tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11247355646643581812024-03-20T01:02:30.931-07:00The RedamanticistCaerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-22040562404631900192015-11-08T10:14:00.002-08:002015-11-08T10:20:53.554-08:00Wardrobe Review: October 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiRiMnCXZgkJNJDGfB-pBLSI_mP3glECHGOKKUsx2QQ54kjizXJVOEYuQ3Toaszp5SYPMtvClMxCdp5o8IY90t5D81HHFuPaeJVarECBx7kAX8wR4dHfU2oTKU79w4N3GJC3LSrMhyp8/s1600/octpurchasestitle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiRiMnCXZgkJNJDGfB-pBLSI_mP3glECHGOKKUsx2QQ54kjizXJVOEYuQ3Toaszp5SYPMtvClMxCdp5o8IY90t5D81HHFuPaeJVarECBx7kAX8wR4dHfU2oTKU79w4N3GJC3LSrMhyp8/s1600/octpurchasestitle.png" /></a></div>
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Believe it or not, I am actually still alive. :) Somehow I manged to have computer trouble that kept me from blogging since March, but I think that's finally, finally over with! So here I am again. Despite the blog not being active, I have continued to track my purchases, and follow the wardrobe plan I'd set for myself. Below is what I purchased in October:</div>
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Obviously, I added a lot. I won't go through the items one by one, because that would be unnecessary. Rather, I'll discuss why they were bought as a whole.<br />
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I really felt I didn't have enough items going into to fall/winter to be as happy with my wardrobe as I could be. For one, I wanted to make sure I had some warmer clothing for the upcoming cold weather - hence, the purchase of the cardigan - and for another, I honestly just wanted some more variety in what I had to wear. I didn't put away many summer clothes, but even so, once they were out of my wardrobe, I felt I was wearing the exact same outfits every week. So, I followed the wardrobe plan I made for myself, and added the items shown above based on it, and now I'm happy to report that, although I have not bought everything I planned, I feel like my wardrobe for F/W is complete (with maybe one exception). To phrase it in numbers, I originally planned for 44 items, and ended up with 37-38. (I don't include jewelry in either count, fwiw.) I honestly don't want any more.<br />
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This is new feeling for me. I have never thought about my wardrobe and then come up with, "If I added anything else, that would be more than I needed." Usually, my thought process has been along the lines of,<br />
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"LET ME BUY ALL THE THINGS TO ADD TO ALL THE OTHER THINGS."<br />
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In all caps. Because I really do like to buy things. In fact, I know I still have a problem with overspending. I am not in debt, I almost no longer buy things which aren't useful, and I hardly make impulse purchases now, but I simply<i> cannot</i> stick to a budget that is realistically within my financial goals. It's really frustrating - it seems like once I give myself permission to buy something, I give myself permission to buy <i>everything</i> I think I need.<br />
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I think part of buying a bunch at once came from not having enough clothing I actually wanted to wear to make me feel comfortable for quite a while. I always rationalize that because I can really use an item, it's fine to buy it, even if it makes me go over what I've budged for that shopping trip. I'm hoping now that I've basically completed this part of my wardrobe, I won't feel like I really <i>"need"</i> something because I won't feel like I have anything to wear without it, and thus spend more at once than I'm really comfortable with to fill legitimate wardrobe holes. But I've never really practiced self control with my shopping to the extent that I really need to, so it's a matter of building good habits, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source:<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/nickb48b94eb15/16-ways-gene-belcher-from-bobs-burgers-understa-y5ei?utm_term=.kfmDA3w4R&sub=3463655_3936035#.brXlrnb7x" target="_blank"> Buzzfeed</a> / The Genius of Gene Belcher</td></tr>
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Anyway! I'm still happy with my overall progress. I've gone from buying most of my clothes because I wanted them that second to pretty strictly following the practical wardrobe plan I've made for myself, as far as what I do buy. It's great to have it, because it makes it so easy for myself to say 'no' to things which aren't on it. It lets me know they'll be superfluous. And the more I say no, the easier it gets. So I think there's hope for me yet. :)</div>
Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-71427657882120200272015-03-01T16:51:00.000-08:002015-03-01T17:02:29.326-08:00February: What I Did, What I Bought<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Something I did earlier int the year, around that infamous resolution time , was to set some goals for myself to do things I enjoy, but that aren't as dead easy as lazing around on my bed with my dogs, surfing the internet as if all those interesting things I'm pinning/hearting are going to DIY themselves. So, because I like to make lists as much as I like to think up rules for myself, I thought it would be fun to document the things I actually did during the month along with what I bought. My goals were mostly based around cultural activities - I said I was going to read (at least most of) one book, watch one movie, and visit/attend one location/event each month. Not anything difficult, as the point was to make myself do things a little differently, not necessarily anything special or impressive. This is what I managed in February:<br />
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<b>What did I do?</b><br />
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<b>Visited</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final Fantasy: Distant Worlds & the <span class="llLocationLink llWithHref" data-reactid=".0.0.1.0.0.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0:0.1.2:0.2">Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum</span>, personal photos</td></tr>
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At the end of January, I visited NYC for the first time with my sister. We stayed in New Jersey, because we spent our second evening there at the Final Fantasy: Distant World's concert held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. I originally went along to keep her company during the performance, but apparently forgot what a huge dork I was for the music from these video games, because I about lost my mind and/or cut off the circulation in my sister's arm with one fleeting glimpse of Nobuo Uematsu, then when he a<i>ctually came out on stage and played for us</i>. Yeah, I could not even.<br />
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Anyway.<br />
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Earlier on, we visited the Guggenheim, and I went on my own to see the Neue Galerie of German and Austrian art. It is very surreal to see works of art like the ones at these two museums, paintings you've seen and admired your whole life, right there in front of you, knowing they were touched and created by Picasso, Van Goh, Klimt - I'll probably never forget walking into the room where the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I is hanging, and feeling that I had no reason to move for so long I'm sure it looked strange- but if I did, then I'd have to leave it.<br />
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To be slightly less pretentious, both museums also have very nice gift stores. <br />
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<b>Read</b><br />
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<u>The Complete Stories</u><i>, Franz Kafka</i> - Of course I've known of Kafka for a long time now, but only started reading his work after watching this amazing animation of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbOLSY3sX9g" target="_blank">A Country Doctor</a> . I love how he's able to make the reader feel empathy for very unlikeable characters, and create these desperate situations out of ordinary events. Very pleasant, right? I have to admit, usually the stranger and more surreal any form of media is, the more I like it. While I'm not totally finished with the collection yet, my favorites so far are: The Metamorphosis, The Hunter Gracchus, A Report to an Academy, and The Penal Colony. I'm thinking of reading the Metamorphosis again in a Spanish translation by Borges, because I just like the idea of that too much not to.<br />
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<u>The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks</u><i>, Rebecca Skloot </i>- I finally finished this on the train ride back from New York. I think I started it sometime in the middle of last year right when I also started a new job, so my schedule combined with the subject made me put it down for a while. It's the story of how the first cells that were able to multiply and live outside the human body were taken from the woman Henrietta Lacks, and the juxtaposition of all the good that was able to come from that, but how Lack's surviving family continued to live in poverty without any knowledge her cells were being used, and no recognition for her when they were made aware of it. It's fascinating, but understandably upsetting, and many of the issues it brings up about the "ownership" of scientific research when a human body part is used are still unfortunately (and disturbingly) as of yet unresolved.<br />
<b><br />Watched</b><br />
I may have also made a goal of watching a movie in February, but I am terrible at doing anything that requires my attention for, like, a whole hour (?!) if I'm not getting paid for it, so...no movies. Especially because I only want to watch the kind where people stare meaningfully in the distance for thirty minutes in black and white, then say five words in subtitles before resuming their previous activities. Maybe next month.<br />
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<b>What did I buy?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0xc-VkLuVxMDypPAt18MsamjNiXh8HOiFfE-ZEFbkZrzrWiyv4oMfkIoQhdSTqbSkfr9YsSiMoevHmWUYdz8socsGr8HhSeUyW3HKRuLtp80d98GnMkrTShP9nQyYvpBOVCLPLYR9wU/s1600/feb15_bought.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0xc-VkLuVxMDypPAt18MsamjNiXh8HOiFfE-ZEFbkZrzrWiyv4oMfkIoQhdSTqbSkfr9YsSiMoevHmWUYdz8socsGr8HhSeUyW3HKRuLtp80d98GnMkrTShP9nQyYvpBOVCLPLYR9wU/s1600/feb15_bought.png" /></a></div>
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<b>Joie Pentea B Dress</b>, $198 w/tax - This is pretty, flattering and well made, and I wear it <i>all. the. time</i>., but I won't pretend at nearly $200, it's a little overpriced! There's nothing special about it except the tag - it's just a cotton dress. I paid for it because I had fun shopping at a pretty boutique on Madison Avenue. I am shameless. I'd be less so if I didn't wear this dress just about every chance I get, but right now I feel like it was a good purchase. We'll see what I think of where that money should have gone in a few months. ;)<br />
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<b>Brora Fingerless Cashmere Gloves</b>, ~$80 w/tax - We sort of accidentally happened by the Brora store in Manhattan, and with the great things I've heard about the brand, I was like: No. We must stop here. So I bought these gloves, which aren't exactly my typical style. Usually I'd go for a solid for a staple item like this, but I just loved the pattern and colors on these so much, I couldn't pass them up. I like having something a little bit fun to wear with my ultra neutral wardrobe. As for the quality, I'll probably be able to tell that better when I've had them for a little longer, but so far, so good.<br />
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<b>Brora Floral Print Scarf</b>, ~$85 w/tax - I loved this scarf the minute I saw it, but I told myself I wasn't going to buy it because I didn't need something in a mostly neutral color to be an accent piece. But then I went back to the store and bought it anyway, and that was not a mistake. I want to wear it every day. It's merino and silk blend, so it's warm, but not too heavy, and despite the base color being navy, the red floral pattern adds interest while going with just about everything in my closet. I'm not sure how much use I'll be getting out of it when the warmer weather starts here, but even if I'm not able to wear it then, I'll just be that much happier getting it out of my cedar chest once autumn comes.<br />
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<b>Total Items:</b> 3<br />
<b>Total Cost:</b> ~$363<br />
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<b>Overall</b><br />
I didn't set a budget for February, because I knew I'd be spending a lot in NYC. Clearly, I did so, but I'm surprised I only ended up with three items. I kind of planned to come home with piles. I think it was a combination of become a more selective shopper (I was still going by my wardrobe plan while there), and the fact I didn't have as much time to spend in clothing stores as I'd thought. I only visited Joie, Brora and the Muji in Times Square (where I bought no clothes, but many wonderful notebooks). So, I want to make it clear it wasn't intentional, but I did coincidentally find that spending a lot on a few items I really, really like and had use for helped me end up with three so far very well loved pieces in my wardrobe. I'll try to keep these in mind when buying in the future, maybe they can help me set a standard for what I should be willing to spend my money on.<br />
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Because I will need something nice to wear when I go back to New York to stare at my Klimt painting. :)Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-45645599411915950792015-02-27T16:54:00.004-08:002015-02-27T16:56:42.563-08:002015: Current Wardrobe vs. Planned Wardrobe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, I wasn't trying leave this blog empty for so long, but a few months ago my laptop broke, and I was too lazy to get it properly fixed for...apparently like six months. In any case, I never did repair it - I bought a new one. So I'm now the proud owner of a Dell Inspiron 11, and, according to my sister, possibly the only person who doesn't hate Windows 8. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyway. I won't even try to individually review all the purchases and shopping conclusions I've made since September; that would be way too cumbersome. I know it's already the last week of February, but I think I'm going to start out (semi-)fresh, with the post I had intended for January. All this is, is a comparison of what I actually own vs. the wardrobe plan I've been attempting to follow since about the middle of last year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Totaled up, I currently own 48 items and plan for 64. I suppose it depends on the person whether that's a lot or a little - I'm not sure if it's even "just right" for me, but it's something to work from right now. I find it much easier to say no to things I don't need (or "need", in this case) when I have an idea of what I'm "supposed" to be buying, rather than going by the list I keep in my head, which tends to include everything I see and want at the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">With that said, I also created a list of priority items I'd like to add in 2015:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1. Nude heels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2. Blush silk blouse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">3. Mariniere shirt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">4. Patterned skirt for Spring/Summer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">5. Navy Shirt Dress</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">6. Delicate gold necklace</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">7. Ankle Boots</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8. Cream Long Cardigan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">9. Gold Ring</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">10. Crystal/Clear/White Stone Ring</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">11. Mid-length Winter Coat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">12. Colorful Scarf</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's not counting what I want to replace, which is an equally long list in itself, so these 12 items are actually pretty ambitious for my budget. I give myself roughly $100 a month for clothing items, but I'll be the first to admit I rarely stay within that range. I definitely don't cut into saving or use credit to purchase clothes, so I'm not <i>irresponsible</i> when I buy - I'm just not responsible, either. That's something I'll have to think about - and, I'm sure, address in another post. </span></div>
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Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-13997256021074401832014-09-20T17:07:00.004-07:002014-09-20T17:42:35.434-07:00Hello & Goodbye: August 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDuoVy0dCC5_hBT8HYI5apr2ZlbFdGLVOdCTtbocOUN7CsXYH7uVKhWotAi_qnETIZVbUu5SCPbpU_kkZh_Vr0OQ63jK3Vv1Jc-pnqS4v7XRC9rRYWQsDMVoBuhyphenhypheneI5q5Sn3TQ9GMvZU/s1600/august2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDuoVy0dCC5_hBT8HYI5apr2ZlbFdGLVOdCTtbocOUN7CsXYH7uVKhWotAi_qnETIZVbUu5SCPbpU_kkZh_Vr0OQ63jK3Vv1Jc-pnqS4v7XRC9rRYWQsDMVoBuhyphenhypheneI5q5Sn3TQ9GMvZU/s1600/august2014.png" height="596" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Well, it's over halfway through September, so I guess that means it's time for my August purchase post! Somehow I keep deleting the nice little record I'm keeping of what comes in and goes out each month right before I'm ready to write it up, and I can tell you, it's not very fun to try to rewrite all of that from memory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">But now that I'm done complaining about those devastatingly serious issues, on to the clothes: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Best Purchases</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Watch Repair</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">My favorite "purchase" for the month! While shopping with my father several years ago, I came across the most beautiful watch with an opalescent face. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford it - so my dad bought it for me instead. :) Now it reminds me of him whenever I wear it, which was pretty much constantly for the first few years I owned it. Eventually, it stopped working, and I put it away with the intention of getting it repaired. That was about four years ago, and I finally did it last month! I have to say, the fact I kept it so long, then actually got it fixed, is a testament to how much sentimental value it holds. I'm pretty ruthless about discarding things I'm not using, not to mention I tend to view anything wearing out as a golden opportunity to buy something new, but I just couldn't imagine any other watch that could replace this one. I'm very glad to have it back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Price:</b> $10.80</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">LOFT Black Doubleweave Cotton Fitted Straight Leg Pants in Julie Fit</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">LOFT Birdseye Bi-Stretch Fitted Straight Leg Pants in Julie Fit</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I really dislike office slacks - like, <i>really</i> - but I now work in an office, which is why I found myself so unfortunately needing a couple pairs. Before buying any, I did a little research on which ones were deemed at least somewhat attractive, and came across the Julie Fit at LOFT. Since I love LOFT about as much as I hate those pants, I made a beeline to the nearest mall to try these babies on. Unbelievably, I love them. They're actually very comfortable and surprisingly flattering (or, at least, not <i>un</i>flattering, which I suppose is the best they could really hope for.) The grey pair even have a cute little tweed-y pattern on them. I wear both at least once a week, so they're useful, and the quality seems pretty good. Two very nice purchases I'm quite happy with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Price:</b> ~$70 each.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On the Inside Black Honeysuckle Lace Panties</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">*Not pictured </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I previously purchased another pair of undies I liked from this store, which is a favorite because they're a small business in my state. And their lingerie is nice, of course. ;) This pair is very comfy and pretty, which fulfills my requirements. If it ends up lasting well, I plan to keep buying from here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Price: </b>$33.48</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Okay Purchases</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mossimo Black Ponte Knit Blazer</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">This was purchased at a thrift store, and yet again, the fit is too large. I also bought it for the worst reason of all: I couldn't really find anything I liked, but didn't want to leave the store empty-handed. Ridiculous, right? Well, I actually like the blazer more now that I've had it, and I wear it regularly. Normally I wouldn't bother get a secondhand Target purchase tailored, but I'm considering it for this piece. It's nice because it's dressy, but being ponte, it's not too much. With my job I do need to dress professionally, but not necessarily in a suit, so this fits that in-between area nicely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Price:</b> ~$9 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Gap Navy Wool Cardigan</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I needed to replace my old navy cardigan, so I found this at Thredup. I'm torn on what I think of it. When it arrived, it was too large, so I altered it, and now it's too small for me to button all the way without it gaping. It's also pretty pilled. That can be fixed, and because I rarely close my cardigans with more than one or two buttons, the gaping isn't an issue. Not to mention, it works well with what I own, and it's very comfortable. But I'm still annoyed I bought something that's going to require so much work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Price: </b>$19.47</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Halogen Camel Taylor Linen Slacks</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I bought these because I needed them the next day, which didn't give me a lot of time to plan my purchase. :) They're also too large, but functional overall. I actually think they're really pretty, and I just love linen, so while they're not my favorite thing ever, I'm glad to have them. I have a small number of bottoms right now, anyway, so they're definitely keepers, if only for that reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Price:</b> $42.29</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Not So Great Purchases</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">LOFT Pave Braided Rope Brace in Jasmine and Balmy Blue</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">It's unusual for me to wear bracelets, because I have these puny wrists that honestly require child sized jewelry. So maybe I'm not used to working them into my outfits, and that is the reason these pretty bracelets have been worn very few times since I bought them. I think I knew when then I may not get a lot of use out of them, but I felt I needed more accessories, and I liked them, so I chose to buy on impulse. I don't have any plans to dispose of these right now, but unless I end up wearing them more often, they probably will have to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Price:</b> ~$20 for both</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>Total Budget:</b> $275.68/300</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">(My
allowance for August is larger, because that's the month of my
birthday, and while some may find it tacky, I'm very happy to receive
cash as gifts. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><b>And so...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Unfortunately, I'm finding that my secondhand purchases aren't going that well. Of what the items I've bought used in the past few months, I only plan to keep about two or three of them indefinitely. Most I've either already discarded, and the few I haven't, I plan to replace once I've built up more of my wardrobe. It's not that nice clothing can't be found in secondhand shops, but that <i>I</i> too easily settle for things that aren't so great on me when I see their prices. Or I can't stand to walk away having purchased nothing after all the time spent looking through the racks, which leads me to buying things which need more work than I'm willing to invest. Back when I had more free time I enjoyed altering the clothes I'd found, but now that I have less, it seems like just another chore. That's unfortunate, because buying secondhand was probably my main way of getting more ethical clothing, however...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">As you can see, in this post I chose not to evaluate my purchases based on the criteria I laid out at the beginning of the blog. I'm not sure what I had in mind with them is applicable to the kind of clothes I need, and the way I want to purchase them. I'm getting so selective with what I buy, that what I know I like and will want to keep has narrowed into items so much more specific, a lot of times they can't be chosen from only what's offered at ethical stores. Kind of an ironic conclusion to come to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Of course, I still want to try to be a responsible consumer, so I still want to focus on that, now with the main intention of just buying less overall. I've been slowly putting more restrictions on the amount I've purchased lately, anyway, and I like the results. I've noticed I'm getting more of what I actually wear when I only give myself the option of buying a few things a month, rather than trying to fit as much as I can under the little umbrella of my budget at once. More on that in upcoming posts, I'm sure. :)</span></div>
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Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-51090621619770362322014-09-07T19:49:00.002-07:002014-09-08T15:26:20.966-07:00Into Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My father's photo of Paris circa 1970s</td></tr>
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Well. I'm at the six month point for this blog. When it began, I was planning my S/S wardrobe. Now, it's time to begin planning for F/W , and I'm happy to report I feel much better prepared for that endeavor. (I say, as if it will be <i>such</i> an arduous task. ;) )</span><br />
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First, to review how my S/S wardrobe plan ended up: It went through a lot of changes, as I re-assessed my needs, what I like that actually looks good on me, versus just what I like, or like on other people. Naturally, some of those changes reflect changes in my life - I recently turned 28 and started a new job on the very same day, so clothing that is appropriate for my age and new position has definitely been on my mind!<br /><br />
That said, I'm pretty happy with the wardrobe I ended up with this for the previous season. Of what I purchased, I actually kept much less than I expected, however I'm not especially disappointed by that. It's been quite a learning experience searching for, buying, and then reviewing my purchases, even if that means discarding the ones that didn't turn out how I expected - or forcing myself to admit I'd made decisions I knew better than the to buy, ha.<br /><br />
I now have very few pieces of clothing overall - only about 25-30, counting bags and shoes - yet I'm feeling very well dressed. I'm a lot more certain I can come up with an appropriate outfit I will like and feel good in than I've ever been before. Coming from someone who's been buying clothes for herself from maybe the age of seven, that's saying something. And a little shocking for me to realize, actually.<br /><br />
Much of that success has to do with really thinking through my purchases. Before, I bought the majority of my clothing primarily based on whether I thought it was pretty or not. Now, when I buy something new I take much more time finding an item that is not only pretty, but that I can potentially wear often, with many other pieces in my wardrobe, and that will more than likely last through more than just a few wears. And, if it doesn't work out, I just send it back and keep looking. This is something I've had a real problem with before! Apparently I didn't trust my own judgment to know if something looked good on me or not, so rather than returning many purchases, I would keep wearing them to see if I could "make" myself like them, either because they were something I thought I ought to, or because I didn't want the hassle of taking them back to the store for a refund, or looking for something else. Sometimes I would know I would be doing this even as I purchased a piece of clothing. As you can imagine, I wasted a lot of money that way. Sloth is surely one of my vices. :)<br /><br />
Still, I continue to really<i> want </i>new items all the time. Part of it comes from the fact my wardrobe is pretty small, and is unfortunately lacking in a few really basic pieces. Since I'm adding things so much more slowly now, I have this irrational panic that it will take me just forever until I feel like I've a good base of clothes to get through a work week. Totally not true - I haven't even gotten rid of the majority of clothes that didn't meet my new standards/tastes. I could easily wear those when I run out of my preferred pieces, I just don't want to! I'd much rather go ahead and buy a bunch of new things to fill in the wardrobe holes I've fabricated (ha ha) for myself. It's how I've always approached dissatisfaction with clothing. Now I'd like to address that want for something new some other way besides shopping. How is yet to be discovered. Ideally, it would mean just not worrying about it at all!<br /><br />
Another thing I've found difficult was buying items from ethical suppliers as often as I'd like. That's always. And that's also unrealistic, so I've discovered. I know I'm not the first person to make this lament, but it is very difficult for me to find items with the right intersection of price, fair labor practices, and style. As far as style, I'm neither a hippie nor a hipster - okay, I'm actually a little of both, but my taste in clothing is conversely quite classic and even somewhat conservative, so although it's not always the most<i> correct</i> thing to do, there are going to be times when I'll choose LOFT over People Tree. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then there's the matter of materials. I'm a vegetarian because I don't want to kill animals, but I still buy leather and silk. It's so hypocritical, and thankfully there's always the option of buying certain items secondhand, which I'm happy to do with silk when it comes to clothing, and leather when it comes to bags, but shoes. Shoes. I could easily dedicate a whole post to my problems with shoes, but suffice to say, I've more or less given myself a free pass to purchase new leather ones. They just look nicer and last longer. If I can ever find an equal alternative, I will certainly use that instead, but for the time being, hypocrisy it is.<br /><br />
So, I've learned a lot. Going forward, I'd of course like to continue with what proved to be successful, as well as add some new strategies to deal with the problems I've encountered. I'm pretty optimistic about how my wardrobe will turn out now, and it's definitely been fun to put the work into it. It's seeming likely that when the next six months has passed, I'll be able to celebrate a year with this little blog, hopefully while being in a very happy place with my clothes. ;)</span></div>
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</span>Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-15159722930624300082014-08-29T12:54:00.003-07:002014-08-29T12:54:28.365-07:00Hello & Goodbye: July 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I really cannot believe it's the last week of August. I've had a lot going on (including a job change!) so time has not-so-literally flown for me. I even didn't do a post for June, because I just couldn't be bothered. I'll probably catch up with that later on; I did actually get some interesting things that month. Anyway, here's what I had for July:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hello</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wardrobe</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b><br /><b>J. Crew Cobalt and White Striped Shirt</b><br />This shirt I purchased in a thrift store, which is very dangerous for me when it comes to J. Crew items. I'm really fond of the brand's clothes, and given their (rather inflated, let's be real) prices, just seeing their name on a tag secondhand blinds me to whether or not I'm actually going to use (even like!) an item, because I know I'm getting such a deal. I was also blinded by the fact this shirt could easily replace a well loved one I'd had to discard after it was stained beyond repair, so I ignored the fact it wasn't exactly a perfect fit. That's not really a big deal, because it's easy for me to alter - I just don't know why I keep thinking I'll ever find the time/inclination to do so! I do wear the shirt fairly often, so it wasn't exactly a bad purchase. However, I've been re-arranging my wardrobe needs some lately, and it seems like it may be a little too casual to go well with the looks I wanted it for. I guess I'll see.<br /><b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br /><b>Price:</b> $5.24<br /><b><br />Walmart Beige Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt</b><br />Another thrift store purchase, attesting to the fact I can be so cheap, I refuse to pay even Walmart prices. The shirt fills a hole for a casual, neutral colored top well enough, though, again, the fit could be better. Overall, I'm not super excited about it, though it's definitely functional, and worn at least once a week. But, I'm thinking this may also be too casual for what I'd need it for now. More than likely it will be replaced in the coming months, but I guess I'll see with it, too.<b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br /><b>Price:</b> $2.24<br /><br /><b>Levi's Stonewash Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans</b><br />I've only had two pairs of jeans for the last 3 years, and unsurprisingly, they're about to go. Actually, one has already become work/painting pants, while the other is still acceptable to wear out, if I don't mind worrying that the knees just may rip apart at any minute. Normally I wait until something is destroyed before I purchase a replacement, however, this time I figured I'd start looking for one ahead of time, so I wouldn't be so desperate for something that worked I'd buy something I didn't like just to fill the need. (Definitely happened before.) This particular pair of jeans I also found in a local thrift store, which kind of surprised me, since I don't usually have a lot of luck finding pants there. These are cute, very comfortable, and get worn often. I'd say their quality is about average. In the future, I'll probably look for something a little more sturdy, but I still don't expect to be needing new jeans for a while. <br /><b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br /><b>Price: </b>$7.49<br /><br /><b>Nike Running Shorts</b><br />Yet another thrift store buy. This was not an intended purchase, but something I had in mind that I might want to buy, which is often how items find there way into my cart. For the justification: I've been using my one pair of running shorts for probably over three years, so, yeah, it was time for a replacement. I kind of have a personal rule against buying athletic wear secondhand, but, eh, these looked cute and functional, and were super cheap - my sense of cleanliness could not possibly win in the face of the opposition of all my favorite clothing requirements. (I mean, the shorts are even navy!) They do work, and I haven't gotten any weird diseases from them yet, so I'm alternating them with my aforementioned, nearly dead shorts, because wearing something completely into the ground, then picking the pieces up to see if they can still be put back together so you don't have to buy a new one, is a proud tradition in my family that I would never dishonor. :)<br /><b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br /><b>Price:</b> ~$4<br /><br /><b>Banana Republic Sky Blue Button Down</b><br />Like a white button down is a staple for many people, the sky blue is one for me. It's flattering and the shirt itself is very versatile. It can be dressed either up or down easily, and adds that "casual chic" look to otherwise very informal outfits, which is about as dressed down as I am willing to get. (In public. At home is a whole 'nother story.) Of course, while it looks nice, the fabric is pretty thin and not the greatest quality. I think I might try looking for a shirt like this in the men's section next, as their fabric tends to be more substantial. Not to mention maybe looking for one that's no-iron, because, boy, does this shirt wrinkle! <br />This was also secondhand, although not from a thriftstore, but a website called ThredUp, which buys and sales used designer/name brand clothing, similar to Plato's Closet or Buffalo Exchange in the U.S.<br /><b>Price: </b> $11.70<br /><b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br /><br /><b>Heritage Cream Camisole</b><br />Also from Thredup. It's a cute replacement for a very, very worn out white-turned-grey camsiole that actually did get to the point where the pieces couldn't be put back together. This new one has taken over its job, and seems to be doing it well, so I am perfectly content with this purchase.<br /><b>Criteria: </b>Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br /><b>Price: </b>$4.47<br /><br /><b>Bathing Suit, Black Maxi Dress and Turquoise and Gold Flip Flops</b><br />This was all a giant impulse buy. My friend spontaneously invited me to her family's beach house, but since I didn't have a bathing suit anywhere nearby, I decided to just buy a new one, and a couple other things seemed to come along for the ride. The black maxi dress I've been using fairly regularly, so it ended up being an alright purchase. The others not so much.<br /><b>Criteria: </b>Nothing, really. Oops. <br /><b>Price:</b> ~$30</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Beauty</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b><br /><b>Paula's Choice Healthy Finish Pressed Powder</b><br />I think it's pretty clear by now I have a Paula's Choice problem, but if that is wrong, then I do not want to be right. This powder is just what I wanted: something to keep my foundation looking matte and intact during the workday. It's not indestructible (I could probably use a touch-up midday, if I could be bothered!), but for the price range, it's an excellent product, and as it's totally sufficient for my needs, I do plan to buy it again when I run out. Thankfully, that doesn't seem like it will be for a while. It's been over a month since I've bought it, and I don't think I'm quite halfway through yet. <br /><b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive; used regularly; long lasting.), Ethical (Not tested on animals)<br /><b>Price:</b> ~$ 12.21 (w/credit and shipping)<br /><br /><b>Paula's Choice Custom Color Bronzer</b><br />I bought this to replace my Physician's Formula bronzer I used for contouring, but it didn't really work for that. The color wasn't subtle enough, which, <i>okay</i>, several comments on the PC website <i>did</i> warn about, but I chose to ignore to them in lieu of the success I've had with my other PC purchases. Looks like I encountered a learning experience here. :) I'm not too concerned, as I'm pretty much done with contouring, anyway. I've gone back to thinking my face looks fine without it, so I doubt I'll even be buying bronzer in the future - I've never used it for anything else. Those I share a bathroom with will surely support that decision, glad that they'll have a slightly less sprawling mess of my cosmetics to deal with on the counter.<br /><b>Criteria:</b> Ethical (Not tested on animals)<br /><b>Price:</b> ~$12.21 (w/credit and shipping)<br /><br /><b>Giovanni Frizz Be Gone</b><br />I straighten my hair about every other day (sometimes more), so I'm very diligent about using heat protection on it. I had definitely built up a supply of different ones I'd bought over the years in my attempt to find "the best", but in July, much to my surprise, I managed to finally use them all up. I wanted to do that before I bought anything new, as they were all mostly adequate, but unfortunately either too expensive or not effective enough for me to consider repurchasing. When I did a little research on heat protectants (and found these very helpful blog posts at <a href="http://thebeautybrains.com/2008/04/29/how-to-protect-your-hair-from-heat-damage/" target="_blank">The Beauty Brains</a> and <a href="http://www.brightestbulbinthebox.com/2013/10/the-science-of-hairstyling-heat.html" target="_blank">Brightest Bulb in the Box</a>), I decided to try the Giovanni product, basically because it was about the only one I could find with the right ingredients that wasn't tested on animals. Honestly, that has been such an issue when I've been looking for beauty products - but I digress. And I could digress a LOT about that. So! As for the Frizz Be Gone, it works well at keeping my very stubbornly curly hair under control in my very stubbornly humid environment. :) My hair also seems pretty healthy for being exposed to such high temperatures all the time. I'll definitely be re-purcashing it when I run out, and I'd recommend it if anyone else was looking for a similar protect, so I guess this was a pretty good buy! <br /><b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive; used regularly; long lasting.), Ethical (Not tested on animals)<br /><b>Price: </b>$8.58 (w/ shipping)<br /><br /><b>Arbonne FC5 Invigorating Body Cleanser</b><br />I got tricked into attending one of those Tupperware style "parties", this one being for (supposedly) all natural beauty products. Since I'm nothing if not weak to peer pressure, I ended up buying this bodywash, resigning myself to the fact that I might have just paid over $30 for glorified soap, but at least I would smell good. (Which it did, I will not lie.) The "hostess" also claimed this cleared up her husband's back acne, which I didn't really believe, but hope springs eternal, right? Well, I think this actually what caused me to get a weird bumpy, rather acne-like rash all over my chest and back, so that was perhaps not totally as advertised.Needless to say, I will not be repurchasing this, not that I was really ever planning to.<br />Criteria: Bleh.<br />Price: $36.24 (w/ shipping)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Goodbye </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>White Longsleeved T-shirt</b><br />Some old loungewear I no longer needed.<br /><br /><b>Black Slacks</b><br />I never wore them, and as a rule I really (<i>really</i>) dislike women's office/work pants. They're such an unflattering piece of clothing - what vindictive creature decided they needed to be <i>de rigueur</i> for ladies in an office, anyway? And why did we all go along with them?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Monthly Total:</b> $147.38/100 </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(including some discard items)</span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Overall ...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously impulse purchases hurt me in July. I'm thinking I'll probably wait until the end of the month to start purchasing items I can plan for from now on, just to make sure no surprise "needs" come up that will push me over budget. I have plenty of clothes and beauty products right now to be able to wait a little longer before adding anything new, or having to replace it. That's a nice feeling! Particularly with my beauty regimen, I like not having to worry about <i>what</i> to replace something with. I recognized that I put a lot of time and effort into researching and experimenting with those sorts of things, but how relieved I feel about not needing to is pretty of telling to how much I actually enjoyed it. I mean, I did, generally, but that area is so hit or miss, every time I bought a product, I half expected it not to work. So it got tiresome. Honestly, I'm think I might need to limit the amount of time I spend overall actively thinking about/looking for either a piece of clothing or a beauty product. It is important, even objectively, to look nice (especially since I work with the public), but it's not worth obsessing over. That'll be something to work on.</span>Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-49868722382063604182014-06-27T14:12:00.005-07:002014-07-03T08:49:25.902-07:00Hello & Goodbye: April 2014<div style="text-align: left;">
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This post is rather long, but here's what I purchased and purged this April. I noticed some themes this month that I wanted to address in greater detail, which is why I didn't combine these purchases with the ones from May: the word count would have been enormous. Or, more so than it already was. I may need to work on being a little more succinct. That's never been a strong point of my writing, as I'm sure you can tell!</div>
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<b>Hello: Wardrobe</b><br />
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<b>Old Navy White Cotton Boyfriend Cardigan</b><br />
This is the clear winner of purchases for April. It's now almost July, and I can say I've worn it pretty much constantly over the three months I've had it. While I don't like white very much around my face, I've found that cardigans or jackets in that color don't seem to have the same effect of washing me out that full tops, do. So I can wear I color I like quite a bit with them, that I wouldn't otherwise. Of course, white is also very versatile, so it's easy to just put this on when I'm heading out the door in a short sleeve/sleeveless top, about to face the arctic circle that is my office.<br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br />
<b>Price:</b> ~$6<br />
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<b>White House, Black Market White Cardigan Jacket </b><br />
This was a very impulsive purchase. I saw someone wearing something similar at a seminar I attended, and it looked so pretty and professional on her, I kept thinking how much I'd like to add one to my wardrobe. I was happy to find it at my local thrift store, though it didn't really fit into my plans. Still, it's very pretty and gotten a lot of use, so I have no intention of discarding it. My wardrobe plan will just have to deal for now. :) <br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br />
<b>Price:</b> ~$6<br />
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<b>Tan and Coral Print Linen Dress</b><br />
Upon my pulling this from the bag, the first words out of my sister's mouth were, "Is that attractive?". She also once claimed a skirt I had just bought looked like "someone skinned a couch". I'm not sure where I'm going with these anecdotes, but I can say for sure my sister and I have very different taste here, because I love this dress. As soon as I saw I *had* to have it, and even though it didn't look fantastic in the fitting room, I took it home. The combination of colors and the print were too much for me to resist - I believe the pattern is intended to be leaves, but I think it looks like coral, which is one of the most beautiful things in the world, if you are me. I originally wanted to alter this, but after wearing it a few times, got to where I like it as is. My only issue is that it's a little dressy, so I can't wear it as often as I'd like, but when I have the occasion for it, I almost always choose it.<br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally Responsible (Inexpensive, worn regularly), Ethical (Second hand)<br />
<b>Price:</b> ~$10<br />
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<b>Cerulean Button Down Shirt, Pink Work Pants, White Work Pants</b><br />
Excuse my pretension, I just really like the word cerulean. :) Anyway, I bought all of these with the intention of making "simple" alterations to them, not realizing most of those were still outside of my extremely finite skill level. Right now I'm just not all that interested in improving my sewing, so they got donated back to the thrift store. The only item I was really disappointed about losing was the button down, but it's such a common piece I can easily find another that fits me better.<br />
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<b>White Lace T-Shirt</b><br />
A pretty shirt, but not on me. White's not the best color for me, and coupled with the fact the shirt hit me at the worst possible, thigh engorging angle, I never liked wearing it. I actually cut it up to use the lace on another shirt I was trying to repair, but that didn't work either, so it was pretty much trashed. C'est la vie.<br />
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<b>White and Mint Chevron Scarf</b><br />
I knew as I was buying this I wasn't going to use it. It is really pretty, and I like the color and pattern, but I bought it because myself and others had just discovered the store that sold it, along with tons of other cute clothes, and I liked being in on the fun of joining in the shopping. I tried to wear it a couple times, but it was too chunky for my taste, and the color didn't go well with any of my other pieces. This was a case of liking something, but it just not being my style. I want to avoid making purchases like this in the future, but I can't say I'm upset with myself for doing so this time. I did enjoy the experience of buying it, and mistakes like this are almost inevitable when shopping in a social setting. Or is it just me?<br />
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<b>Notes: </b>I only kept three out of 7 pieces for this month. Why? Well, for one thing, when I bought most of these, I don't think I had a clear wardrobe plan made, so I didn't have much guide to aid my buying except what I liked in the store. Also, I was shopping in a thrift store, which, while one way to find inexpensive and higher quality items, didn't work for me with these items, because I was purchasing things that didn't fit with the idea that I would be able to easily alter them so they would. Trouble is, I don't really know <i>how</i> to make those alterations, so I was using limited funds to buy things I couldn't actually wear, even if I had nothing else, because of how poorly they fitted. I gave most of those back when I realized it was too much trouble for me to practice alterations right now, so my wardrobe never increased, I just spent money. Oops. Well, now I know not to buy anything secondhand that doesn't already fit well, or that I do know how to fix.<br />
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Also, a lot of the pieces I bought were experimental, or something I bought prior to having a more refined idea of what I liked wearing. I experiment with the hope that I can expand my comfort level beyond maybe four colors and silhouettes, but the more I do, the more I realize I just want to stick with them! I almost feel like that's a bit counter intuitive, but then again, how much does it really matter if I'm not wearing anything else? I think I try to add things because it seems like "everyone else" is dressing differently, so then there must be something wrong with what I'm doing, or that it would be an improvement on my style to make myself dress the way I see (or feel like I see) all around me. After discarding so many items in April for the bought for that same reason, I've more convinced that it's usually best to just stay with what I know I like. Not that I'll never experiment with anything else ever again, but that I know I can trust myself to look at a piece and go "I'll won't wear that", even if it's very trendy, or there's one aspect about it I like within all the others I really don't. Incidentally, Emma from This Kind Choice has just written <a href="http://thiskindchoice.com/2014/06/27/3-tips-for-balancing-cohesion-with-change-in-your-wardrobe/" target="_blank">an excellent post</a> on the topic with some good advice for adding experimental items to your closet.<br />
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So that's more or less what I wanted to consider with this post. It's been very helpful for me to look over my purchases this way; it makes me feel less like they were total mistakes, or that I wasted money, because I can recognize what patterns are in my buying habits that make it so I either keep or discard something. Now I know <i>why</i> something that was discarded was bought, and can use that information when making other purchases, rather than just ending up thinking I have no idea how to dress myself. :)Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-65834118950194728272014-06-15T10:27:00.003-07:002014-06-15T16:46:54.803-07:00Hello & Goodbye: May 2014<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
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I'm not reviewing my purchases from April yet, because there's something else I'd like to discuss along with them. I also didn't discard anything in May, so I only have Hello!s this time, but with many Goodbye!s to premier in June, ha. :)</div>
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<b>Frye Ali Toggle Thong Sandals via 6pm.com</b></div>
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As I mentioned, it is extremely difficult to find shoes which fall into all categories of eco-friendly, animal friendly, high quality and attractive. So, I gave up. I was the least willing to forfeit attractive, considering no matter how nicely made, I knew I wouldn't actually wear ugly shoes. I am far too vain for that. So, I exempted eco and animal friendly in exchange for attractive and high quality. What this says about me I can just imagine, but I can't deny these shoes have gotten virtually constant wear since I bought them - they're comfortable, hold up well, and, I think, quite beautiful. While I wish they were made from different materials and possibly under different conditions, I wasn't sure what other choice to make that was affordable to me and would be actually useful. <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">(Incidentally, Frye does </span><a href="http://www.thefryecompany.com/made-in-usa/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">produce some of its shoes in the US</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">, just not the ones I purchased.)</span><br />
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<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally responsible (used often), Long Lasting (retained appeal so far)<br />
<b>Price: </b>$80.05 w/ tax & shipping</div>
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<b>New York & Company Top</b><br />
So, prior to buying the sandals above via the internet, I spent a day looking for some in brick and mortar stores. After going through various second hand options, on to a conventional warehouse store, then in desperation to the mall, where I still didn't find any shoes, but fell in love-at-first-sight with a top from New York & Company. I don't know anything about this store's ethics or production methods, but there's nothing to make me think they're particularly enlightened. The top I bought is going to fulfill my "variety" category, which I was just about as frustrated trying to find something for as I was with the sandals. I probably wouldn't have been so impulsive with either, except that I actually was in need of them - my feet were melting in my closed toe shoes, and I didn't actually own enough tops to get through the week. So, I'm definitely not /un/happy with either this purchase or that of the sandals (on the contrary, both are used often and essentially scream "Caer"), but hopefully in the future I will be more prepared so that when I need something, I will be able to be more patient when it comes to finding an item that is better suited to my criteria.<br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Uncertain as of now</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $21.17 (50% off sale $39.95) w/ tax</div>
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<b>Plato's Closet Scarf and Belt</b></div>
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I have a habit of being a boring dresser, because I'm really drawn to "basics", especially with colors. I tried branching out a little with these purchases, buying a bright pink coral belt, and a pink and grey snakeskin print scarf. (Now I realize even my branching out is monochrome!) The belt was pretty, but looked garish against my other clothes when I tried to pair it with them, so I haven't worn it but once. The scarf is much nicer, but I'm still a little uncertain about how much I like it. It's useful for right now, at least.</div>
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<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical (second hand, Plato's Closet is a store for used trendy clothing)</div>
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<b>Price: $</b>13.78 w/ tax for both</div>
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<b>Spanx Higher Power New Slimproved Women's Underwear via Zappos</b><br />
Again, a product from a conventional brand. I bought it so I wouldn't feel so dang naked every time I wore a dress. I had this sudden, weird realization there's nothing underneath them except my unmentionables, and it made me really self conscious! So, I was going to buy some little shorts to cover up with, but then I thought, why not take the extra help? and ended up with this monstrosity/21st century girdle. It works for what I wanted, so I'm happy with it as well.<br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally responsible (I wear it 2-3 times per week.)</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $40.57 w/ tax & shipping</div>
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<b>On the Inside Star Jasmine Black Lace Thong Panty</b><br />
I bought from this seller because they're somewhat local (within my state), use organic cotton in their undies, and will sew a custom pair for an fairly inexpensive price. Also, their undies are pretty, which is not exactly a minor factor when I buy lingerie. :) I haven't worn them much yet, but they seem to be pretty high quality. The lace they're made of is nice and thick, and they're very comfortable, particularly for a thong. I'd be happy to buy more from On the Inside, so I guess this is another successful purchase!</div>
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<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical (small producer, made with organic cotton)</div>
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<b>Price</b>: $31.32 w/ tax & shipping</div>
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<b>Haircut</b></div>
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I finally got around to trying a hair salon near my house, and I'm glad I did, since I got a great cut there. It was inexpensive, as well, because I live in the middle of nowhere, which does have its benefits when it comes to price. Not much more to say than that, except hopefully having something local will help me get my hair cut more regularly, rather than every six months when I find my resemblance to Chewbacca becoming only too eerie. :)</div>
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<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally responsible (cheap, I still like it), ethical (supporting a small business)</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $24 w/ tip</div>
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<b>Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster</b><br />
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I used to have pretty severe acne, and while I've recently found ways to clear it up quite a bit, my past blemishes have left me with some rather unwanted "souvenirs" in the form of scars and discoloration marks. Lately, I had also been <a href="http://lostinaspotlessmind.com/2013/06/review-paulas-choice-moisture-boost-system-resist-body-lotion-and-sunscreen-spf-30/" target="_blank">hearing</a> a lot of <a href="http://majahuse.com/review-paulas-choice-skin-recovery-system/" target="_blank">good things</a> about Paula's Choice cosmetics, so, having to replace some of my makeup, I chose to go with that company, and contacted their (excellent) customer service about which of their products would help reduce my discolorations (by which I mean totally clear them up and give me perfect skin, but tomato tomahto). Of the products they suggested, the Vitamin C serum seemed to have the best reviews. So, I bought the trial size. And it was amazing. It worked immediately. It made my skin glow. It reduced the dark circles under my eyes. I didn't use it long enough to really see if it reduced my scars, but I've felt better about my skin since I did. Unfortunately, I think it made me break out a bit, but I almost didn't care because besides the tiny pimples I got from it, my face looked amazing.</div>
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I think I used it for like a week, it was crazy. Now I've run out, and I'll more than likely buy it in the future to try it out a longer on my scars, but it's not a priority, as I've found something else to use for now...<br />
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<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical (PC does not test on animals)</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $7.65</div>
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<b>Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant</b></div>
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I ordered this as a sample, because, well, PC offered it for free, and who am I to deny their generosity? BHA also apparently helps with blackheads, which is another lovely way my face is "accessorized". I swear I am not being paid by Paula's Choice, but - as soon as I put this on, I didn't even care if it worked. I have never applied a product that felt so good just being on my skin. I sound like a crazy person, right? And even more than that, just like Vitamin C serum, it worked fast. Again, I only used a trial size, so it didn't eliminate my blackheads, nor do I know if it will, but it sure improved my overall skin. I've chosen to repurchase this instead of the serum, as they give similar results, but the BHA doesn't irritate my skin, and is a more general product. And I want to slather it all over my face for the rest of my life, because I am serious, it feels so. awesome.</div>
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<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical (PC does not test on animals)</div>
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<b>Price:</b> Free sample</div>
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<b>Paula's Choice Soft Cream Concealer</b><br />
Concealer is one of those staples I always go back and forth with. I'll buy it, then not use it for a couple months, throw it out, then miss it and buy another. Part of that is because, for whatever reason, no matter the technique I try, I can't get it to effectively cover blemishes. Instead, I use it primarily for the dark circles under my eyes, and veins showing through the apparently Casper-white skin under my eyebrows. This is a nice product: it works, it applies smoothly, and it feels non-existent once it's on. I can see myself going for it again, once I discard only to inevitably decide I need another. :)</div>
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<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally responsible (used daily, would repurchase), ethical (PC does not test on animals)</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $8.50<br />
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<b>Paula's Choice Best Face Forward SPF 25</b><br />
I thought I was over liquid foundation, but this changed my mind. It goes on great, feels really lightweight, and essentially blends into my skin so I look like I'm airbrushed. Not that it completely covers my flaws, but reduces them really well without me looking like I'm wearing pounds of makeup. It doesn't provide a ton of coverage, but seems to give enough when I use a shade that's one darker than I'd normally wear. So, I'm happy with this as well, and plan to make it my staple foundation. Clearly, Paula's Choice can look forward to plenty of my money. </div>
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<b>Criteria: </b>Fiscally responsible (used daily, would repurchase), ethical (PC does not test on animals)</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $13.60 x2 (I bought two shades, and ended up keeping both)<br />
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<b>Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50</b></div>
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Here I go again, but, wow, this is some great sunscreen! I only use it on my face/neck area, and it goes on and sinks in so easily. It doesn't feel greasy, either, as advertised, though it does leave my face a little shiny, but that usually disappears when I've applied my foundation and setting powder. I was also concerned about it causing a breakout, but so far, so good. Overall, I'm very satisfied, and, yes, I plan to repurchase this, too.<br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Fiscally responsible (used daily, would repurchase), ethical (PC does not test on animals)</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $13.60 (+8.99 total for PC shipping. Everything was 20% off regular price.)</div>
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<b>Paula's Choice Liquid Lipstick Collection</b><br />
Now, to be contrary: This was another free gift with my purchases. I can see why it was free. Hopefully they're being given away because Paula's Choice is changing their formula or something, because this one is not a keeper.The texture is gross, it hardly gives any color to the lips, and that it does just disappears within a few minutes. I honestly tossed all of them within a week or two, they were pretty much useless.<br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Bleh! Okay, I guess it's ethical, too. </div>
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<b>Price:</b> Free sample</div>
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<b>Grand Total:</b> $276.08 for 13 items. </div>
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<b>Notes: </b>I purchased a lot more than I thought! Aside from that, though, May was a very successful month for finding things I like and want to keep. Quite a bit of it was from what I'd consider conventional brands, which is not who I intended to buy from. I was a little upset about this at first, but I get the impression I'm not the only one who's had to make such concessions when it comes to ethical shopping. Not everything is out there exactly as I want it - how inconsiderate - so I suppose I'll just have to pick the least evil option. Right now I think of that as the item I am most likely to get use from the longest; my goal is to reduce and be happier with my consumption, which I don't think will be helped by buying and discarding a bunch of aesthetically displeasing objects because I like the way they were produced. Or maybe I'm attempting to justify my purchases?</div>
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If anyone has any thoughts or experiences with this subject, I'd love to hear them. And not just because I want to increase my comment count, I promise. :)</div>
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Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-29261644186931908742014-06-07T17:41:00.000-07:002014-06-08T18:43:25.865-07:00Curating: A Navy Dress Experience<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y7ZDmakTQHz39UTIrFK5rdlM2VHLziNA1dsHPBCNeeD1EN3a_EYkUVGLAIxF0OWKaNGsW1my2zUHMz3xrJGAJtAn8WdGL2_lER_FMN-V0H0XOyJGkmgHGqDwjHg5qntazs5xSSp4-9Y/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y7ZDmakTQHz39UTIrFK5rdlM2VHLziNA1dsHPBCNeeD1EN3a_EYkUVGLAIxF0OWKaNGsW1my2zUHMz3xrJGAJtAn8WdGL2_lER_FMN-V0H0XOyJGkmgHGqDwjHg5qntazs5xSSp4-9Y/s1600/2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet Cocktail Dress by <a href="http://blueband.bigcartel.com/product/sleeveless-crochet-cocktail-dress" target="_blank">Blueband</a></td></tr>
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When I first started my wardrobe plan, I knew for certain that I wanted to add a work appropriate navy dress to my closet. I've probably mentioned before, but I'm slightly obsessed with navy. An improvement from the past, when looking at my wardrobe one could only assume my life's goal was to become the world's first navy/human hybrid species. And my sub species would have been navy-dress-human, because, really. They. are. all. cute. In other words, it's not hard for me to like any of them, so I ended up buying the first one I tried on. I found it in a thrift store while looking for some much needed work clothes. It was from Target, 100% polyester, empire waisted with a deep v-neck. To give you an idea of the inappropriateness of those cuts, let's just say I'm 27 and still fit into Forever 21 tops. </div>
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<cite style="font-style: normal;">Unsurprisingly, I began to dislike it. I felt a little like I had wasted the enjoyment of shopping for something new on a inadequate piece. Actually, I'm sure I felt a lot like that. </cite>I decided I was going to "upgrade" it, and began to look for potential replacements before realizing I could spent my money better on other items from my wardrobe plan I needed more urgently. I wouldn't replace the dress until those things had been bought. But, while I was focusing my funds elsewhere, I continued to wear the dress, because: hey, navy dress! Even a bad one is a good one, as they say about pizza (among other things.) I also have a pretty small wardrobe right now, so even if something isn't my very favorite, it is usually still worn simply due to lack of other options.</div>
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<cite style="font-style: normal;">And, rather anti-climatically, now I really like the dress, and no longer feel the need to replace it with anything. I think a large part of that is that I didn't allow myself to look for something "better" , which was more or less an excuse to give me more things to shop for. I'll freely admit I enjoy shopping , and I doubt I'll ever not, nor do I care to, but, like any other enjoyable thing, shopping can be easily overdone. I sometimes get to the point where it's like being at the end of a second slice of cake - I force myself to keep eating it because it was just so good</cite> <cite>before, <span style="font-style: normal;">logically</span> <span style="font-style: normal;">I should still be enjoying it, right? </span></cite><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1ugFAzDTN9VqctNkJNAtNaXcOUYrL7hGT7xSaL8sCWjyNlcTWkvxKGk_j94J84cbYvTnOhuMBwU7XxeZbMCrp38pJZqo6-QBdzFJ0ipx5LBsHDORZ8SHwJshEgJQE9zZFXXEkI4v388/s1600/bfc738a2df30a31821d589cc71314839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1ugFAzDTN9VqctNkJNAtNaXcOUYrL7hGT7xSaL8sCWjyNlcTWkvxKGk_j94J84cbYvTnOhuMBwU7XxeZbMCrp38pJZqo6-QBdzFJ0ipx5LBsHDORZ8SHwJshEgJQE9zZFXXEkI4v388/s1600/bfc738a2df30a31821d589cc71314839.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My life's motto in a t-shirt by S<a href="http://skreened.com/holidaze/more-cake-tank" target="_blank">kreened</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
So, when I give myself another option to shop for, I will think I'm extending a fun experience, when I'm really unaware it's no longer enjoyable because I've had too much of it . Unfortunately, not only am I wasting time (I could extend the metaphor to say like wasting calories on the second slice of cake, but that would be ridiculous. Cake is the reason calories exist.), I also make myself unhappy with what I do have with this constant stream of "better" options I discover. </div>
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<cite><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></cite></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<cite><span style="font-style: normal;">Not that my dress is the best made, most fashionable, coveted brand, or whatever else I cared to replace it with, but that I no longer think about these things when I put it on. I know it works. Actually, it works beautifully, and is now one of my favorite items to wear. Admittedly, it isn't because I just</span> decided <span style="font-style: normal;">to love this piece. It's cute on its own, it's a useful cut that can be worn almost anywhere, and it's a flattering color. I also now have several outfits I can make with it very easily that look quite nice. </span></cite>Rather than the lesson being that I can make myself be super happy with what I already have because that's always an inherently better choice, it's perhaps to at least attempt to work with something before deciding it's inadequate; not immediately discard it if not just perfect, as if that makes it worthless. I'm sure once this dress has been worn out, I'll purchase something that is an improvement over the issues I had with it in the beginning, but I no longer feel the <i>need</i> to do so. </div>
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Really, I wonder if I didn't want to replace the dress not because it was nonfunctional, but because it didn't fit the image I had of what should be in a curated wardrobe - the highest quality fabric and construction, a perfect fit, a special brand. But what do I really know about it when I've never really gone through the experience of creating one before? Again, I'm learning, while those are important factors, having the patience to wait until I really know what I need, then again to learn how actually use it once it's here, is just as valuable.</div>
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I'm at the point of culling more wardrobe items that didn't work, so this is something to think about.</div>
</div>
Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-8915241498870585442014-06-01T12:55:00.002-07:002014-06-07T17:47:33.206-07:00Care: Washing Less Experiment<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi9d8sJ20cU_kbitMeT4AsQ8oh-OwtPPibJ2gVHHfAY5PV95KsFxfl6fP70COKk5fRHWjknwuTI5FlxdQNQtt6qRBhN8nX9Da2P_sg6yzh4dt91QaFBrW7iI2U5MIQfRpaedIxDtXKOk/s1600/5093244845_f5d718494e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi9d8sJ20cU_kbitMeT4AsQ8oh-OwtPPibJ2gVHHfAY5PV95KsFxfl6fP70COKk5fRHWjknwuTI5FlxdQNQtt6qRBhN8nX9Da2P_sg6yzh4dt91QaFBrW7iI2U5MIQfRpaedIxDtXKOk/s1600/5093244845_f5d718494e_o.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laundry || Personal Photo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've often heard that two of the best ways to make your clothing last longer are to air dry and wash less. Fair enough, as most substances will break down with either heat, water or friction ( the latter being part of what makes the washing machine so useful). And, easy enough to avoid the dryer - all you need is a drying rack, a little space, and some time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But to not wash your clothes after every wear? I had done it in the past, but I was in a very lax environment, not to mention being a cheapo living in an apartment with no washer or dryer. Now I'm in a job where my appearance is quite visible, and have access to a washing machine whenever I need it. So after each wear, I just ran everything through the washer to make it presentable again. It was the simplest way to address my laundry, so of course I liked it. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I read <a href="http://thiskindchoice.com/2014/04/13/5-simple-and-cheap-ways-to-greener-clothing-no-matter-where-you-shop/" target="_blank">this post</a> about ways to reduce the impact of our clothing on <a href="http://thiskindchoice.com/" target="_blank">This Kind Choice</a>, and wondered if some of the reasons I had for washing more often didn't come from preemptively trying to fit in to my new environment by doing what I assumed others thought of as hygienic. We definitely have a huge focus on sanitation here in the U.S., and while that is awesome for a lot of things, it's overly cautious in others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I figured I may as well experiment if I could get away with washing my work clothes a little less often without any repercussions (ie, someone telling me I smelled.) I didn't expect to be very successful, but I was surprised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My clothes looked and smelled fine. There were some exceptions and I had to learn a few things along the way, but it was a very easy process, and everything turned out well. I never got told I stank, in other words.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I did: </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- After getting home from work, hung everything on a drying rack to air it out either overnight or for a couple days, depending on how lazy I felt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Before wearing anything a second time inspected it for any stains, then remove those with a damp cloth if possible. If not, I tossed the item into the hamper to go in the washing machine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Ironed between washings to remove wrinkles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Washed underwear after each wear, because, really.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I discovered:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Polyester retains odors. I have to wash items made from it after each wear because of this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Natural fibers don't retain odor as much. Not that they never get smelly, but if I air out a cotton t-shirt or wool sweater, by the next day any unpleasant odor is usually gone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Not to assume my clothes were clean until they were in full light. Leaving the house in your awesome clean pants only to realize they're actually covered in dog fur you're going to have to run back inside and lint-brush away doesn't exactly help you get to work on time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Most items do lose their shape if they're worn a couple times before washing. This didn't affect their appearance too significantly, but if something was already a little loose on me, I wouldn't like how baggy it became after one or two wears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I save a lot of water. Good, because water scarcity is a concern of mine, and I'd like for this vital source of life to remain abundant for as long as possible!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My conclusions:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I'll probably avoid buying polyester garments in the future. I'd rather have something that released odors better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- If I know it's something I'll be wearing between washings, I'll probably go with a tighter fit. I don't care for the oversized look on myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- I won't buy as much white, either. It stains easily, so I ended up having to wash with every wear to look nice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as I guess is obvious, I'll be sticking with my laundry routine now. Probably the most unexpected result of this experiment was that it has made me more appreciative of my clothing, because I'm considering them as important enough to put effort into extending their lifespan. That, and having a limited wardrobe of items I wear often has totally changed how I view the clothes I own - now I appreciate the use I get out of them rather than wishing I could replace them with something new and better all the time. I can recognize I have a lot of nice things which work very well, and I'm much more content with them.</span>Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-27983854126982137602014-05-17T16:02:00.003-07:002014-06-07T17:48:12.141-07:00Wardrobe Planning: S/S Change of Plans<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHH3UPNKOrEXKz7DMqWXYPxA4MuMMrDHqbE8pImaagS-Ri7dFrKbFEQcGBXCI5c4R2QhSeV49JePfJdCVl6FIu4MEiaJv3tE48C_Pijl639XVLE97jpUCI7TKlV5pJkQln4GQX3BBC4M/s1600/3279238559_5e392ca393_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHH3UPNKOrEXKz7DMqWXYPxA4MuMMrDHqbE8pImaagS-Ri7dFrKbFEQcGBXCI5c4R2QhSeV49JePfJdCVl6FIu4MEiaJv3tE48C_Pijl639XVLE97jpUCI7TKlV5pJkQln4GQX3BBC4M/s1600/3279238559_5e392ca393_o.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unrelated Personal Photo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever I have made up a wardrobe plan for myself , I've always wished I had the money to buy everything right away. After all, I've just spent so much time assessing my needs, my tastes, my ethics... Of course my plan is perfect, it only needs to be completed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Except not. In this case, definitely not. Which is why I'm rather surprised to find myself appreciating not being so financially endowed as to be able to buy a new wardrobe at the drop of a hat (not a pun, I swear.) Who knew low incomes were so environmentally friendly? They produce so much less waste! And, as I have just discovered, expensive learning experiences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The things I now know since making my original Spring & Summer 2014 plan?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I do not look good in white. 4-5 pieces I had planned are white. Apparently, they aren't any longer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a lot warmer in my office than I thought it would be. 3/4 sleeve tops and multiple cardigans, you may be excused.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now I have maybe 4 tops suitable for when the daily temperatures average Hell. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know closed toe shoes are also fairly uncomfortable in that sort of weather?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, it so happens Pinterest makes those quick and easy alterations I had in mind for thrift store pieces look a lot quicker and easier than they really are. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally: finding non-leather, long-lasting, attractive bags and shoes is REALLY REALLY HARD. I implore you not to question the necessity of capslock in that statement until you've tried finding some.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other words, had I been able, I would have originally bought a lot of stuff I would have ended up disposing after one or two wears because it didn't work for me. That's the same wasteful outcome as buying with little thought, but with more of my time thrown away with everything else. Now I think I understand why the word 'slowly' is often used when explaining how a capsule wardrobe is built. Up until this point, I may have been willfully blocking that particular descriptor out. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because it does take time to assess your needs - and that time isn't always spent making lists of what to buy or shopping to check things off, as I probably expected, but also actually experiencing those needs. So you, like, know they exist. That's a sort of organic element I didn't expect when I was attracted to the apparently analytical concept of wardrobe planning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that said, I will go and rearrange my plan based on what I've discovered so far, now with the expectation I am probably doing it completely wrong. :)</span>Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-23997250938872051222014-05-04T16:21:00.004-07:002014-06-07T17:48:22.892-07:00Care: Storing Wool for the Summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTmQLG911QTDv9rS9QgaCehzE7KiOG2l1lsgsC-wtrD6OrPshoFyWS9pP0_TSUF6tymVj4mb7Zsnip_FVeQyLPHXhPTxoosYBKMrnFe5knX2Uz-6ohKdai0NOuU3hZVSWF9RcSJx_FX8/s1600/10336593835_d4dc802250_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTmQLG911QTDv9rS9QgaCehzE7KiOG2l1lsgsC-wtrD6OrPshoFyWS9pP0_TSUF6tymVj4mb7Zsnip_FVeQyLPHXhPTxoosYBKMrnFe5knX2Uz-6ohKdai0NOuU3hZVSWF9RcSJx_FX8/s1600/10336593835_d4dc802250_z.jpg" height="640" width="489" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wool care should start early || Image Copyright <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofvictoria_collections/10336593835/in/photostream/" target="_blank">State Library of Victoria</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Note:</b> <i>I use the term wool to include cashmere, though that's technically incorrect. Cashmere comes from goats, while wool comes from sheepies (their scientific name.) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Also</b><i>: Although I prefer not to use animal products, I don't mind buying wool items if they're made from the wool of humanely treated sheep, or if the garment is secondhand. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">While I love wearing my wool sweaters, cardigans and coats during the winter, I have to admit, I'm not too upset it's now time for them to be put away. I am <i>over</i> cold weather - that is, until the next four months pass and I'll welcome it in place of our lovely 90+ degrees Fahrenheit days! Funny how that happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anyway, I'm actually very happy with the wool pieces I was able to add to my wardrobe this winter, so I've put a little more effort than usual into learning how to store them correctly. I thought I'd compile the information I found here as a reference for next summer when they'll hopefully still be around for me to store again!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Storage</span></b></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Always clean your wool garments prior to storing them. Brush with a lint brush or clothing brush to remove any debris, then dryclean or hand-wash as the care tag recommends. Moths and their larvae are attracted the insect delicacies of body oil, hair and skin particles deposited on an item when it's worn, so clean those sweaters up and make them the low-sodium, reduced fat rice cakes of the sartorial world! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Place items in an airtight bag or plastic bin. This will make it harder for those hungry moths, or any other unwanted critters, to get to them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> To kill any moth eggs that may already be in your garment, place the airtight container in the freezer for 24 hours.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Remove your container from the freezer and, if you'd like, add further moth deterrents such as mothballs (with caution), or their "natural" alternatives like cedar chips or lavender </span><span style="font-size: small;">sachets</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Store in your preferred place, and enjoy wearing your lovely wool garments next winter.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cleaning</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Washing wool seems a bit intimidating at first, but it's not very difficult as long as you know how to do it. Just remember, heat (either from hot water or the dryer) and agitation (through the spin cycle of the washing machine, or wringing or rubbing when hand-washing) are to be avoided, as they are what causes the shrinkage and damage most people associate with cleaning wool.</span></span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fill a bucket or sink with cold water and allow the woolen item to soak for a couple hours to prevent shrinkage. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Remove and let the garment soak for about ten minutes in another bucket or sink full of cold water mixed with a little gentle shampoo or wool detergent. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rinse, but do not wring out excess water, as this may damage the garment's shape. Roll gently into a towel to soak up the extra moisture.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lay the item out flat on a drying rack in the shape it's worn. Let it rest until it's completely dry - this could take anywhere from a couple hours for a lightweight item, like a scarf, to over a day for something heavier, like a coat.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>More Information:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. <a href="http://www.pendleton-usa.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?%22pageName=ProductCare&parentName=CustomerService" target="_blank">Pendleton Woolen Mills: Product Care</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2. <a href="http://buzz.ibex.com/post/47457647925/wear-more-wash-less-how-to-care-for-your-wool" target="_blank">Ibex: How to Care for Your Wool</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3. <a href="http://knitting.about.com/od/yarn/f/store_wool.htm" target="_blank">About.com: Storing Wool</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-clean-wool-00100000097312/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Real Simple: </span><span style="font-size: small;">How to Clean and Care for a Wool Sweater</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please let me know if you have any further suggestions or corrections on this topic. I admit this is my first time learning much of this. :)</span></div>
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Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-34408712038029071062014-04-19T16:05:00.001-07:002014-06-07T17:48:36.666-07:00Wardrobe Planning 2014: Garments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRkZunawD12cjok1NEyArmOlYlqutB20YO0XEMK1x81FRVWtxTCfnXD1eU0kTpYQhOudCCN75AmEZFIL0VuDoWzJ5c718kkQJBQYfzeAXWzfPCMmuFd51rLmn67Ah-NQCFORKIE_Vck0/s1600/ss_garments_2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRkZunawD12cjok1NEyArmOlYlqutB20YO0XEMK1x81FRVWtxTCfnXD1eU0kTpYQhOudCCN75AmEZFIL0VuDoWzJ5c718kkQJBQYfzeAXWzfPCMmuFd51rLmn67Ah-NQCFORKIE_Vck0/s1600/ss_garments_2014.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned in the previous post, here's the "layout" I've made to base my Spring & Summer wardrobe purchases on. It was originally quite a bit different, but considering I don't have tons of spending money for new purchases (my clothing and beauty budget for the year is slightly less than $500), but do already own plenty of perfectly good items, I cut it down from a very ambitious, having to purchase new nearly everything, to a more realistic, making use of what I already had list. Obviously, that's going to fit a lot better into my Eco-friendly and Fiscally Responsible <a href="http://theredamanticist.blogspot.com/2014/03/goals.html" target="_blank">criteria</a>: zero resources to be used and zero dollars to be spent can't be beat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway. Going by the commonalities I noticed when I compiled my outfit inspirations from Pinterest, as well as really trying to assess the needs I have for my clothes, I came up with some basic guidelines for my wardrobe:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dress Code: Business casual interchangeable with everyday.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keywords: Sophisticated, feminine and classic.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colors: Navy, black/charcoal grey and white neutrals with pink, red or brown accents.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focus: High quality additions (when I buy something new, I have to know it's going to get plenty of use for a long time), interchangeability between seasons (I want to use what I have throughout the year as much as possible so that I can buy less overall), utilizing tailoring more often to make pieces fit just right (in other words, I want to be able to alter nice pieces I find in thrift/consignments stores that would otherwise be too big).</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's how that translates into the actual pieces I plan to buy:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/2014_style_tops/set?.embedder=10244451&.svc=copypaste&id=117958234" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="2014: S/S Style Tops" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/rvyXulgsfJ7vSMrZyLRCIA/cid/117958234/id/uitla1vH4xGsc8_rtP8JyA/size/c600x681.jpg" height="681" title="2014: S/S Style Tops" width="600" /></span></a><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tops:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Items in grey are not yet owned)</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White Button Down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White Lace T-shirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Breton 3/4 Sleeve</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sleeveless Variety Top</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cream/White Top</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lace Sleeveless Top</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy Button Down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy T-Shirt</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Sleeveless Shell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Red Floral Sleeveless Top</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
When I say "variety" I mean a piece that's a print and couldn't be considered a basic. I tend to buy a lot of basic items, because I'm very picky about <strike>everything</strike> <strike>what kind of prints I like</strike> <i>everything </i>when it comes to clothes, but especially what kind of prints I like. Most likely I'll end up buying a soft floral like the one pictured, since that falls within my exorbitantly stringent preferences. Otherwise, I actually like most of my tops to be more basic, as I'm fond of using jewelry and scarves as the "statement" focus of my outfits. It's a great way to use more gaudy pieces without looking totally ostentatious.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Covers:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy Blazer</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy Cardigan</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cream/White Cardigan</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Variety Cardigan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Cardigan</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure how I only have one usable cardigan when they're, like, my favorite thing ever, but I guess they're one of those things that are so easy for me to buy (I like them all!) that I don't think much about how much use I'll actually get out of them. My intention for buying new ones is that they're <i>warm</i>. I thought I would need different weights for summer and winter cardigans, but the AC in my office has told me that, hahaha, <i>no</i>, "too hot" is not a problem I will be having there. On the upside, that means I should be able to wear the same ones through the year, which means less winter clothing taking up my limited storage space during the summer!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/2014_style_bottoms/set?.embedder=10244451&.svc=copypaste&id=119667801" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="2014: S/S Style Bottoms" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/MDdmBQ0SWGCYsL8qA1QA/cid/119667801/id/wtT0r13H4xGO7MlxzSGTQA/size/c600x435.jpg" height="435" title="2014: S/S Style Bottoms" width="600" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bottoms:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Charcoal Grey Pencil Skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Chiffon Maxi Skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy Pencil Skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Floral Grey Pencil Skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Flared Skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy Flared Skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Tapered Trousers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy Tapered Trousers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rose Tapered Trousers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White Tapered Trousers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
This was one area I had originally planned to buy a lot of new items for, but after looking at what I already owned, I decided that would be kind of ridiculous. I think I wanted to add to my current collection because the colors aren't exactly what I'd expect from a Spring & Summer palette. However, with the recent addition of the rose and white pants, I'm not too concerned about this any longer, especially since the darker pieces will be combined with more warm weather style tops. Next year I might replace a few things with lighter colored pieces, but for right now I'd rather focus my budget on other things. Not to mention, I actually prefer to own a smaller number of clothes overall, so I might find I'm happier with "recycling" my bottoms from Fall/Winter into Spring/Summer than having to deal with more pieces total.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/2014_dresses_shoes_bags/set?.embedder=10244451&.svc=copypaste&id=119669583" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="2014: S/S Dresses, Shoes & Bags" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/2dgZY4i40gHIeisJhjw6pw/cid/119669583/id/zIR7imDH4xG-O4n0h-Oa4g/size/c600x520.jpg" height="520" title="2014: S/S Dresses, Shoes & Bags" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dresses, Shoes & Bags:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dresses:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White Structured Dress</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Variety Dress</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Navy Short Sleeve Dress</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love dresses more than just about any other kind of clothing, but currently own only one. Because, like I said, I'm super picky. They need to be the right mix of casual and formal to be both work appropriate and able to be worn on time off, while also falling into my very narrow standards for attractive color, print and style. That means I either own 500 floaty navy dresses or, apparently when trying to refine my wardrobe, 1 floaty navy dress and the intention to buy some that aren't. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bags:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Brown Medium Sized Purse</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Tote Bag</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Clutch/Wallet Combination</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not really a bag person. Or, more accurately, I'm not a <i>multiple</i> bag person. I currently own one purse (similar to the brown one pictured), which I <i>love, </i>and wouldn't be interested at all in buying another, except that my current one is too small to fit the papers, laptop, etc. I have to carry with me for work. So, under such duress, I'm looking for a tote bag. I'm considering the one from Angela Roi pictured, though I might prefer finding another one secondhand. I'm still not sure if I feel new vegan bags are that much more beneficial than secondhand leather. Finally, I would like a clutch purse. This is totally hypocritical of me (Ms. One Bag Lady), because I do not need one - my lifestyle is hardly clutch intensive, to say the least, so I've set this item to 0% priority, and I will only buy one it if it can also be used as a wallet. Which I don't need another of, either...But clutches are pretty, darnit, and I have to find <i>some</i> excuse for owning one, so there it is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shoes:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Heels</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Black Pointed Flats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Red Ballerina Flats</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Brown Work Appropriate Sandals</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Similar to bags, I'm not huge on shoes. Four pairs for me is just plenty, and I'm good wearing the same ones the whole year, excepting when I switch out boots for sandals during the summer. They're the only shoes I'm really missing this year (although my current black flats really need to be replaced), so hopefully I will be able to find some that can be worn to work, are comfortable and are eco/animal friendly. Oh, and that will last more than one season. So far, I'm kinda starting to lose hope!</span></div>
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Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-72324205712553541762014-04-12T18:00:00.001-07:002014-06-07T17:48:57.764-07:00Hello & Goodbye: February / March 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-zvDui5wdCudjefp7BgMcjwcIdtejRQ8EH8byvpVxyij5XmZjHRaxZcEe9be5PgrZdJxnHHcPaaeMVyWALWKyFXDWK3R4_hmTAgtOybwA5AVScpDo7nr8bbVOEtNRPnWDna77dsE5ag/s1600/hello022014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-zvDui5wdCudjefp7BgMcjwcIdtejRQ8EH8byvpVxyij5XmZjHRaxZcEe9be5PgrZdJxnHHcPaaeMVyWALWKyFXDWK3R4_hmTAgtOybwA5AVScpDo7nr8bbVOEtNRPnWDna77dsE5ag/s1600/hello022014.png" height="475" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://store.acne.org/single-items/treatment" target="_blank">i</a> / <a href="http://ecotools.com/brushes/face-tools/retractable-kabuki-brush" target="_blank">ii</a> / <a href="http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/face/bronzers/01441.html" target="_blank">iii</a> / <a href="http://31bits.com/shop/necklaces/happy-night.html" target="_blank">iv</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like every blogger ever, I have the best intentions of updating regularly, but...Well, you know how it is. I have this whole life that is not the least bit concerned with how often I make new posts - totally selfish of it, I know, but part of it also happens to give me money, so I've learned to deal. Still, I was pretty surprised when it t was already the second week of April before I realized I had meant to consider my purchases/purges for the previous month ... <i>of February</i>. Looks like March will be included in that, too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can say already that taking the time to think about a piece of clothing or beauty product both before and after I buy it has taught me a lot about the thoughts behind my purchasing habits. I won't get into that too much now, as I'm sure that could be a very word count heavy post in itself, but I will say it's made quite a difference in the way I've been approaching shopping lately. I still enjoy it very much (and don't foresee myself ever not), but it's been a different kind of enjoyment that has almost as much to do with saying no to an item as saying yes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, with that vague statement made, here's a look at what I purchased and disposed of in the last two months:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello: February 2014</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Bronzer</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://theredamanticist.blogspot.com/2014/03/goals.html" target="_blank">Criteria</a>:</b> Fiscally Responsible</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion:</b> I wanted to try contouring because I wasn't liking the way my makeup was looking with just foundation, so I bought this. There was not a lot of thought involved. Like, less than zero, if you don't count my momentary concern whether I should buy the shiny version instead. But it ended up working well, so, hey, that's one for, um...intuition? What a nice euphemism for impulse shopping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Price: </b>~$12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eco-Tools Retractable Kabuki Brush</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Criteria:</b> Ethical, Fiscally Responsible, Long Lasting (At least, my experience with Eco-Tools has been good in this regard so far.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion:</b> I bought this along with the bronzer. It's improved the look of my makeup a lot, so it's hard for me to feel bad about this impulse purchase either, haha.</span><br />
<b>Price:</b> ~ $8<br />
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<b><i>31 Bits Happy Night Necklace in Peach</i></b><br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical, Fiscally Responsible<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b> I really like this company. They have very pretty, modern jewelry which is made by women in Uganda for a fair wage, in what seems to be a very nice work environment. I actually exchanged the necklace I originally bought from them for another color, and they were very easy to work with. I'd be more than happy to buy from them again.<br />
<b>Price:</b> $51.45 (w/shipping)<br />
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<i>Hello: March 2014</i></div>
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<b><i>Acne.org 8 oz. Treatment (2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide)</i></b><br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Discussed <a href="http://theredamanticist.blogspot.com/2014/03/current-routine-evaluation-skincare.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />
<b>Conclusion: </b>I bought this because I wanted to save money, and Acne.org offers a lot of product at once for a reasonable price. Like, A LOT. Most benzoyl peroxide is offered in little tubes about 3" long, while this one came in something that looks like it could be a body lotion. And it works just as well, so that's one new purchase I can be glad I made. :)<br />
Price: $21.50 (w/shipping)<br />
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<b><i>Luva huva Sweet Juliet Chantilly Lace Panty</i></b><br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical, Fiscally Responsible<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b> Weren't you looking forward to hearing about my underwear? Well, here's the scoop: I seriously need some. For the past few years I've purchased my undies from Aerie, because theirs were pretty and girly, and you could get 5 for $25. Looking for other options, you can imagine my displeasure when equally pretty and girly undies were not so low in price. I'd have to pay nearly twice the amount for one single pair from a more ethical seller than what I'd normally spend on five in a mall store. What's more, even though I need undies, I don't <i>desperately</i> need them, so it makes perfect sense to buy them more slowly. This is also not how I've usually shopped. I'm actually pretty gluttonous - I like LOTOFSTUFF, and I want it RIGHTNOW, and I want to keep as much money as possible so I can get MORESTUFF, preferably also RIGHTNOW. So, the thought of buying these did not make me a happy camper. But, I did it. I wanted to set a precedent for myself: if I can afford it, then it's alright to spend a relatively large amount of money and time on something that is generally considered inexpensive and readily available, if I think it's worth the effort. (I imagine my money going to the owner of Luva Huva would be more beneficial than adding more to Aerie/American Eagle's income, particularly since I'm not optimistic about AE's labor practices.)<br />
As far as the actual underwear, I don't have any complaints. They're comfortable, they look nice, and they seem quite well made. I probably won't be buying from them again, as I've found another company whose style I like better, but if you like the look Luva Huva's then I would certainly suggest them.<br />
<b>Price: </b>$43.95 (w/ shipping)<br />
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<b><i>Faux-Denim Pencil Skirt </i></b><br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical (Secondhand)<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b> I haven't worn it yet, as I bought it with the intention of taking it in. Have I done that? Uh, maybe tomorrow! Along with the various other items I plan to alter...<br />
Another question is how it fits into my wardrobe plans, which I admittedly made much more specific after purchasing this skirt. (And will do a post on soon.) It would be versatile, but maybe superfluous, so it's possible it will be returned to the thrift store from whence it came.<br />
<b>Price:</b> ~$4<br />
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<b><i>V-Neck Navy Style T-shirt</i></b><br />
<b>Criteria:</b> Ethical (Secondhand), Fiscally Responsible<br />
<b>Conclusion:</b> I know many people feel a white tee is a staple, but for me it's a navy. It's the color I think looks best near my face, and since it's a neutral it goes with just about any bottom. This particular shirt is super comfy and flattering; it's also quite long on me, but I'm thinking that will give it more versatility, as I can wear it either tucked in or more like a tunic if I feel like going for that look.<br />
<b>Price:</b> ~$3<br />
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<i>Goodbye: February & March 2014</i></div>
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<b>Witch Hazel:</b><br />
I bought this as a toner. It's nice, and if you needed a toner I'd suggest it, but none have ever done much for me. I plan to use this up, but but I won't be buying another to sit around my sink, half empty and rejected, again.<br />
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<b>Aveda Cerulean Blue Eyeshadow:</b><br />
It killed me to throw this out because the color is lovely, but I had not used it more than (possibly) three times since it was purchased nearly two years ago. I guess at this point it wasn't even hygenic any longer<br />
On the other hand, I bought it to see if I would really use a beautiful Chanel palette that was maybe 3x the cost, so the fact that it told me, no, I definitely would not, was worth the $16 I spent on it.<br />
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<b>Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation:</b><br />
I got it around the same time as the eyeshadow, and while it's a lovely product, and worked well for me, I just preferred powder foundations. By the time I got rid of it, I'd ignored it so long it wasn't even usable anymore.<br />
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<b>Mascara:</b><br />
This is another "must have" that just isn't for me. I've never seen a difference when I put it on, and I'm more than happy to remove a step from my not exactly minimal makeup routine, so we shall part ways for the time being.<br />
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Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-28294978293889583402014-03-25T18:59:00.002-07:002014-06-07T17:49:11.530-07:00Wardrobe Planning: Spring & Summer<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i - <a href="http://www.myfriendfranky.com/weekend-mix-tape-2/" target="_blank">ii</a> - <a href="http://ladymoriartyinparis.blogspot.com/2011/09/dark-jadore.html"><span id="goog_1610426472"></span>iii<span id="goog_1610426473"></span></a> - <a href="http://www.seeannajane.com/2012/10/denim-x-2-see-jane-double-down.html">i<span id="goog_1610426486"></span><span id="goog_1610426487"></span>v</a> - <a href="http://www.nectarclothing.com/bewitching-blues-dress/">v</a> - <a href="http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/435156-We+are+here+for+Japan-red-h-m-skirt-olive-green-topshop-hat-white-zara-shirt-camel-max-flats">vi</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that it's officially 5 days into spring, I think it's about time to start planning my wardrobe for the new season. (I say, as if I haven't been daydreaming about it since the middle of January.) While I'm trying to refine my wardrobe down to capsule size, it's been helpful to, at the same time, refine what it is I think I like: colors, cuts, patterns,etc. I'd always assumed I already knew this, but am now learning to differentiate more between what I like to <i>own </i>and<i> wear</i>, versus what looks like a good idea in a store/fashion blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beyond simple trial and error (soo much trial and error), this evening I did something very enlightening: I took a collection of my favorite outfits I've saved on Pinterest (shown above), then I listed all of the key items in each ensemble - including color, style and type - and put the list through <a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank">Wordle</a> for a graphic representation. Here's what I got:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoRnuEknra6Uf83s-Zd-c-HbCXvMpDVrIKm0YYpwCdfS0wna2Iawa55yyGERL7LUdrkFfv7MKZyu4l5z77LIyc4oy8Uo7qvJHHuF9rDp_C8qxTjrLKODzcI8YC-tJC3P7QfYK_ZH7aLs/s1600/capsulewordle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoRnuEknra6Uf83s-Zd-c-HbCXvMpDVrIKm0YYpwCdfS0wna2Iawa55yyGERL7LUdrkFfv7MKZyu4l5z77LIyc4oy8Uo7qvJHHuF9rDp_C8qxTjrLKODzcI8YC-tJC3P7QfYK_ZH7aLs/s1600/capsulewordle.png" height="318" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clearly, I am drawn to WHITE. No surprise to me! I also seem to like floral, navy black, and dresses. Funny how I already knew that, but it still makes me more cognoscente of it when it's written down.</span><br />
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With this list in mind, I plan to make white, navy and black (to a lesser degree) the main colors for my basics, ie. what I spend the most money on. Browns tend to work better for me as accent colors, as do florals, which I suppose can be in any color, as I use them for "statement" pieces.<br />
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Neutrals + statements is my usual method of dressing. There's just something about a utilitarian but expertly made piece that strikes me as the height of class, but I also have a very strong, but somewhat contradictory, love of ornate and very girly fashions - so mixing them together creates the perfect outfit for me.<br />
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That said, I'm always wary of investing in anything since my tastes tend to change rather quickly. Then again, I also wonder if that's really my taste changing, or my following trends and trying to force my style around them. Really, I can't recall a time in my adult life when I didn't gravitate toward any of the colors mentioned (except black. It's grown on me a lot lately, and now it's awfully difficult to deny it its "goes with anything" place in my closet). With that in mind, I guess I'll just roll with it for now - I don't see a quality basic in white or navy going fabulously out of style any time soon, no matter how I feel about it.<br />
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When it comes to accessorizing those basics, I have a little more leeway with changing things up, but I still seem to stick to a pattern. I think of blouses and accessories as statements almost exclusively, so I want to branch out a little and maybe try a statement bottom or jacket (I'm loving the floral jackets I'm seeing lately, but I'm afraid they might be over too soon to justify a purchase...?) And I definitely need to focus on statements, as right now my outfits are all vying for the truly coveted position of Mayor of Bland City.Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-79579470552131239072014-03-15T16:11:00.002-07:002014-06-07T17:49:25.461-07:00 Current Routine Evaluation: Skincare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_mm1iMQOrVEcJIaaALAaz8C_FCb4OG8gTnTS1W3qKOicqA7qx-YXRUKuFPEcqOA9IZFQM8HsaIiC0VWiN6NtK3bwABn79M07RcauokO3uY2gMXnNXu10wgJ39o8hml26qtWi4DLm8QE/s1600/SN850073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_mm1iMQOrVEcJIaaALAaz8C_FCb4OG8gTnTS1W3qKOicqA7qx-YXRUKuFPEcqOA9IZFQM8HsaIiC0VWiN6NtK3bwABn79M07RcauokO3uY2gMXnNXu10wgJ39o8hml26qtWi4DLm8QE/s1600/SN850073.JPG" height="320" width="301" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That title sounds so serious! Actually, a lot of the way I've put things so far have been almost ridiculously serious for what are ostensibly superficial topics. Of course my opinion on my beauty products or fashion style is not a serious topic - at least, not to anyone but myself. But then, it's not really the enjoyment of either my clothes or makeup I'm concerned with. It's not exactly a secret that those things can be enjoyed without much thought put into them. Certainly for me, it's hard to imagine a more tempting impulse purchase a pretty piece of clothing or nicely packaged makeup. (Okay, or tasty looking food.) What I want to address is how my purchasing power is affecting the other entities involved with these products. And, as I wrote out this list, I realized that although I imagine myself as a fairly conscientious consumer, there are a number of things I would have liked to know about these products before I bought them that I wasn't thinking to check for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, before going any further, I will go ahead and admit defeat. I <i>want</i> to only buy things that are 100% beneficial to everyone involved, but that's never going to be possible. I don't have the time, money, or, frankly, control over the world for that. What I can never fail at is making the effort to improve my spending habits. As long as I am making the effort, I think that's actually quite a lot. Informing oneself about these kinds of products is incredibly difficult for a myriad of reasons. If someone is even attempting to do so, then at the least they've impressed me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, here's what I have now:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-ElduSnl9dR6NDd6d2HHso2JdolDwOit9BShg5Ia5KxnW3-0S61f4ZBES1NUB5EekanOyypFLiaC7-GHwWaWlz_KKcBIUoKhmfTbb7CLmhZsY-VSlPDnb1tvTyBURqdNGMmif9o04s0/s1600/SN850078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-ElduSnl9dR6NDd6d2HHso2JdolDwOit9BShg5Ia5KxnW3-0S61f4ZBES1NUB5EekanOyypFLiaC7-GHwWaWlz_KKcBIUoKhmfTbb7CLmhZsY-VSlPDnb1tvTyBURqdNGMmif9o04s0/s1600/SN850078.JPG" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Cleanser:</b> <i>Handmade olive & coconut oil soap</i><br />
<b>Price: </b>>$1 per bar<br />
<b>Criteria:</b><br />
<b>Ethical -</b> Mostly. I make it myself, but am unsure of some sources of ingredients.<br />
<b>Eco-Friendly -</b> Ditto to ethical.<br />
<b>Fiscally Responsible -</b>Very.<br />
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<b>Conclusion:</b> I will continue to use this...forever? I mean, clearly the producer is awesome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kRN9mjVGaFUgwNVQRFli04VfiIIaD-44XsJvg5PgWOIz9_lENTUnGcDDhBSXuWFUdE9MCxPDwE4JjLDNYPj3XN6xTqIy7eTsUnToplQ4TfCREq-zjgGfUBKGU0bcPEr2-zMfP6ty8hI/s1600/SN850086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kRN9mjVGaFUgwNVQRFli04VfiIIaD-44XsJvg5PgWOIz9_lENTUnGcDDhBSXuWFUdE9MCxPDwE4JjLDNYPj3XN6xTqIy7eTsUnToplQ4TfCREq-zjgGfUBKGU0bcPEr2-zMfP6ty8hI/s1600/SN850086.JPG" height="320" width="269" /></a></div>
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<b>Exfoliator: </b><i>Baking Soda</i><br />
<b>Price:</b> >$1 per box<br />
<b>Criteria:</b><br />
<b>Ethical -</b> Unsure<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Eco-Friendly -</b> Yes</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Fiscally Responsible -</b> Extremely, haha.</div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b> It's super cheap and effective, so of course I'm going to continue to use it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bSI19IGr78H-qavVIdmQND5HarzYKVOapGc-33_p5r-2JUk4kZ1i9FKioRC-oytkdpN_XAkxzeVjrBXzgP2w_qOrq3XsESCrpAoLHFwoPc1p9NE4dxZ7Z2Ubey7Ubmdj9ZQxpktcTWM/s1600/SN850077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bSI19IGr78H-qavVIdmQND5HarzYKVOapGc-33_p5r-2JUk4kZ1i9FKioRC-oytkdpN_XAkxzeVjrBXzgP2w_qOrq3XsESCrpAoLHFwoPc1p9NE4dxZ7Z2Ubey7Ubmdj9ZQxpktcTWM/s1600/SN850077.JPG" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
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<b>Moisturizer: </b><i>Jojoba Oil</i><br />
<b>Price: </b>~$13 for<br />
<b>Criteria:</b><br />
<b>Ethical -</b> Uncertain<br />
<b>Eco-Friendly -</b> I think yes, but uncertain about this particular brand<br />
<b>Fiscally Responsible -</b> Yes</div>
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<b>Conclusion - </b>After literally years of experimentation, my experience with jojoba oil as a moisturizer has been one of the best for its price, so I'm sticking with it. I will be looking for a another brand that better fits my ethical and eco-friendly criteria, though I expect it to be more expensive. I think that's a fair trade. (And possibly the worst pun ever, oh wow.)</div>
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<b>Sunscreen: </b><i>Kiss My Face Oat Protein Complex SPF 30</i></div>
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<b>Price: </b>~$22 for 4 fl oz</div>
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<b>Criteria:</b> </div>
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<b>Ethical -</b> Unsure </div>
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<b>Eco-Friendly -</b> Unsure. I bought it because it was a "natural" brand at Whole Foods, but that doesn't mean anything.</div>
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<b>Fiscally Responsible -</b> Yes. Though it's expensive, I use a good amount of it daily, and it still lasts quite a while. </div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b> It's nice, but I bought this thinking it was a mineral sunscreen, and just now looking at the ingredients I realize it isn't. Haha...Oops? I guess I'll be replacing it with a mineral sunscreen in the future.</div>
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<b>N/A</b></div>
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<b>Acne:</b> <i>Acne.org Treatment (2.5% benzoyl peroxide) (not pictured)</i></div>
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<b>Price:</b> $21.50 (w/shipping) for 8 oz.<br />
<b>Criteria:</b><br />
<b>Ethical -</b> Unsure. <br />
<b>Eco-Friendly -</b> Sort of. The company claims to do some admirable things to reduce it's environmental impact. However, because I don't know where or how the ingredients are sourced I can't tell how environmentally friendly they are.<br />
<b>Fiscally responsible -</b> Yes</div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b> I've been waiting, like, 17 years to "grow out" of my acne, so I think it's about time I realize that ain't happenin'. Regular application of benzoyl peroxide is the only thing that's kept it under control, so while I don't exactly love using it, I'm way too vain to stop. And, because Acne.org is the only place that seems really invested in providing that treatment to its consumers in the best/cheapest way, I'm buying their products for now.</div>
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<b>Mask:</b> <i>Green Clay</i><br />
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<b>Price: </b>$13.49 (w/shipping)<br />
<b>Criteria: </b><br />
<b>Ethical - </b>As far as I can determine<br />
<b>Eco-Friendly - </b>Yes<br />
<b>Fiscally Responsible -</b> Very. The initial cost is larger since I buy it in bulk, but I only use a small amount of it once a week, at most, so it lasts forever.</div>
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<b>Conclusion:</b> I lo(oOOooOOo)ve green clay masks, so I may very well use them for the rest of my life. I seriously doubt it is, but if this particular brand turns out to be unethical I will choose another in the future. Frankly, I bought it because it was the cheapest.</div>
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<b>Notes:</b><br />
For makeup and skincare, I determine eco-friendly as made without, or with very few, ingredients detrimental to the environment, either when disposed of or sourced, as well as recyclable and/or non-wasteful packaging.<br />
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As for ethical, I want something not tested on animals, and better yet, its ingredient suppliers not to test their products on animals, either. Ingredients should also be from fair-trade sources.<br />
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A fiscally responsible product in this category is harder for me to define. I guess I think of it as getting the most effective product that fits my criteria for the least amount of money. Though, for the majority of these products, being very inexpensive is not really a priority.<br />
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Of course, my final conclusion is always based on what I'm able (and willing) to find out about the product. I won't lie - sometimes this will just be an opinion, or based on faulty information. Feel free to share if you think I'm misinformed.</div>
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Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-47563658430613636492014-03-02T09:51:00.003-08:002014-06-07T17:49:41.880-07:00Goals<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3111/2779321797_6aa3decdbd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3111/2779321797_6aa3decdbd_o.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flowers growing in wall, personal photo </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my hopes is that by having this blog, it will help me stay accountable to the standards I've set for my purchases. And, to be perfectly honest, because I love making lists and rules and seeing how well I follow them. Don't I sound like fun at a party?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, my intention is to buy only items which fit all of the following criteria.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>Long lasting </b>- Can be worn for at least- but hopefully more than - two years without becoming unusable, going out of fashion, or losing its appeal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ethical</b> - Are secondhand or made from materials that are environmentally friendly, from a manufacturer who pays workers a fair wage (at the least), and no animals were harmed during the production.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fiscally responsible</b> - Will be worth the amount of money I have paid for it, judged by how often it is used, for how long, and how much I like it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes to actually buying anything, I want to do the following for each category:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clothing: <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Develop a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_wardrobe" target="_blank">capsule wardrobe</a> for both the Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons with as much interchangeability as possible. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prior to buying, assess my needs for the next season and make a well thought out list of items to shop and save up for.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>"Shop my wardrobe" or finish a sewing project for that item first if I decide I need something. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I do buy, buy only secondhand or ethically made clothing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Buy only items which I need AND love AND will work with my other pieces.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make all reasonable efforts to take care of all items so they will last longer and stay looking nice.</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makeup/Skincare:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Follow the routines I've purchased items for until they are used up.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Afterwards, refine makeup and beauty routine down to only what actually works.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Assess the products I buy when replacing to see if there is a better alternative based on my "ethical" criteria. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Financial:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Record all items for beauty and wardrobe that come in to my home.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Record total amount of money spent on beauty and wardrobe for 2014.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's that. I've tried to follow this criteria for a while, but with, shall we say, <i>erratic</i> results. Hopefully by analyzing my purchases, I'll better understand why I'm so likely to buy <strike>shiny</strike> things which I don't actually approve of, or sometimes even want. </span></div>
Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1124735564664358181.post-38581237649060801842014-03-01T21:05:00.000-08:002014-06-07T17:50:07.755-07:00"Hello"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3087/2779113141_a138561c61_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3087/2779113141_a138561c61_o.jpg" height="592" title="" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hydrangea, personal photo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caer is a moniker taken from the Irish goddess <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caer_Ibormeith" target="_blank">Caer Ibormeith</a>, and chosen for no other reason than I like the way it's written.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
The title of this blog comes from the word <a href="http://hugohouse.org/word-of-the-day-redamancy/" target="_blank">redamancy</a>, the act of loving in return. My intention with creating it is more or less to discuss my attempts at purchasing fashion and beauty products with more thought and attention towards whether or not they are created in line with what I consider my morals to be. So, basically, I'm gonna talk about clothes and makeup a lot. Of course the world needs another blog like this, don't be ridiculous.</span><br />
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</span>Caerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17859979885993086246noreply@blogger.com0