read as want. I don’t have a white denim jacket so that’s about the only thing. We have two master closets and redid them about four years ago using IKEA bookcases and cubbies. When I posted a picture of part of my finished closet, a friend remarked they had thought they were looking at a display at Kohls! That kind of gave me pause! I do have a lot of clothes so I will never be a minimalist of any kind (those people who move into tiny houses give me anxiety). But, some of those things are years old and still look like new. I do try to practice the concept of one item in, like item out. The problem I have is where to take such things. My Poshmark closet rarely nets me anything. I’m going to try Style Encore which is near me. Now, I’m not even sure if I answered your question!
http://marshainthemiddle.com/
Living in a rural area where the closest real shopping is over an hour away and having never enjoyed shopping for clothes online, I don’t shop a lot at the best of times. The past couple of years, due to Covid restrictions, I’ve shopped even less. Now that spring finally seems to be coming to the Canadian prairie, I’m about to do my seasonal closet switch and I’m pretty sure some serious shopping is going to have to happen soon!
I’m anxious to see if you do the shopping fast. I have noticed my shopping habits have changed since I’ve been more diligent about tracking my purchases. I love the loafers you got from Poshmark!
xo,
Kellyann
I think we can apply the less-is-more philosophy in many arpects of life . . . depends on what we want to work on. It could apply to clothes shopping, buying things for the house, and many other areas where we want to pare down our excesses. I like the outfit where you paired the off-white sweater with the camouflage pants. Thanks for hosting the link-up!
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
I’m still working through putting all my “not sparking joy” garments up on Poshmark. There are A LOT, since I don’t need “office but make it fashion” clothing any more (or so it seems).
Also, another reminder that you won the brown lace and velvet scarf. Get in touch!
Thanks for hosting. I shared a couple from both my blogs. Have a great week!
I need to limit my shopping too.
Hey!! Thanks for featuring me! And I can totally relate to your post…Less really is more- I know that’s the right perspective…but also so hard when you’re maximalist like myself! Life keeps us busy and I can also relate to the putting blog posts on the back burner. Loved this post- have a great week xx
I haven’t shopped for/bought any clothes since December, and it’s been amazing how much time that has freed up.
I think less is more but it’s also hard to get behind that sometimes. I’m trying to focus on quality versus quantity with my purchases. I have a lot of things to get up on Poshmark too.
Jill – https://www.dousedinpink.com/2022/04/personal-styling-service.html
I should go on a shopping fast, but I have not the willpower. I also enjoy browsing too much to stop.
Great article as always!
Love and Wellness
wellnessshopland.com
For me, it’s an excess of books. I am not even considering a book fast, but DO need to give away some older books!
These are great outfits! I particularly love the floral maxi dress outfit 🙂 I prefer shopping without hubby too – but could shop all day with the girls, haha! I haven’t had much time for shopping – it’s true that you can easily find other things to fill your time with but any habits that bring you joy are good ones to continue I think! 🙂
Thanks for the link up!
After reading your post last week about your many pairs of shoes, I decided to count my own when I did the spring changeover. I’m getting close to you, Rena! I have 79 pairs!!!! I couldn’t believe it. Mind you, it probably won’t stop me from buying more LOL!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Fun post, Rena! I am loving all of these outfits and really enjoyed reading about how you fill your time. I also prefer shopping as a solo pursuit. But I think we discussed that when we went shopping together! Gosh, that seems so long ago now! I laughed at your “lazy housekeeper” comment because I totally relate! That is me at best as well!
Shelbee
I am trying to finish the month off with spending as little money as possible. When looking at my budget I realized I should be saving a lot more than I have. Yesterday I went through the boys once again and my workout drawers and can you believe there were still a few items that could be donated that we didn’t wear or use. Grown out books was one thing I just don’t need taking space for books they do read.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Interesting conversation with yourself. I think when we consider changing things around a bit, it’s interesting what opens up. For me, much needed rest forced me to rearrange some things, and I’m discovering every thing is much more satisfactory. I should have done it regardless. I vowed to have a totally pre-loved year. That went by the wayside much sooner than anticipated. I should have tried a pre-loved only month. Much more doable.
Great outfits, Rena! I especially love the outfit with your new flowy blouse, and that beautiful blue floral dress.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
One of my favourite sayings. I first heard it, gosh decades ago, in an interview by the woman who played the mother in The Waltons. I took it on board.
I’m always thinking about a shopping fast but something always finds its way into the shopping bag. I do purge my wardrobe quite a lot. I have nothing that’s old, apart from a coat and pants dating from the 90s. Love seeing you break out the cowboy boots!