It happens every year: I intend to save, but I don't. I fall prey to another sale. I end another bout of wallowing with a pair of new shoes. I buy into fads.

The fact is that I want a lot of things and the internet makes it easy to indulge. I want a closet that can compete with those of top fashion bloggers. I want enough mix and match pieces to never second guess what to put on in the morning. I want to prove to my readers that I can buy a whole wardrobe of ethical clothing and accessories without making any style sacrifices.

After working a job that didn't allow for much flexibility in dress, I went back to my closet and discovered that it all seemed dull, outdated, or ill fitting. I spent the last month selling off the old and buying new. Now, I'm ready to shut down the urge to spend on a whim and work with what I've got. I'm ready to see my savings account flourish. I'm ready to find new and creative ways to dress without the crutch of simply buying more clothing.

For the next 90 days, I'm fasting. I'm not buying new clothing, accessories, or trinkets for myself. I'm putting myself on a budget and sticking to it. I'm saving up for grown-up things like car repairs, travel, and a new mattress. I'm making it work.

And I'm blogging about it along the way.

If you'd like to join me or share your budgeting experiences, please comment below or email Style Wise at leahcwise@gmail.com. I'd love to feature you in a guest post.

The 90 Day Spending Fast starts tomorrow, October 1, and ends late December.

   

 

I had a wonderful birthday party last night and a great night's sleep for the first time in a week (stuffy noses and the urge to cough are torturous at night). I woke up to a chill in the air and sunlight streaming through the windows. It's going to be a great day.

The above outfits are modeled after outfits I've either worn or plan to wear. Pieces are similar to what I already have in my closet.

   

Yesterday was my birthday, so I thought it'd be fun to dress up and feature some gifts in my outfit photos. The mouse pins are from Daniel, the books are from my parents, and the little narwhal is from my friend, Mary.

This week far surpassed last year's birthday week (despite the fact that I have a cold). Last year, I had just moved and had no friends. This year, the whole week was a celebration. The thing that remained the same, however, is that I ultimately chose Chinese takeout over going out to eat; it's such a lovely indulgence to sit at home in your pajamas and eat food you didn't have to prepare.

Ethical choices are bolded below. Retailers taking steps to become more ethical are bolded in gray.

• Top - H&M


• Skirt - Old Navy


• Pins - vintage


• Shoes - thrifted, Etienne Aigner

   

Just wanted to drop in (on my 25th birthday!) to let you know that Mata Traders is offering $50.00 off your purchase of $150.00 for the next 50 hours. Now I have something to do while I stay in and eat Chinese takeout.

   

I apparently recently complained to Daniel that I'm jealous that he collects things - old milk and medicine bottles - when all I collect is soon-to-be-sold vintage clothing. He took that as a challenge and bought me a collection for my birthday! Mouse pins! So far I've received this lovely 1960s sterling silver pair and a little wooden mouse with a leather tail (he's giving me a gift every day leading up to my birthday).

In other news, I've only worn black and white ensembles so far this week. Maybe I should challenge myself to keep it up.

Ethical choices are bolded below. Retailers taking steps to become more ethical are bolded in gray.

• Dress - H&M


• Striped Top - Gap


• Belt - Thrifted


• Pins - Vintage


• Shoes - Blowfish

   

sources: tops - one, two, three; dresses - one, two, three; platforms

This is my ideal uniform for fall. A button up shirt adds warmth and sophistication to a warm weather dress, while platforms add a bit of edge.

As always, all products featured are fair trade, vintage, or domestically produced.

   

This week, I'm excited about that floral sailor collar dress, the sunflower bike shorts, and those patent leather boots. Click the screenshots above to be redirected to Platinum and Rust on etsy.

I have mixed feelings about featuring this outfit on Style Wise because of the questionable production standards of Urban Outfitters, the company that produces the jeans I'm wearing. After trying on dozens of jeans last fall, I found that BDG high rise seamed jeans had the most comfortable fit. But I wanted to purchase them by a more ethical route than simply picking some up at the store. I kept buying them secondhand on ebay only to find the sizes and inseams available didn't quite work for me. After about a year of searching, I succumbed to a seasonal sale and bought them in store.

I've felt conflicted ever since. On the one hand, as someone noted on my Relevant article a few months ago, purchasing one item from a fast fashion retailer isn't that big of a deal if you wear the heck out of it; by reducing your overall consumption, you manage to offset the negative impact your purchase made. On the other hand, that doesn't change the fact that you contributed to the demand for cheap, unethical goods. I don't know where I stand, really, but I know I'm leaning toward the latter argument at this point.

Ethical choices are bolded below. Retailers taking steps to become more ethical are bolded in gray.

• Top - thrifted


• Cardigan - Old Navy


• Jeans - BDG


• Loafers - thrifted