learned from one year clothes shopping fast

Last summer I was apart of what is known as a Summer Ministry Team that traveled through the southern states of the US. After a trying 10 weeks I returned home and I decided to go on a shopping spree, as a gift to myself. On Sunday however, God told me of his other plans for me.

The teacher was speaking about "Giving Everything To God", which we have all heard before, proceed by a few bars of "I Surrender All". I let it sink into my heart, what this man was saying. He had given everything. His home. His car. His job. God always provided. What had I given? My summer. Sure. There was still many things I was holding selfishly close though. That is when my shopping plans consumed my thoughts. "Alright," I thought, "I wont go on the shopping spree". And I heard... how about for a year?

From August 2nd 2009 until August 2nd 2010 I did not buy clothes. There were a few exceptions though: I was required to buy my dorm T shirt, my hall sweatshirt and my brother hall T shirt since I was an RA. And I bought two other T shirts to support friends. But that is it. It sucked. Walking into a fitting room for me was like an AA member walking into a bar.

It was an incredible year, and God proved his presence even with something as unusual as clothes. There was a sale with $3 vests that I wanted to partake in but had to refuse. Two days later, one of those vests was sent to me in my mail box from my RLC... unbeknown to her that I was even on this fast. Am now about to embark on another year long fast, but now from chocolate with my friend Olivia. White chocolate doesn't count and Nutella is considered hazelnut on Sundays.

I have learned so much about myself, and about clothes. I felt I learned as many threads about my self that are in a jersey knit T shirt:

 - I am "les gamine". Classic, feminine, young and petite.
 - I should wear pant and skirts that are high waisted to make me look taller.
 - I should wear V necks to elongate my neck and to make what little bust I have look proportionate.
 - I should wear long 16" plus necklaces to make me look longer and bring attention to my torso.
 - I should stay away from capri pant or leggings to avoid looking shorter.
 - I should stay away from thick belts that could engulf me.
 - The key is simplicity.
 - I can pull off neutrals and color, but should stay away from anything too pale.
 - I love how navy looks on me.
 - I am now a comfortable size M.
 - I used to buy way too many souvenir shirts (I am never going to wear a shirt that says "I went on the Tower of Doom")

Below is a picture of a skirt I am currently sewing from a pattern, this is how i would like to dress from now on: