Clothing Challenge

10 Jan 2024 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

“There are two ways to be rich: One is by acquiring much, and the other is by desiring little.” -Jackie French Koller

As the new year began, my friend Isabella said one of her New Year Resolutions was to not buy clothes, shoes, or accessories for one year.  I quickly decided to make this pact and make this one of my resolutions.  It was something I was going towards anyways, buy less, use what you love.

But how quickly we forget about this, and can mindlessly buy things when we are bored, when there’s a sale, when we want to change an aspect of ourselves, numb out, or even to feel a certain way.  But a new challenge has arisen.  Can we find that inspiration with what is already existing in your closet? This is the challenge.

Over the years, I have really gotten rid of so many things.  Now that I have moved back to America and reunited with all of my belongings that were in storage, I am reminded of the hold me that has existed. Does the old me equate with the new me? This is the question.  And now that I am in a new job and must go into an office, I am realizing I have less plain shirts than I realize. My clothes are on repeat.  But this is okay.

You want to wear what you love. You want to wear what sparks joy.  But it’s an opportunity to have one year to take stock on what exists in that closet. And see what one can combine, create, and surprise yourself. Perhaps new styles will arise, combinations added together that can ignite a new you.  Are you up for the challenge?

What are you waiting for?

02 Jun 2022 Leave a comment

by Dr. Tricia Wolanin in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

            Yesterday I wore a dress for no particular reason for the first time.  There was nothing special about the day, an impromptu market stroll, lunch, and beach time.  But I decided since I’m on holiday, why not?  I had brought the dress with me, what was I waiting for?  So often with “premiering an outfit,” (as my friend Erica says), I feel it must be for a particular occasion.  But why?  If this is the case, I may be waiting for a day that never arrives.

            Last year, I had gone shopping at a vintage shop in Bury St. Edmunds, and debated to by a fascinator for my hair.  I didn’t think I had a fancy event to wear this to, and said it aloud to a friend.  The store worker said, “every day can be special or fancy.”  Her words of encouragement stayed with me.  I bought the hair piece.  She was a great sales lady, but also spoke poignant words.  I need to remind myself this.  It’s like when people are deliberate of what dishes to use for guests or themselves.  They wait to put out only the good silverware or expensive plates for guests.  Aren’t we enough to celebrate? 

This may seem trivial to think of our precious belongings we own, and our desire to savor them for the right moments.  But expand your view of what this is representative of.  The time is now.  Life is short and if we take this mentality, there is value and worth in every moment.  It doesn’t have to be captured on film or be filled with other people wearing expensive attire to count.  Our life is full of moments available for us to participate and luxuriate in.

 “One can make a day of any size and regulate the rising and setting of his own sun and the brightness of its shining.”

– John Muir.