Hidden Magnolias

  https://uncomplicatedspaces.com/how-im-working-towards-a-slower-wardrobe-this-year/ I was reading this blog and Instagram account and this just popped out at me.  This is the key.  In trying to live a more sustainable life, focusing on my wardrobe first, this really hit home. Just recently a friend sent me pics of purses she purchased second hand. There were 5 of them. My envy kicked in immediately -- they were all great scores and gorgeous. But 5? Who really needs 5 new purses?  It felt excessive. Especially knowing her current purse wardrobe.  Yeah, I know -- some are into shoes, some are into coats, some are into purses.  But how many do we really need? I think I need to ask myself that about everything.  But...how do I change a mindset of "I want, I want, I want" to "I don't want"?  Tricky. Particularly hard for those of us that like stuff.  I like stuff -- pretty stuff.      So, it hard to think "I have en...

Just read an article about iconic brands closing. You can read it here. What I thought was very interesting is the H&M is closing some stores in the USA. I was happy when I read that sentence because they are one of the worse pushers of "Fast Fashion."  (Read the book,  Overdressed  to learn more.) Image: Hypebae I was happy, I was dancing. But then....I stopped in my tracks when I read this sentence: "However, while they are booming, the H&M’s in the U.S. are showing slower growth and they plan to close 160 stores. The good news is they’re planning to open more stores in other parts of the world." They are going top open more stores in countries whose consumers  are not conscientious  as those in the USA. More and more we are saying NO! to fast fashion.  But many other countries are not.  Two  brands reducing their stores: Charlotte Russe "Since 1975, the Californian-based retail chain, Charlotte Russe has been the ul...

I just thought I would check in and let you know how some of my "projects" are going. First - the Buy No New Clothes I have really been pleased with this one. It is now May and I haven't spent money on clothes at all this year and that is really good for me. I am usually buying something at least once a month. However, when I examined my Spring/Summer clothes, I noticed 2 pairs of  dress pants for work that really cannot go another year; thus I will be replacing them. Also, for full disclosure, my hubby gave me a little money to spend as I want. He often does that and I faithfully squirrel it away but this weekend I visited my favorite boutique and bought a few blouses -- again for work. Even though I didn't hit the mark 100%, I feel good about the progress made. Second - Spend No $$$ Weeks This one I have done surprisingly well. I have had several weeks since the new year where I spent no money at all --None, Zero, Natch, Nada -- with the exceptio...

As someone facing retirement in the not too far future, I am saddened and dismayed by some of the blogs I read. One senior blogger tells of how many food banks and senior food services near her are closed, moved, or redistributed. She depends on a bus service to get her to the food banks and now it is a long walk for her to get any food at all.   She received grocery gift cards for Christmas but is too afraid to use because she might need later since food prices in her area are going up and up. This made me very sad for her and fearful for me and mine. This is a country where people are spending $300,000 on a car and this woman’s grocery budget is $30. Ouch. Don't get me wrong, I AM NOT ADVOCATING SOCIALISM. But I cannot help but feel we have the least prepared group of people fixin' to retire. I don't want to be one of ill-prepared people. What am I going to do about it?  Pull in the reins.  I have always been...