When I looked at my warm weather clothing at the beginning of the season, I came up with all kinds of holes and "needs" that I thought would require shopping. I even did some shopping... and ended up returning all of it. It took actually wearing what I already had to know that I didn't need any more pairs of shorts, because I liked wearing my jumpsuits better anyway. It took wearing what I already had to realize that I didn't really want to wear dresses much this season. It took wearing the pieces I already had to learn that I already had enough. I couldn't have known any of those things before the season began. I wouldn't have made the right decisions right at the beginning of the season.
When I looked ahead, I thought I'd need a few new tops, another jumpsuit, and a pair of shorts. I ended up buying that jumpsuit (and another one too), but I also sold one I already had. I ended up finding a top that I love, but I also let one go that never even got worn. (I'm planning on making that one into a top for my daughter.) My original shopping list ended up not being quite right.
My goal is to value farmers and the environment by not taking more than my share... and not discarding carelessly. My goal is to value garment workers by paying attention to supply chains. Both of these goals depend on first being mindful of "enough"... and I can only truly gauge "enough" by truly putting it to the test. So, I've learned to be inspired by new collections and to notice really special pieces... but to wait until the season is in full swing to buy. If that special piece still feels special when I know I can truly use it... then I know that that purchase is a good decision.
Love,
Jane