You may have just read the title and said, "Did I read that correctly?" No Shop Summer??
Yes. You did read it correctly. And it isn't a prison sentence for my inner shopaholic. I didn't decide to exclude myself from all shopping for the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) for monetary reasons or to tame my shopping (although my husband would say that should probably happen). So, why on earth would a woman with skill and means restrict herself in such a way?
1. I want to spend the time I would be browsing Target or the thrift store with my family at the pool or in our back yard or doing something equally fun.
What could be more fun than sweaty pony rides, inflatable pool "swimming", modeling Mommy's sunglasses and playing so hard you pass out at dinner?
2. It's a mental challenge. Instead of shopping in stores, I'm shopping my own closet to come up with new combinations with the things I already have.
3. This wasn't my idea. It was actually the idea of a friend who said she wanted to do this and I said I'd do it with her. Because something of this magnitude shouldn't be done alone! The part I did come up with was the tag #noshopsummer. I threw it out on Instagram (half thinking NO ONE would desire to go that long without shopping) hoping others would join in because everything is better with friends!
The official logo of #noshopsummer (lol)
4. I want to remind myself and others that most of the time we have everything we need. I don't NEED another striped tee. I don't NEED another tank dress. I don't NEED another pair of Sperry boat shoes (even if they are from the thrift store). My style doesn't depend on what is available in stores at this very moment.
My Plan of Attack
So, I mentioned shopping my closet to come up with new outfit combinations. I'm pretty good at this already because I've done these kinds of style challenges before, and I generally like what I have. I'm also pretty good at coming up with new combinations (if you're willing to mix patterns, it's a lot easier to come up with new combos). BUT I'm NOT great at being intentional about the pieces of my wardrobe. I tend to just get whatever I like because I like it and not worry about what it "goes with". Or I'll pair the same shirt and skirt over and over again because it's easy. But that can get boring. Must. Branch. Out. I promised myself that I'll identify the items of clothing that have always been put together by default and pair the individual pieces with other things. To facilitate all this creativity, I've joined 3 Instagram style challenge calendars that I try to do simultaneously (it's a little crazy. I encourage others to start small). They are #joyfuljunestyle by @curvygirlontherun www.curvygirlontherun.blogspot.com, #justjunestyle by @dontgothriftingwithoutme and #pantsdancejune by @iworepantsblog.
There's a lot to fit into one outfit some days. If I don't accomplish them all, I don't stress. The main thing is NO SHOPPING.
I also CAN NOT go to Target! Must avoid at all costs! Or take all 3 of my children. They have no tolerance for the women's clothing department.
I've had to stop opening my email. I get A LOT of updates on the latest
sale at, what seems like, every retailer. Don't even look, I tell
myself. I remind myself I don't NEED another ___________. Old Navy doesn't NEED my
money. Even if it's only $12, it's my $12 and I will keep it, thank you.
I will, however, shop with my birthday money, gift cards, rewards points/money and the Old Navy Super Cash I've accrued. (That will all be gone by mid July, I'm sure.) But my purpose is to be intentional with what I purchase, filling in the gaps of my wardrobe (I have few t-shirts and like 2 pairs of shorts).
The Social Media Role
I actually chose to include social media in my plan to complete this #noshopsummer challenge. Last time I counted, there were 35 others participating on Instagram (many I didn't know of before the challenge). We show what we've come up with out of our closets and encourage each other to stick with it. This is a tricky thing, however. Because while you're documenting your participation, feeling confident about yourself and your accomplishment and seeing everyone else stick to the challenge, you're seeing what everyone else has... and maybe what you don't have. The desire to acquire becomes strong. Suddenly you can feel like you're missing out due to Instagram's filtered and cropped to perfection world. Your contentment can take a dive, along with your confidence, and suddenly you're browsing J.Crew online and eating a chocolate bar.
But it doesn't have to be that way. We should all remember that it doesn't take a ton of money or a lot of stuff to look good and feel confident in what you're wearing. It just takes a little imagination and determination.
I posted this photo and caption last week:
"Personal style doesn't require a huge investment in clothes. It requires an investment in you. Figure out who you are and what you like and your personal style will come through."
I wholeheartedly believe that. You don't need to feel the pressure to have the latest statement necklace or graphic tee. If you want to join the challenge on Instagram, tag your photos of your combinations from you closet with #noshopsummer. Not into that? That's ok. You can still participate on your own (tell a few friends or have them join you!), see who else is participating on Instagram and encourage us along our journey.
