I Have More Than Enough Clothes But...

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Mar 29, 2011 in Fashion

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So a couple of weeks ago I was doing a spring clean and I realized I have a RIDICULOUS amount of clothes. I have more than enough clothes to dress myself for weeks possibly months without wearing the same thing. I also was thinking that since moving to the UK I haven't done any volunteering or any charity work, so I made a plan.

From now on any unnecessary clothes shopping must be matched with an equal donation to charity. So exempt will be things I NEED like the new work trousers that I'm desperately in need of and the light cardigan I picked up last week so that I don't freeze or overheat in the British spring/summer. Also exempt will be things like underpants, socks and running shoes. Not exempt will be any heels (I have loads already and wouldn't really need any), jeans, tops, etc. Also not exempt are some of my recent purchases like the pictured Anthropologie pink ruffle top I got when introducing my friend to the store or the Max Studio over-the-knee boots that I ordered the other night. I ordered the boots online on my USA credit card along with a really cute dress so that is roughly $80 that I need to donate, had a £34 shopping spree on Regent Street where I bought the Anthro top (it was on sale! it is super cute! I'm weak!) and then I spent another £24 on some spring/summer dresses while wandering Oxford Street. So it is curbing my spending only slightly, but at least a good cause will benefit.

Why am I posting this? To gloat? No, actually I'm posting it to keep me honest. I'm hoping that by telling me friends, family and net friends that I won't duck out and say, "Oh yeah, I'll donate it later." or "That one doesn't count, I'll start on my next shop."

Now I just need to choose which charities I want to bequeath my shopping spends to...
United Way - I used to volunteer for a daycare for homeless children that they run. They do many good things.
The Red Cross - I might donate my £££s to the British Red Cross because I'm not as familiar with UK charities plus the Red Cross has done some great work for tsunami relief in Japan and in so many other places which is close to my heart.
Greenpeace - my boyfriend is a fish fanatic so we watch loads of documentaries about shark fishing and illegal fishing practices and Greenpeace does a lot to help those fishies that don't get as much love as adorable pandas and polar bears.

Still trying to decide but hopefully you all will pester me in a few weeks to find out where I donated the money so that I don't forget to do it! Oh and I'm gloating a little bit because that top was originally almost £70 and those boots are over $200 at Nordstroms. Yay for on sale!

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Comments (13)

This is a great thing to do and each of those charities are doing great things. I think this is a perfect way to start thinking more about purchases and spending power and, like you said, some important charities will benefit even as you get your spending under control more. Those boots are super awesome and I can see that shirt looking amazing on you. Report Spam Posted by alicatstrut at 6:05 AM on 03/29/11
This is a great idea, and will simultaneously help out charities while also giving you pause to think before impulsively buying something, since, in a sense, you'll be paying double for it. Instead of picking just one charity, why not just donate to a different one of your preferred causes each time you make a decent shopping haul? Then you can help everyone out a little each time. On a side note, did you hear that Sandra Bullock gave a million dollars to Japan? That was an amazing donation. Anyway, I'll try to remember to pester you and see who you donated to later :) Report Spam Posted by agauthier79 at 7:39 AM on 03/29/11
what an awesome idea!! I routinely thrift my closet when I come home from shopping, one item out for one item in..the items out go to value village. good luck!! Report Spam Posted by pinkone at 8:05 AM on 03/29/11
This is amazing... good luck to you! You're inspiring me to make some donations too. :-) Report Spam Posted by kaboodles_of_fun at 9:39 AM on 03/29/11
Great idea! Kudos! Report Spam Posted by hbomb at 10:10 AM on 03/29/11
Great idea! Report Spam Posted by julieandmax at 12:45 PM on 03/29/11
great idea, kudos to you! Report Spam Posted by kshoffman at 12:45 AM on 03/30/11
I love this idea! Good luck and hopefully we can help you stay on track! Report Spam Posted by maye_ at 11:19 AM on 03/30/11
Great idea! I always donate my unwanted clothing to the British Heart Foundation store. I hold on to pieces for so long because they either cost a bit of money or because they hold sentimental value but I try to pass them onto there because I know someone will pick up something lovely for little money and will really value it. Report Spam Posted by x0xsharicex0x at 2:30 PM on 03/31/11
I love this idea!!! yay :) try to stay on it - you will do so much good for others this way Report Spam Posted by sweetshorty at 6:27 PM on 04/01/11
OK, first donation has gone to the British Red Cross. I've set up a payroll deduction because it means that the money goes to them tax-free so if I give them £4, they get £5. So the next 6 months of deductions will cover my dress shopping on Oxford St. Looking into other causes that I'd want to support in England and I've still got $80 US to donate. Good news about the shoes, they arrived at the parents' house the other day and my parents are thinking about coming to visit this summer, so I'll get to try them on before November which was originally going to be the first day I'd wear them! YAY! Report Spam Posted by elenalee at 3:32 AM on 04/04/11
Excelent Idea. Pefect result. so many fun. Who don't want that. Good luck. Report Spam Posted by mamush at 3:40 PM on 04/06/11
Another update...shoes are amazing!! Much more silvery in real life. When I go back home to visit for Thanksgiving $80 will be going to the United Way and possibly some to http://www.savethechimps.org/ which is an organization my mom and dad support.So far this has totally been working. Has really curbed my spending and made me really think about what I purchase. Report Spam Posted by elenalee at 4:59 AM on 07/17/11