Ok, I have to come clean...I fell off this wagon big time. :/ I have absolutely no *good* reason for it. The bad reason was that I went through one of the most stressful, burned out months of my life (last month writing my dissertation on my much-tortured doctoral project). I think it started while I was running some (a lot) of codes that made graphs for me, making small edits/adjustments, and each time it took 3-5 min to complete. Too long to stare at a wall, too short to do anything useful. I ended up browsing ThredUp (danger, Will Robinson!). Long story short it became a bit of an addiction for about 2 weeks while I was at my worst, willpower shot. I knew exactly what I was doing but was in a general state of f***it.
The "Gazingus Pins" thread actually had some interesting discussion for analyzing my behavior in retrospect: someone mentioned their shopping habit was an expression of their hobby when they didn't have time to actually DO the hobby; I think for me getting clothes was a stand-in for my usual self-care activities (cooking, exercise, tidying, gardening, etc). Plus the usual endorphin rush of "getting new stuff" was unfortunately very helpful in otherwise depressing times. Also with the shipping delay of online shopping there was an effect of giving me something to look forward to (like something positive rather than just "it's over") in the correct time frame.
Fortunately, because it was online shopping, half of it went back due to atrocious fit. And after my deadline my addiction has fallen away. I kept browsing for a while but the desire to buy vanished and eventually it got boring. Still, I ended up out a few hundred on a lot of items...2 pairs of jeans (to replace 4 that I'm tired of mending!), new swimsuit, several pairs of shorts/capris, 3 button downs (in petite sizes, that FIT), 3 sweaters, some casual jewelry, etc. almost all of it secondhand. And yes, as I realized it was totally unnecessary I could have returned all of it, but also couldn't bring myself to right after, and now it's too late. It'll get worn, and used, and motivate me to get rid of the stuff I actually *won't* or shouldn't wear anymore...
Now that I'm in calmer waters (I successfully defended at the beginning of the month! Yay!) I'm planning to go through my closet for the nicer brand-name things (e.g. Ann Taylor) and try to sell them...any suggestions on best venues? Hoping it can offset my spree a bit. ThredUp pays a pittance, so I'm not giving them anything I think I can move myself.
Nonetheless, I totally failed the challenge, judge me if you want. I am, however, recommitting for the rest of the year starting now! Nothing else unless I *need* it. If I can finish my doctorate in spite of it all, I can not buy clothes for 7 months! :)