The Year We DID Shop...Wisely

And, we're back! Though, really, did we ever actually go anywhere? No, we did not, but doesn't it feel like we must have because of our marvy new site?

Life sure does feel different here at 365 FR - and not just cause we can shop again, though that is pretty great! So many changes! As we have let you know over the past few weeks, we have been busy little bees developing the content for our new blog - should there be any confusion please check the header above.

Starting today, it's a whole new kind of Fashion Rehab. The kind where we share the knowledge we have acquired from a year - a very long year - of going without. After 365 days of not buying clothes, accessories, or makeup, and shopping day in and day out in our closets we can tell you we have knowledge you won't find in any style guide or budget book. We are introducing our "365 Fashion Rehab Look Book" (a bi-monthly feature) where we show you how to take a key piece in your closet and wear it a million different ways. Okay, maybe not a million, but a lot! And, you can expect some of your favorites with a twist - our famous "Lust-Haves" have now become Lust or Must? where we ask you to vote on whether or not you think we should go through with it. Also in the new department...

A&P's NYC Changing Room Montage

Love, A&P

P.S. If you can't see this video, click here or go directly to our YouTube channel

P.P.S. We are almost ready to launch our new site! Are you ready to check it out???

The Times They Are A-Changin'

By now, you all know that we have successfully completed our year in Fashion Rehab and lived to tell the tale! We are so proud of ourselves for actually making it through that we have been shouting it from the social media rooftops (Facebook, Twitter - are you following us yet? What are you waiting for???).

But now what? Not to worry, just because our year is over, doesn't mean that 365 Fashion Rehab is! What you have seen here on this blog since May 15th is some musings, videos and photos. But what you haven't seen is the two of us working away behind the scenes on what we have been referring to only as "Season 2". We have been developing exciting new content, polishing off some of our original ideas that didn't make it in "The Year We Didn't Shop" and putting the finishing touches on our new look! Suffice it to say, we are beyond excited to launch the new site!

So, get ready! On June 1st, a mere 5 (eeek!) days from now, we will debut 365 Fashion Rehab - The Year We Did Shop...

Empire State Of Mind

In case you hadn't already figured it out, I had the most amazing time in NYC. So fun that I can't even believe it is over. Which may explain why I am still talking about it. I may have even shed a tear or two while watching the season finale of Gossip Girl this past week—not just because of the tragic story of Chuck and Blair—but because P and I were lucky enough to have stayed at the Empire Hotel, the current faux residence of Mr. Bass himself, and it made me sad. I wish life could be that joyous and carefree all of the time.

P and I chowing down on some 'za after a "grueling" day of shopping!

I wanted to share with you a few a few highlights from our trip before we launch into "Season 2" of Fashion Rehab...

365 Fashion Rehab's No-Shop Challenge Winners!

First of all, let us just say that we could not be more proud of every single one of you for participating or more honored that you were courageous enough to join us, even if it was for just a few days, or in some cases, a few hours (you know who you are)! We were blown away by how many of you signed up and loved reading all the comments about your Fashion Rehab experiences. Picking the winners was not an easy thing to do. Hopefully, somewhere down the road, we'll have a contest where everyone gets a prize, but in the case of the No Shop Challenge, we had to hunker down and decide.

Drumroll please!!!!

The winner of the fabulous fascinator from I Heart Accessories is -

The Lady in the Louboutins

Here is a video mini-montage of my first post-Fashion Rehab purchase. I know it is not a surprise (at least not after we Tweeted and Facebook-ed it all over the place!), but truthfully, even I didn't know what my first purchase was going to be until well into our dinner Friday night at Bar Americain. Even after trying them on at Saks on Friday, I took quite a bit of time thinking and wondering if the Loubs were for me. It was only after all the reflection that I realized I couldn't stop thinking about them. I had my answer.

Now, you should know that these beauts were not technically my first purchase...

How It Felt To Make That First Purchase

We did it! We made it to our goal and completed our year without shopping! Naturally the next step in the process was to actually buy something. I had been dreaming about my "first purchase" for so long but had no idea what it would be until the day arrived. I wanted it to be special and to reflect the conscious "post-rehab consumer" I believe I have become.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 15th, in New York City, I bought a white Helmut Lang blouse. Tailored but not too tailored, long enough to belt or tuck in, stretchy in a flattering way, and, ultimately, a "classic". This white blouse symbolizes a new day dawning for me and my shopping habits. I own many white tops but not one that is so seemingly basic yet so incredibly versatile. Looking at the video footage below makes me so happy. I get to relive the experience whenever I want!

Was it easy for me to hand over my card? Yes. In fact...

A&P's 1st Post-Fashion Rehab Purchases!

Check out the vid A and I took on our last night in the big city breaking down our purchases from our first weekend back in the land of the shoppers... There will be a more detailed post to follow in the next little while, but we couldn't wait to show you!

We were so lucky to meet some wonderful people over the weekend, especially... Nadine from Bloomingdale's, Ann(e) at Saks 5th Avenue, the boys from the Louboutin store on Madison and the wonderfully talented (and, I think, clairvoyant) makeup artist Vickie from Sephora! You all made an amazing trip so, so much better. Thank you!

Love, P

P.S. If you can 't see this video click here, or go to our YouTube Channel to watch it directly.

365 Fashion Rehab- May 15th, 12:16 A.M.

Perhaps you have been wondering what we did when the clock struck midnight this past Friday and we were finally allowed to shop? Did we run to a 24-hour drugstore and wipe out the makeup department? Or did we have the grace to wait until morning? Watch the footage below to find out!

Love, A&P

P.S. Aren't you just dying to see what we bought after one whole year of not shopping???? Make sure you stop by the blog tomorrow to witness the unveiling!

P.P.S. If you are unable to view the video above, please click here to watch it on our YouTube channel.

Links à la Mode

We are happy to announce that we were chosen by the IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) community to be featured in their weekly series "Links à la Mode"! Below you will find a brief write-up with links to many great articles from some amazing fashion blogs. We really enjoyed the DailyDivaDishes post "Disposable Fashion's True Cost". Make sure you check it out!

Beauty is Truth
Edited by Thom Wong

Beauty is truth and truth is beauty, but what happens when fashion enters the mix? Several of this week’s links tackle this thorny question with gusto, teasing out the various layers of meaning behind the term beauty and what it means to feel or be beautiful. Ethics and the material nature of style emerged as another dominant theme. The Laundry Narrative wonders if she can enjoy fashion blogging without dealing with the BIG ISSUES. Then there are longer form posts where I felt the writers stretched their narrative legs, some new voices in the game who could use your attention, and, since this is still about fashion, some lovely outfit pics of girls on bikes. Finally I’ve included the only two men who bothered to post (seriously, what up men). And meggings – nooooo!!!!!
Collage images via: Brachman’s Sparrow, évoluer, The Sunday Best, and Oranges and Apples

Links à la Mode : May 13

• 365 Fashion Rehab – Notes from the closet: Day 357! Building better future buying habits by way of a major wardrobe investigation.
• 39th and Broadway – The Fall of Designer Denim.
• Bachman's Sparrow – Saturday Advice column: develop your personal style into something amazing by learning how to take risks and not dress for others.
• Chrissy Styles – I create an outfit inspired by a painting. This time one by Luc Tuymans:
• D e f i n i n g B e a u t y – Pass it On – What do you do with clothes you don’t want?
• DailyDivaDish – True Cost of Disposable Fashion: You may be paying more than you realize.
• Debutante Clothing – Are you Lying? Why Do You Wear Vintage? A response to 5 Lies Women Tell About Vintage Dresses.

365 Fashion Rehab Hits NYC

Seeing each other for the first time in six months was so amazing! Here is a video of us on our way into NYC. We will be posting footage and photos this week from our amazing celebratory trip. More details about the purchases to come. Right now we are nursing some very bad hangovers and trying to pack...

Love, A&P

P.S. If you are unable to view the video above, please click here to watch it on our YouTube channel.

May 15th, 2010

Here we are in NYC! Shopping has been amazing - but we find ourselves proceeding with caution and eyes wide open... It's so great to see each other.

A's first purchase was this morning at Saks where she found her dream white blouse (Helmut Lang) and P is now the owner of a pair of red soles - yay!

But there's always tomorrow... Who knows what will happen? (A little birdie says there may be some video to view...)

Love, A&P

365 Fashion Rehab: Where are you?

Click the play button below for today's post!

Love, A&P

A Shout-Out to Our Peeps

We couldn't have done this without (not only each other, but)...

A's man (aka New Media Matt), Mr. Darling, Mama S, The Mater, The Dunns and the all rest of the Palmer-McLeod-Andrews-Adams clan. Jessa-Meena, the Halifax Ladies and the Women in the T Dot (you know who you are!).

The amazing Ms. KK, The Malones, FB from Fabulously Broke, Judy G, Sarah May, Woo, Megs, SK Harley, the gang at Bar-One, the ladies of SOOS, Cat, the SF Mommies, CB24, Sally, Natalie, Raluca, Rick O'B, The Atwoods, Tennille, Uncle Jake, Adelle from the Fashionista Lab, YYZ & LHR from Fashion Is Danger and our latest contributor, Nadine Jolie.

The Big E! And the Little (Baby) E!

And, of course, to all of our loyal readers. Not only did your support help us make it through to the end, but you actually made the ride that much more enjoyable! And for that we are eternally grateful.

With so much love, A&P

Ode To 365 Fashion Rehab - Video #12

As the madness enters official wind-down mode (just 48 hours to go!), I thought it would be fitting if I signed off our video series with a poem.

Love, P

P.S. If you can't see this video, please click here or go directly to our YouTube channel.

48 Hour Makeup Countdown! Exclusive Interview With Beauty Expert Nadine Jolie

Nadine Jolie. A name synonymous with brains, beauty, and blogging. Author of the wildly successful "Confessions of a Beauty Addict" and the modern girl's beauty how-to book "Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll-Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best", Ms. Jolie also blogs daily (www.nadinejolie.com), writes for Vanity Fair and many other online publications, and has appeared on the Today Show.

As we prepare to re-enter the makeup world alone after being away from it for for so long, we knew we were in need of some expert advice. Ms. Jolie recently took time out of her trés busy schedule to answer a few questions for us. We couldn't be more grateful!

With your hectic travel schedule you must be an expert packer. What are your top 5 beauty travel products?

-- When I travel, I try not to skimp on quality! My skin and hair are finnicky, so I pack a mini bag with travel-sized skincare from Arcona, toss in mini haircare products from Bumble and Bumble, and bring sample vials of perfume. I never bring a hairdryer, but I will throw in a mini hairbrush and travel flatiron! (The hair looking good is very important!)

The mercury is rising! What is your best beauty pick(s) for the summer months?

Lust-Have Look Back Part 2

Now it is my turn! I must confess I had so much fun reading P's "Lust-Have Look Back" that I couldn't wait to do mine. Having a list is a great way to buy what you really want without overspending on what you don't need! So without further adieu, here is my "Lust-Have Look Back".

Still Lusting! a.k.a. If I Can, I Will...

Topshop Ruched Dress

1. House of Harlow Plated Stack Ring. Still adorable. Available in gold for pre-order May 28th. Hmmm...

2. Topshop bandage tunic. It is sold out, but maybe something similar will fall into my hands?

3. Over-sized black T-Shirt from Target. Still need one! Only xs left. Must seek out from another retailer.

4. Reebok EasyTone Sneaker. Not so exciting. But definitely necessary, right?

5. T-Bags Terry Bandeau Bikini. My size is gone (boo hoo) but I am sure I can find something out there that is just as adorable!

6. Colin Stuart for Victoria's Secret Booties. I love the idea of flat suede booties. Cute with skirts, shorts and jeans...

Lust-Have Look Back Part 1

As we near the end of this crazy, nuts, bananas project, A and I decided it would be appropriate to take a walk down our Lust-Have memory lane and re-asses where we stand now on those things we would have bought if we could. Would we still buy them now? Or, in hindsight, are we grateful we were in Fashion Rehab? (Now that's a crazy concept!) We have divided our entire lists into four categories (check back for A's reflections tomorrow!) and have included all the things we were wishing for as well as the grand total of what we "would" have spent. (yikes!)

Herewith, P's Lust-Have Look Back

Still Lusting! a.k.a. If I Can, I Will...

1. My very first Lust-Have! The Gap's Skinny Jeans - Maybe I'll find some on sale? Although I may not be allowed to buy jeans anymore... Once I have completed my closet makeover, we'll know for sure. Perhaps if they have them in white? Okay, I am now officially getting carried away and it's only the first one! Good grief!
2. Cargo Lip Gloss Quad in Oceania - Still love this Canadian company and their amazing gloss!
3. Aaah! The Cole Haan Black Patent pumps - These babies planted the seed for the whole Hole-y Wardrobe post! And led me to what may potentially be my first post-Fashion Rehab purchase... (see above)
4. Betsey Johnson Carlos Leopard sandal - I found these cuties on sale for $100 at the time. If I found them in a week, I most certainly would pick them up! Great designer, classic print - you can't go wrong!
5. Clinique Black Honey mascara - let me at the makeup counter as soon as it's back in stock. Remember A's video? Once you find a product you like, stick with it. And stockpile if you can...

Notes From My Closet

I thought that there was no better way to begin wrapping up the "Year We Didn't Shop" than by doing a closet makeover. I had lamented about it in "Crossbody Confession" but wasn't sure if I was going to take the plunge. Well, I did. I dove head first into the most thorough investigation and organization of my wardrobe to date, and was actually surprised at what I discovered! (Apparently, you can still be surprised almost twelve months later.) I have known over the year what pieces have been working, what old ones had resurfaced, and what new outfits were made; but I still wasn't able to easily recognize my buying patterns, the repeat offenders, nor the "holes" in my closet. I do not want to go to New York without a detailed account of my present wardrobe. Kind of like going to the grocery store without a list. Disastrous.

My closet (left side). I put my everyday shoes in the shoe organizer for easy access, organized tops and dresses by color and kept only the jeans I am currently wearing on the shelf above. Handbags and additional shoes are stored to the left, while boots and larger bags sit nicely on the floor.

I took tons of notes while going through my closet (not to mention an insane amount of photos with an iPhone App, but that I will save that for another day!). I can't emphasize enough how important this is. These notes are the key to discovering your past shopping patterns and building better future buying habits. There is nothing fancy about them, they really are just like streaming trains of thought. Here is a sampling of the notes about my closet:

• Absolutely no more basic layering tanks! No more long sleeve cotton layering tops...

If I Could, I Would... 7 Days Left

Lust-Have #60

Kenneth Jay Lane Bamboo Hoops $65 from ShopStyle

It is so hard, almost impossible to believe this is my last Lust-Have. Equally impossible to believe is the fact I do not own a pair of hoop earrings. Large, small, silver, gold. There is nary a round earring in sight in my jewellery box. Sadly, this is yet another "hole" I have discovered in my wardrobe (for more on that click here).

Happily, it may be filled by this time next week! Well, this time next week... plus a day.

Love, P

P.S. Be sure to check in next week when A and I do our "Lust-Have Look Back". We'll be combing our lists from the last 365 days and re-evaluating what we are still lusting after and what was just a spontaneous urge!

If I Could, I Would...8 Days Left

Lust-Have #59

Gucci Sukey Medium Tote, $775

This is my very last "Lust-Have" before Fashion Rehab is over. My personal #30 in the "If I Could...I Would" series. This saddens me but also makes me super excited! After all, we will be shopping (for real) in 8 days, right?

This bag barely needs an explanation. I love it. I wish it was mine. I visit it regularly on Gucci.com and the Bergdorf's website. Unfortunately, much to my angst, I recently discovered that it just isn't my time for the "Big G". Something about this bag and being part of a single-income family, having a growing toddler, and a soon-to-be-happening fabulous trip to NYC just don't mix. It hurt a lot more than expected, but now it is time to let the dream go.

Someday, my friends, someday.

Love, A

P.S. Don't forget to watch for our "Lust-Have Look Back" early next week!

Letter #4

Dear Winners,

I'm not sure if you remember me. I know it has been awhile since we've seen each other, but I want you to know my feelings for you have not in any way diminished. What they say really is true: Absence does make the heart grow fonder. And though it has been a long time - 356 days to be precise - I wanted you to know that I am coming back to you. If you'll have me.

The love we had grew slowly and steadily and was in full bloom... just before A and I came up with this crazy, nuts, bananas project. Sorry. I know you hate it when I mention her. But, in fairness, she had her own painful separation from T.J. Maxx.

365 Fashion Rehab has been hard on all of us.

Since I entered Fashion Rehab and was forcibly ripped from your department aisles (even home decor!), I have been working hard using what I learned in your Guide to Fashionomics - since the weather has warmed, I have added a "brilliant burst of tropical color" to my outfits and, once we can shop again, I plan on buying a "classic sheath dress"! - and dressing stylishly using what I have hanging in my closet. But now the time has almost come. Soon, I will be able to walk through your doors with arms open wide and a spring in my step! It will be wonderful to see you again and you can help me (like you always do) "Find Fabulous For Less". I have missed you so much that sometimes, when I am feeling really low, I tell myself that that message is actually meant only for me. You know so well how I love to feel fabulous...

If I Could, I Would... 10 Days Left

Lust-Have #58

butter LONDON "3 Free" Nail Lacquer in Yummy Mummy, beauty.com, $14

Where to start? First, thank you to my super stylish friend, Cat, for introducing me to this brand last weekend while we (coincidentally) mani-pedi'd together. It is free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate). I'm no scientist but all of those things sound pretty gross to me! Thank you, butter LONDON, for caring about the planet and our bodies.

And what about the color? I am such a sucker for great packaging and kitschy names! With Mother's Day just around the corner, what hot mama wouldn't want to be sporting this shade?

Love, A

Sunglasses Showdown Pt. 2

So, what is haps today? Well P and I leave in 10 days for NYC, and although I am seriously excited, I am still not totally sure what I am going to buy. There is sooo much cute stuff out there. At this point it seems really overwhelming! We know that we are hitting Topshop, Uniqlo, Patricia Field, Calypso, and the biggies that P mentioned here this past Friday (sidenote: my vote is for her to buy the black Louboutin pumps, too!).

I know that sunglasses will be one of my first purchases. I hope to be sporting a new pair by about 10:01 EST on May 15th! Do you remember my original sunglasses showdown back in February? I have since lost my aviators (I wonder if it was subconsciously?) and three more studs have fallen off of the Burberry's. I am now down to the ultra scratched sporty Prada's and the still cute, but insanely oversized, Gucci's. I have narrowed it down to these three. Help a sister out and tell me what you think!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Sunglasses, Shopbop, $98

If I Could, I Would... 11 Days Left

Lust-Have #57

Summer Boatneck Pullover from L.L. Bean $39.50

Given the fact that nauticals are so in right now, I was really surprised how hard it was to find this perfectly classic sailor top. Leave it to L.L. Bean to keep things consistent. I especially love the 3/4 sleeves and the boatneck.

This is the perfect staple for any wardrobe - hopefully mine in 11 short (and by short, I mean loooooo-ng) days.

I feel like I'm eleven years old and I'm waiting for the last day of school to come...

Love, P