Closet Full of Clothes, Nothing to Wear
Shortly after starting my new job a few years back, I upgraded my wardrobe. I bought new clothes partially because I started earning more (and the money was burning a hole in my pocket) and partially because I needed to look nicer at work. So there I was, looking nice, sitting for 8 hours in front of a computer, surrounded by doughnuts, office potlucks, and candy. I gained about 15 pounds in my first year on the job. I squeezed into my clothes as long as I could, but eventually I had to admit that I had a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.
So I cleared out all the too-small clothes from my closet and donated everything to friends or charity. Then I went a little overboard buying new (larger) clothes. Shortly after this shopping spree, I made a promise to myself to quit spending money on clothes. I had tons of new stuff to wear, everything fit, and my credit card needed a break. An easy promise to keep, right?
Well, perhaps not so much. Here I am today, 15 pounds lighter and swimming in my too-large clothes. I’m not sure why my weight is down, but once again, I find myself in a situation where my closet is full of clothes that do not fit.
I read this article over at Frugal Zeitgeist, which discusses the hidden costs of dressing properly for work. Things like weight fluctuations, a new job, or a promotion at work can wreak havoc on our wallets. It’s not always appropriate to keep wearing the clothes we have. When our health and work situations change, our clothes must also change. I’ve learned my lesson when it comes to buying a new wardrobe. I’m bargain-hunting for new clothes and keeping the old stuff, just in case.
August 10, 2009
Tags: budget, New Spending Habits, shopping, spending habits Posted in: My Progress, New Spending Habits
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