This quarter isn’t quite over yet, but with a few days left I think it’s safe to do my quarterly shopping update. In Q1, I acquired five pieces of clothing. Given that my goal for my low buy year is no more than 15, that’s a third of my allotment for the year. Which means I need to slow down my rate of consumption!
Out of the five items, three were secondhand, so I’m on track for the other part of my goal: to make buy 50% secondhand. The two new items were outerwear. (One was this puffy winter coat that I reviewed.)
Everything I acquired fulfilled a desire from my Wardrobe Wants Wish List, so I feel good about sticking to that. After writing about oversized wool blazers, I put that on my wish list and in January, I found an Everlane one from a past season secondhand. I also finally found a skirt that I’ve been looking for for years! (It was something I used to own but didn’t fit anymore, so I needed a bigger size.)
Finally found this Uniqlo skirt in a bigger size. (This photo was taken back when I fit the smaller size. Unfortunately, the shirt is also now too small, so off to find that in a bigger size, too.)
On the subtraction side, I’ve decluttered nine items, the majority for fit. I guess I’m finally accepting that I’m likely not returning to the smaller size I used to be.
Welcome Objects 2026 Wardrobe Count
Additions: 5
Number of Additions That Are Secondhand: 3
Subtractions: 9
Currently Coveting
Everlane Made in Italy Almond-Toe Pump – These are not practical for me since I rarely wear the pumps I already have. But I love the vintage look with the V-cut vamp. And it’s only a 1.75″ heel. They’re reminiscent of the V Heel, which I used to own (in my pre-foot injury days). Wow, though, the price of Everlane shoes have really gone up. Yes, it’s been eight years since the V-Heel. But the Almond-Toe Pump retails for $298, which is nearly double the cost of the V Heel. Is the Made in Italy collection of nicer materials? Or is it just marketing?
Caraway Mechanical Kitchen Timer – OK, $45 seems like a lot to spend on a kitchen timer, but I love this? It’s retro-looking and made out of metal, not plastic, and since it’s mechanical, no batteries are required. I don’t even want it for the kitchen, necessarily. I want to use it when I’m doing the pomodoro technique on creative projects.
Other Updates
In one of my shopping diary posts last year, I mentioned I wasn’t sure where to donate a brand new custom-made suit I never wore. Well, I found an organization that seems like a good fit. Bottomless Closet helps women enter the workforce with clothes and workshops. I called to ask what they are most in need of and it’s smaller sizes like XS and plus sizes. (But not dresses and skirts. Apparently there is no demand for those in 2026). I’ll be dropping off my suit along with some XS office-appropriate clothes.
Also, I took my Rachel Dress from Mixed by Nasrin to the tailor for hemming. As I wrote in this review of the brand, the proportions of this dress are not right for someone petite. Maybe I’ll do a before-and-after post here, so that you can see what it looks like after being adjusted.
First photo is from a recent visit to Everlane. I looked around and didn’t buy anything. Please clap.
