In the beginning of January, I wrote about my 2014 wardrobe resolutions – mentioning my goal of only adding 25 new items to my wardrobe over the year. I was so happily surprised to hear from many of you since then that you signed up for your own version of this particular resolution – whether it be only 10 items, or 100. Since we’re well past the mid-point of the year now, I thought I would have a late mid year check in, on how I’ve been doing on my three goals.
1. Closet trim down: I’ve made some progress here, but need to do more! I did a perfunctory clean out of my closet earlier this year, and also got rid of some of my higher end items that were no longer getting use. I’d like to clear out more clutter though.
2. Tracking purchases: Yup, I’ve been doing this! Because I can tell you exactly how I’m doing on goal #3.
3. 25 items for the year: As of late June, I was at 13 items, which meant that I was right on track as far as the mid-year point was concerned.
Amongst my items purchased – a few bags and accessories, some easy flannel shirts (those were in the depths of winter in late January), some casual shoes, jersey dresses for work. I shared a one of my most used purchases this year above – a canvas Hermes Garden Party (lighter than the leather version and so easy to carry!).
I’m cheating a bit because I’ve had a bad July and August. But I hope by the end of the year I can still have hit my 25 item goal, which means I will need to restrain myself these coming months (and leave some buffer for fall sales).
A question for all of you – should replacements count? The soles on my trusty Birkenstocks finally gave out a few weeks ago, and I’ve been hunting for a new pair to replace them (right in time to catch all the new variations now that they’re trendy). I’m loath to give up one of my precious remaining “wardrobe item slots” up for a pair of Birks however, especially since I’m just replacing for the same exact pair. I don’t think I’ll count them. All good or am I cheating?
How are all of you doing with your wardrobe resolutions so far this year?
16 Comments
Thea
August 11, 2014 at 8:35 amI don’t think replacing an item you’ve worn out should count at all. I’m so impressed that you’re sticking with your 25 item goal!
lissy
August 11, 2014 at 9:32 amI don’t think replacing something counts. I’m impressed with what you are doing. I really should do something similar. I live in a small Boston apartment and really don’t have room for all the stuff I buy. You are an example of restraint!
Katherine
August 11, 2014 at 4:00 pmThanks so much..def. not restrained, it’s always a struggle 🙂
Marsi
August 11, 2014 at 9:58 amWhen I had Birks in the mid-’80s and the soles wore out, I had them resoled. Look into it.
Katherine
August 11, 2014 at 11:32 amThank you! The cork I think is a goner so I tossed them. Next time I’m getting the cork protectant 🙂
Jennifer P
August 12, 2014 at 10:38 amI know it’s too late now, but I used to work at a Birkenstock store in high school and college, and the only thing that can’t be repaired is the straps. You can get new soles, new cork, and new liners. And it should be significantly cheaper than a new pair. If you go to the official website, you can search for a place that will do repairs near you 🙂
https://www.birkenstockusa.com/store-locator
Katherine
August 12, 2014 at 11:25 amomg! Wow, thank you!
What are you favorite Birkenstocks for narrow feet?
Jennifer P
August 12, 2014 at 12:22 pmYou’re welcome!
As far as favorites, it really depends on the look you’re going for. However, I will say that the “Florida” style is great for narrow feet since it’s much more adjustable than the standard 2-strap “Arizona”. The “Gizeh”, “Mayari”, and “Granada” styles are good options as well. The Mayari is my personal favorite, since I find it a bit more comfortable for my feet (which are average, but on the wide side if that makes sense).
Good luck in your search!
Katherine
August 13, 2014 at 10:46 pmThank you so much! Your knowledge is amazing. I just got another pair of Arizonas in the mail today and they are perfect of me and narrow. I never knew that different colors would run differently!
Hera
August 11, 2014 at 5:54 pmMe too! I am actually reviewing my closet and getting rid of things to downsize my closet – and I am cutting on major designer pieces.
I tried to set a limit but I don’t think I will have any success because I am completely reinventing my new role as a mom. Basically I put everything like fitted dresses and dress shirts into rest, and stocked up more sporty and young pieces that I should have been worn when I was younger. I think the trend of dressing up turns out to be more of a fun chic hipper kind of style recently.
I LOVE my canvas garden party too. I used it initially as my travel bag and also a diaper bag. I took it inside out and cleaned every inch of it. Still in love it is a great easy going bag for sure!
Emily
August 11, 2014 at 9:15 pmI love my canvas Garden Party too….got it in the same indigo color 2 years ago. Great for travel and fits a 30 size Birkin inside really well. I also use it as a diaper bag. 🙂 Plus the darker color doesn’t show dirt or stains very much.
Simiyalala
August 13, 2014 at 7:46 pmI failed miserably in my shopping resolution of 25 items this year. I may reboot this in September!
Desert heels
August 20, 2014 at 5:14 amWow! Congratulations to you! I can’t believe it’s even doable. I struggled with my shopping sabbatical and already 10 items over my number!
sandyp
October 3, 2014 at 10:06 amI had a goal of 36 items (ok not including some certain gifts, etc.) and though I’m overall doing ok with the number, the $$ amount I’ve failed at – Rome wasn’t built in a day as they say – trying to be better –
Sybil
June 28, 2015 at 9:58 amHi Katherine. This comment is late in coming for this post but I’ve been looking into this bag lately. I was wondering if you might know how many sizes the Garden Party comes in and the sizes of your Gold and this lovely canvas Garden Party? On the Hermes web site there only show 2 sizes: small and medium, but I’ve read older posts stating there are smaller and larger sizes and even bags with removable shoulder straps! Also maybe a review comparing your Garden Party bags?? Thank you!
Katherine
June 28, 2015 at 11:49 pmMine is the MM size…that’s the most common. It’s the one that’s stated as 14″ x 10″ x 6.5″.