I’ve always loved acquiring things. Objects that may not have any meaning to others, but which all have a reason to be in my possession. In recent years, most of these acquisitions have been purchases (rather than gifts or swaps) and the vast majority have been clothing or accessories. Whether it’s a want or a need, I rarely buy something completely on impulse without a use for it. It might be a practical handbag from a heritage brand whose factory I have visited, a hand-made accessory from a creative small business owner on Etsy, or something I’ve been eyeing up for ages from Collectif or Tatty Devine that will go with lots of other things in my wardrobe.
As I wrote recently, every one of these purchases makes me happy, but recently I’ve realised that this over-consumption must stop. To clarify, I’m only talking about stuff that’s in my wardrobe here. Although I do also buy other things like books, stuff that I wear makes up the vast majority of my unnecessary spending at the moment. I’ve heard of people buying nothing new for a year, but my current spending is out of control so I figured just switching to that would mean spending loads on second-hand and vintage clothing instead! Therefore, I thought I should try to break the cycle buy trying a month of buying no clothing or accessories at all. This may not sound like much of an effort, but my office is right by Oxford Street and the internet is full of temptation. When you’re signed up to mailing lists of various fashion brands/retailers, plus follow loads of them on Instagram, it becomes all too easy to get into the habit of clicking *add to basket* without a second thought.
So, this will be 31 days of really thinking about why I’m considering buying something when I already have a full wardrobe. Later this month I have an event to go to where a themed fancy dress outfit is required. Normally I would have gone straight to eBay to find something new, but this time round I’ll restrict myself to items I already own or can borrow from friends. My rule for this Buy-Nothing Challenge is simple: No clothing/accessories purchases for myself during the month of August. (I’m excluding gifts from this as my sister’s birthday is on 2nd September and I don’t want to limit my options!) Keep an eye on Twitter for updates throughout the month, and I’ll post here when I have time. It’s just a small change, but hopefully it will be a habit-breaking one.
UPDATE: On day 1, I resisted opening an email from Collectif about the extension of their 50% off event, and I managed to avoid buying any bras when I visited the Selfridges Body Studio for a pre-booked bra fitting and browse of their AW16 stock. For a full update, check out my September blog post.
Blimeh! We’re going to sell some too, right? #bootsale! 🙂
If we can get organised, yeah. I still have a few bags of clothes in the spare room that need new homes.
I have had a clearout of my wardrobes recently I really must get around to putting stuff up for sale!
That’s always the part that takes time, isn’t it? Turning the pile of pretty things into cash.
SWAPMEET? I have lots of things I am keeping in the vague hope I would fit into them again – unlikely – and I would like to get some new things………
There will definitely be another clothes swap at some point. However, there are some things that I’d really like to get some money for as they’re just too nice to give away.
I need to see if I can sell a bunch of mine first, very short on cash, but there’s always some stuff in good nick that is fine for swapping but not worth the bother of selling (y)
Yup, what Lori said 🙂
what about the idea something along the lines that some baby groups do? everyone bring things – label them at what you would like to sell them at – have someone responsible for collecting the money – with the tags, popping funds into individual envelopes… Dafydd & I were talking about this a while ago……. which ever way – do post them up as i LOVE your dresses!!!
I think we’re similar sizes so do shout if you decide to move any on to other homes. I mean, I shouldn’t be buying either but I love your style!
You? Buy too many clothes? Never! 🙂
Yeah, I figured people might be shocked by this revelation!
If you want to do a clothes swap sometime soon I have a pile of things that are swap-able 🙂
There will be another clothes swap, but bootsale is the priority. I was going to take the Things I Want To Get Money For to a clothing exchange, but it closed down 🙁
Boo. I guess there’s eBay – just takes all the effort! Though wasn’t Jo looking for a car boot buddy?
WOW so impressed! Think I need to give this a try too haha
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A month? How about going toe to toe with me on clothes buying? When I buy something I’ll pst it and tag you in, and that unlocks Lori Can Buy A Thing point.
and by return, you post when you’ve brushed your hair, and I shall brush my hair. Everybody wins
Dear Mr Wood, I have considered your kind offer but, on this occasion, will have to politely decline. Kind regards, Lori
*gutted*
my hair shall remain wild
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Ugh i’m going to unofficially join you on this challenge
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I could do with that challenge…
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I’ve managed two Buy Nothing challenges – the first for 10 weeks and the second for 3 months. Deleting shopping apps from my phone and unsubscribing from all marketing emails helped a ton; I found it relatively easy going both times, but it speaks volumes that I never extended the challenges after my initial time period was up, despite claiming both times that I’d try! Fact is, I love shopping and I love clothes, so denying myself both for a longer period of time just was never going to work. Good luck!
Thanks for the encouragement, Janet. It’s going well so far but, like you, I can’t ever see myself giving up shopping for good!