Fashion fasting.

This is my new stash from the op shop, I bought them this morning. You may be impressed that I walked there and back. I am!

 1 x red cardigan, 5 x jumpers, 1 x drawstring comfy pants, 1 x brown velvet bag and 1 x black beanie hat (I'm wearing it as I write because as you know I have declared war on waste and I am holding off putting on the fire. I'm pretty toasty actually. It's true that a hat and socks keep you warm.)

A new friend was op shopping and as I tried on my bits and pieces it became a real communal shop as she and her friend agreed or disagreed on the choices. It's something I love about op shopping and something I will miss, because today was my last op shop clothes shopping spree for a year. (Maybe) I am signing up with the Free Fashion Challenge. http://freefashionchallenge.com/

I don't sound too convinced, do I? Well my mind is willing but my spirit it freaking out!!!

I wonder if I am mad considering this (because I am seriously addicted to op shopping) but we have had two women over at our FB page - The Simply Living Challenge - who have reassured me that I will not regret this. They have done it and they continue to be 'extreme' conscious consumers. I am impressed, and encouraged.

And I have Ellen walking beside me, and Georgina (Nans Common Sense) and her husband. We are taking the challenge together, with a few variations. (Georgina is thinking of doing it in chunks - as in she and her husband will do it until New Year and then consider another few months. Sounds like a good idea to me, though I am aiming for the year. And I think she might accept gifts. I haven't decided whether I will or not. What if someone offers me a pair of lightly used rainbow, red or purple or floral Doc Martens - or SoleRebels? How could I turn them down?Ah but I am allowed to swap. A marvellous loop hole.)

And why am I doing it? Because I am concerned about sweat shop workers. I am concerned that so many of us don't think about where our clothes come from, why they might be only a few dollars in a chain store.  Fast fashion. Disposable fashion.I don't like that most clothes are made cheaply and fall apart. I don't like the whole idea of the latest fashion. I am always amazed by how many  last season, rarely used clothes I find in the Salvos. I don't like that people turn their noses up at secondhand but believe it is okay to buy  new and throw away. I can't believe how many people (me too once) have bought into all that wonderful, persuasive advertising.

Sustainable fashion interests me. I just googled one of the founders of this challenge and she has recently co-authored a book on this subject. Here is a link: http://katefletcher.com/

In my case I'm not too pleased with myself that I can't walk past the clothes in the Salvos when I could just 'treasure' hunt through my own. I know I would have loads of fun altering my outfits, trying different combinations together, making something, re-discovering something or wearing it in a new way... it will release the creative in me. I want to have swap parties.

I also remember Oprah saying that we can dollar and dime ourselves into poverty. I think if I spend less at the op shop I could save up for that eco outfit I have my eye on. In fact - that thought could be a great carrot for me. If I put that weekly amount away I will definitely have enough to buy that outfit (or two) at the end of the challenge, and by then I am quite sure I will know what I do want and what I don't.

Wish me luck.

Asta x

ps - Do you want to join us? Perhaps you are already doing something similar. I would love to hear from you.

May's challenge - Debt/Finances

                                               

 The Simply Living Challenge for May is - Debt/Finances, and my writing partner - Ellen Scott Grable is going to lead us. I just know we are going to have a few life changing moments. 

Some of you will remember that earlier in the year Ellen was giving me weekly challenges. One challenge was to live for one week without spending money (other than meeting debts). She had given me no warning, so I hadn't stockpiled. I remember thinking - How on earth will I feed my family, including two teens (one an 18-year-old young male who constantly eats me out of house and home)?  I bartered and 'paid it forward' to a fridge full of food, more food - and fresher food than we would normally have. I made from scratch. I felt like I was truly providing for my family. I grew closer to my friends as I became more dependent on their generosity and support.I knew the story behind everything I gathered. I also learnt what was important - and what I could do without. Amazing. 

Then she challenged me to write down every expenditure for a week. Oh my goodness - what perfect timing. After a week of spending nothing, any expenditure seemed so incredibly extravagant. ($3 for a second hand jumper - forget it. I will make do with something from home!) 

 Ellen has my utmost respect because she walks the talk. If we can learn anything about good money practises it will be from Ellen. So welcome aboard. (And she IS a sailor.) We have an interesting voyage ahead. 

Over to you Ellen....