Feeling Foxy

Day: 143
Outfit: 144

Yesterday I wore this foxy little number.  Isn't it sweet?  

Outfit No 144
Dress - Primark (2011)
Leggings - H&M
Pumps - Office 

It isn't my usual style, I guess, which is why I've only worn it once or twice since I bought it a couple of years ago.  I do love it though! Especially the little collar.

I'm STILL unearthing little gems from my bottomless pit of a wardrobe... I'll keep digging deep and try to keep them coming. 

You see, The Great Wardrobe Clear Out has yet to happen... 

I know, I know, I've been promising to do it for ages but work was totally taking over.  Quite literally, in fact.  

Up until a week ago my office was my bedroom and my bedroom was my office.  It was cramped and stressful.  I had filing cabinets where I should have had bedside tables and was storing books where I should have been storing my PJs. Not really a wardrobe-sorting-friendly-situation.

But now that I have moved my office into my lovely new studio I have tons more space in my flat for clothes organisation.  My room is a bedroom again!  I am actually really looking forward to getting stuck in.

Over & Out 

M x

Digging Deeper: The Great Wardrobe Clear Out Begins

I'm over a month in!  35 days to be exact.  In fact, tomorrow I will hit 5 weeks! Only 47 more to go...

So how is it going? Not too badly, I think.  

I've been very busy with work so that has been a great distraction from the odd shopping pang.  I've also been better about digging deep into the recesses of my wardrobe. This week I wore a few pieces that hadn't seen the light of day in a long while, and certainly not since The Challenge began:

First up was this pretty little floral tunic top that I inherited  a few years back, from a friend who was cleaning out her closet. I think she said she picked it up at a  flea market in San Francisco.  

Outfit No 41 Sunday Pottering
Floral Print Kaftan Tunic Top - Vintage
Denim Shorts - Topshop
Leggings - Primark
Fringed Boots - Miss Selfridge

Isn't the fabric just lovely? I really like the little bits of gold running through it: 

and the lovely trim on the sleeves and collar: 

This is such a little winner of a top.  I must start wearing it more.

Then on Monday I gave some Breton stripes a whirl and unearthed a little blue chiffon skater skirt.  I wore it with red converse because I was feeling quite casual on that day but I think the statement necklace dressed it up enough for work.  

Outfit  #42 - A Spring Monday
Necklace - Primark
Striped Top - H&M
Skirt -eBay
Leggings - Primark
Red Converse

Later on I popped on a blazer and changed into pumps to teach:

Blazer - New Look
Pashmina - My Friend Emily...
Pumps - Office

Tuesday brought with it an outing for this cheery little number, which I picked up in TK Maax last year (love that place): 

Outfit #43 A Rosie Tunic for #therosewithnonewclothes
Tunic - Tk Maax
Over Sized Black Racer Back Top -Primark (tied to alter neckline)
Leggings-Primark
Pumps - Office (not seen)
(So sorry about the dirt of that mirror!)

It's a lovely one this and has pockets, which are always a bonus in my opinion. I wore it with those ski-foot leggings and my nude Office pumps.  It's very sheer so I wore one of those baggy racer back tops underneath but knotted the racer back to make the neckline more interesting.  I often do this. I think it adds interest and suits me better.

Then on Thursday, as the sun was shining, I merrily whipped out my first maxi skirt of 2013 and paired it with that fabulous white fringed top (you're probably sick of looking at those bad boys but they are just super versatile), tucking in the fringe to show off the lovely crochet collar. I love this skirt because it has pockets so feels really casual and easy.  I think this was my outfit of the week.  I felt really comfortable but dressy enough for work. I love maxis!

Outfit #44 'Return of the Mack...zi...'
Maxi Skirt - Primark
Top - Primark
Pumps - Office 

Saturday and another maxi skirt was salvaged from the dressy depths of  despair. It's actually the same as the one above, just in a different colour. More pockets!  Whoop!

Outfit #45 Sunny Saturday
Chiffon Top - eBay
Necklace - Topshop (back to front)
Maxi - Primark
Sandals - Topshop

Today I'm channelling the tribal look, thanks to this wrap around midi gem of a skirt:
   

Outfit #46 Going Tribal on a Sunday
Skirt - Vintage
Sheer chiffon t-shirt - eBay
Sandals - Topshop

This wonderful skirt has been with me for many many years.  It actually used to belong in the dressing up box that lived in the attic of a childhood friend. I'm pretty sure her mum used to wear it in the 70s. 

Somehow, after many a wear (it was the perfect dressing up item because the wrap around style meant it actually fit), I ended up taking it home.  I don't THINK I stole it... I hope not! 

Anyway, I remember rediscovering it about 10 years ago and it's been a bit of a summer staple ever since.  It always comes on sun holidays with me, because it is great to throw on over my bikini and can also be worn as a dress.  

Got to love this hard working, hard wearing multi-tasker! I really enjoy the history behind it too.  I've so many memories tied up in this skirt, including one which involves it untying itself... and falling down around my ankles.... in Tesco!  Unfortunately, this particular memory will probably never untie itself from my mind. 

This 'shopping your closet' malarkey is fun! I'm so pleased that The Challenge has forced me start WEARING my clothes again.  I really think that part of the reason I kept buying stuff was because it was easier than trying to find stuff in THAT wardrobe...

So in a bid to make it easier to see what I've got, last night I FINALLY started The Great Wardrobe Clear Out. I'd thought I could do it all in one go but that, of course, was far too ambitious. It's going to have to happen in stages. 

So, Stage One, I set about tackling that dreaded walk in cupboard in our hall... The one that was pretty much crammed full, from floor to (pretty high) ceiling, with bin liners of clothes.  My aim was to clear it out so it could serve as a proper workable extension of my wardrobe...

This was NOT an easy task.  That thing that always happens when I try to clear out my closet happened. I found myself sitting in the middle of what looked like the aftermath of a fabric bomb, just about ready to weep (OVERWHELMED doesn't cover it), give up and shove it all back in. 

But I'm pleased to say that after a quick tea break, and only thanks to the company of Netflix, I persevered and managed to sort all of the stuff into following categories:

1. Winter stuff to put into storage
Being able to put my winter coats away and out of the way was a major space saver... I was shocked (well, not really...but you might be) to discover that I have TEN!  Who needs TEN winter coats? But I do love (and wear) all of them. I'll wait and show them to you when winter comes round again... 

It's just SO refreshing to walk past the coat stand and not fear for your life. 

2. Stuff that needs mended 
This pile has just kept growing and growing over the last few years.  I NEVER do ANYTHING about it.  That is going to change. Shoes are going to cobblers, watches to jewellers and my sewing machine will be put to good use.

3. Stuff to sell on eBay
Another pile that keeps being added to... I really need to start trying to sell this stuff. It is just taking up space.  Some of it I could maybe make a bit of money from and it would be much nicer to know someone is actually wearing and enjoying it.  Maybe some of it will be Clothes Swap appropriate? Looks like that will be happening soon :)

4. Stuff to give to charity shops
Another thing that never gets done... mostly, I think, because of my hoarderish tendencies...I'm scared to let it go! I keep filling bags but they always end up living in cupboards or under beds instead of actually making it to the shops.  I've certainly been guilty of rescuing things from charity shop bags in the past too.  I need to get a grip and it needs to go.

5. Stuff I love but won't be wearing any time soon but LOVE and refuse to get rid of
There some things that are too big/small or just have too much sentimental value to part with.  This stuff can go into storage with my winter stuff.  

The cupboard is now clear and I have put a rail up so it will be able to function as a second wardrobe, so to speak.  Now I can't wait to get on to organising the rest of my stuff so I can figure out what I want to hang there.  I'll be able to SEE stuff!

The first stage of The Great Wardrobe Clear Out unearthed some wonderful forgotten treasures, like the leather jacket below. This will be a summer favourite, no doubt. I also found my favourite glasses in the pocket.  I  had thought they were lost! Happy Days.

Reunited with my old leather friend!

However, it also served to flag up to me, rather explicitly, just how much of a shopping problem I have (or had?  Hopefully had.)  

I discovered TWO HUGE bags FILLED with EXTRA tights, in every colour and pattern imaginable (some which are just hilarious).  I have a drawer full of them in my room so these are JUST my SPARES!  In fact I'd completely forgotten they existed! It's absolutely ridiculous. I mean what was I doing?  How many pairs of tights does one girl need?  

I showed them to my house mate, Emma, and, after a good laugh at some of the more 'out-there' patterns, she said, "It's like you've been in a coma for the last ten years and have suddenly woken up and thought, 'What the **** have I been doing?!'"

She hit the nail on the head.

Over and out

M x

Lighter, Brighter and Richer

This morning I hit Oxford Street. 

Panic not! I didn't buy anything! In fact, I left the house laden with bags and returned feeling lighter and richer! Happy days! It felt very weird doing everything back to front but I was returning a load of stuff that I had bought Pre Challenge. 

It was also incredibly empowering not to have to fight the urge to shop. Buying just wasn't an option I allowed myself to entertain so instead I browsed whilst feeling safe and secure in the knowledge that I could look (and touch!) but not buy. I found myself looking at things in a different way and instead of thinking, 'I HAVE to HAVE that!' my thought process was something like 'that's really nice and would be so lovely with my ****.  I wonder do I have anything like it, or anything I could MAKE like it?' 

There are some lovely tops in the shops at the moment that look like they have been made using silk neck scarves. I have an abundance of these so could whip up my own interpretation of this look in no time, if I put my mind to it. I love sewing. Even have a little sewing station in my flat (absolutely LOVING The Great British Sewing Bee. Anybody else watching?!).

Last year I made a couple of lovely little pieces for myself that I was very proud of, including this lovely Thai silk maxi skirt:  

Maxi Skirt - Made By Me(!) 

I made it using fabric that my mum was given as a gift once upon a time, before I was even born. I had such a love affair with it when I was growing up.  It sat, wrapped in clear plastic, at the bottom of her wardrobe for years and as I child I would often take it out just to look at it - it's just so pretty! 

Anyway, I LOVE this skirt. It is not perfect by any means but looks lovely on and people always ask where I got it from. It feels very good to say I made it (much better than telling someone you got it in *insert shop name here*) and to know that it is one of a kind and that there is a story behind where the fabric came from.  Can't wait for the sunnier weather so I can give it a few outings.  

This year work has kind of gotten the better of me and I have fallen out of the habit of sewing and creating stuff.  I really miss it.  Perhaps The Challenge will help me to get back into it...I actually have a bit of that gorgeous fabric left... Watch this space!

Today it was a miserably grey day here in London Town so I decided to cheer myself up with a bright pop of colour:

Outfit No 25 - Brightening a Grey Saturday
Orange T-Shirt - Primark
Studded Leather Skirt - Miss Selfridge
Necklace - Primark
Tights - Primark
Nude Pumps - Office 

Over and out

M x

The (very stressful) Preparatory Shop Part II (with a side of fur)

I've nearly completed Day Five!  

There have, of course, been a few hairy moments (I'll tell you about those next time).  However, I am very proud to say that I have not purchased any clothes or accessories since The Challenge began on Monday.

Now, I know many of you are thinking, "Bloody Hell, Woman,  it is only Thursday?!" 

But I have been on holiday this week and there is little I love to do more whilst on holiday than shop. And being in the company of my mother does NOT help! Shopping time is bonding time for mother and me (there is a REASON I am the way I am).

Anyway, I have been really good and  haven't bought an item since the weekend when I finished up The Preparatory Shop by ticking my way through the rest of the list:

An evening on eBay (I am going to miss it so much...) had enabled me to tick off numbers 13 (white shirt...I got one with a twist...), 14 (black winter coat) and 15 (plain cardigans) and I had earmarked Saturday for a trip to the High Street to find the rest, as I would be in Belfast having gone to the Biffy Clyro gig at the Odyssey the night before: 

The Gorgeous Simon Neil at said gig (which was pretty amazing).

Jacket - Zara
Fringed Top - Primark
(I have it in white too! :o/
They are just glorious, even tucked in without the fringe, and look super expensive.
I'll get you a better pic soon, I promise)
Bag - TKMaxx
Leggings - Primark

So last Saturday morning I still had the following items to tick off The List:

1. Underwear

3. Tights

4. Black Leggings

6. Slips

9. Some flat pumps

12. Tube tops 

16. Heeled Black Boots 

17. Denim skater skirt 

19. Leather trousers  

20. A couple of Statement Necklaces 

My plan was to head straight to Primark and get the REALLY boring basic things ticked off but, much to the consternation of many of my friends, family and pretty much every ex boyfriend, I have never been one to stick to a plan.  The gorgeous window display of the Cancer Research charity shop on Botanic Ave distracted me and resulted in the (very much non List) purchase of this amazing vintage faux fur coat: 

I know it was naughty but I have been looking for a nice one for so long and at only £20(!) I just couldn't resist.  I've hardly had it off my back since - at least it has given me one reason to be thankful for the ridiculously cold temperatures we have been getting! So pleased that I discovered it before Monday or it would have been a literal furry moment for The Challenge.

And look what I found in the pocket: 

A receipt for Boots Chemists dated 23rd March 1976! How wonderful! - I just love clothes with history.  I wonder who owned it before me, where it has been and what it has seen.  Just think of the stories it could tell! 

Now, this is a faux fur but I think I may well still have bought it had it been real. I know a lot of ladies who have inherited wonderful old genuine furs but never let them see the light of day for fear of being judged. I actually have a gorgeous genuine vintage mink coat that I never wear, but that is because it is far too big for me - I really must see about selling it or getting it altered. Although I would never dream of buying a new fur (those awful videos circulating the internet are more than enough to put me off and I am real animal lover), I really do think it is a sin to let those gorgeous old furs hiding in our attics go to waste. If some poor animal had to die for it once upon a time, we may as well put it to use! What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Anyway, after my slight detour back in time to 1976, I headed to Office to try to get number 9 (ballet pumps) ticked off. My big feet usually make finding flats that don't look like boats rather tricky, so I was expecting this to be a tough tick. However, I got lucky and found the perfect little Leather Phoenix Ballerinas, so picked them up in both nude and black.  These will be a spring/summer staple and I know I will wear them until they fall apart. 

Phoenix Ballerinas

Next up I hit Aldo to see if I could get a nice pair of black heeled boots.  I'm still very attached to my New Look Babies*, but, as I mentioned in my last post, they are nearing the end of their life, so really wanted to find a pair that weren't too dissimilar (with big feet it can be tricky to find a boot that isn't too clumpy but, at the same time, isn't too high or has too skinny a heel). I was really starting to feel the pressure by this point too because I only had about 30 hours to go, had found nothing suitable during my Oxford Street adventure and an extensive Internet search had also turned up nada.  

Aldo Fastrost

Anyway, I spied these beauties and fell for them instantly but they only had them in a size too big (I would have got them only my feet looked ridiculously massive).  I was pretty gutted to discover that I couldn't even order them as they were all sold out in my size. Panic started to set in- would I have to go without?! I really couldn't imagine my wardrobe working without a pair of nice black heeled boots but was determined not to purchase ANYTHING come midnight on the 31st March.... 

It was with that stressed, frustrated and deflated frame of mind that I entered Primark Royal Ave Belfast.

And what a mistake that was.

I hate Primark at the best of times. Now, don't get me wrong, I have plenty of stuff from there, but it can be total and utter mayhem and the low prices always get the better of me - I get carried away and end up standing in the mile long queue for the till, feeling guilty, clammy and laden...

I don't have a clue what made me think that going there on a Saturday afternoon would be anything other than torture. Everything was picked over and they had hardly any of The List items that I was searching for in my size.

I was still legging-less (no. 4), their selection of slips was pretty dire (no. 6) and there wasn't a tube top in sight (no. 12).  

Shopping with a list was nearly enough to put me off shopping for life... but not quite!

I did manage, however, to stock up on bras and knickers (no. 1), tights (no. 3) and got a few gorgeous statement necklaces:

The best discovery of all was this little denim skater skirt (no. 17) for just £10:

I had actually already bought this one in Miss Selfridge for treble the price, but wasn't that happy with the fit on me, as I was between sizes and really would have appreciated an elasticated waist (I do love the pockets though, maybe I'll try to add my own to the Primark number?) I will look forward to returning it. Go Primarni!

Anyway, because my Saturday shopping trip wasn't quite as fruitful as I'd hoped it might have been, I still needed to get my hands on some leggings, in both black and lighter colours (4), the elusive perfect pair of black heeled boots (16), tube tops (12) and, if I was lucky enough, the perfect pair of leather trousers (19) before Monday...and it was already Saturday evening! 

I also was going to need to find a replacement for my broken Zara tote, having finally decided, after much debate, that I had best return the faulty item in exchange for a refund rather than a replacement. 

Therefore, Saturday night was Internet Shopping Night. I clicked to buy some leggings and a gorgeous little faux leather sandy coloured Woven Lady Tote Bag  (at a fraction of the price of the Zara one) from Topshop, more leggings as well as a pair of leather look trousers from H&M (I hope they are The Ones because I'm all out of time if they're not...) and a couple of my staple black tube tops from New Look. 

Woven Lady Tote

Leather Look Trousers

Finally, after A LOT of scouring (and stressing), I managed to find a pair (the last one!) of those Aldo Boots in my size on the House of Fraser website! They are wonderful :)

So I made it! - managed to get pretty much everything off the list (didn't quite get the slip options that I wanted but no biggie). 

Here goes!


M x

* A few of you have professed your love for my New Look Boots. Although they are sold out online, I have seen a few pairs still floating about in the odd store (not in my size unfortunately) but I also came across this when I was doing links for you guys! Win!

Homeward Bound

En route home to Ireland and here's what I'm wearing:




Mint Sweater - Primark
Sheer White Blouse with Crochet Collar - also Primark...(sorry!)
Studded Leather Skirt -Miss Selfridge
Khaki Tights - Primark... (:0/ forgive me, it is just great for basics on a budget)
And little flat black suede fringed ankle boots from Miss Selfridge that you can't see here but will probably be sick of looking at by this time next year!




Isn't the crochet collar on the blouse so pretty?

I really like crochet detailing on things - it reminds me of my lovely Granny D, who could crochet like a pro. I always meant to get her to teach me but she suddenly and devastatingly passed away 15 months ago. A little bit of crochet and a lot of amazing memories.


I also tried out another Barry M nail polish, this time their new Gelly Nail Effects in Green Berry and I like it much better:




Glossy, like a nail polish should be. Lovely.


I got these Barry M polishes in a 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug the other day. I'm so pleased I'm not insane enough to sign myself up for a year of no new cosmetics too. I'm such a beauty junkie. I think this year off clothes shopping may well make me rediscover the joys of nail art too!

So after the arduous task of lugging my massive case to the airport (needless to say I am incapable of packing light) and having to turn back TWICE because I forgot 1. my glasses (blind as a bat without them) 2. my handbag (what the..?!), I am now happily settled on the plane ready to touch down onto the beautiful Belfast tarmac.


See you on the other side.


M x


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Sunny Day and Outfit #4

This morning, at 6:30am(!) absolutely knackered, after staying up late last night to do an accent breakdown (work stuff), yet very happy because today is my last day of work before ten glorious days of holiday at home in Ireland:

Outfit #4 (I talk you through it below)
Haha..Can you spot the Primark bag in the background?
It's from Monday's shopping expedition to tackle The List
- which I promise will eventually get round to telling you about.

I fly home in the morning and I am so excited! 

Also, those boots from Schuh arrived (that's another thing ticked off The List...but time is ticking too...aaah!) and today they got their first outing. I really like them, even though they are so pointy and heavy that I feel that I am wearing a pair of my dad's dress shoes! They are definitely sturdy enough to see me through the year (phew) and the buckles give a delightful jingle when I walk (bonus or curse? Only time will tell). Great little sale purchase at 1/2 price :)



AND the SUN was SHINING! This is me looking very happy about it (no filter):



As you can see, I am trying the buttoned up look today. I have had this green shirt since November and I have NEVER worn it. It was a very cheap eBay purchase. I thought it would be good for work but it just doesn't feel very me...I always put it on, turn up my nose, and then take it off again. 

Anyway, today I had an important meeting so I wanted to look a little neater and more sophisticated than normal, to distract from the fact that I was about to keel over with exhaustion. Nothing screams neat like a shirt buttoned right to the top, right? I softened the look with my fave Never Fully Dressed* Alexandra Sweater in black (I have it in charcoal too and it is even nicer), as I hate looking too structured. 

The pendant on my necklace actually opens up to reveal a pretty little working clock (another old favourite that hasn't seen the light of day in a few years - this 'wardrobe shopping' is pretty great, huh?) It was a present from my parents for my 20th birthday.


My nails were in a sunny mood too, thanks to Barry M's Station Road. Although, I'm a little unsure about it (hence the dodgy look) as it is supposed to be a 'textured' polish and to me it just looks a little like sandpaper or as if I have smudged it really badly (so kind of ruined the neat and sophisticated vibe). Really pretty colour though.

Laughing at the ridiculousness of taking photos of myself at 6.30 in the morning.
What have I got myself into?!

The jeans are the same Primark skinnys that I wore on Tues.  I also have to confess that Wednesday was one of those days where I picked the outfit from the day before off the back of my chair (not something I'm proud of, but inevitable when you work long hours and see different people every day), thus the Zara Japanese Print Kimono Jacket got its 2nd wear.  


All in all outfit #4 was not a bad wee outfit. Not my favourite though.

Now I need to pack (Oh, Jesus).

Over and out.

M x

* If you haven't already discovered Never Fully Dressed, you should check them out: gorgeous and original clothes, pretty packaging and great service.  I am going to have to avoid the website for a year or it will be total self-sabotage...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kimono Tastic

Zara Japanese Print Kimono
H&M Breton Stripe Top
Topshop Necklace
Primark Taupe Vest (just seen)
Primark Ultra Soft Super Skinny Jeans
Office Nikita Boots

So the AMAZING kimono jacket that I am wearing today was one of three items that lay hidden inside the Zara Bag of Shame that was stashed behind my bed for days and was really the last straw that led me to The Challenge and thus this blog.. Now, don't get me wrong, I really love this jacket BUT I did NOT need it. 

When you have had a little more of a nosey into my treasure trove of a wardrobe you will discover that it has more than its fair share of kimono jackets.  I have such a thing for them, always have.  So now that they are on trend and in all the shops it is a bit annoying because everyone will be wearing them *sigh*  It is also, needless to say, absolute torture because I want them ALL!  They really are a really comfy, yet feminine way of glamming up any outfit.  You can make a real a feature of them by wearing over a solid base, which is great for a night out, or you can go a bit crazy and throw on over another pattern or a stripe for a more fun and laid back vibe, like I did today. I love the way the stripes make this look more casual. I really swear by these kimono bad boys for nights out as I don't really like to wear blazers when dressing up, they can be a bit too austere -I'm all about the floaty goodness!  And you really can wear them over anything. So, yeah, you get the picture: I love kimonos.When I finally get around to The Big Wardrobe Sort Out (oh,yes, that is coming) I will be able to let you know how many I actually have... 

Yes, Emily, I used your room for pics today.
It's a little less cluttered than mine...

The (Prada wearing) devil is in the detail

Wow! So the reaction has been incredible. Lots of support and encouragement. Can't quite believe how many readers I've had already. I guess it is really happening, huh? *wails silently*
(What. on. earth. have. I. let. myself. in. for?) 

My mother can't quite believe I am going to do it. Of course, I have her to blame for being like this. I remember all too well helping her to hide illicit shopping bags after trips to Bishops shoe sale: "Don't tell your dad I bought all FOUR pairs. I'll expose him to them gradually over time..." 

She is fully supportive, albeit a little surprised that I still have got the habit. "I remember when you worked in Couples Fashion and spent all your earnings on clothes, but I thought you'd grown out of it in the last couple of years..." Well, no, mum, I haven't. I just moved to London so I have been able to hide it from you quite easily, although it is true that the cost of city life has made it more painful and more difficult.

My friends all seem rather excited, although the responses have varied from "You can do it!" or "I'm so proud of you" to "Everything in moderation, Maeve; Allow yourself something new every month..." or " It's going to be a tough year..." and "I think that's an amazing idea...*sudden look of sheer terror* You don't expect me to do it too do you?!" My closest girlfriends have already jokingly started calling it 'Maeve's Penance'.  Penance for what exactly? Years of over indulgent shopping probably. 

I even had one suggest I set up a JustGiving page and use this as an opportunity to raise some money for charity. This had crossed my mind but I suppose I would just feel a bit silly asking for sponsorship for 'not buying clothes' when others do incredible things like run marathons and climb mountains. Besides this challenge is not about doing something worthy. It's about my state of mind, about proving to myself that I don't need new stuff to feel good and about making use of the mountain of material that I've already got. So I suppose in my own way I will be climbing a mini cloth mountain! 

The questions I keep hearing are 'What are you going to do when you lose all your socks and ladder all your tights?' 'Are you including underwear?' 'What about accessories?' 

So I think it's important I set out some ground rules and a bit of a sensible plan if I am actually going to see this through. 

The Challenge: 

Between the 1st of April 2013 and the 1st of April 2014 I am not allowed to purchase anything I can wear. So, yes, that includes underwear(!) and outerwear, footwear *weep*, jewellery, bags, scarves, hats, headbands etc. (you get the idea) 

The Rules: 

1. No buying (obviously) 

2. I am allowed to accept clothing etc. as gifts but I am NOT allowed to REQUEST it. So no asking for that blue jumper from Topshop etc. but I am not going to turn down a kind and generous gift from a friend by saying 'I can't accept that because I'm doing this challenge... la la la la..." Gross! No. It is rude to turn away gifts and I couldn't put my mother through the torture of not being allowed to buy me pyjamas for Christmas, so gifting is fine. 

3. I can borrow. 

4. I can swap. 

5. I can accept peoples' cast-offs (after all one woman's tat is another woman's treasure). 

6. I can make/customise until my heart's content. I don't think this counts as cheating because the sense of accomplishment and achievement you get out of making something is a far cry from the horrible sense of guilt you feel handing over your Visa at the cash desk. Also it is unlikely that I will increase the size of my wardrobe very much this way - I just don't have the time or that much skill, if I'm honest. 

Preparation: 

Now, obviously I need to be sensible and organised about this (let's not forget that it is a failure to be sensible that got me here in the first place). Before April arrives I will need to have everything I need to keep me going for a full year. I am supposed to be a sensible, professional, working woman and need to make sure that I am not going to be going into work with holey clothes and shoes with no soles! 

Unfortunately despite the sheer size of my wardrobe it is somewhat lacking in the basics. Remember, I might have gone into to the shop because I needed a new pair of black trousers for work but I came out with a sequin top instead... Therefore I have made a list of sensible purchases that I am going to need to make in order to see this through. 

Now, before you say this list is cheating, think about it: I am doing this for A YEAR so I will need basics. Also, these are BORING items, not the sort of thing I get excited about whatsoever (In fact, all my life I have been so bored by the idea of buying jeans that I have actively avoided it. Now I wear stretchy jeggings, that I don't have to go through the torture of trying on, instead). I am not going to go and have a major shopping blowout, I am simply going to stockpile the basics (and, yes, Caroline, that may include some gin to get me through). 

The List: 

1. Underwear - enough knickers to see me through a year and a couple of good bras, including a new multi-way/backless one because mine broke recently. 

2. Socks 

3. Tights 

4. A good supply of leggings and jeggings. I live in these for work so I can't afford to get to November and have none that are still stretchy/don't have holes etc 

5. Vest/tank tops 

6. Slips - I have countless dresses and skirts of varying lengths that I don't wear because I need a slip! I always meant to buy some but they have always been too dull to make it to the top of my shopping list. So, if I am going to make the most out of my already existing wardrobe these will be a must. 

7. A good pair of flat black leather ankle boots - I live in these and unfortunately my latest pair bit the dust only last week. These will need to be hard wearing! I have had my eye on these for a while so might get them but I'll have be to sure because once the 1st comes there will be no going back! 

8. A black leather tote? Is this pushing it? I don't know if I can afford it before the 1st but I could really do with a new black bag. My current one really needs to be disposed of as it has gone green and funny looking after years of abuse and one disastrous trip around the washing machine following a muddy music festival. 

9. Some flat pumps for when we (eventually) get into warmer weather 

10. A pair of casual summer sandals as it's been a year or two since I did a replacement there. 


I think that's it! 

Have I forgotten anything?! The fear is staring to set in now. 

Let it begin:

Last night I had a night out at the theatre and I wanted to use it as an opportunity to kick start the idea of "shopping my wardrobe." So I really rooted through my stuff, looking for something that I have hardly worn to give a wee outing. I settled on a pretty midi length black lace dress that I bought over Christmas and have only worn once.  Of course, en route to the till, I convinced myself that I would wear it to death and that it was a necessary purchase. I talk some crap, even to myself. (You will soon discover that my wardrobe contains a ridiculous amount of black lace.)

Black lace midi dress, Primark
- you can see the ivory version on this page
Turtle neck black midi dress, Missguided
-similar from ASOS
I PROMISE I will get better at this photo taking malarky.

One of the reasons that I have hardly worn it is because the slip that it came with is mini length and I just can't seem to get myself to like that style of sheer midi over mini - it just stinks of effort. So I really needed a midi length black dress/slip to wear under it. Cue brainwave: Oh my God, remember that black midi dress you bought back in November and have never worn!? Yeah. Well it would be perfect. I know it has a turtle neck and it is March but it's snowing outside so it would be totally workable. That's a great idea! But where on earth is it?! 

This, ladies and gentleman, is one of the problems I face on a regular basis. I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING! I have so much stuff but I only wear a fraction of it because frankly I don't know where anything is! Ordinarily I would just give up and opt to wear something that's near the top of the pile but, last night I found myself thinking, if I'm going to take this challenge seriously, I suppose I had better make an effort. 

The Great Hunt For The Black Turtle Neck Midi took no less than 30 minutes, a few expletives, and work-out levels of perspiration. But it worked! I made a brand new outfit without buying anything new. Win! I'm think I might just be able to pull this off - bring it on!

But this might be a rather stressful year unless I sort out some sort of system for organising my clothes... *yawn*