When I read about The Compact in Sunset magazine last December, I knew I wanted to join the group. Their non-consumer, non-materialistic lifestyle was right up my alley and fit right in with my own philosophy.
by Angela 9 Comments
When I read about The Compact in Sunset magazine last December, I knew I wanted to join the group. Their non-consumer, non-materialistic lifestyle was right up my alley and fit right in with my own philosophy.
On January 1st, 2009, I joined The Compact and pledged to Buy Nothing New for one year. It sounded like the perfect way to converge my desire to live on less money with my interest in living a simpler life and trying to lessen my carbon footprint. The experiment was so rewarding that I'm continuing with it indefinitely. This blog documents my journey in non-consumerism.
[…] all know about my annual clothing swap. But I also swap clothes and accessories with friends year-round, especially when I know an item […]
Colleen says
I just have to say that, as the new owner of that skirt and many other fabulous FREE items, I get compliments from people all the time on the stuff I got at your clothes swap! I already have a box of stuff to bring next year.
Angela says
Thanks for the photos! I love the peacock detail.
alunachic says
Angela, in Richmond we have a monthly event called the Totally Free Market, where people display unwanted stuff and one can have it for free!
I plan to go next Saturday.
I really love the swaping post. What a great idea!
Angela says
alunachic-
I’ve heard of the Really Really Free Market (I think that’s the name)in San Francisco. I love the idea! We may need to start up something like that in Los Angeles…
lala2074 says
Angela, I used to have the same problem with buying expensive clothes that I loved the look of, and then not wearing them because somehow they didn’t look right on me and I didn’t understand why.
I eventually came to an understanding and educated myself about different styles to suit my particular body shape ( see Body Bible, Trinny Goodall and Susannah Constantine )for priceless information about different styles to suit your particular body shape. I purchased my copy second hand on ebay.
The second thing which helped was educating myself on colour analysis, so that I now know what colours suit my particular skin/hair/eye combination. I found that “Colour Me Beautiful” was a complete source of this information. I also purchased this book second hand on ebay.
Now I no longer purchase expensive mistakes. Also, I don’t even waste time taking unsuitable styles and colours into the change room. I can select from colours and styles that suit me, which makes selection so much easier.
Hope this helps!
Angela says
Thanks lala2074-
I definitely find that as I get older, I make less of those “purchasing mistakes” because I usually know what colors look good on me, etc.
In fact, that skirt may have been my last big shopping error. But we all do seem to end up with enough stuff we don’t wear to continue the swap.
Ellen says
Hey Angela,
I’d love to come to your next clothes swap! Please add me to the invitation list.
Anonymous says
I’ve swapped my apartment in Chicago for one week in Milan and another week in the Italian Alps. It was great!