The Great American Apparel Diet
no buying for one year

Robin S

Robin S, Illinois. I'm turning 40 this summer (almost exactly when the diet ends) and in pondering a career transition (from higher ed to social work), I've been mulling over what I want out of my life and what my priorities are. I've always loved clothing but I simply have too much of it. I love the thrill of finding something unusual and beautiful at bargain or thrift store prices. But I also like to find "deals" on line when I'm bored or lonely or depressed and I rarely feel better by the time the clothing actually arrives (and sits in my closet, unhung up and unworn). Because no one piece is ever very expensive and I don't follow trends or care about labels, I used to tell myself that I'm not like "those other compulsive shoppers" or "fashionistas." But the truth is, I have more clothing that I can wear and yet feel compelled to shop for more. Cheap or not, it's added up and my husband and I can't afford for me to keep indulging in my "hobby," er.. addiction. The very fact the thought of doing this is frightening--what if there is some emergency and I HAVE TO SHOP?!?!--is sort of the proof in the pudding that it's what I need to do right now. If I change careers, I'll be going back to school and it will be good practice to live on a smaller budget.