Loopholes....death of nothing new?

I've been surrounded by beautifully made fair-trade NEW clothing and products. What's a girl like me supposed to do?


Here I am, trying to be more ethical in my necessary purchases-aka groceries/toiletries which isn't always ethical (be it recycled, local, reusability, etc). Yet, I've limited myself to buying new ethical non-neccesities. Can you sense the difficulty in working at a fair-trade/eco friendly shop? We just got in our Spring clothing from Mata Traders who's mission is to work with organizations that educate, employ, and empower women. Their Spring dresses are beautiful... and I'm finding a new struggle.....


Buy used/recycled items (that don't always stem from an ethical standpoint) or buy new and also support organizations by purchasing from shops like Mata Traders and Greenheart? Then I go further and think that buying NEW fairly traded items will offset my NEW necessary un-ethical purchases? 


OKAAAY. OKAAAY. I admit...that's too far of a stretch. 


Yesterday, I had the privilege of representing the Greenheart Shop as a vendor at the Green Metropolis Fair. Though I didn't have much time to walk around--there was enough within view that got my "NEW...I want" urge going. And most of these products were ethical/sustainable/handmade/local/fair-trade..you name it...


In this case should I buy NEW? I keep trying to find a loophole...

Nothing new means NOTHING new, Alex. Get over it.


SURPRISED BY THE NEW POST?!? I am. As I should be working on some homework as we speak---and by "speak" I mean: I blog, you read. I couldn't let this thought/struggle wait until May 13th...

100 days. Free of Nothing New.

Horoscope for today reads "...this is also a great day to buy new clothes."

Well it's not. And neither will the next  264 days.

I've received a lot of criticism from many of you for the lack of blog updates! I APOLOGIZE and appreciate your continued interest in my blog and resolution!!!!

As many of you are firmly aware, I'm in my last semester of graduate school and things are crazy. I spend lots of my days staring at the computer and quite frankly the last thing I ever feel like doing during my spare time is stare at the computer. Although, a friend did suggest I shift my Facebook use towards updating my blog more regularly...ugh. Point well taken. ( Thanks, Jake.)  Dare I reflect on the amount of time spent on Facebook? Nah. I'll save the embarrassment and shame for another day...

May 12th is graduation...and until then, don't expect another post.

First, I want to hash out the water bottle issue from February. Yes, I bought the new water bottle. However, I felt so damn guilty about it that I arranged with Samantha for her to buy it off of me and I took her old one. Wait. It gets better.  I lost that water bottle shortly after and then lost two after that..including the water bottle that is attached to my bike (I was getting desperate looking for water bottles). Finally--as in last week-- the sun peaked through the dark clouds and God hit me upside the head with a recycled glass water bottle  Okay, not exactly.

I give full credibility to my wonderful place of employment, The Greenheart Shop. We constantly are getting neat fair trade and/or eco friendly products for the store. Behold... the water bottle.

Moving on, I have done little, but amazing second-hand shopping. Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood has done me well! One of my favorites is a dress I made from a long shirt (I think it was meant to be worn with leggings? The slits up the sides were up to my hips.) I loved the print. I stitched up the sides, took off about three inches from the bottom and voila! Got me a dress! 

I went to Target yesterday (insert groan). I definitely walked through the clothing and shoe isles...and electronics. Initially, I felt jealousy---of all you young ladies who will be buying those clothes/items from Target. You all will look super cute too...and you will all look a like. Welp, guess I'll be looking a little different. Perhaps rockin' last year's Target (pronounced Tar-jay) trends. And I'm totally okay with that!! After jealousy came inspiration. The stroll through Target (you can go back to the English version) provided me with ideas of what I would like small summer wardrobe to look like. I love oversized t-shirts. There's a hint...

If I had to sum up the last 100 days in one word it would be: easy 

Seriously. At this point, I see myself adhering to the nothing new policy not only during 2011, but 2012 and beyond. I am shocked at the things I have found second-hand. I'm also super impressed with my ability to distinguish between what I want and what I need. That was always a struggle. I'm still learning and analyzing my thoughts/opinions on nothing new...

...and I'll elaborate more come May 13th. 

I caved...

Some of you may know, I have been without a water bottle for about a month now. Of course, this is no issue while at home, I use the the faucet water. No biggy. However, when I'm running errands or at work or school I have been buying (GASP!) plastic water bottles from the vending machines.

It's an awful way to spend money and contribute to waste. So I did what any man would do!!!! I BOUGHT A NEW WATER BOTTLE. Used just didn't seem appropriate. Not to mention, this Contigo 32oz is one hell of a water bottle. My first Contigo was given to me by Graham and it was love at first sight. 

Okay. Okay. Is my resolution over??? I mean I've bought a SHOVEL and now a WATER BOTTLE. What is happening to me!? I can't make excuses for myself as to the level of importance and why I may or may not have needed them. 

BUT. With regard to my new lime green Contigo 32ounce-er:

• I will have this item for as long as it will last me-providing I don't lose it again
• I will no longer be contributing to the Earth's waste and plastic use by purchasing water bottles
• I bought it straight from Contigo via Amazon. 

So what do we think, blog readers? What's your opinion on my recent purchases?

It's been a while..and I've got NOTHING NEW to say...

LIE. I have plenty to say...

Greetings blog readers! I know I know..it's been quite sometime since my last post. My apologies. With that said, I'm going to strain your eyes while you read my long-ass post. ENJOY.

FIRST AND FOREMOST. I BOUGHT A NEW SHOVEL. If you've been alive- you know that a massive blizzard hit Chicago. My car is parked in a parking lot-covered with snow. I would have been able to get my car out just by trying to drive out because the lot had been plowed for the most part, but some inconsiderate person decided to shovel out their car and put all of their snow in front of my car...which is now frozen. I wish this shovel could have been borrowed/used, however I need to get my car out by tomorrow so my sister (who's car is more trapped than mine) has the ability to get to work Saturday morning. That's the situation.

As part of my resolution, one of my goals is to find the meaning behind my own consumption. WHY do I go out and buy things I don't need---used and new!! It's now been a little over ONE MONTH since the start of my resolution and I still haven't explored deep enough.

I am, however, exploring what things/objects/places/people mean to me and why and also the value of this meaning. I can say with certainty that there is great value on life experiences. (Thank you Oprah for that term---sorry everyone I'm not that verbally inclined). I place such a high value on achieving life experiences. In fact, I strive daily to accomplish this. To define it would be to say that this type of  'experience' is one that will be remembered forever and there can be no monetary value placed on it. My goal through this resolution is to create more life experiences for myself--something that will have a lasting impact on me--with little use of material objects. This resolution itself is sure to have some impact on me, right?--I mean that's the hope!!

I really dislike when people (I'm sure this includes you...because it includes myself) use the expression "live life to the fullest!" Well, who on earth would live life to the EMPTIEST? That just sounds sad. Obviously the meaning of the word fullest varies from person to person. For me 'fullest' is attaining what I described in the paragraph above--creating a life experience with little use of material objects. If I can do that daily, life indeed will be lived to the fullest-just not full of stuff. And everyday I'm learning how to do this...

I'm learning more and more how turn school and work into a true life experience. School and work for many can be a struggle to 'love' and many take for granted their situations. Though living to fullest for me means spending little money---I can't really say that little money was spent on the 'life experience' of school (thank you out-of-state and private grad school tuition).  However, it's been quite the positive investment. I wouldn't be where I'm at or wouldn't have the values I have without my educational background. Work? Well, I'm currently working--for free. I have an unpaid internship. Many close friends and family are in disbelief with my decision to go further into debt and obtain an un-paid job. The truth is while I could use the money, the EXPERIENCE is what's important. No, not just for my resume, but for me as a person. I don't want to be paid an hourly intern rate to do intern work and learn nothing. I want to be able to grow as an individual. This internship has provided me with such a great learning experience on so many levels and has enhanced my passion for international education, something that many paid internships would have never provided--a life experience.

Moving on.

Today, I really have an urge to go shopping. I'm currently at school in downtown Chicago along the 'Magnificent Mile' (aka Chicago's own 5th Ave, Rodeo Dr, or Champs-Élysées). It's as though my university tucked itself so perfectly in the city that one MUST pass and fight the urge to walk into H&M, Zara, GAP and others...it's like going to the supermarket. The reason why the milk is at the far back side of the store is so you have to go through the entire store to grab it and while you weave in an out of the isles you realize---oh hey I need chips...and dip...o0o it's so and so's birthday next week- better get cake mix and a birthday card! YOU SUPERMARKET BASTARDS. That's what they want. Though I'm sure my university doesn't have that reciprocity with the neighboring stores, it sure as hell feels like it today.

Quite amusing story: the store front window of GAP reads "MINIMALISM IS BACK," though I'm sure it means less glitzy and more 'plain' colors, it sure as hell reads different to me. Minimalism would be encouraging your customers to not buy anything from your store. "Wear what you already have from us! It still looks great on you!" But alas, I'm the one who has to tell myself that...and believe it. I love GAP jeans.

The store front window of H&M prides itself in it's 'SUSTAINABLE FASHION'. Exclaiming some of their spring wear is made from organic or recycled materials. I haven't been in to investigate myself, but I'm willing to bet that their sustainable fashion isn't equitably made...what about FAIR TRADE FASHION, H&M? Get on that ball...then I'll come shop.

Speaking of fair-trade. For the last 6 months or so, I've been volunteering at the Greenheart Shop in Chicago (another great life experience) and just recently was hired for a part-time retail position. It's always been difficult working there solely because I want everything. They have such great stuff! According to my resolution guidelines, I can buy from Greenheart because majority of their products are recycled and fairly traded. Double bonus! Nonetheless, I'm still trying to lower consumption--used and new, but I'm glad there are options and initiatives out there such as fair trade.

Now that I'm no longer a volunteer, but an employee at Greenheart, I'm going to have to find a volunteer opportunity. Many many options in the city of Chicago, but which to chose...

SWAP till you DROP.

I don't think I do enough investigating into the world of Nothing New. And believe me...there is a WORLD of nothing newers out there achieving the same goals I have. It's wonderful to now be apart of this exploration! And it is indeed an exploration...

...of the mind

...of the culture in which we live

...through the mounds of used items that stand before me (gahhh!!)

...through the streets of Chicago and beyond to find the people and places that support my resolution

...to find the meaning behind our unsurmountable love of STUFF

Call me Alexandra the Great. And I shall conquer this world of Nothing New. 

My trusting Kenmore sewing machine

Next stop Swap-O-Rama-Rama. "Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in which a community explores creative reuse through the recycling of used clothing,"(SwapORamaRama.org)...and accessories! I'm definitely there. And you should be to. If you'll be in the Chicago area Saturday February 12th. GO. And if you're not in the Chicago area either check the website above for a swap near you or come to Chicago-stay with me-and swap your clothes! Not only is it a swap, but a workshop for those saavy/not-so-saavy to create that unique personal item. My creativity game (and sewing machine) will be full-force come February 12th. (Thank you, Linda for sharing this with me!)  Chicago Swap-o-Rama-Rama Info

Don't commodify...MODIFY! Amen.

Two Weeks and Two Days In. Two weeks and Two Days less to go.

Target. Oh that damn store.

I cannot recall the last time I made a visit to Target and came out with the ONE or TWO items I needed to buy. I arguably made the shortest and cheapest stop at Target.. ever. Yet, while I was there I still found myself moseying around the main aisle trying to think of something else to buy. I wanted so bad to do my usual routine: start at one end (usually where the clothes are) and end at the other end of the store, filling my cart with potentially useful, but definitely not needed items. 

I was also reminded of why NOT to shop at Target (Thanks, G). After all, it's not too far off from its competition Walmart.  Both of which have been criticized for their lack of employment benefits/wages, their relationship with sweatshop manufacturers, and as a "big box store," Target and Walmart take away from the small-business/ mom 'n pop shops in small towns and cities. These are just some main points..I could say more.

GAH. Next phase of nothing new: not to support big box stores. 

I've also managed to do quite well while at Nordstrom. I definitely ooooo'd and ahhhhhh'd over some cute Ray-ban sunglasses (even tried them on). I enjoyed my brief moment and that was it. I don't need them. End of story.

I have to emphasize (as I've mentioned previously) that I really enjoy shopping. Shopping for ANYTHING--whether groceries, school supplies, clothes---you get the point. I find peace in walking through the aisles gathering items-not necessarily BUYING just looking. Trying clothes on. Conjuring up ideas as to how this item might benefit me or my apartment or my sister or.. something.  This 'peaceful' moment is something I hope to really learn about during my resolution. Explore the reasoning behind it...and then find peace/enjoyment in something else for god sakes. Yoga? Sewing? Reading more for myself? I'm not sure. What things do you find peace in doing?

There have been numerous incidents where I've purchased something thanks to the initial "enjoyment" I felt in finding the item-- only later, while at home, far from the store, and $300 less in my bank account I realize---I don't need this jacket! And without question-return it the following day. It's during those times and plenty more that I have a feeling of guilt for spending foolishly. Just like most of us, I have been taught that having more somehow brings happiness. Will living more simply with just necessities ever be drilled in our heads?

One rule my mom reiterates to me (she stole it from Oprah)....DOUBT MEANS DON'T. This helps when you're at the point in which you for a moment question your about-to-be-new item. The moment you question yourself about it-- is the moment you should put it back. During those times you do treat yourself and you want to purchase that special UN-needed, but very wanted item, you should never doubt your purchase. Why spend money just to spend it? Or buy something just to buy it? Put the item back and if you're still thinking about the item a few days later go back and get it. ***disclosure*** I'm still working on this word of advice. (Thanks, Ma)

What's great about this resolution is not only do I receive support from you folks, but SHOES too! Check out these Franco Sarto cowboy boots Mary (Graham's mom) gave me! They're perhaps the most expensive free item I own. Wore them out last night and they were perfect. (Thank you, Mary!) I've also received an afghan blanket---not from Afghanistan---from my aunt as well as a tea kettle! (Thanks, Auntie!)

This week I composed myself at Nordstrom, was given some great items and went to Target for things that I needed. And left with those items and nothing else. I stuck with necessities. With that said, I will leave you with a wonderful article of inspiration that my sister shared with me from CNN Money. 

My Spending Fast: I saved $18,000 and the woman who the article is about has a blog And Then She Saved .

Day 10. 355 Days to go. 1 Vacation down.

Back from vacation.

Now you're all wondering how I dealt with my resolution. Cutting to the point. I did GREAT--as nothing new was a success in Tucson! The terms "great" and "success" are defined here as: nothing new was bought. That's not to go without saying it was damn well difficult. 

It's interesting though because I already I can see a difference in how I approach situations where I want to buy something-even though I cannot buy it anyway. There's more of a thought process (which should ALWAYS be the case, but it's not) as to what would go into purchasing this item if I could. 

Example:

I wanted to buy a Cork Cage (a decorative item to put wine corks in) for my kitchen, which was $24. Where would I put this Cork Cage? How long would I hang on to this item? How important will this item be to me? Why do I want to buy it-what's appealing about it?

While on vacation I often take time out specifically to do shopping. As if buying something (new) makes the vacation even better? It doesn't.  It just takes time out of exploring or enjoying the place where you're at and people you're with. Nonetheless I do it--a struggle yet to over come.  Graham and I stopped at the 4th Avenue shops near the University of Arizona-quite the hippy area (you could smell the patchouli in the air). 

Graham was not as into the 'shopping,' (though he did buy some lovely Guaybera shirts) claiming that I could be there "for hours" just walking around. Guilty. Whether I buy anything-I simply LOVE looking around. Especially in little shops and boutiques that carry unique items. 

I did find a pretty blue dress at the Tucson Thrift Shop.  The hand-written tag said it's from the 60s. Regardless of the decade-I loved it and saw the future with it:

Create an A-line bottom and open the neck up a bit. I've learned that lower necks look better on me...higher necks make certain "objects" look bigger than they already are...

This dress cost me $14. A little more pricey than I would have liked to have spent, but I figured this dress would go a long way depending on what I do with it. Summer with a pair of flats, winter with a cute cardigan, tights and boots? Sounds good to me!

There was more to this vacation than trying to find something USED to buy. Graham and I had a wonderful time exploring the southwest. We went to the Desert Museum- until this vacation, I had never seen a real cactus before. "Real" is defined here as: not in a pot. Whooeeee THEY'RE HUGGGGE. We did some minor hiking at Sabino Canyon, drove to Sonoita (south of Tucson) to do some wine tasting and went to the University of Arizona Wildcats basketball game. 

AND THE FOOD. We were sure to eat the famous Sonoran Dog and went to Mi Nidito- a very tasty Mexican food joint--both were featured on the show Man vs. Food (travel channel). Nom. Nom.

Overall, this vacation was FANTASTIC not because of the blue 60s dress, but because of the memories I created for myself and with someone I love.  Dare I be so-not-creative and quote MasterCard? 

 Priceless.  

Nothing New on VACATION!? How many days do I have left? 361...

I'm headed off to Tucson, Arizona for a vacation with Graham. I'm not sure I've ever been on a vacation where I DID NOT buy something new (insert sarcastic shreek)-not just while I'm ON vacation, but also FOR the vacation. When I posed this to Graham his response was "well, WHY do you need to buy anything at all while we're there?" Great question, Graham. Why do I?  Well, I don't. Simple answer.

Packing was a bit difficult. Here I am...freezing my buns off in Chicago trying to remember what it's like to be in 65 degree weather. I can't lie and say I didn't think of what it would have been like to buy some cute clothing items that would be great in 65 degree weather...Alas I can't. So, here I am going through my (very messy) drawers finding my 'summer' attire and not being entirely happy with what I have. "I'm sick of this shirt" "I wear this ALL the time." My creative mind had set in-How can I wear this differently? I packed what I had and (fake) smiled while zipping up my suitcase.

Time to start re-lovin'. Let the struggle begin.

Souvenirs. I love vacation memorabilia--but I steer clear of items which display the location of my vacation or those snow globes depicting the 'good life' surrounded by falling glitter--anything that in a few years would be disposable. My vacation memorabilia is JEWELRY. When I studied abroad in Europe, every country I visited I bought a piece of jewelry: rings, bracelets and necklaces--and I still wear most of it. Not daily--I don't wear it because I fear losing it. It's as though my whole vacation experience lies within this ONE piece of jewelry and if I lose the piece I lose the memory.  I can remember where I bought the item, who I was with, why I bought it, what the weather was like--each piece brings me right back to Europe. Jewelry is more than just a souvenir. 

While in Tucson, I'd love to find an antique piece that is reflective of southwestern culture. I have no words to describe my love for antique jewelry. Or antique ANYTHING for that matter. I'd like to thank my Mom for that one. Having been dragged to antique stores and garage/estate sales as a kid, I was bound to fall in love. Thanks Mom. 

As a side note---I'm pumped to leave the cold Midwest.

Vacation time. 

2011 is here. 362 Days to Go.

It hit me when the clock struck MIDNIGHT on January 1st. Actually, it was Samantha (twin sister) who reminded me of my resolution-which at that very moment officially began. I was jumping for joy "IT'S 20-11 IT'S 20-11!" and Sam looks at me, grabs my shoulder and says "you can't buy anything newwwwww." It was as though she was talking in slow motion. I stopped jumping and responded something a long the lines of OH MY GOD. 


Part of me wants to ask myself....what have I gotten myself into- how the hell am I going to pull this off!? Then, I was reminded on New Years Eve of the support I have from those who have read my blog! It was refreshing to talk about it to fellow party people and it reminds me again why I'm choosing to do this. 

I've had my first personal let down. I went to a resale shop on the 30th and bought a cover-jacket to wear on NYE. It's black, gold, and a whopping $3. Of course this item desperately needed my help coming to form. So, before I went to work (on NYE day) I quickly altered my new find and it was ready to go for show that night. Well, at 10:45pm I was let off of work and was not in the mood to change and prep for an evening out. My goal was to hurry and get out to the suburbs and make it before midnight. Needless to say, I didn't wear my jacket. Looking back, it would have been a great way to bring in the New Year with my newly purchased used, altered, $3- cover jacket. (Alex, you idiot.) On the other hand, it shall be worn in the near future! And, I've already had a request for a lending! SCORE. To remind you- that's a huge part of my resolution: to borrow from close friends and family. It works vice versa. I'll lend you what I've got too-providing you give it back of course. 


Also, as a suggestion from another friend (Kelsey), I will be posting pictures of the clothing items I create (including the NYE jacket) as well as other used items I find. (Thank you Kels!!)


The beginning is here. I'm taking it day-by-day. Two fully down. 362 1/2 days to go!


Feeling ready.