11 Comments

Love this idea. I need a new pair of tennis shoes, and then I'm on board. I pretty much buy everything used anyway or get things from the Buy Nothing. I do splurge on local goods when I travel overseas. i think that's a special situation.

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Ha! Your point about tennis shoes is a good one. To use the Lent analogy, would I want to have a Mardi Gras to buy new things before stopping or could I do it cold turkey?

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Work shoes. A necessity for comfort!

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Indeed! Some things just need to be new

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Oct 23, 2022Liked by Heath Racela

You would not believe how much clothing I used to purchase! I spent all my money on clothes especially shoes, boots, etc. I kept all my timeless work dresses (aka very expensive) and now my daughter is using them for mock interviews - she is in college! 👗👗

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That’s amazing, Michelle! I’m glad the clothes have found a second life. When you say “used to” does this mean you’re not buying such expensive clothes anymore?

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Oct 23, 2022Liked by Heath Racela

Correct! We were fortunate to be in Italy this summer and I was dying for a

New designer bag- but it just didn’t make sense. Where am I carrying that bag from my bedroom to our other bedroom that I call my office? Don’t get wrong I did go into the Prada store and touch ever day but didn’t buy.

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That takes some self control! But it is an interesting point- how much has the pandemic and WFH impacted our desire for new clothes?

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I just realized upon seeing the title of this post that the only new clothing I bought all year, the only clothing at all, was underwear, just because a couple pairs wore out. I've never been a big clothes buyer, a lot of my stuff has always been second-hand only because I prefer to be thrifty and not buy new unless I absolutely have to. Whenever I do buy clothing new, it's almost never made in China, and it's pretty much always on heavy discount or clearance. Amory gave some great advice, and it's funny, because I sort of have been following this path towards acquiring clothing more out of necessity than on purpose. After reading this, though, I'm going to rededicate myself to buying used items as much as possible!

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Thanks for sharing your story, Amelia! I'm glad Amory isn't the only one thinking along these lines and I'm glad that her story was able to inspire you to be even more thoughtful about your consumption! Have a great week!

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Aside from her Big Brain innate intelligence, Amory is a natural beauty who this Veteran’s Day reminds me of what I fight for 24 years in two wars before returning to the US and Boston.

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