This Black Friday Season I did something I haven’t done in a long time.

I bought clothes.

For a year I did a no-buy for clothes. Only wearing things I own. I was able to whittle my closet down and understand what I truly love to wear without following trends.

A-line skirts anyone?!

This season, I decided to splurge on good quality clothing. I was able to purchase 3 tops, 2 bottoms, and a dress. I grew up with thrifted clothes and fast fashion. This was my first venture into quality and sustainable clothing. Not only did I look well tailored, I looked my age (2 years away from 30), and fashionable…I also felt like I was wearing pajamas. Even my boyfriend commented that my clothes feel way more comfortable than they look.

Speaking of my boyfriend, I also bought him clothes. He is big and tall minus the big extra on the tall, so finding him clothes that fit can get expensive. I used this season to get him 7 tops and 2 bottoms. He also is extremely happy with the quality and feel of his new clothes. He says they are his favorite clothes that he owns.

BONUS: My boyfriend commented last night that between our two evolving wardrobes we look really nice. He thanked me for taking charge of this and getting us nice things. He admitted it’s not something he would have thought to do, but is appreciative I did. It felt really nice to be recognized and appreciated for my efforts, even though they are different from his as a man.

My advice: We balance each other, men and women. Don't write your instinct off as silly little girl things. Your priorities are different, yet valid. If a man wants to date a man they will.

My second piece of advice: Invest. In. Your. Wardrobe. I am a firm believer after this experience that saving for 2 nice shirts every couple months is much better than $15 for 20 things that miiiiight survive their 2nd wash. Once you put on NICE clothes your entire view of fashion changes. Looking good CAN feel good.

Preemptively, I want to ask you to please not comment on me buying clothes for a man that is not my husband. This man supported me financially 100% for 2.5 years. I am in a place where I can do something nice for him and I did. Everyone’s relationship dynamic is different. Ours works, and we are happy. Thank you.