Most Worn. Most Loved. May Edition.
MDW Sales, Shopping Fatigue, and the Summer No-Buy Challenge I’m Actually Doing
MDW
I was thinking about what I wanted to showcase in this weekend’s post, and I started overthinking: what would I actually want to read right now?
I found myself thinking about the season shifting into summer (even though it sure doesn’t feel that way if you live in the Northeast) and the Memorial Day sales. Honestly, the MDW sales felt both exciting and overwhelming. Dare I say the weekend had serious Black Friday energy? I caught myself getting flooded with emails from every company I’ve ever bought something from. Which is overwhelming in itself, especially when your inbox sits at a default 3,825 unread messages.
On social media, the pressure was definitely on. So many people were posting amazing summer outfits that just happened to be on sale. I caught myself getting dragged into some online shopping I didn’t even really want to do.
The MDW Pressure to Click “Add to Cart”
I did a bit of online shopping over the weekend—but do you know what the best part was? Spending time at the lake with my family. We literally had a competition to see who could get the most steps each day. One day, my son walked over 20,000 steps—it was hilarious. By the time he wrapped up his 19th walk of the day, he reminded me of Forrest Gump after he finished his years-long cross-country run.
During the MDW sales, I picked up a few pieces, and luckily, I made some rational decisions. I even bought my husband two articles of clothing. Kudos to him for allowing me to expand his wardrobe from six items to eight.
Should I try a June “No Buy”?
I’ve been reading a lot on Substack about people doing a “No Buy Challenge.” I saw some people committing to an incredible journey of going a full year without adding anything new to their wardrobes. That’s impressive. I think I’m going to try a “No Buy” June.
I want to shop my own closet, and I want to put my money where my mouth is by proving that so many pieces can eloquently be outfit repeated.
I always worry that my subscribers and followers might find me boring if I’m not showing the newest and most exciting pieces. However, I think it’s important to show how a wardrobe can revolve around a few quality staples rather than sheer quantity.
I’m honestly hoping I don’t fail… but maybe this public declaration will work like when people post on social media that they’ve signed up for a marathon. You can’t back out now!
I loved reading ’ Substack, How To Do a No-Buy Challenge (And not fail like I did). Here is “How To” Prompts from the post:
Set Clear Rules – Decide what categories you’re cutting out. Are you avoiding shopping, eating out, or entertainment? Be specific!
Define Your Exceptions – Allow room for necessary expenses like groceries, bills, and gas. You can also give yourself a small budget for social events if needed.
Choose a Timeframe – A month is a great starting point, but even a week-long challenge can be eye-opening.
Track Your Progress – Keep a simple note or spreadsheet of what you spend and reflect on your choices.
Have a Plan for Temptation – What will you do instead of online shopping or grabbing takeout? Make a list of free activities or meal prep ideas in advance.
My Plan
So let’s take this and create my plan:
Clear Rules: Non-essential clothing items will be cut out.
Exceptions: I could just write all clothing. However, if my favorite white tank top rips in the middle of June, I will replace it. I just won’t seek out any new items.
Timeframe: The month of June (AH!).
Track Your Progress: I probably shouldn’t add meaningful data to my ongoing iPhone note, so instead I’ll make myself a little chart that I can color in or mark with an “X” each day I succeed.
Temptation Plan: I guess we’ll channel our inner Forrest Gump and walk until we can’t walk anymore. I’d love to fill the time with audiobooks, podcasts, and simple moments of being present—like sitting on my porch, sipping coffee without my phone. I also am going to “Indyx” as much as my clothing as possible into the app! (more discussion of this below).
I know a lot of people use the Indyx app. It helps organize your style, track how often you’re wearing each item, and calculate the “cost-per-wear.” If I, a technological dinosaur, can figure out how to use the free version of this, maybe I’ll try it so we can analyze the data together. Nerds like me LOVE data.
Most Worn
Here are the items I wore the most in the past month. I’m excited to start using the Indyx app so I can have more concrete data to use. Let’s look at the pieces I couldn’t stop wearing!
Cropped Tee (I sized up)- This tee was so good. I wore it over athletic shorts, jeans, and even midi skirts! It’s cropped, made of thick cotton, and washes really well.
J.Crew Sweatshirt - I wore this grey sweatshirt in 1,241 ways this month. Grey Sweatshirt (I sized up)- I never expected in my life to spend $50 on a sweatshirt unless it was merch from a Zach Bryan concert. However, this sweatshirt has lived up to every expectation I’ve had. I can wear it casually with athleisure, to work with a skirt, or even draped on my shoulders as a layer. I have it in grey and white!
Nike Sneakers- These sneakers are multifunctional. They are great for looking “trendy” with that chromatic Nike check, while also being functional to work out in. I wear these on my longevity walks.
Superwide Leg Jeans (TTS)- I love the curvy fit of these jeans a bit more than the standard superwide-leg jeans. The color of this wash is really cute. I’ve worn them with blouses, T-shirts (the cropped one in #1, duh), and blazers.
Strappy Sandals- You know I love something when I feel the need to snag it in two colors. When I saw the brown color go on sale this MDW, I knew I had to hit “add to cart.” I like that these can be worn casually with jeans or dressed up with a flowy dress.
Polo Baseball Hat (featuring my daily triple shot of espresso) Red Polo Hat- The red Polo hat has been a showstopping accessory. I’ve worn it both casually and more dressed up. It’s also perfect for all those patriotic moments this summer, like the 4th of July. I can never find red to wear as part of my red, white, and blue.
Old Navy Shorts (I sized up)- I won’t be satisfied until I see at least 15 strangers walking down the street wearing these shorts. BEST length, super comfortable, and the stripe makes them look way more elevated.
Amazon Shell Earrings- For the past three years these have been my go-to favorite pair of earrings.
Ray-ban Wayfarer II- I feel like I’m channeling my inner preppy Jay Gatsby when I wear these (the Leonardo DiCaprio version, obvi). I can wear them while driving the kids to and from camp, and also pair them with a cute weekend look. OG Wayfarers fall off my face. The OGs also look too small for my big ’ole head. These are perfect.
Most Loved
These are the new pieces I added to my wardrobe in May. I love and can’t wait to style in the upcoming months. Unless it stays an eternal winter.
Denim Shirt Jacket (I sized up)- I love my regular oversized denim trucker jacket. However, I saw this shirt jacket go on sale for 50% off and took the plunge on this denim shirt jacket. I bought my original size but returned it to size up. I wanted a cool, oversized look for summer into fall.
Pointelle Shirt (I sized up)- Pointelle is everywhere! (Oprah: You get a pointelle shirt, you get a pointelle shirt!) It’s a knitted fabric with an open, lace-like design. I snagged a few cute tank tops and this gorgeous cardigan tee.
Linen Tank (I sized up)- I have never met a square neck I didn’t love. I am trying to incorporate more color into my wardrobe. I saw that “sunset colors” are trending, and this golden shade looked fun.
Red Dress (TTS)- I wanted this dress before our Palm Beach trip, but the price was too high. “Patience is a virtue.” Shocker — it went on sale for 50% off.
Polo Sweater (TTS)- I was so unsure about this one. However, it had the coolest print, looked like a very “different piece,” and I knew it would pair well with different looks. It’s not a sweater polo you’ll wear on hot days this summer — it definitely has some weight. It’s a great transitional piece or shirt to wear at night when it cools down. (Here’s an IG reel of me showing off this beauty!)
Madewell Embroidered Shirt (also peek the J.Crew strappy sandals I loveeeeeee!) Embroidered Shirt (TTS)- When a student identifies the make of your shirt and compliments it, you know you nailed it. Gen-Z approved. I wore it with a tank underneath. I saw someone wear it as a cover-up over their swimwear… CUTE!
Long Shorts (TTS)- Long shorts summer is here. I’m still not on the capri bandwagon (again, muscular calves). These are lightweight, have an elastic waistband, and are anti-chafing — do I need to say more?
Etsy Scarf (36x36 us the best size IMO) Etsy Scarf- I felt the last thing I needed before going into shopping purgatory was a cute spring/summer scarf. I wanted a designer one, but the prices just weren’t right. I found this one on Etsy and LOVE it. Plus, it has a big cat on it — sold.
Terry Sweat Shorts (I sized up, didn’t need to)- Athletic stripes this summer are having a moment. Adidas is truly loving life. I found these shorts also on a ridiculous sale and felt they’d be a great change-up from my daily summer bike shorts repertoire. I can wear these with a white tank and trick the world into thinking I’m put together.
Wrap Skirt (TTS)- I have this skirt in three colors. I love wearing it in the summer with a solid tank and a pair of strappy sandals (like the J.Crew ones I’m obsessed with).
Augustus Bader Shampoo- This is a weird transition to hair care… BUT… this product is SO good. A coworker bought it for me for my birthday — she nailed the gift because she knows I love the finer things in life. I can’t explain it — it has to be the science of the pH of my scalp — BUT… I do not have to shampoo my usually greasy hair for at least 3–4 days after I use this. WTF? My medium-long hair does require a lot of product, which I hate, but I’m hoping if I’m washing my hair so much less, by the time I need a new bottle it will be my birthday again!
Let’s Chart: What’s your most-worn item right now? I’m taking notes. Have you ever done a “no buy” challenge? Tell me everything!!!
Welp, that’s all. May was a great month. I’d love for it not to rain every day this June! Fingers crossed. If you see me out in the streets, keep giving me moral support as I navigate this no-buy June. I’m going to diligently track it in the Indyx app and see how this whole experience goes.
Send thoughts and prayers to me as I embark on this massive test of self-control.
Love you guys! xo,
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Wishing you a speedy recovery Traci. Miss you. Xoxo - Ana (your friend from Insta)
Love this!!! Committing to a no-buy June and definitely trying out the Indyx app!!