YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you stick to your shopping budget?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you stick to your shopping budget? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:27:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Gaylene on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549871 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 22:54:24 +0000 Gaylene 1549871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maneera, I wish I could say that my set number was developed according to a rigorous, well-thought-out mathematical formula, but the reality was it was number plucked out of the blue! I stood in front of my closet, looked at everything that was in there, and thought that 12 new items ought to be enough. I really don't think the actual number means much in the grand scheme of things. After all, no one was going to come after me if I exceeded it. What I really wanted was a reasonable (to me) number that would make me pause before I slapped down my credit card. I actually see this issue of "budgeting" from two perspectives. One is the monetary issue and the other is over buying. The monetary issue really wasn't a problem for me--I always had sufficient funds in my bank accounts to cover the cost of whatever I wanted to buy. My problem was, if I saw something I liked, I'd find a way to convince myself the piece belonged in my closet. I did try to be a conscious, ethical shopper but taking inventory of my closet made me realize I just didn't need that many clothes to be well dressed. Too much choice was making me crave more, not less. The real turning point came when I decided to drastically downsize my closet in preparation for a move to a condo in another city. I've so pleased with my smaller, but very functional, closet. The functional aspect came through loud and clear when I realized only a very small part of my former closet were 10s in terms of fit, flattery, and style; the rest of my wardrobe consisted of second-string duplicates, so-so experiments, lemming buys, emotional purchases, imaginary lifestyle clothes, items for occasions that never existed in my life, designer/label goggle buys, and "if one is good, why not buy 2 or 3 in different colors for variety" purchases. For me, the number is just a fast and easy way to avoid those bad shopping decisions. I still make the occasional mistake, and I still buy with my heart, but thinking really hard before buying helps me figure out if the item will still give me the same surge of pleasure a few months from now. Staysfit on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549837 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 21:52:52 +0000 Staysfit 1549837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am going to add a new thought here after reading some of these posts. When I was considering what to do about budget and managing my closet, my DD quickly suggested that I use both a monetary limit plus an item number limit. I bristled at the item number limit much as others are perturbed at idea of a monetary limit; however, I see great cleverness to the item number strategy as well. My daughter knows that simply placing an item number limit on me will not limit my spending. I am a high ticket item shopper, and I do not pay attention to cost. I never have, and may not have done if not for the budget limit agreed upon between myself and my DH. My DD was suggesting the use of both as a means of keeping my wardrobe size from ballooning while also reducing overall expenses over time. I am still considering the item number limit and whether I should impose this or not. I have however gone forward with the budget agreement. I opened a new bank account tied it to a debit card and will be separately tracking my clothing expenses using this account. As a family, we are using budgeting software to look at how we spend all of our money, so I am looking at everything, not only clothes. We have set some new goals and hopefully the creation of a budget will help. This brings me to Janet's comments above. What she says is interesting in that it's very similar to what I was told by my parents. Pay bills first, save some, then If any is left its okay to spend. Once income reaches a certain point however, the save some, part becomes more complicated with retirement savings, college savings, vacation savings, emergency savings, home repair savings, etc. Spending also becomes more complicated with children especially when one is away in college. The need for detailed budgeting comes into play. If you know where the money is going, and you set new goals, then you can easily decide if you can meet those goals by shifting funds from one location to another and by staying within the budgeted guidelines. In my case this is exactly what is happening. If I stick to the budget, my entire family gets a reward! Janet on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549470 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:19:21 +0000 Janet 1549470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What is this budget thing you speak of? No, in all seriousness, it says something about me that I was avoiding even clicking on this discussion, but I'm glad I did. The idea of budgeting has been rattling around in my brain ever since my husband and I have been confronting the reality that our income stream is changing. I've had quite a bit of fun building my closet (and rebuilding it) over the last five years, but I've also had some cringeworthy moments realizing I've spent a lot on some things that I ended up not loving much past the point when I acquired them. That's a problem. So many comments about bristling against arbitrary number limits resonated with me. I know myself well enough to know that I'll find a dollar amount restrictive and I'll want to rebel, but a quantity based approach could be much more effective for me. Thank you for that idea, Gaylene. I believe I'll be much more satisfied and effective if I concentrate on limiting the number of items I buy rather than stick to a dollar amount per month or per quarter. Truth is, I've never had a set clothing budget in my life. Not even as a student or a young professional when I was making very little money. I always did fine with the money management adage I grew up with: when you get paid, you 1) pay your bills, 2) save some, and 3) spend some if you have some left. That worked really well when I had a steady paycheck, and even when I made the change to freelance work with a much more changeable income stream, I adapted pretty well. If I didn't have it, I didn't spend it. There was one period of time in my late 20s when I racked up some credit card debt, but it freaked me out and I tightened up until it was paid off. I am an emotional and impulsive shopper. Shopping is a weakness for me. I have a lot of emotional stuff tied up in shopping -- my mom did too. She did it to stave off boredom, loneliness or depression, and I tend to shop more when I'm flirting around the edges of depression myself. I'm nodding along with Sterling's comments about distraction. The good thing is that I usually recognize this pretty quickly now and I can often stop myself or correct any expensive mistakes (I no longer buy from places with a "no returns" policy unless it is an absolute slam-dunk item). So, I doubt that a dollar amount is the right answer for me, at this stage at least. But I'm going to give some very serious thought to how to implement an item-based shopping plan. Even one-in, one-out is not really enough to discipline me, because I can justify a purchase with the knowledge that i'll go home and find something I can get rid of easily enough. Thanks for the amazing discussion, ladies. Sorry to write so much here, but I guess I'm sharing my ponderings and ramblings in case they resonate with anyone else here who has been avoiding the topic like I have. Staysfit on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549467 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 11:51:30 +0000 Staysfit 1549467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am reading everyone's input with much interest. I have to get ready for work but my mother mentioned something that interfered with her adherence to a budget and I thought it was interesting. She said she has spent more money since she purchased a tablet and carries it with her. She trolls the Internet and shops when she has down time. I suspect shopping to relieve boredom is a more frequent problem because of the Internet! My mother is 76. I wonder about the statistics? Anonymous on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549458 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 10:54:26 +0000 Anonymous 1549458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Having a budget is great.  I had to sit down and develop a realistic budget.  I say realistic because what I thought I "should" spend on clothing was not even close to what I actually spent.  When I adjusted the budget, everything made sense.  Stress and guilt melted away.   Impulsive buying is a bit harder and it can be an issue for me.  I identified those times when I was most likely to be influenced by impulsive shopping.  My biggest triggers are boredom, the idea that I "deserve" a reward, and wanting something new that will magically transform my life.  You can guess that "rewards" and "magical garments" were not my most sensible purchases.  But I did learn from my mistakes.   I recognize when each of these circumstances is triggered.  My solution is distraction.  I distract myself and the desire to mindlessly shop usually disappears.  However, distraction does not work 100 percent of the time.  When it doesn't work, I do shop.  I try to shop with a plan in hand.  I rarely buy myself "rewards" any more.  I now understand that no single garment is going to magically transform my life.  This enables me to admire those pieces in the store; I don't feel the need to bring them home with me anymore though.   Again, not always fool proof, but nothing in life is.  I work within my boundaries as best I can.   Lucy on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549456 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 10:51:58 +0000 Lucy 1549456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, people are so organised! Really interesting thread SF and all :) I'm not organised - I have no idea what i spend in a year - but I do tend to be quite disciplined, so I don't overspend.  My only regular outgoing is my hair - not quite fashion, but crucial to feeling groomed and good for work.  I tend to shop around my birthday in July and Christmas - this is when I drop most of the money, as my hubby gives me quite a generous gift allowance!  I do very occasionaly shop when I'm upset - shopping as therapy - but luckily I am pretty happy in general, so maybe once or twice a year at most.  The rest of the time I try not to go shopping too often, and this seems to me to work pretty well. Not perpetually "looking" is key for me. I haven't had a lot of luck with online shopping - Australia is way behind the US in this - so this tempts me less than bricks and mortar. Though if I am at the shops for another item and something catches my eye that i really love, I'm happy to buy it. I work hard, and don't want to deprive myself!  When I write this down, it seems shambolic, but it seems to work for me okay and I never feel like I spend too much on clothes.  cheryle (Dianthus) on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549447 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 09:54:30 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1549447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been reading this thread as it develops and thinking about it.  I used to shop recreationally - if I had nothing else to do I would go shopping.  I often spent a lot of money on clothes that I neither needed nor really wanted.  I usually didn't figure out I didn't particularly want something until after I had worn the item once.   Last year, I took a hiatus from shopping.  I made a conscious decision to not shop for at least a few months.  I have found that the shopping bug has been minimized.  I equate it to going cold turkey to quit smoking.  I am also giving more thought to what I need and am using pinterest to identify outfits that I would like to wear and identifying common pieces that I need.  For this fall/winter, the only real needs I have identified are a pair or two of boots and a grey knit dress.  If I focus on the items that I need/want and don't buy others, I don't need to worry about the budget as it is in check. I love analogies so here goes.  Consider it like your diet.  If you eat whatever you feel the urge to eat, you likely need to keep track of your caloric intake.  If you choose foods from the healthier options and include primarily fruits and veggies with lean protein, you likely don't need to count calories because you are making good choices.  The fruits and veggies are the pieces you need to create outfits and looks you want to achieve.   Jen W on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549372 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 04:08:31 +0000 Jen W 1549372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Staysfit, back to answer your question about using the separate account to pay off the Nordstrom card.  I think that might be a good solution for some to deal with the funds being "in play" while items are being returned. Others might struggle with meeting budget if it was left open.  But I think budgeting like Angie does, setting aside extra since NAS is an annual event, makes sense.  You had an incredibly disciplined NAS, so this may be an excellent solution for you! Maneera on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549354 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 03:18:10 +0000 Maneera 1549354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't seem to stay away from this conversation either! @LisaP - The sticky areas Staysfit mentions (the ones you relate to) are mine....not sure they are her sticky areas too. I'm doing the same thing. I buy something with GREAT EXPECTATIONS and tell myself "With this addition, my wardrobe will be oh-so-perfect". But once I get it, I lose interest in it immediately and I am busy plotting my next purchase....the next 'perfect' thing. That's the main Reason for all the duplication and too much choice in one category. I focused on summer dresses in the beginning of summer and added in bulk. Not a very wise move...should've spaced them out, because I wear some more than others. I did the same for bootcut jeans, sandals, crossover drape tops and some more things. Now I have the Problem of Plenty and want wish my choices were simpler! Anyways - a set budget will mean I will HAVE TO prioritize my spending. I can't keep 'hunting' for amazing stuff....got to start WEARING the amazing stuff I have! Like Gaylene, my reasoning for wanting discipline is 'over consumption' and not guilt. I really want to enjoy my purchases more, not jam more stuff into my cupboards. @Gaylene -- May I ask what your set number for every month/year is? I am beginning to see the appeal of your method. But how did you decide that 'X' number of items per month or year would be reasonable? What's the math for that? PS: I'm exceptionally good at 'girl math' too. No point kidding myself or pretending that I'm going to stick to 'budgets' if I see something I really fancy. Aziraphale on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549319 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 01:36:00 +0000 Aziraphale 1549319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe the answer is to go back to school. Lol -- but I'm only half joking. I used to have more time to think about purchases, but less so since I'm trying to juggle a full-time university schedule and raising two children. Now I don't have a lot of time to shop, and I tend to savour the few new purchases I make. :-) Anonymous on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549314 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 01:28:17 +0000 Anonymous 1549314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Now I can't stay away from this. Gaylene's thoughts really hit me too, in that my problem is now one of not really enjoying most of what I buy because I'm too busy plotting the next thing.  When clothing stops become special and exciting, to me it's the sign of a problem that needs addressing.  Man oh man do I have a lot to think about .Again, best conversations ever , here. Suz on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549312 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 01:21:10 +0000 Suz 1549312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think Gaylene's approach is a really nifty one for anyone with an established and healthy closet. You wouldn't have to limit it to 12 -- that number is arbitrary and it could be 24 or 36 or 6.  It's not so good for someone who is still in the process of building a working closet.  For me, it might work better to limit "shopping experiences" vs. number of items or similar. I prefer to buy in seasonal bursts and ignore shopping for the rest of the year. It might not work for everyone, but it seems to keep my spending to more reasonable limits without making me feel constrained in any way.  Gaylene on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549294 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:48:10 +0000 Gaylene 1549294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you raise a good point, Staysfit, when you describe how setting limits can repel us because it makes the whole process of shopping less emotional. I guess it's up to each of us how we feel about imposing limits on our desires and impulses. If the limits are externally imposed or placed there unwillingly, then we learn to play games to circumvent them like the "girl math" approach. My decision to limit my buying was entirely MY idea. I just got tired of being self-indulgent. I was lucky enough to not have to worry about how much I spent on my clothes but I found that made it easier to use shopping as an emotional reward for a demanding job. By imposing some discipline on my buying, I actually found I enjoyed my new acquisitions much more. They seemed special and exciting instead of just more stuff to jam into my closet. My thinking is that numbers--whether they are in dollars, arbitrary numbers, or figures in a spreadsheet--just work as guides to help us exert some self-discipline. Different numbers work for different people. I knew that I could never stick to a certain dollar value per month without resorting to rationalizing or "girl math". After a few months of that, I'd be disgusted with my game-playing and would have chucked the whole artificiality of a set monthly limit. Limiting the number, without setting a dollar value, appealed to me because I could concentrate on the actual items I'd be adding instead of the dollar amounts. That captured my imagination and made me feel happy about each item I ever-so-carefully chose to add to my closet. Sorry for being so long-winded, but I think you were on to something important when you talked about not wanting to lose the joy in finding things you love to wear. Limiting the number of items actually put the joy back into my wardrobe shopping in a way that an "allowance" could never do. But I know women who feel exactly the opposite--their "allowance" sets them free to spend without guilt. Overconsumption, though, not guilt, was my problem. Elly on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549286 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:42:49 +0000 Elly 1549286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Staysfit-- when calculating household income that percentage is supposed to be split between all family members. I'm the only person in my "household" --- however, my income is low enough that I only have a couple hundred dollars to spend beyond replacements of items that I wear out each year-- a couple of pair of shoes, at least one pair of jeans, several toppers, and at least 10 tops a year (I include gear, loungewear, and bras/undies in my budget and because of my 32DDD bust size even with ebay finds I spend close to $200 a year on bras). I don't have a reserve of largely unused clothing, so I have to spend a certain amount to keep my small wardrobe supplied. When I was working part-time I had no money to spend on expanding my wardrobe, even for special occasion items-- which I didn't own and often had to go without replacements. Increasing my income by even 10k would mean I could easily shop below or at the 5% level and if the SO and I combined incomes we would spend below 4%, especially since he rarely spends more than $500 a year on clothing because he wears a work uniform. Angie on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549285 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:42:45 +0000 Angie 1549285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SF, YES. Your strategy sounds familiar. I'm sure it's going to all work out fine.  Tania on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549270 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:21:20 +0000 Tania 1549270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We've prioritized savings for earlier retirement and do automatic withdrawals for those.  Whatever is left covers the rest of our expenses, including house, food, medical, clothing.  I keep track of our detailed expenses as we go.  We don't have a budget, per se, but I have "numbers" based on our past needs/expenditures so I can better plan our savings withdrawals.  We live a bit under our earnings, so this works for us.  I know every dollar we spend is a trade-off for something now vs. reaching our goal earlier, and that helps me stay focused and work on the clothes in a measured way.  But I also stay at home and lead a fairly casual life, so I can be flexible.  Anonymous on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget/page/2#post-1549266 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:15:59 +0000 Anonymous 1549266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ " As you listed, duplication, shopping without a plan, and collecting too many of the same silhouette. I figured out my sticky areas and worked on them so I can stay on track. Hopefully you are getting to that point also." I've read this post and replies a couple of times now.  I didn't think I had anything valuable to add here, and I still really don't, because I have lived and spent like a drunken sailor for most of my life. If I have money , I'll spend it. If I don't, I don't.  But all of a sudden , this comment you made, Ms SF, really hit me. This is me too.  I have these very same sticky areas and I'm thinking this is a good time and good season to get real for once.  Thanks for the extra nudge.   Staysfit on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549261 Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:05:29 +0000 Staysfit 1549261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (done in two sections, sorry) Suz, like you, more money earned can lead to more money spending on clothing.  I have had the feast and famine experience as a student and then upon graduation and getting a better job, paying off student loans, etc.  I would never say that I have overspent on clothing, however, I would say that the time has now come to focus my energy and resources on other parts of my life once again.   I also feel that I am very ready to begin this next journey, whatever it may be. Liz, you hit it straight on with your comments!  I have used software and online resources for tracking finances as you mention for years.  Tracking alone does not change or limit spending behavior.  Even setting a budget and saying this is the limit doesn't work unless you stick to it.   Elly, I'm curious is the 4-7% of income supposed to be divided among the family members?  Is that a per family member amount?  It's an interesting benchmark.  I did not use it, I am using a much lower percentage, but I still feel like the budget is generous enough for me for the year.  Perhaps I am being delusional, but I don't think so.   Smittie, It  sounds like you might benefit from Aliona's plan of setting aside money for times of the year when less money is coming in so that the finances are more even.  (I'm not a financial planner so this is a huge disclaimer that I am not offering up any advice whatsoever).  I am not a sale shopper because my size is usually picked over and gone by the time sales role around.  I also think sales are just a gimmick to get me into a store so I will get distracted and buy something I didn't want in the first place.   Angie, It sounds like the system I am setting up is very similar to yours.  The key for me will be staying disciplined. Lyn D. and Amy, I agree that when not able to shop, I should stop looking at online and brick and mortar shops. Laurinda, In my experience couples handle finances in several ways and the method you describe is a useful one.  It is not the choice my husband and I have made.  We choose to pool our money and have always had joint accounts.  If I open a separate account for clothing, it is with my husbands goodwill and acknowledgment that this is for a specific purpose in keeping with our goals as a couple. Thistle, if I keep spending like I have over the past year, I would probably be in debt at some point however, so far I am still able to pay all my bills and we still have a roof over our heads, etc. :-)  ETA:  I'm not sure how I missed Bettycrocker, Rhubarbgirl, Summer and E! Thanks for your input.  I read all of your posts, and if I get a chance will come back later to comment. Penny on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549258 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:56:03 +0000 Penny 1549258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting to hear everyone's approaches - I just started tracking this year, and I think it has reduced the amount and quantity of my spending while increasing the amount I'm willing to spend on a smaller number of items. I separately track the number of existing items in each wardrobe category and generally do one in / one out, which makes me very deliberate in keeping pieces (although I order and return quite a lot!) Staysfit on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549243 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:18:18 +0000 Staysfit 1549243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aliona, thanks for the clarification. I can appreciate the need to separate accounts in this manner. I don't have automatic deposit or withdraw capacity unless I'm the one making the transfers so it would be extra work to have multiple accounts as you describe. if I ever had an employer that offered it, I would happily set it up so my money could be whisked away without my direct everyday awareness. I like the idea and think it would cut down on impulsive shopping. Gaylene, my DD suggested an item limit either per year or per month. i have been thinking about item limits. Especially the part about how it forces very judicious thinking before making a purchase. A part of me is attracted to this, but another is repelled. I worry that i will lose my ability to feel joy, be emotionally free and to lead with my heart when making purchases. This must sound counter to wanting to stop impulsive purchases but I think there is a subtle distinction. I love how this concept reduces waste; forces careful wardrobe planning and responsible shopping. (For all the many meanings responsible includes) Joy, I'm curious how you pick the number of items? (The same question applies for Gaylene and anyone else who limits their shopping with a number cap.). I have a set number of hangers in my closet, for example, but I could still do an infinite number of 1:1 switches of new items for old. Maneera, I'm glad to hear you plan to spend some time learning and thinking about the budget and financing of your clothing. It's good for everyone regardless of income or even mathematical/accounting skills. One year ago, I was not ready to look at budget yet. I needed to address the other issues first. It's hard to stick to a budget if you are still caught up in old patterns. As you listed, duplication, shopping without a plan, and collecting too many of the same silhouette. I figured out my sticky areas and worked on them so I can stay on track. Hopefully you are getting to that point also. Style fan, I love the idea of a list of things you need/want for your wardrobe. I created one for this year. I also included some wildcard items though because I wanted to leave room in case I run into something I love that isn't on my list but still fits into my style. For example an awesome pair of earrings, or a hand knit sweater. I am curious what happens if find more than your item limit number based on your list? (Or do you only create a list as large as your item limit number?) Thistle on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549237 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:10:27 +0000 Thistle 1549237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am in charge of all of the finances in the house. I set aside a certain dollar amount per pay period. It goes into a clothing fund. ALL clothing purchased for me, my daughters, or my husband comes out of this account. If there is no money in the account, I don't spend. I have never fully emptied the account, thoug, probably because I worry then I would find something we NEED. This has kept me from ever going over budget. It also means I have the funds on hand to spend at NAS. I don't believe in going into debt for anything but long term durable goods (house, car, etc.) Laurinda on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549221 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 22:28:17 +0000 Laurinda 1549221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mr. Laurinda & I each have our own accounts for anything personal, and a joint account for anything we spend as a couple (household expenses). Amy on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549220 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 22:14:47 +0000 Amy 1549220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I don't have a lot extra to spend, I stop going into stores and stop looking at fashion websites. It helps curb the desire for me. Lyn D. on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549214 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:51:58 +0000 Lyn D. 1549214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For me sticking to a clothing budget is a matter of having reasonable expectations and a large degree of self-control! I base my budget on previous years so it is practical, and try to limit my shopping outings and on-line browsing. I base my numbers on number of wears per item and a 1-in-1-out strategy. Angie on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549173 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:53:09 +0000 Angie 1549173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a strict budget that I adhere to monthly. <ul> <li>It is for FASHION, and not basics like undies, sleepwear, socks, workout wear or lounge wear. </li> <li>My haircuts, eyewear, hair products and beauty products are not part of this budget either. </li> <li>My fashion budget increases at NAS time, and when we go on holiday. </li> <li>If I am over one month, I have to be under the next. </li> <li>What I don't use one month rolls into the next.</li> </ul> This system really works for me and I am disciplined about it.  Anonymous on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549141 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:19:15 +0000 Anonymous 1549141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The amount I spend in the spring/summer is a portion of my bonus and tax refund money. For fall/winter, I get a bit antsy about money, because of Christmas expenditures, heating bills, and lower income due to CPP/EI ( pension and employment insurance) charges coming back into effect in January. So I spend considerably less. I don't have a set budget but my clothes come last in terms of priority. I think what I need to do, now that I think about it, is try to buy a portion of my fall/winter clothes in the spring, when I have the budget. I'm not quite sure why others feel that buying off season is a bad idea. Perhaps because you're getting the dregs?  E on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549033 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 16:59:47 +0000 E 1549033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I was growing up, I had a monthly clothing allowance that my mom kept track of when we went shopping, so I still think in terms up a monthly budget, although this year I'm trying out two big shopping events, so I spent six months at a time. I really liked this, because it reminded me of the big picture, and let me decide where to splurge and where to save. I budget separately for shoes, because I don't have a car, walk 2-5 miles a day, and have arthritis, so good shoes are not a 'fun money' situation like clothes shopping is. Anyway, this year has been extra easy to stay within my budget; since I only did two big shopping events, I just stopped browsing when I hit my limit. Yet another reason why I'm really enjoying my new method! ETA: I don't have a separate account of clothing, I just keep track of my purchases in a simple list on my computer, and pay for them with ny usual checking account. Summer on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1549030 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 16:56:23 +0000 Summer 1549030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Setting a (very small) clothes budget has given me the freedom to spend money on myself without guilt.  Formerly, I would buy only when absolutely necessary, and then as economically as possible.  The result?  A very limited wardrobe and a lot of frustration. Now, I let my clothes allowance build up until 1) I need something,  2) I see something that would extend my wardrobe, or 3) I find something that I really love.  My wardrobe is still small by YLF standards, but I now have many more options to work with, plus I know that each purchase is affordable for me. As for sticking to the budget: as with dieting, it all comes down to will-power and self-control.  I'm sure that we'd all love to spend without a second thought, but for many that is not a feasible option.    Anonymous on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1548994 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:55:17 +0000 Anonymous 1548994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My DH and I sat down together to create a monthly budget, which we stick to. This seems to be working well, as he wisely incorporated a decent clothing allowance for me. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "How do you stick to your shopping budget?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-stick-to-your-shopping-budget#post-1548983 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:40:02 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1548983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it's easy to *under*estimate what a reasonable clothing allowance is, especially if your wardrobe is in a decent place. I've seen it happen to ladies here and it happened to me, and the penny-pinching catches up to you eventually because you have bought the bare minimum of stuff and then all your old things wear out or look really dated at once. That is to say, unless you are in a situation where you're barely getting by and struggling to pay the bills, don't cheap yourself out with the clothing budget, and preferably do it by season or year rather than month. When I kept track by month, it had the effect that I always wanted to go as cheap and minimal as possible, and never wanted to spend on the pricier pieces, even if they were totally necessary for my wardrobe. Answering 'how' you stick to it is another thing. I think it comes down to 'why' - a budget is a tool that you use so you can accomplish something. I think with a clothing budget, it's not just about not going broke and making the numbers balance (as necessary as that is), it's about what other goals you want to accomplish - spend money less impulsively, spend money more impulsively (it could happen!), buy more evenly for the seasons, concentrate your money on your dominant season, change your style, replace old favorite items... The possibilities are numerous and it depends on you. My clothing budget is separate from our household budgeting and bill paying, so in a way it's an imaginary budget as far as the credit cards go. I started tracking purchases last year, I think, and it's evolved into an allowance that's 'put in' every cross-quarter day, which works out to eight periods a year. During the first half of each season I focus on buying for that season, and the second half for the next season. I'm also experimenting with adding a number of garments goal like Gaylene mentions - mine right now is not a hard number, just an aim. Those constraints were to encourage me to shop for the season I'm in and reduce my out of season bargain hunting, and buy less items but higher quality ones.