Challenge for 2012

I have set myself a challenge for 2012. Not a New Year's resolution; we all know they don't work, and only end up depressing us when we fail miserably in mid-January. No, this is a challenge, and one which will require a little assistance from you. Don't worry! You don't have to do much beyond provide a little encouragement, and if you see me in Target, eyeing of a frock or two, smack my hand away. For me, a self-confessed shopping addict ("shopaholic" always sounds too cutesy and fun. Stupid pop culture), it's going to be somewhat tougher...

So here it is: in 2012, I will not buy anything from a first-hand shop. Everything I need, from a work skirt to craft supplies, will be bought from a second hand store or website. I'm not going to carry on about social obligation, fast-fashion, carbon footprints or landfill (as if any of that has ever stopped me before). I'm just challenging myself to stop consuming enough stuff for eighty people, that's all.

There are, of course, a handful of exceptions, such as underwear. I can tell you now, everything that grazes my bare bum will be new. But there are conditions, rules, guidelines to ensure every potential shopping outlet (pun intended) is curtailed.

The Pledge

1. I will not buy any form of clothing from a first hand shop. There are 5 exceptions to this: Feb 25th 2012; underwear (ew); sneakers (again, ew); presents for other people (was that a collective sigh of relief I just heard?); when overseas (gimme a break! But I wont go nuts, as we'll be a little broke whilst over there).
2. Before I head off to buy new socks/bras/grundies, I have to do at lease one load of washing. There has been more than one occasion where I was under the impression I had very few undies, and set off to Target to rectify this (and while I was there, pick up a couple of other essentials, such as a new frock/skirt/shirt/pants), only to do a load of washing that weekend and find that, actually, I have more than enough to go on a 6 month laundering fast.
3. I will not buy any accessories from a first hand shop. This includes hair accessories as well as bags, shoes and shiny things (I don't have heaps of hair, so all good).
4. I will not buy any craft supplies from a first hand shop. The only exception is needle/thread, but only when I have run out of existing supplies. And I have to hunt in op shops first.
5. I will only buy second hand housewares, with the exception of large household items that we need (I think our fridge is on its last legs. Fortunately, I was given a camera for Christmas; I have bought second hand cameras twice, and each time has been a disaster). When doing home renos, (where possible) we'll use recycled materials, which opens up a whole new world of salvage yards my husband will be thrilled about...
6. I will not buy new stationary. *Sniff* Farewell, Typo. We'll always have Harbour Town.
7. I will not buy any wrapping paper or cards. I will use up what I have then make my own.
8. I will not buy any cosmetics until I have used what I have. Seriously, I'll be okay for the 12 months.
9. I will only buy toiletries when I have used what I already have. That means you, guest soaps.
10. I will not (gulp) buy a new magazine. I have my subscription to Shop Til You Drop (shut up) so that will have to do. 
11. I will not buy books from a first hand store. In fact, I'll read what I already bloody-well own before I go out searching for more reading material.
12. I will not sulk, stamp my feet, whinge or do an angry-dance when I can't have the new shoes/bag/dress/eyeshadow (except on here; I mainly meant in public).
13. I will record what I have spent and on what in a lovely diary that is filled with pictures of shoes. Torturous, really. 
14. I will report back to you on everything I buy so as to be held accountable. Unless it's a present for someone; I don't want to ruin the surprise! I'm sure there will be the odd post where I describe how I feel about it all, too.
15. I will accept suggestions, in case I haven't thought of something. And trust me, by mid-January, I'll come up with several loop holes if you don't plug them for me first.

So there it is. One woman's attempt to stop consuming more than is reasonable (hmmm, vague enough for ya?). It's going to be a tough year, and retail therapy will not be as easily accessible to help deal with it! At least I have my birthday in March to ease the pain and have already started a list... Seriously, if anyone gives me a voucher for a first hand store, it is going to stay in the house until Jan 1st 2013, at which time I'm certain I would have grown as a person and no longer need drop coin on anything cute and shiny. Well, it helps to have a goal, right...? Wish me luck!