Last August, I blogged about a month long Buy-Nothing Challenge that I set myself. My rule was simple: No clothing/accessories purchases for myself during the month of August, although I excluded birthday gifts for others. Now that all my Christmas and birthday money has been spent, and the new year sales are (mostly) over, I thought it was time to try again.
This time I’m going for a six-month challenge as, after the one-month attempt, I’d returned to my usual habits by the time we got to Christmas. This time around, for the months of February, March, April, May, June and July 2017, I will assess whether I want or need each item of clothing/accessories that I start eyeing up for myself. Usually it’s just a want. A big lusty want, inspired by beautiful Instagram images, features in Stylist magazine or tempting email newsletters with discounts.
Should there be anything that I decide I actually need over the next six months – e.g. for weather/an event I cannot currently dress for, of if something I currently own breaks/wears out – I have decided that I can buy something only if I make a considered purchase. I shall ask myself the following questions:
- Is there nothing that’s already in my wardrobe which will suffice?
- Can I alter an item I already own, or make something myself?
- Could I borrow something suitable from a friend?
- If I can’t make do, can I purchase a second-hand item that will fit my needs?
- If I absolutely have to make a new purchase, can I find an ethical/sustainable company to buy from?
I have already started using my ‘clothing to drool over‘ Pinterest board again, whenever I find something that I think I need when I actually just want it. It definitely helps to break the addiction! The final thing I bought in January was one of Bonnie Bling’s amazing anti-Trump protest sign brooches, which I think is a pretty good last purchase as it is handmade in the UK with some of the sale price going to charity.
I’ll report back each month to let you know how I’m getting on with my challenge in more considered shopping.
Image via European Clothing Action Plan (ECAP).
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