We did it! We made it through the first week of the February Shop Your Closet Challenge. As promised, I’m sharing a recap of how the challenge is going so far, and my learnings along the way.
February got off to a kind of crazy start for me. My sister reached out 2 weeks ago asking if I would like to go adventuring with her the following weekend, since she had some extra free time. At first, I thought “What? No! That’s too soon, we need to plan something for weeks/months from now.” Then I realized there was really NO reason I couldn’t go. I had no plans for the weekend and all we needed was a hotel room and a good weather forecast, which didn’t take long to find.
I had been wanting to go back to Zion in Utah since my trip over 2 years ago, so why not now? What was I waiting for? I silenced my inner curmudgeon and got planning. So, this first week had some unique challenges!
I’ll start with this week’s outfits, for my no-repeats-allowed challenge. (Most items are past seasons, but I added links for more info where applicable.)
What I wore
Day 1
Alala heather grey flyweight tee (original version)
Nimble Activewear dahlia print Amelia tights
Underneath: Alala blueprint zip it up bra
What I did: BBG week 4 arms and abs
Day 2
Sweaty Betty glisten long sleeve
K-Deer Trina stripe leggings
Underneath: Lululemon white energy bra
What I did: aerial silks class
Day 3
Alala black chill tights
Lululemon forage teal pique runderful 1/2 zip
Lululemon bruised berry cool racerback
Underneath: Lululemon raspberry glo energy bra
Outerwear: Lululemon black fluff off jacket
What I did: hiked in Zion
Day 4
Lululemon black/coco pique race your pace 1/2 zip
Lululemon bumble berry cool racerback
Lululemon bordeaux drama toasty tech tights
Underneath: Lululemon fatigue camo energy bra
Outerwear: Lululemon black fluff off jacket
What I did: hiked in Zion
This outfit was actually covered by a full-body drysuit all day! Oh well, I looked cute on the inside. :) When I was getting dressed, I realized that I really needed to wear two pairs of pants for this extra-cold trek. Problem: I had only packed leggings! I got creative and layered my K-Deer leggings underneath my toasty techs, since K-Deers aren’t bulky. It worked like a charm and I stayed warm all day! This hike was one of the coolest I’ve done, and I can’t wait to share more about it! In the meantime, I shared this little tidbit on Instagram.
Day 5
Alala charcoal flyweight tee
Lululemon heathered medium grey cool racerback
K-Deer sneaker length Izzy stripe leggings
Underneath: Lululemon harbor blue run stuff your bra
Outerwear: Lululemon black fluff off jacket
What I did: walked an easy 3 mile trail before getting on the road
While we were on the trail, I recruited my sister to help with some photos for an upcoming outfit post. The leggings I’m wearing benefit the National Parks Foundation, so wearing them while at a national park was a giant NO DUH. Here’s a preview from the photo set I’m working on for that post. More coming soon!
For the second half of the day, I kept the same tops but switched my bottoms and outerwear:
Alala pique chill tights
Outerwear: Lululemon darkest magenta first mile jacket
What I did: walked out to Horseshoe Bend + drove home
Even though Horseshoe Bend is only a couple hours away from me and I’ve passed it numerous times, I’d somehow never been! It happened to be almost exactly halfway home on our drive, so it was the perfect way to both stretch our legs and cross this epic spot off our bucket list.
Day 6
Heroine Sport studio tank
Alala liquid black captain tights
Underneath: Lululemon black all sport bra
To and from: Alala everyday hoodie
What I did: BBG week 5 legs
Back home and back to my regular workouts! This ended up being one of my favorite outfits from the week. All black is always a powerful combo. The slightly shorter cut of the tank paired with the elongating fit of the captain tights made me feel tall and sleek. I’ll definitely be repeating this combo in the future.
Day 7
Much-needed rest day! No workout outfit. :)
Obstacles this week
The most obvious challenge to my spending freeze was the impromptu Zion trip. I had laid out in my rules that preplanned travel was on the allowed list (not to mention, saying I can’t spend time with family because I’m on a spending freeze would be totally silly). That said, to keep in the spirit of the freeze, I worked to ensure I didn’t spend excessively. Before the trip, I went to the grocery store and bought food like sandwiches, jerky, and trail mix. This saved both time and money, since we had lunch ready to go every morning of the trip. I also found a pet-friendly hotel so that I wouldn’t have to spend extra money hiring a dog sitter.
Besides food, gas, and lodging, the only other expense on the trip was very much necessary gear rental for one hike. All told, I think I did a great job of being spontaneous and living life without guilt while simultaneously being frugal and sticking to the spirit of the ban.
Another challenge this week was going out to a celebratory lunch for a friend. Eating out wasn’t supposed to be part of the plan, but I didn’t want to be unsupportive. Instead, I joined for lunch and just ordered one simple thing from the menu, no add-ons. That felt like a good compromise to me. Thankfully, it was at a cafe, so it ended up being under $10 in the end.
On the plus side, I managed to make a couple Target runs without buying random snacks or candles I don’t need! :)
Things I didn’t buy
One of the first temptations this month was a new pair of Werkshop leggings. I’ve had my eye on their Juliet leggings, and when they published this article about their designs being copied, I felt the urge to buy something in solidarity. I reminded myself that the styles I love will still be there in March (or maybe some new ones!), and my support will still be valuable then, too.
I also got a coupon code from Sweaty Betty this week. It’s only valid for 2 weeks, which means it’ll expire before my ban is over. I was briefly tempted, and then reminded myself that I don’t have to buy something just because it’s on sale.
My latest temptation was lululemon’s deep rouge align crops. I skipped out on the rosewood pair from a few months ago, but the deep red is so pretty. But I won’t even be able to get through the crops I have this month, and I rarely wear red. Aligns are slightly sheer on me anyway, so the practicality is limited. Still trying to put this one out of my mind, but repeating to myself that it’s not a need!
I know there are so many other things I thought about buying this week. But you know what’s funny? I don’t even remember them now! That’s how fleeting those urges are. If you can neutralize the feeling and move on with your day, there’s a good chance it won’t even come back. :)
Thoughts from the week
The best thing I read this week was 50 Simple Things You Need to Hear by No Sidebar. It’s a really quick read and has so many gems. I love this quote from that post: “Forget sale price. Everything is 100% off when you don’t buy it.”
One of the things that’s hit me the hardest this week is just how much I already have. I kind of already suspected this, but trying to get through everything in my closet is even more daunting than I thought. Being confronted with the reality of the situation definitely drives home the importance of slowing down. It admittedly makes me a little guilty, but that only serves to steel my determination in making it through a month with nothing new.
I’m also finding that making myself wear things that have been forlorn in my closet goes one of two ways. Either I fall in love with a piece all over again, or I don’t enjoy wearing it and brings to light that the style isn’t working for me anymore. While I may have loved something initially, after a season or three, sometimes the fit, feel, or look just isn’t working for me anymore. And if it doesn’t make me happy to wear, it’s out!
I’ve started to pluck a few things out of my closet that I can handle parting with, and I plan to continue gradually de-stashing over the next 3 weeks. Last semester, I left a bag of some barely used activewear at my aerial arts studio with a “free to good home” note. Since then, I’ve noticed girls wearing some of it in class. It makes me happy to see the things I no longer need being used and enjoyed by women in my community. On the opposite end of the spectrum, for anything I end up selling, the money saved at the end of the month just gets bigger, which is so encouraging to see. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a win no matter what.
Now over to you… How did your first week go? Did you discover any new outfit combos? Are there things that you’re proud you said “no” to?
P.S. Unfortunately my current comments platform does not support uploading photos, but if you’d like to share any of your outfits, you can drop links if you’ve got photos elsewhere. Alternatively, you can share your outfits in the comments section on my Facebook page.
Well I have done surprisingly well. I did buy a new pair of running shoes on the 1st Feb but only because I totally forgot to do it day before. I’m just coming back from a torn fascia so running shoes are essential.
The other thing that could have been a teeny problem was last Friday when gymshark released all their tights/leggings. I set my alarm but fortunately I was too late. All sold out!!!
Wow, I had no idea Gymshark stuff sold out so fast! That’s crazy. Oh well, at least the choice was made for you. :)
What beautiful outfits so far from your closet! You are right the all black looks amazing on you!! My freeze will be in march. I am aware of my limitations, i find it hard for me on my birthday month. Get too many coupons…
The quote you added does ring true, “everything is 100% off when you do not buy it”. I will need to remember that next month and after!!
Why are sale prices so ingrained in our society?? Especially with women?? It had to of been learned behavior, that was learned over time… that really hard to break. I find myself guilty of jumping on a sale price or because something looked amazing on someone else.
My mom shared an article with me once about if you really want something wait 2 days to see if you still want it, if you do then purchase if you are able afford the item. Also if you are not willing to pay full price for it then you should not buy it. I wish I could adhere to those mantras more often!
Yes and yes to all of this!! I agree that it seems like some sort of cultural expectation that all women are supposed to love a sale. I’ll always pay less if I can find a way, but I try not to let sales get the best of me just because it’s a “deal.” I agree with your mom that if I don’t want to pay full price, I usually skip out completely. That becomes especially poignant when end of season sales come around. The “pause” trick is another of my favorites, although I don’t usually count days exactly–sometimes it’s more sometimes it’s less. I try not to buy immediately and instead wait a little bit to make sure it’s not just a passing feeling. But as you said, even when I set rules for myself, sometimes they are hard to follow!
Gosh that heroine sport top is amazing! Good thing this stuff is past seasons or you would give me all kinds of ideas ;)
My biggest challenge has been totally unexpected…. I have been really liking Lululemon lately! Very strange because I have been so “meh” about them for months and months and honestly don’t even own a lot any more because it has good resale value so I always end up selling it to buy new non-Lulu things. BUT… I just ordered the Cadence Crusher tights and they are freakin awesome. It took me selling like 4 pairs of old leggings to buy them at their absurd $118 price tag, but I actually think I’m going to keep them! Who knew?! I have about 6 other things on my want list from Lulu right now and I kind of sit and gaze at my cart a lot in my random down time… that Navy swiftly is suuuuuuure pretty. (NOT what I aspire to do with my spare time.) Anyways… like I said, totally unexpected and strange.
Speaking of…. I’m loving seeing all of your older lulu “softies” (term coined by my sister) in your recent cold weather posts. They sure know how to do the textures…. some of that stuff I will NEVER sell.
Oh, AND…. I went back and revisited all of your cleaning out your closet tips from last January yesterday and did a major overhaul. I was so proud of myself!!!!
I actually thought about buying the cadence crushers too. They look so nice! I’m trying not to have non-buyers’ remorse over it now. :P
I agree about some of that old stuff being in the “never sell” pile. My old herringbone leggings are getting so beat up from being worn so much that I actually bought a brand new pair this year. I expect I’ll also wear those til they’re basically threadbare! I agree, I love that kind of stuff from them.
Thanks for reminding me that I was going to tone it down this month! I bought a pair of PE Nations and an Alala vest, but now I’m cutting myself off. I have a pile of items to list on Ebay, and I’m not buying again until I’ve made a dent in it. Your post gave me the kick I needed to get started :)
Yes definitely! I have a pile of stuff to sell or donate too, so I’m trying to use the time I *would* spend shopping to manage that instead. :)
P.S. What did you buy from PE Nation and how do you like it? Their brand isn’t totally my style but I’m curious about them.
I got the Curve cropped legging with stripes around the bottom. I only ordered out of curiosity, but once I tried them on I had to keep them. I’ll gladly sell a few Lulu’s to trade up for this quality fabric. The XS fits like a glove and has tons of support through the legs and a tight waistband. Love!!
Awesome! I’ll definitely have to keep an eye on their new releases. Thanks for the info. :)
After seeing you in new outfits a lot, it’s so refreshing to see past season gear in new ways:-)
I’m loving the sneaker length k-deer tights! If love to get them though they are not available in the UK. but knowing k-deer, they’ll still be there after my spending freeze.
I’m also weirdly happy that the lulu deep rouge aligns already out of stock here! Phew one less thing to think about. 9 days down woohoo!
On the other hand, not shopping and less online window shopping means more time to catch up on reading (including blog posts!)
Looking forward to week 2 outfits ?
I agree, I also really like going back and forcing myself to wear *only* old items instead of some new, some old.
The rouge aligns are out of stock in my size too–crisis averted. ;)
Good for you for sticking to your guns. I’m on a no-buy in February and low-buy in March. I’m saving for our family cruise in the mediteranean this June and need to be careful.
I am also tempted by the red Aligns, I want them soooo bad! I also tend to wear a lot of red so it is a colour I’m drawn to and use… If they are still around in March that is the one thing I will buy then :)
Yeah that’s a good plan. :) Stressing about money while you’re on vacation kind of ruins the fun, so it’s nice to nip that in the bud before it happens! The mediterranean sounds fabulous!! <3
Glad I’m not the only one tempted by snacks & candles at target!
I bought a couple things at a specific store last month & got the bill today. Realized I remember what one of the things was but not the other. Guess I didn’t need it that badly if I’ve already forgotten what it was. Made me think I’m doing a bit too much mindless spending.
Haha yes! I put myself on “candle ban” a couple months ago because I have THIRTEEN unfinished candles! Gah. I think I’m down to 11 now, lol.
I’ve definitely had the same feeling about forgetting. I’ve also had times where I’ve gotten packages in the mail and think “I don’t even remember what’s supposed to be in here” and that’s a big ol’ reality check!
i’m actually planning to do my freeze in march…and hope that it lasts all of spring! i honestly don’t need any more activewear, except some tops/bras, so i’m going for minimal spending this month as well (i had to buy some sneakers for HIIT workouts and i have my eye on 2 pieces on posh that i want to try). i find that i tend to buy more bottoms than tops, so i shouldn’t buy any more bottoms haha.
love seeing how you remixed your closet by the way!
Oh man I agree! I really need to make an effort to cut back on bottoms too. I’m probably going to buy a little bit from new spring collections when March comes around, but overall I can always do a better job at being more selective.
Great job!! Gorgeous photos and I can’t wait to read about your Zion experience when you post it! My rules were: (1) no buying (especially activewear!) for myself (although buying birthday presents for others is allowed); (2) try to enjoy what I already have, and get rid of (more of) what I don’t (although I have a strict “one-in-one-out” closet rule so I really don’t have piles of unworn stuff lying around); (3) if I reeeeaaaaally want something, put it on a list for 1st March and if it’s still there it was meant to be! But I made a loophole :) I get a Big Fat Check from eBates on 10th Feb, and have some stuff listed on eBay which looks like it’s going to sell, so I can spend that money if something comes up that I *need*. But if not, then I’ll have a little fund there for my 1st March list!! So far, so good. More than a third of the way through the month already – February is a good time to do this! Thanks for the inspiration!! xo
Those are great rules! I got some eBates cash this month, too, but it’s doing nicely to help cancel out things like lunch. :) The eBay fund is a good idea for whenever you need it, too. Glad it’s going well for you so far!
Is there anything that you’ve previously featured on this blog that you sold/are selling/gave away? Just curious how your opinion of pieces has changed. Nice of you to give away stuff. Tell about aerial silks!!
The short answer is yes, definitely. I would say that at least 50% of my wardrobe gets turned over in ~2 years. I’m not one to be emotionally attached to my things, so there are actually very few items in my “never, ever part with” category.
The slightly longer answer is that there are several reasons I’ll get rid of things. Perhaps most common, I like the item, but something about it isn’t practical for me personally. So, things like black luon-like fabric that’s always covered in dog hair, a color I don’t wear, low-support bras, sizing that’s off, etc. Ex.: I sold my K-Deer Jennifer stripes because I wore them less than I expected (bright reds are rare in my closet), so I bought other stripes instead that I wear much more. I gave my sister my Michi crops because while I loved the fabric and feel, I really needed a size down.
My other most common reason is that I like the item but I’m just ready for something new. This is in part driven by having this blog–I want to share new brands and styles, but I also don’t want to drown in workout clothes. (It’s a really tough balance to strike, but that’s a completely different topic!) And lastly, occasionally I straight up don’t like something anymore. It’s relatively rare, but it happens. For example, my scuba hoodies. The length through the arms and torso just didn’t work for me. The cuffs just really got in the way and the fit looked nice but felt uncomfortable. Another example is the Sweaty Betty hypo glisten LS. I like the regular glisten, but the neck on the hypo glisten I have is just too constricting.
Whew–sorry for writing a novel there. :)