My Quarter of No Shopping

The idea began when I read this convincing post about Ann Patchett's year of no shopping. She got the idea from her friend Elissa who pledged she wouldn't buy shoes, clothes, purses or jewelry for 12 months. The reason behind a shopping diet for Ann and Elissa? Pretty easy: they had too much stuff.

It resonated.

Over the last year, I've found myself totally burdened by my belongings. I, too, just have too much stuff. When I moved from Kentucky to San Francisco in 2011, I only brought two suitcases. After landing an apartment, I started accumulating things. You know, the necessary ones: a couch, my bed, an all-year-long anorak for the perpetual 60-degree weather. And then, the less-critical ones: free running singlets from races, rogue eye shadow palettes, accumulated books on the "I promise to read this" list.

So. Much. Stuff.

And more than just the stuff – I waste time mindlessly scrolling through shopping websites. I open up Instagram and immediately see three things I want: a trendy satchel, twill sailor pants, a cozy beanie. But, do I really want them? It's not that I buy the satchel, it's that the satchel and clever words lead so easily to a shopping website. A website I didn't intend to be on. A website that wastes my time. I could use a little less of that in my life. And while a no shopping year seems too drastic, I'm committing to three months without shopping.

My plan, like Ann and Elissa, is to give up buying things to wear, but I'm also including anything that goes on my face or body. So, I can't buy clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, hair products, makeup or body products. To keep it realistic, I can make exchanges for stuff I bought in 2017 (mostly Black Friday purchases), foundation, mascara, and shampoo if I run out. As far as gifts go – a large chunk of my close friends were born between January and April – so I'm going to find alternatives to "wearable purchases." I'm known for picking out sweaters for family and workout tights for friends, so I'll have to get a little more creative, which will be fun.

I hope my pledge frees up some space in my brain for the important stuff. Or at least, a little daydreaming in lieu of scrolling. I'll let you know how it goes.

(Photo via Sézane)