It’s a few weeks into the New Year, and while many people have already broken new year’s resolutions, I’m adding new ones to my list. If I understood or believed in astrology, I would guess that the stars are aligned in such a way that I am now compelled to embrace self-improvement. Whatever the reason, I’m going with it.

My newest challenge for the New Year came to me when I dropped in to my favorite thrift store, which was flush with perfect-for-me finds. This was shortly after I had a conversation with a friend about a new cashmere sweater she bought that looked old and ragged after she wore it only once (all that pilling was driving her crazy). I told her I had picked up a few cashmere sweaters from a thrift store last winter and they were in fine condition—leading to the conclusion that they just don’t make things like they used to.

And that’s when the new challenge presented itself: see how long you can go without buying something new. Seriously, why buy something new when you can find an oldie but goodie? I thought about it for a while before committing to it and I’ve allowed myself the exception of buying new when it’s eco-friendly. So, if I feel like I want something to perk up my wardrobe, I will head for the thrift shops and flea markets or to retailers that carry merchandise by eco-friendly designers.