Wednesday, January 31, 2018

8.3% Done

January is over which means we are 1/12 done.  I am not going to lie, the weather is making me want to shop.  My outfits feel blah.  I am over wearing jeans and pants.  I love when dresses and skirts are more of a practical option.  Because I am wearing jeans so frequently, I want fun tops or statement pants and obviously I didn't buy anything.  I just feel less dynamic than usual, but I also am over the month of January.  It felt way longer than 31 days. 
Gift Cards- So I have a question for anyone taking the time to read this.  I can't make up my mind about gift cards.  My sister says that if we are gifted a gift card, it is the same as a gift and we can use it.  But who is to say we aren't just buying to buy.  I feel like if you have a need you should be able to buy something.  I know I will need new white tanks this summer, so if I use a gift card for that I can totally justify it.  Erin votes use it for whatever you want, because it is no different than if someone gifted me a new fun shirt I didn't need.  What do y'all think? Help us settle this age old debate...ok a few week old debate!!!
Makeup- I am going to be completely honest with you and let you know that I had a hard time the last couple days with buying no new lipstick.  As y'all can tell by the photographic evidence, I love a bold lip.  I like color and I LOVE matte lipstick.  The current favorite brand is really killing me.  They were having a 20% off sale and they just have such a variety of colors.  The hard part is when I think I need something.  I was sitting stalking their website and insta and thinking about all the colors I need.  I need a pinky nude and a true pink and like a purple and a maroon.  It is quite the rabbit hole. I talked to my sister about it and we talked about the amount of lipstick I have and how contentment is important.  Would I love more lipstick? YES! Do I NEED more lipstick? YES!!  Ok, the need is not there.  I said no and am just lusting over new lips, but also trying to utilize what I have.  On the using up what I have, I have been diligent about using shadows and random stuff up.  I love new makeup, I feel like it is really going to make me look like a movie star.  I am such a sucker for tutorials and advertisements because I really wonder if I will look that awesome and my skin that clear!! Will that new mascara make my eyelashes that long? Won't know until I try. In all honesty I am working really hard to talk myself out of new makeup and I am winning.  I need new liquid eyeliner, but that is a true need because I don't leave the house without my cat eye. 
I do feel really good about not buying, not that it is anything remarkable, but it does feel good to have accomplished a goal for month.  Almost to a year.   I will be happy when I can pull my spring/summer wardrobe out of totes and feel like I went shopping in my garage.

Erin told me it is time to get rid of this sweater, she said it has lived its life.  I agree, but I also love it, so I am letting it warm my body in 2018!!! 






This one I didn't crop so much. because peep my baby                        and dog in the door 💜

 I am not loving my gold                                                          moccasins with my vest and flannel, but man I am loving my DIFFeyewear sunnies!!!

Sunday, January 14, 2018

The Ease of January

In some ways I am itching to buy, but in other ways I have done this before.  My mom and Erin and I have done no-buy-January before.  It can be a tough month, the sales are good, you can see spring on the horizon, but then at the same time might want a few new cozy pieces to add to your winter wardrobe.  I think I might need to unsubscribe from a few emails because it is rather tempting. 
I feel like it is really setting in that I am not buying anything new this year.  I love nail polish and I paint my nails everyday.  I have enough polish to last me years, so I have decided no new polish.  Well that is a bummer, but it is about loving the colors I have. RIGHT? Also, no new accessories, headbands, fun makeup, purses, really anything.  WOOF! 
The weather in NC has been wild to say the least.  Snow, rain, 30 degree temps, 70 degree temps.  My outfits have been very varied.  I did buy a new-to-me pair of jeans this week.  I knew I needed a new pair of dark jeans to replace some AE jeggings that were my staple for a while.  My neighborhood page is always good for new pieces, but can be pretty sporadic.  I was lucky enough to catch a pair of Lucky Brooke jeans in my size and desired color for $15.  The former owner hadn't worn them much, which means I got a practically new pair of jeans for a fraction of the price.  Lucky Brooke Jeggings were my favorite post-partum jean and I was tickled to find them in my current size.  The only downside was, Jacob gave me attitude telling me I only made it a couple of weeks without buying.  I told him he didn't quite understand my challenge and was sassing me when I just wanted a little support.  After a quick "discussion" in the Starbucks drive-thru he understood my vision.  I also got a bag full of hand-me-down goodies (Thanks Kimberly), I was able to find 2 new flannels, 1 cardi, 1 crewneck, and 1 AWESOME sweatshirt material jacket.  Don't worry I wore it a few days after it was in my possession.
I am enjoying all of the questions and interest in this project.  It is making me feel more comfortable expressing my thoughts and letting people know my heart for contentment this year.  I am loving making Jacob take pictures of me everyday, it is our lunch time routine when he is home for a quick bite. He takes it seriously and we are learning together about which angle I like best for myself.  We have learned that lighting in the house is no good.  Y'all will probably see a lot of outdoor pictures. 
As you can tell, I love a good knot in my button downs and T's.  I think it adds a bit of dimension and can make a look a little dynamic. TRY IT!!! And a FRONT TUCK.  If you feel like a sweater or shirt is just blah.  Messy tuck the front in and you might feel a little more put together, aka a J.Crew model. 
 



 

Sunday, January 7, 2018

The Binge Before...

Julia here...
As I began to see the days count down and the New Year drew closer, I was getting a little nervous.  Nervous about my staple items.  I would say it is key to know your personal style and to be aware of the items you can't live without.  My can't live with out, and ride or die shoes, are black low top chuck taylors.  I have owned no less than 10 pairs in my young to adult life.  I wear them at least once a week and they get torn up.  As I was packing for my trip to see Erin&co. I realized my chucks were busted.  I knew I couldn't depend on a used pair to fit my needs.  I bought a new pair with a little Christmas money I had lying around before the clock struck midnight.
https://www.zappos.com/p/converse-chuck-taylor-all-star-core-ox-black/product/108000/color/3?ef_id=V4gPvAAAAUseP3JI:20180108011654:s

If I am totally honest, I assessed my wardrobe and knew I was in need of a few things.  I had to throw away 3 pairs of black sandals this summer.  They had been worn and loved and lived a great life, but they were done.  I ordered a new pair of my favorite black Steve Madden sandals.  It was a silly purchase to buy in December, but it had to be done and I needed to put my mind at ease for the impending spring and summer months in North Carolina. 
https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Madden-Womens-Donddi-Leather/dp/B00OSRS7II/ref=sr_1_2?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1514685499&sr=1-2&nodeID=679425011&psd=1&keywords=steve%2Bmadden%2Bsandals&th=1&psc=1

I thought I was done, I thought I wasn't going to get anything else before the clock struck midnight and it was 2018.  I was wrong, I was sitting in my sister's car getting harassed by my husband and brother-in-law as we were driving out for NYE dinner and drinks, for binging on amazon before my year long challenge started.  I bought a new pair of workout shoes, in my defense my old shoes are 2 years old and have walked many a miles in California, Virginia, and North Carolina.  I was due.

I feel prepared for this year.  I am excited to have my first mission.  Finding a new pair of dark skinny jeans, I am looking for a pair of levis, gap, or obviously fingers crossed I hit the jackpot and find a pair of joe's.

This week has been pretty easy, I am clothes rich just coming off Christmas.  My mom is the best gift giver and seriously can find anything on clearance.  She loves a tunic, which means I am stocked on tunics.  I think she is going to have the hardest time with me not shopping much.  In true mom fashion she wants me to be happy, so I have a feeling I will be getting random "just thinking of you" packages with a new top.  As far as my current stylings, I feel blah.  It has been chilly and I have been lazy.  Sweaters, cardigans, and flannels have been a staple outfit.

I am learning to be comfortable by myself in photos and my husband is learning about my good angles.  I am looking forward to seeing the improvement by both of us when it comes to pictures as the year moves along.  As you can tell from the pictures, my Sperry Duck Boots are ideal for the wet weather of Seattle and the Snowy weather of North Carolina.  I also let my beloved UGGS comes out to the play.  UGGS might be your personal least favorite boot, but man I love a warm snuggly foot in UGG. 






Monday, January 1, 2018

WELCOME BACK!  If you have hung around for a while, you know what we are here for…for you newbies, let me explain!  A CLOSET 365 challenge is a commitment to spend the year using the pieces in your current closet to clothe yourself for a year!  In an effort to not buy, save money and hopefully purge some things you realize you don’t love!  You might even see us in the purging process! 

We are a funny bunch of wives, mothers, entrepenuers, milspouses, and shoppers.  Erin and Julia are sisters.  Julia and Jayshree are good good friends from being stationed in Virginia. We each have our own personal rules and parameters for our CHALLENGE year.  We all have different reasons for committing to this challenge for 2018 and I can’t wait to see all the outfits we create this year. I hope you enjoy watching us grow and save and find treasures. 

JULIA

Well HELLO! Let me start by introducing myself, I am Julia, a Jesus loving, almost 30 year old wife and mama. I am day 1 of 365 for a strictly second hand buying year.  My goal is to steadily wear the beautiful clothing I already have and find interesting new ways to wear some classic pieces in my closet.  I love the idea of giving a home to other people’s “no thanks” and rocking the silly out of some Goodwill finds.   I am allowing myself to buy from online yard sale pages, secondhand stores, and hand-me-downs.  I am currently living in fear of finding the perfect gray bridesmaid dress for my college best friend’s wedding in June.  I love my baby, my dude, my sunglasses, The Office, and a challenge. 

ERIN
Hey y’all!  I’m Erin, the big sister!  I’m a wife to a soldier and mama to 2 babies…most days you will find me running preschool drop off, working from home and looking for my next caffeine fix!  This will be my second CHALLENGE year!  In 2016, I successfully finished a year of buying ABSOLUTELY NOTHING for myself!  This year my rules are a touch different…since I am a Matilda Jane Trunk Keeper, I am allowing myself to purchase ONE new Matilda Jane piece a month.  This will ensure a purchase with INTENTION that I LOVE and also serves to promote my business!  But, as far as everything else…NOTHING for me…no new makeup (other than essential MASCARA), no accessories…I can’t wait to spend the year with you finding the JOY in the pieces I already own!

JAYSHREE

Hi there! I’m Jayshree, 30 year old wife and mama. I have two beautiful kids, Kaden who is almost 5 and Amelia who sadly passed away from cancer this past summer at 10 months old. I am either finding new adventures for Kaden and I to do, learning new recipes, at the barre studio or doing fundraising for our girl.  I love finding new treasures that other people have looked beyond- and I absolutely love finding a great deal. This year I am going for only second hand items which will allow me to treasure hunt beyond my love of thredUP.com. I admit, I have entirely too many things and I need to challenge myself to really enjoy the things that I already have! I’m sure my husband will appreciate this challenge more than anyone and I can’t wait to treasure hunt with you all!