Savoring simple daily pleasures
Ok. I need to come clean.
I started off with determination and gusto on my journey of a NO Buy Year. I was staunchly adamant that I would see it though without faltering. ....
That may have been a little ambitious.
I have continued to be mindful and very conscious with the items I have bought- and for at least the first full 6 months I stuck to within the parameters I'd allowed myself:
NO new purchases unless- replacing a frequently used item that has worn out or beyond repair, replacing athletic wear/ running shoes, or a pre- loved purchase for a wedding - or other significant event.
Recently - for no other reasons that I can determine other than a sense of fatigue and an anticipation of a new season, a clarity of my own personal style, and, if I'm brutally honest, a longing for the buzz- the endorphins a new purchase can make you feel, I have succumbed to the very temptations and reasons I chose to embark on this challenge in the first place.
While I do, certainly, feel an element of guilt, and a little disappointment, that I have got to late August and have temporarily fallen off the wagon, I still feel I have learnt and grown though the journey thus far, and It is not a failure, and it isn't over yet. I am far more present and intentional with what I di peruse and choose to cheat with. they are not impulse buys or stand alone items- they genuinely fill gaps and provide a solution, and are all the more appreciated and values- savored - for it.
I will list below the items I have purchased (some of which I have mentioned in a previous post) and my thought process behind them, in an honest effort to, in some way, justify them:
Running shoes
I have purchased 3 pairs of running shoes since January, and most recently my favorite brand ON, was having a sale, so while I didn't strictly need them, yet, They were a very good deal, and one of the pairs were a specialist waterproof trail shoe. Now, anyone who's been following EVERYDAY CONTENTMENT for any length of time will know, I walk, a lot. I run most morning and I walk every day without fail, regardless of the weather. So, I do truly ware running shoes out with frightening regularity. (Quality, well-made running shoes are not an inexpensive purchase!)
Cashmere Sweater
Upon perusing a charity shop/Op shop/ Good will store, I came across a pure cashmere, Pilar box red, scoop neck sweater. I needed it. It was very inexpensive, I didn't have that color in my wardrobe, and it was beautiful quality from a well-known, high end brand. Having carefully laundered it, and getting my darling Mother to repair two small holes (I am no seamstress) I have worn it several times already- its warm, cozy, a beautiful fit, and provides a wonderful pop of color under a blazer. I simply couldn't leave it there.
Velvet Tuxedo jacket
An item I have long been Coverting for my wardrobe- such a versatile timeless piece; chic over jeans, or classic over evening wear. One came to my attention purely by chance, at a heavily discounted price. So, I bought it. I am yet to wear it but my husband and I have a couple of elevated evening events to attend over the next few weeks so I feel sure it will make its debut.
Black leather Chelsea boots
I had been struggling with a gap which only classic black Chelsea boots could fill. My old Chelsea boots were past their best and long since donated, and the existing ankle style boots I had were in Olive green, Navy or Taupe. All lovely and different in their own way -but none in black. The only black I have are very high heel evening style bots- definitely not a style I would walk the 4Kms round trip to my place of work which I do more or less daily. So, again, a trusted brand- I have several other pairs of shoes by them, Sol Sana, popped up on sale, so I took advantage. They are beyond perfect. Day one I wore them with just thin stockings to walk to work, a full day on my feet and the walk home- the really telling part was I wore them to do exactly the same in them the following day. A true test of a well-made, well-designed, High-quality piece of footwear.
'Ugg 'Boot Slippers
While I have a few pairs of slippers depending on the function and season, I was missing something that covered my ankle to provide warmth, as well as a practical sole to pop outside to the clothes line, or potter in the kitchen. So- while not UGGS, I did buy- on sale, some over the ankle sheep skin slippers. We are still very much in winter- with peeks of spring arriving daily, so they are a welcome coziness.
So, while keeping with the full disclosure theme - I have also genuinely aquired a few other pieces over the course of a few months:
*A waterproof puffer jacket- in shocking pink! Mu daughter has outgrown it...and me!
* Two pairs of Lug Sole loafers, one tan suede, one ivory leather- a lovely friend purchased but were too small for her, but a perfect fit for me!
* Two waterproof rain jackets- My husband treated me to, to keep me dry on my walks.
Definitely a footwear thread running here me thinks..... But I always knew I was a bit of an Imelda Marcos
OK, there we go, I've confessed. Onwards.
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