No Shopping Challenge

Over the past year or so, I've been noticing how much I have and how little I need. Last year I did a closet clean-out and reorganized my room, and it felt so great to purge! I always recognize when I'm traveling that I can go weeks with only one small bag and how free + liberating it feels to have so little.

Now that the kiddos are older and accumulating more stuff, it’s made me increasingly aware of how good it feels to donate what we don't need and be more careful of what we bring into our home and lives.

While I was in Mexico, I finally said out loud to others on my yoga retreat that I was going to do a 3 month challenge of not buying anything new (items I don't need, like clothes and accessories). My HOPE is that this then leads to 6 months and eventually a year, but I want to start with 3 months to see how it feels.

I also want to teach the children how precious each thing is in our lives and focus on the value of each item instead of collecting excess things simply to own them. This is such an important lesson to learn early on (and it saves you time, money, and the stress of organizing and managing your stuff). Less is always MORE.

And I’m calling this a challenge because it WILL be challenging. I've always loved shopping for clothes. I used to buy tops and dresses all the time, but I still like to buy something new for a photoshoot or a social event now and then. So over the next few months, I’ll have to have more control + get creative when something exciting arises!

To help guide me (and you, if you’re joining in for the challenge!) on this journey, I brainstormed up a some tips + tricks (especially geared toward clothes shopping fanatics, like me!)  to succeed on a No Shopping Challenge:

1. Learn to thrift! I love Buffalo Exchange and American Vintage (although the prices can be on the higher side). When I'm feeling patient and in the treasure hunting spirit, yard sales are the absolute best for pricing and you can find absolute gems. For Angelenos, I also like Melrose Trading Post (the flea market on Fairfax and Melrose) or the one at the Rose Bowl!

 2. Check out second-hand sites like The Fashion Project. I especially love that they sell donated clothes that give a portion of the proceeds to awesome causes like breast cancer research and animal rescues.

3. Find everything from books to coffeemakers on the Yerdle App. This app, born out of the growing sharing economy, allows members to list items they no longer need and exchange them for points, which they can then use to “purchase” other items. No money involved at all, except to cover shipping!

4. Host a clothing swap party with friends! It’s so much fun to exchange items that you never wear and get something totally new for your closet. (And a good reason to gather for some superfood snacks + cocktails!)

5. Repeat a No Shopping Mantra. If you see that Forever 21’s having a sale or if something shiny on Pinterest catches your eye, focus on this mantra: I am light. I am free. I have everything I need.

Will you be joining me for a No Shopping Challenge? Tell me on Twitter with #myphilosophie + #noshoppingchallenge!