Reusing and Repurposing, Recreating and Reinventing = S-A-T-I-S-F-A-C-T-I-O-N !

Last weekend a friend came over to the house and helped me move some furniture around. I am trying to clear out and get rid of things we don't any longer need or use or have space for. Right now, I have a need to have "clear space" in my mind and heart and surroundings. So, we moved a cabinet the television sat on to the garage to be sold. Then moved a small desk/table affectionately referred to here as the "turkey desk" to the basement to set the television on. And, then re purposed a Formica kitchen table, vintage 1950's by bringing that up to the "reading room" to replace the "turkey desk" as a computer table/desk/work space. The turkey desk while charming with its' 20 gauge shotgun shell casings for drawer handles and turkey feather draw pulls, was turning out to be too small as a table/desk in the reading room. There was simply no where to put your coffee, your pen, your pad of paper for note taking. The Formica table, layered with two vintage tablecloths and a turquoise piece of McCoy pottery, my vintage daffodil bookends holding up an assortment of new used books and a snazzy turquoise Schnauzer plant holder now turned pencil container is absolutely cute as can be. And, I did it all at no cost! Am pretty proud of myself, girly-girl!

Just the tip of the stilleto

While in D.C. visiting Daughter #1 along with my tag-a-long buddy, Daughter #2, Daughter #1 took us out to a play and speakeasy for elegant high end cocktails. A boyfriend/girlfriend couple, friends of Daughter #1's joined us. Boyfriend and girlfriend commenced living together a few months ago and now are making their first big joint move to a more spacious apartment. Boyfriend, lamenting about packing, etc. mentioned the girlfriend's "enormous shoe collection." Well, this piqued my interest, so I dove into the conversation and asked the big Q - the conversation went like this:

ME: "And, so just how many pair of shoes do you think girlfriend has?"

Boyfriend: (lame, lame, lame reply), "Oh, I think about ten pairs."

ME: (to girlfriend) "And how many pair of shoes do you think you have?"

Girlfriend: "About twenty-five"

ME: Oh, man oh man, are you way off base to think that ten pair of shoes are a lot. Even to think that twenty five pair of shoes are a lot. That's just the tip of the stiletto!

And Daughter #1 chimed in with the ultimate statement on shoes - "Yeah, my mom has over 90 pair of shoes alone in her closet. And, that doesn't include the whole tub of summer shoes that live in the basement because they are limited seasonally in their usefulness - or should we say wearabilty."

And girlfriends comment? "WOW! You must have a special closet just for your shoes."

To which I replied (with pride) "Well, yes I do!"

And that was the best nightcap of all!

My long absence.........

Well, it has been a long, long time since I have opted to add to my blog. But, least you think otherwise, that does not mean I have abandoned by no-shopping quest. Au contra ire, my commitment to not purchasing remains true and inspires me to really think through any possible potential deviation.

Case in Point - having come to Washington D.C. to be admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court - a highlight of any attorney's legal career, I found I had a shoe crisis. Some might laugh at the use of the words "shoe" and "crisis" in the same sentence, but those among us who take our fashionista role seriously know a crisis when we see one. This was the situation. I had planned to wear a light blue Jones New York skirt suit that I especially like for the swearing in. But, the morning we left for D.C. in the throws of packing, I made a last minute strategic wardrobe call. Skirt suit + old while lady legs = must wear pantyhose which I determined I simply could not do. I knew it would be hot and humid and I just did not want to struggle with hose, plus make sure I had a decent back up pair when the first pair (inevitably) got runs in them. So I switched my outfit to a black crepe Talbots pantsuit. And, tossed into my bag a pair of strappy, dressy black sandals. All set. So I thought, anyway........

Once we arrived in D.C. and I did the two days prior run through on my outfit, walking around the apartment in my heels, i thought - are you outta your mind? These shoes were too strappy, too much skin was exposed and there was no way I could walk a block in them. And, one thing D.C. demands, actually just squeezes out of you like life blood - is that you walk. And walk. And walk some more. And, then, finally that you walk again. So I knew that no matter how carefully I crafted my day, insulating myself with cabs and short walking stints, I would still walk enough to cause the return of the giant gross blisters that usually plague Me while here. I did not want that to happen.

I carefully considered my options. Ruminated. Contemplated. Then, decided I would take a cab, wear my Birkenstocks,(ugly, but highly functional) and put on my dressy sandals upon arrival at the Supreme Court. Seemed like a solid, no cost plan to me. Under this plan, there would be absolutely no expenditure of money.

Feeling a certain amount of pride that I had arrived on this no-cost solution. I shared my plan with Daughter #1, via telephone. Her response? In a tone of derision, said, "WEEELLLLL, people do that." Emphasis on people. As in, I see people that do that, but I would never stoop that low myself. As in, I suppose if you want to look like a giant dork, you could do that and boy, will I be glad I am not around to see it. As in, there is absolutely no way I would ever be caught dead doing that, but you go for it, Mom.

And, then she said, how about you just go to Marshall's and buy a new pair of shoes for this occasion?

A surprising comment from the pipsqueak who started the whole no shopping idea, after that holiday closet organizing effort and her conclusion that I had "way,way, way" too many clothes -and in particular, way to many shoes.

With that kind of authorization, even shall we call it approval, I did in fact trundle myself the three blocks down to Marshalls and purchase a pair of black, low wedge heeled, sling-back, peep-toed Bandolinos for $31.82. Wore them for six hours, first day out, and ended up with no blisters. YEAH!!

Boot Mailing - Part 2

Update: To mail the boots cost $9.85. Possibly worth it, since I doubt Daughter #1 could purchase new, unworn boots for that price. Just got off the phone with her, though, and now we have a conundrum. This projected Atlantic Seaboard snowfall has already, at 6:30 p.m. CST on Thursday night resulted in the cancellation of five, yes, five social engagements for Daughter #1 in the next 36 hours. Tonight, as zero, nada, none, not one snowflakes fall from the sky, happy hour was rescheduled. Then, all employees of her company were encouraged to "work from home" on Friday (tomorrow). Next, the bi-monthly sorority alumna luncheon, scheduled for Saturday morning has been called off, on account of the pending snow. And, Daughter #1's boss, who was scheduled for vacation to Orlando tomorrow (Friday) has postponed her vaca one week. Out of fear of not being able to get to the airport. So, now that the boots are in the mail, en route? Daughter #1 fears the impending white stuff will totally incapacitate the Atlantic Seaboard, rendering it impossible for the mail carrier to deliver the anticipated boots! Stay tuned.

Next post....futher refining what no new clothes means.....Are there exceptions to the rule?

Why Not Just Buy New Boots?

Telephone call from Daughter #1 this afternoon, who has apparently gotten on the "no new clothes" bandwagon too:

Daughter #1: "Mom, I need you to do me a favor."
Mom: "O.K."
Daughter #1: "Well, you see, Mom, we're supposed to get lots and lots of snow on Friday, so if you could....mail me the tall, furry lined boots I wear when I am home [in the Midwest, where snow these days is our middle name] and do it so that I would have them by Friday, then I could wear them in the snow we are going to get. [Daughter #1 lives on the Atlantic Seaboard, an area of the country where snow does not generally fall and if it does, one inch of the powdery white stuff shuts down the city. Literally.]
Mom: "Well, I can do that by taking them to the mailing store tomorrow morning.... but wouldn't it make more sense to buy new boots where you are living?"
Daughter #1: "No, absolutely and positively not, no way - I AM NOT SPENDING ANY MONEY ON NEW CLOTHES" [!!!!!]

The exclamation points are mine. What's the logic in paying good money in postage to mail an old pair of winter boots when you can go, somewhere, anywhere in the metropolis where Daughter #1 lives and buy a brand, spanking new pair of winter boots - - - and since it's end of season, probably for less than it will cost to MAIL the old worn pair to her? The price of this mailing will be included in my next post.

One the one hand, I am happy to believe that my words and actions can still influence my adult child. On the other hand, there is something about this particular mailing which makes no sense at all. Doesn't logic demand that purchase of a new pair of boots makes more sense than mailing these old, used boots a thousand miles....to the Atlantic Seaboard? Maybe it's just that she wants the comfort of a known, friendly, worn-in boot to the rigidity of a new pair? Than must be it, because it sure isn't very practical. Even if you are trying to save money!

Time Flies When You're NOT SHOPPING

Gosh, I can't believe it has been twenty days since my last post. Part of the cause of my blogging absence is that my computer was infected with a virus. Last weekend I tried to call McAfee to have it remotely removed. Couldn't do it because I had to make a payment on my credit card to allow for the service to be charged. I believe it is next to impossible to live in this world without credit cards. And, a damn challenge to try not to charge. This service for example had to be paid via credit card. For $89.95, some computer geek in southern India remote accessed my computer, moved the cursor around on the screen and in 35 minutes or less - Voila! now my computer is virus free. And, thank God because we suffered not begin able to access the Internet, especially the news about Brad and Angelina and their reported split - for the 89th time, I imagine.

So we come to the end of the first month of the new year. And, I am proud to say that I have purchased no new clothes. A casual walk thru Carson's to make my payment resulted in a perusal of the 70% off-the-sale-price shoes. Like a girl in a candy store, I lovingly handled a pair of floral print with coral patent heels sling backs from Anne Klein. Adored the classic look of a pair of gray suede pumps that were kind of Mary Janish in style with a cool, soft, very wide elastic band which would hold the shoe on your foot. Was enchanted by the playful fun of a pair of yummy lipstick pink patent pumps. In the past, not having my credit card in my wallet would not have stopped me. Nor slowed me down in any way, shape or form. The kindly salesclerk, having been given my social security number and address would have looked up the card number and those shoes would have like magic!! made their way home. But not this time. In fact, I felt proud and virtuous, as I walked out of the store empty handed, having purchased nothing, but simply done the business I had come to do without any distractions, not wanting to break my winning streak. I am proud of me, yes I am!

Creativity in Resisting Temptation -January 10, 2010

Yesterday was a big day in my world. I had about $1,000.00 worth of clothing to return. I had ordered these items - pieces to assemble a black pantsuit, pieces to assemble a gray pantsuit, a pleated turtleneck that looked oh-so-awesome on the size 6 model - online from Talbot's. Now, Talbot's is my "go to" spot. I know a size 18 long dress pant will fit per-fect-ly. Same for the 16W jacket - gotta go to Women's because I am kind of busty and seem to be a bit top heavy at my "current fighting weight" (which will remain unrevealed, for the present). Sometimes I can wear an 18 Long jacket, it just depends. So before Christmas, I had ordered a slew of stuff at what was then a good sale price. I knew I would have to try on and cull, but with free shipping, that's OK.

So, when Daughter #1 was home, she helped me determine what would stay and what would go. Yesterday, I returned the "what was to go" pile and did a clever "return and re buy" on the things I wanted to keep. Total savings? About $750.00. The gray and black winter-weight pantsuit pieces I keep are even more on sale now. So, what I kept rang up at $295.00 - instead of the $550.00 it returned at. Awesome savings, I thought.

What motivated the decision, really, to return also was a conversation with my sister before Christmas. Me: "Deb, I just ordered a $1,000.00 worth of clothes from Talbot's." Deb,:"Oh, DI!!" (In a pained voice). Me: "And I realized that while I want a new, plasma wide screen television set - a 50 inch model- I would never, ever, ever in my life go charge a television set on my credit card. So, why would I charge that much in clothes?"

It was kinda of a small world light bulb moment.

Now, some might say this whole exchange/repurchase was a buy of new clothes - and that it's kind of a bait and switch. I say no, the purchase was made in 2009. 2010 was adjustment, so not a new purchase. In fact, this was THE purchase that persuaded me to take on the "buy no new clothes challenge." The whole purchase, with the television set aspect of it thrown in, made no sense.

Need to save for that new t.v. which I think right now I want more than a new pantsuit. How's that for reform?

Where's the problem there? she said...

Sharing today the news of my resolution and the incentives that led to same with another female lawyer of my generation, she had a interesting response. Told her Daughter #1 had said, "Mom!! You have at least 80 pair of shoes!!!," female attorney said, "So? Where is the problem ?" HA! I loved that response. She understands.

Problem truly is only in the eye of the beholder isn't it? I am proudly maintaining the new status quo at Day #5 -

Talbots January 4, 2010

In the mail today arrived a new Talbot's catalog. Talbot's - my "go to" place for classic clothing that fits and flatters. Talbot's clothes work for me because each season a dress pant is offered in a long length. And, always a matching jacket, sometimes a coordinating skirt. High quality clothing. Always in style. And, I can often score big on clearance items in my size. So, the new catalog, the winter-to-spring transition line has tweed jackets in pistachio, aquamarine, berry. Yummy colors with yummy names. Coordinating striped sweaters. Scarves of lavender, pistachio and purple paisley. Sweater sets in rainbow hues. All luscious looking. My reaction? A quick once over, then to the trash can! Talbot's, you aren't tempting me this year. That easy to sway, credit card at the ready shopper is so old, so ancient, so 2009. So move over, and quit mailing me, texting me, emailing me with temptations. In 2010, I am a new non-shopper gal!

January 3, 2010

Day #3 of no shopping - how am I doing? Pretty well, I think. These days after Christmas are traditional shoppers delight days. There is so much good stuff on clearance. It's been a key time in the past to stock up on gift wrap, ribbon, stocking stuffers, trinkets and sometimes, an awesome present that will be just as awesome next year, but at 1/2 the price. But none of that for me this year. Daughter #2 insisted on going to Target on December 31, to get a DS game. I provided transportation but managed to leave the store not spending one thin dime. And, I was challenged. As you know, I am a big fan of Barbie. And, Mattel managed to tantalize me once again. On the Target toy shelves were three reproductions of vintage Barbies. Now, vintage Barbie, with its evocations of my youth and sweet memories attached, are my biggest Barbie weakness. So, Mattel has reissued the vintage nurse Barbie (my personal favorite with a teeny tiny teaspoon for dispensing medication, a teeny tiny hot water bottle (for Barbie's teeny tiny cramps, I presume) a diploma, a starched white nurses cap and a navy blue cape. This is one of my favorite costumes from when I was little. There is also a student teacher Barbie, complete with a pointer and globe. Astronaut Barbie, issued in 1965, has a very professional looking space suit and helmet. Cost? A mere $39.99. These would be so nice to have to add to my collection of Barbie memorabilia. I am proud that I resisted breaking my resolution even before it had begun. And, know that in two months, or six, I would wonder what to do with these additional Barbie's sitting around my room. One negative about being a shopper is you also, eventually, become a storer of goods you have purchased. Closets become full. Shelves overflow. You can't find what you bought because of the clutter. And, all of this "stuff" becomes a load to carry, prohibiting you from moving fast if you need to. Both physically and spiritually.

Defining the terms of this "no purchasing" year, will I believe be ongoing. It occurs to me that simply saying no buying is too broad, too vague and too impossible a commitment to keep. I have already established there will be no new clothes for me. I also think it's appropriate to put no new DVD's, CD's and books into that category. I will rent DVD's from Netflix. I don't really care about listening and purchasing CD's. Books are harder - there are few things as pleasurable as purchasing a new book. But, the library has most all I could need reading wise.

I am not going to limit experiences. Part of the purpose of this "no shopping" year is to allow more money available for experiences. So the movie Daughter #2 and I went to yesterday was allowable. Our savings came in buying no concessions at the moview theatre, but in sneaking in our own popcorn, soda and candy.

Experiences are okay. So, that's enough for today.

New Year - New Beginnings

It's January 2, 2010 - a new year, new decade, new day is dawning. Time for fresh starts. Recommit to those new/old goals. Re institute the chronic New Year's Resolution. CHANGE YOUR LIFE!! All that jazz. Well, this year I am going to attempt to do the impossible - at least, what I perceive is the impossible. Stop buying new. Stop buying. Stop shopping. YIKES!

I am an accomplished, veteran shopper. And, I must say am very, very good at shopping. I can find a cool bargain anywhere. I think back on some shopping coups - black, patent leather Coach heels - regular price $250.0, snagged at T.J. Maxx clearance for $49.00. Never mind that with the three inch heel height, I get altitude sickness when wearing them. After all, I already stand nearly six feet tall in my stocking feet. And, have to cling to the bench in the courtroom to keep from staggering over. (I am an attorney and frankly a large part of my shopping in recent years has been designed around outfitting me as the best dressed female attorney in the Northern Illinois area. Which, given the pool of fashionista talent in this town, is not really a big challenge.) But, they are beautiful shoes and have a red, white and black plaid lining. How could I resist? I recall a beautiful, light blue cardigan with a net back, embroidered with peacocks (again a snag from T. J. Maxx) that became a niece's Christmas present one year. Within my family and close friends, stories of my shopping glories are legend. But, all good things must come to an end.

I have taken this idea of buying nothing new from a book that was published several years ago. A woman and her husband chronicled their own year of buying nothing new. Some definition is required and clarification will occur as the year progresses. What exactly is not going to be bought new? Obviously, we will need food and toiletries and those things will need to be bought new. So, what are the categories in which new purchases will be allowed and what are verboten?

Verboten categories :

Category #1 - Clothing for myself.

My eldest daughter, hereinafter Daughter #1, was home for the Christmas holiday and organized my closet(s) for me. It was an act of charity. My stuff was a mess. An absolute horror story. With work demands, life demands, the holidays, I could barely do life - work, work, home, work, work, - much less do life maintence. I knew I owed.....so many things I just couldn't find. So Daughter #1 spend a whole day organizing my closets. I am lucky enough to have two closets. Part of the reason I live in the house I live in is that the master bedroom has great closets. One, a large walk in with a window in it !! The window is such a cute idea. I love it! Great shelving and space for hanging clothes on both sides of the closet. Then, there is a big closet with just shelves in it. For a while this closet was used for sweaters, but has become exclusively a shoe closet.

So Daughter #1 got to work. Her skills lie in clutter removal, chaos eliminator and organizer of the highest order. She was the perfect woman for this job. And, at the end, after counting over 80 pairs of shoes, mutliple white t-shirts, 29 pairs of pajamas, seven (seven!!) bathrobes, pairs of slippers, sweaters with cabling galore, her comment? " Mom, I know what I am NOT buying you for a present ever - clothes! There is no clothing item you need." My response? "But, I don't have any yellow shoes." She: "Yeah, and you don't need them, either."