Please please please add me to the roster of YLF participants who are SYC for the 2011 year. I felt like I had to do something official myself, like posting an itemized goal plan, so that I better stick to the program (I am very good at reasoning my way out of things if I didn’t previously come up with a “rule” to handle the potential lapse in judgement). I hope that this will make me more accountable.

My 1-Year “Shop Your Closet” (SYC) Plan:

1. The purpose of this SYC is to better determine my shopping patterns and habits, to improve my financial situation, to live more simply and in accordance with my personal values, and to hone in on my personal style.

2. It starts July 26, 2011, goes through to July 25, 2012.

3. Exceptions include basic essentials as needed such as underwear, socks, tights and gear. Also excepted are very occasional buys from thrift stores such as Value Village, Goodwill and Women in Need, where the proceeds go to charity. The reason is that thrifted buys are recycled and charity donations. Visits to thrift stores will be no more frequent than once every 2 months. Ebay and Etsy are off limits during this time.

4. I plan to use the funds I have been using for shopping to pay off some smaller debts I have, to completely get rid of them. This should occur by the end of the 2011 year.

5. During this 1-year period, I also hope to lose about 60+ pounds that I have gained recently. The weight loss period will involve using what I have in my own closet for my needs. If a serious hole is discovered, then I will be able to go to thrift stores to purchase the required items.

6. Once the weight loss is successful, I will then do a closet purge and sell or donate items. In the meantime, I will keep everything, in case something is discovered to be needed.

7. Several clothing items are to be repurposed during this time as well (ex: brown lace strapless dress into a skirt). Also, several larger size items will be tailored down where possible to a smaller size (ex: several skirts).

8. Style-wise, while I am aiming for “10s”, realistically I need to be content with “6s to 9s”. Not everything will be perfect style-wise or fit-wise. This is acceptable during the process as there are other goals which are more predominant – specifically weight loss and financial goals.

9. Should there be a need to break with SYC, the decision will be evaluated at that particular time (cons v. benefits), and SYC will immediately resume after that break. All expenditures will be tracked (more thoroughly) during this time. A possible break may include spending around the holidays in December /January.

10. In the period leading up to the SYC, I am allowing myself to go over-budget for some expenditures – to “stock up” so to speak. These items are already listed and planned for. (Please note, I have gone quite over-budget over the last few months!)

11. After SYC (July 26, 2012), a fabulous item that has been desired for a long time will be bought as a reward. Possible ideas include a grey striped suit (with skirt too), a great bag, good denim, etc.

12. The total amount of items I own now (not including underwear, socks, tights and jewelry) is between 240 and 250 pieces. The ideal number would be well under 200 pieces. I have my pieces itemized on a computer chart (color-coded for sizing and whether I’m keeping it), similar to the recent threads' examples.

13. I will try to post WIW pics incorporating wardrobe items on YLF. This is to get feedback on style choices and to better develop future style. I haven’t posted any pics as of yet as I was /am having camera issues. I also don’t like taking photos of myself anyway. I figure it’s something I will have to get over eventually, so maybe posting YLF pics is the way to go.

There! That didn’t take that long. It’ll be over before I know it and I believe I will be a happier person for it.