Michelle's Pretty Year Challenge

It was new year’s eve, 2008. Christmakkah meant a new (if entry level) sewing machine that I vaguely recalled how to use, and thanks to a small but significant weight loss, I had small closet’s worth of recently-purchased clothes. On the downside, I had very little idea of how to put any of them together in an outfit sort of way, and was facing the same economy you all were. I loved fashion too much to betray it by once again by wearing the same four or five outfits until they fell apart. But I had to stick to some sort of budget. Suddenly, my new year’s resolution came to me, in a fully-accessorized vision.

Spend as little as possible, create as many new outfits as possible, and do it as publicly as possible. You know, to keep myself honest.

There were bound to be some duds, but you have to break a few eggs, or at least a few eggshell dresses in “yolk,” right? Right.

Now, I may not be the Queen of Bargains, but only because that title belongs to my mom. If it was to be a legitimate challenge, I was going to have to make it hurt. I may not be the no impact guy, but I can do my part. I considered the amount of money the average working American woman would have to spend on a subsistence wardrobe– primarily replacing items that had worn out or were about to– at prices consistent with a discount retailer. I started a tally:

1 Winter Coat or Other Jacket: $40
1 Pair of Shoes or Boots: $20
2 New Tops: $30
1 New Pair Pants/Skirt: $20
1 New Dress: $35
1 New Accessory (Belt, Sunglasses, etc.): $15
1 New Winter Item (Hat, Gloves, etc.): $15
1 New Summer Item (Swimsuit, Shorts, etc.): $15
6 Pairs Socks: $10
6 Pairs Panties: $20
2 New Bras: $30

Total: $250

Wow. Really? I mean, I can squeeze a nickel, but can I squeeze $250? I’m not sure– but given how many people would love to have $250, guilt-free, just to spend on clothes? I can try.

The idea of creating a new outfit every day is a little daunting. I have to give myself an out on those flu-ish sick days when I’m lucky if I drag myself to the kitchen in ratty fleece PJs and a scrunchie from 1994. 365 is neither realistic nor humane. But 250? I can do that. Or I can try.

So, welcome to my Pretty Year! 250 outfits, 250 dollars and a whole lot of awkward hands.

And now, a little fine print, for those who like to squint:

The rules, and there are only two of them:

1) No more than $250 cash spent, out of pocket, in 2009, for any new (not currently owned by me): apparel, fashion accessory, footwear, jewelry and any related item, including sewing materials, EXCEPT:

• Any uniform or costume specifically required for the purpose of maintaining employment. This does not include “business casual” or similar clothing, but does include, for example, tee shirts emblazoned with the company name, pants of a specific shade that does not exist in my closet, etc.
• Any footwear required for marathon training or other highly-specialized sports apparel.
• Bridesmaids dresses or any special attire required if I somehow win a ticket to the Oscars, become the new spokesmodel for NASCAR, etc., and associated alterations.

2) The aforementioned $250 does NOT include the following:

• Store credit just sitting burning a hole in the bottom of my purse (less than $100 total).
• Gifts or gift cards received for my birthday, holidays, etc.
• Money or store credit obtained by returning or selling clothing I currently own, or from price adjustments.
• Free clothing or store credit earned via rewards and referral programs such as Loehmann’s, Rue La La, MyPoints, and the like. Because money for nothing is a totally awesome loophole. Ask me how!