Testing the Waters

So the goal for 2011 is this...to see if I can go the entire year without buying anything new (with the exception of consumable goods like food, of course).  If I succeed, I would basically spend the year buying all clothing, gifts, and housewares from thrift stores, garage sales, or Ebay.  Nothing new...only used.  I don't really know why I want to do this.  I've reached a point in my life where things are finally approaching a level of financial stability...so it's not about saving money.  I think maybe it's this...plain and simple, I think I buy too much stuff.  Stuff I don't need...stuff I just pick off the rack without even thinking twice about it...because I "deserve" it.  I'm sick of myself and my shopaholic ways.  So...I'm going to challenge myself to go a year without...and see where that leads me. 

On Friday I went on a trial run to see what I could find at the "Gucci Goodwill," which is basically just the Goodwill that is located in the really nice part of town.  I stopped by on my lunch break...and totally scored!  I found 2 dresses and a birthday gift for a friend...and walked out of there spending less than $40.

This is going to be a challenge...but I think an adventure as well.  We throw away so many lovely things in this country because we're so impatient and so insatiable.  I want to see if I can take a break from all that.  The challenge officially starts on January 1, 2011.  Wish me luck!

Here's a picture of one of the dresses I bought at Goodwill last week.  Only $12 for a piece that is sure to be a wardrobe staple (by Anne Klein).  Sure, it's a little "Raiders of the Lost Ark" - ish...but I dig it!