Can she do it?

This year, I have an odd resolution. I'm not even sure I want to make it. But I think I ought to make it. I think a lot about the ideas of "enough" and "excess." By most of the world's standards, pretty much everyone I know has excess. I don't bemoan the state of life I was born into, but I do want to be mindful of my resources. I am thankful for the many blessings God has given me, including the material "stuff."
I love clothes. I love, love, love clothes. It's a darn good thing I didn't get the size 6 body I'd love, because we'd really have a problem if I had that body to dress. It doesn't change the fact that I love textures, colors, cuts, trends, fads, the hunt...I love jewelry, shoes, shirts, skirts. I love it all.
However, when I was pregnant, my clothing menu got shorter and shorter. I had a great stash of stuff thanks to my sister-in-law, but it was hard to spend on something that I'd only wear a few times. I got a few things, but what I really figured out was that I could get away with a LOT less than I was used to. Even for work attire. I certainly was tired of the one pair of jeans I had that fit me up to the end, but as long as I stayed on top of the laundry, I was fine. It made me wonder...

Can I go a WHOLE YEAR without buying new clothes?

For some people, that's a no-brainer. I'm not talking to you.  ;) I'm talking to the people like me, who shop casually and pick up a shirt here or there just to freshen up the wardrobe. Those who shop for the pure pleasure of the find. Those who put together outfits just for fun while falling asleep and can't wait to see if the orange sweater and teal top will look fun and spunky together or just odd...? But in my heart, I know the charge I get out of the act of buying. (not actual charging, by the way--it's not caused us debt, thank God) But there is a shopper's high. It's real. And nearly as good as any other addiction, I'd guess.

The kind of sale I can handle. Empty hangers!

I have a closet full and another attic-full of stuff. And among these items, several sizes that I've been over the past few years. So, even if the magical weight-loss fairy whacks me with her wand in the middle of the night, I should be fine.
So, I'm going to try it. I don't think I will make it. That's terrible to say from the offset; I know. I will need a twelve-step program to help myself break this habit of over-buying.
Step 1: Admit I have a problem. (Doing that now)
Step 2: Make a goal. (yup. done. one year.)
Step 3: Reduce exposure to stores that carry clothes. I can get stuff for Shepard at children's stores or consignment. I already have to get Jerod's stuff online.
Step 4: Resist temptation. Flee. Don't even go near the section.
Step 5: You are allowed to buy undergarments. 'Cause, for real, that's not really fun anyway.
Step 6: Do not divert desires to Jerod or Shepard and give them the largest male wardrobes on planet.
Step 7: Jewelry counts. No accessories. I seriously could probably start a jewelry store. Sigh.
Step 8. Shoes are iffy. Barley has eaten a few of my fave/stand-bys, so if I get to summer and realize I have NO black sandals, we might have to call an emergency shoe-truce and buy ONE pair. Otherwise, if I have a pair that fits the need/color/style, no shoes.
Step 9: Confess if I fail. Return item.
Step 10: Get excited about what I HAVE. See what kinds of new combos I can make. Wear stuff I have neglected.
Step 11: Challenge myself with "brown week," "red week," "shiny week,"etc. to keep myself entertained. (sad)
Step 12: Compare 2011 to 2012 in December and see how much $$ I saved!!!!

Can I do it?