YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 10:34:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783517 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 20:25:01 +0000 Anonymous 1783517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I get it.  I think my goal is not to be an extreme anything.  I just want my purchases to make sense in my overall wardrobe scheme.  In the past, I gave into very impulsive purchases that I did love but that did not fit into my wardrobe very well.  I started to find that those impulsive purchases were the first to be purged.  I thought taking a break from shopping would reset my thinking and lead to a more mindful shopping strategy.  One day I would like to be a moderate shopper, but I am not sure what moderate means to me.  I thought perhaps I would like to do two big purchases a year at the beginning of each season.  If I adapted this strategy, I would be back to not purchasing for most of the remainder of the season, but I would have a really well thought out wardrobe to carry me through that season.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783409 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 15:32:22 +0000 Anonymous 1783409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, it's hard for me to articulate what I mean. I guess that it moves the needle on what's considered "normal" (for lack of a better term) and what's considered extreme. If you think of zero shopping being the absolute extreme on the spectrum of shopping frequency, then moderate shopping is normal and once-a-week shopping would be on the high side. But if you think of moderate shopping as being the absolute extreme, then once-a-week shopping looks normal. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783397 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:55:41 +0000 Anonymous 1783397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Catty.  I will check out Frugalwoods blog.  I love being introduced to new bloggers.   I complete agree with you.  IF I had a list that I shopped from, that would be great.  I don't.  I am a very emotional and impulsive shopper.  If I see something on sale and it is pretty, I buy it.  I always tell myself it fits into some loosely defined wardrobe plan, but that is rarely the case.   I was intrigued by your statement:  calling such a thing a "ban" kind of normalize overshooting.  Could you please try to explain what you meant by it.   Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783394 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:49:17 +0000 Anonymous 1783394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As usual I love your insights. I've kind of had similar philosophical thoughts about shopping "bans" that carve out certain items. Cait from the blog formerly known as Blonde on a Budget also had a list of exceptions to her "shopping ban." My feeling is that if you have a shopping list, that's not a ban, it's a plan! And shopping with a deliberate plan instead of just buying whatever whenever is great. It's really what I ultimately aspire to but have never quite gotten there. But doesn't calling such a thing a "ban" kind of normalize overshopping? Because what it's implying is that even the most extreme shopping fast is just--shopping moderately. I don't know if you've seen the Frugalwoods blog, but she did an open-ended shopping ban that as far as I can tell was a true ban. She didn't put an end date on it and went <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.frugalwoods.com/2017/02/15/why-i-broke-my-three-year-clothes-buying-ban/">three years</a> before she had to buy a pair of muck boots. Even when she got pregnant, she borrowed maternity clothes instead of buying anything. I thought it was really inspiring in terms of what's possible. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783393 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:48:39 +0000 Anonymous 1783393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Unfrumped.  I was lucky enough to start this purchasing fast with the knowledge that my current wardrobe does meet my every need (work, casual, dressy casual, athletic, and lounging).  I did a refresh in December and I knew I was covered.  But I have to agree, unexpected life events, can lead to unexpected wardrobe holes.  Although I am not anticipating any job interviews in the near future, I have been invited to go hiking in the Grand Canyon.  Immediately after accepting the invitation, I felt that my existing wardrobe was insufficient for the trip and I was consumed with the idea of shopping for a trip wardrobe.  That urge settled down and I am now reviewing my existing wardrobe to see what I have to meet my trip wardrobe needs.  If I assume that I will be able to do laundry, I might actually have everything I need.  If laundry is not an option, I will definitely have buy new additions.   I gave up sugar for Lent.  Giving up sugar is a huge sacrifice for me. I might die.  Yesterday I was literally counting the hours into Lent.  Hours, not days.  I'm eating lots of fruit and hoping that abstinence from sugar will get easier with time just like abstinence from shopping did.   Barbara Diane -- how nice to see you again!!!  You get LOTS of points for letting go and returning things!!!!  I have so many friends in real life that buy things that don't suit them but are too embarrassed to return them so they end up keeping their mistakes.  Either they try to make those mistakes work or they push them to the back of the closet.   I found that I shopped for the thrill of the hunt, to occupy time when bored, and to reward myself when I completed an onerous task.  I shudder at the amount of time I spent just mindlessly perusing retail websites.  As I mentioned in another thread, I thought it was relaxing and therapeutic.  This purchasing fast has actually put the brakes on that type of shopping.  I now reward myself with food (not good).   Have you seen or heard from El Cee?  She has been absent these past few weeks and I miss her.   Ms Maven -- I always got a reward for having completed some onerous task.  I don't know that I am completely past that mind set.  I was just at the doctor this morning and I was thinking about where can I buy me a reward on the way home from the doctor.  I didn't stop anywhere, but that was only because I have conference calls/meetings to prepare for.   unfrumped on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783370 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 13:34:34 +0000 unfrumped 1783370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ More congratulations! I think it is very interesting also. You have not said you're not ever going to buy any more clothes. You were trying to see if you could " abstain" from clothes shopping for a period of time and see what you might learn from that. This presumes one has enough clothing for normal wear. The wise exceptions I could see would be if one got a new job opportunity and needed, say, an interview outfit and did not have appropriate items m-- since that has long- term opportunity implications. Finding a good sale or even HEWI might be another person's exemption but is not quite the same thing. I like your noodling on it because it does relate to other habits we might have, and wondering, am I doing this for what reason- and what would happen if I did not do it? You could always go for 40 days of Lent! I like thinking of a not- looking fast instead of a not- buying , though that may seem odd. The more looking I do, the more possibilities and wantsies I get. I can tell this from years of busy work cycles, when I have been too busy to do hardly anything besides work- eat- sleep. Barbara Diane on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783308 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 04:41:14 +0000 Barbara Diane 1783308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't purchased anything this year, even though I should. I do have some holes to fill. But at this point I may wait to fill those holes next fall/winter. I expect to make some purchases after I sort through S/S.  I did a longer fast a few years ago and it was shocking to see how much I shopped for the fun of the hunt, to fill time, etc. I'm really liking realizing what places work for me to shop and which do not. It's wonderful to lighten my inbox and to not stop and look in places that don't work for me.  Do I get points for finally letting go and returning things? :) Keep doing what works for you. MsMaven on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783219 Thu, 02 Mar 2017 00:00:39 +0000 MsMaven 1783219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's a postscript to my earlier reply. I had to go to the dentist for a cleaning today. She moved her office a few months ago. Her former office was one freeway exit from one of my favorite malls, so after an appointment I would scoot up there for a few hours of reward shopping. Now the office is several miles away, and it would be complicated to get to the freeway. I realized that in certain situations going to the mall is a habit. It is also a form of recreation for me--getting away from my usual life and indulging myself if I see something I like. The problem today is that after looking at my closet and thinking about all of this, I realized that I don't need anything at all right now, but if I shop, I will for sure find something. In many situations, shopping is a "reward."  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1783042 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:35:55 +0000 Anonymous 1783042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ryce – I’m laughing at myself because I hadn’t realized it was only five days for you.  I thought for certain it was longer. Your future retirement plans sound so lovely. Gearing your future toward a leaner and more versatile wardrobe is a really good idea. Your plans make me jealous, but I was never one to live nomadically. I need roots. Deep, deep roots.  Kiwigal – congratulations on your new thrift purchases. I don’t think $30 for a dress is not at all expensive. Your summer is just starting to end, right? With the weather the way it has been, perhaps you’ll still get a lot of wear out of that dress before you have to put it away for the season.  I do love classics and my wardrobe should be stellar if you consider the amount of time I put into developing it. I think my next phase of my fashion journey will be focus on the fit of the garments in my wardrobe. I am convinced that I buy well, but that the fit is always just a little bit off (i.e., the length of the button down is just a couple of inches shorter than it should be; the pants are just slightly baggy looking and that translates to sloppy). I am aware of these flaws. My goal is to find a good tailor. I tried having items tailored in the past and 50 percent of the time the garments came back off and I became afraid to continue to try. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1782943 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 06:45:06 +0000 Anonymous 1782943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hey, Sterling!  To answer your question, I am doing fine with my shopping fast.  Of course, I am only on - what? - Day 5?- so haven't faced any real tests yet. One of my "fast" motivations was to force myself to really confront and adapt to the fact that my primary season is HOT, also that I probably spend 75% of my time in pursuits that are compatible with truly casual clothing. I don't think I am guilty of buying clothes for a "fantasy life".  But I am very prone to over-purchasing for my occassional dress-up needs while under-purchasing for my every day needs.  And seriously, why wouldn't i re-allocate so that I love what I am wearing 75% of the time?    I thought I was really planning ahead to be thinking about summer clothes in Feb,  Of course, today was another 84 degree day, so actually I'm not early at all.  In fact, I just read that this is the warmest winter on record (118 years!) in my locale. We have had 14 days over 80 degrees so far this winter.   My goals for the shopping fast are primarily related to being more mindful in my purchases.  Saving some $ is a lovely and VERY welcome side benefit, but not my primary goal - at least not in the short term.  In the medium-term, my husband is getting close to joining me in retirement and we are hoping to sell the house and travel A LOT while we are not-elderly and healthy.  We will probably base out of a small rental property here and potentially add another small rental property somewhere in the NE corridor where our 2 adult daughters are - at least for the foreseeable future.  Then again, we only have one living parent at this point, my husband's 86-year-old mother, and we have had some serious talks about moving to the Midwest to spend more time with her while we can.  Whatever the next few years hold, a leaner and more versatile wardrobe would certainly be compatible with a more nomadic lifestyle. And, definitely, I am personally confronting weight gain/body changes, Waving to lisap!  Maintaining my weight has been something that required discipline and effort for me, but at the same time was totally do-able.  That is until the last couple of years. The combo of menopause and retirement has thrown me for a loop - along with 10 very unwelcome pounds (which is a lot on a 5'2" small-boned frame).  I haven't quite figured out how to deal with this.  But I'm on the verge of setting some goals on this front, too - and y'all will be the first to know about them.  Because I totally trust than no one here is going to be be pushing cake and wine on me!! Whoa, I've written a book.  Time for me to call it a night!  Again, thanks for sharing your journey and progress. Your thoughts and those you inspire in others are truly inspiring. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1782912 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 03:54:02 +0000 Anonymous 1782912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the reply/feedback, Sterling. I'm very much like you in that i don't need nor crave much variety in terms of silhouette. I don't have much to choose from in that regard, so I wear what will work on my body as it is now.  I wear the same very few pieces over and over again and do not mind at all.  I like to think I am "maturing" in my attitude toward my wardrobe and the role clothing plays in my life.  It's been problematic in the past, and I will not continue down that path for the rest of my life. Just won't.  My main issue is major weight gain, which may limit what fits this summer.  I'm constantly battling it, and not really making any gains, but I'm persevering.  I'll figure it out  I am really enjoying this thread and appreciate being part of it .  Jaime on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1782897 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 03:29:08 +0000 Jaime 1782897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Isn't it interesting how many parallels there are between consuming food, alcohol and clothing (footwear and accessories) too? The desire not always based on needs or our own long term goals, the saboteurs and social pressure, the need to have a firm commitment to succeed. I am sure there are more. Thank you for a fascinating discussion. Sal on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast/page/2#post-1782855 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 01:57:21 +0000 Sal 1782855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Sterling, I am pleased it is working for you!  I think with your organised personality this is going to really work for you moving forward.  It shows how we can all (myself included) be constantly looking forward to the next thing, rather than enjoying the wonderful pieces we already have. With your love of classic items, quality trousers, white tops, navy, lovely handbags and splashes of colour, I can really see you with a very elegant wardrobe.  Lovely crisp button downs, well cut pants, gorgeous buttery loafers...and of course your great lounge and gear capsules.  Slowing purchasing down might allow you the opportunity to slowly add some lovely pieces when you are ready to do so. I ended up at the thrift store yesterday looking for a glass bowl and came home with a dress and two necklaces, one which may be gifted.  I was not planning to add any more summer items and the dress is most definitely summery.  For $30 (not cheap for thrifting, but cheap for a dress here in NZ) I am very pleased with the addition and am wearing it today. Karie on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782842 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 01:39:21 +0000 Karie 1782842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, it is getting easier as time goes on. In addition to identifying wardrobe holes, it identifies wardrobe excesses and imbalances. I have many items that I love, but only wear a few times per season. I work in a 100+ year old school building that is always a bazillion degrees too hot, even in the dead of winter. I don't need heavy winter sweaters, I need lightweight items that I can layer. I'm really beginning to see what areas are out of balance in my closet. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782820 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:24:04 +0000 Anonymous 1782820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW Shedev.  If you sew your Summer 5 this year, I will bow down to your expertise.  I so look forward to hearing about it and seeing the final product.   It is nice not having any real wardrobe holes, isn't it?  Most of us aspire to that goal.  As for fashion aiding your purchasing fast by not featuring anything you really want, sometimes the stars align to help us out.  I take all the help from the Universe I can.   Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782817 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:19:16 +0000 Anonymous 1782817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Ms. Maven.  Congratulations on buying nothing in February and only a few needed items in January.  Yay for you.   I am a sucker for sales as well.  I can't exactly explain what goes on in my brain when I see the word sale, but I always have to look.  You did great by deciding against ordering the items you bookmarked.  That must feel like a huge step.  If you and I learn nothing else other than mindful shopping we will both be so far ahead of the game!!!   What are your plans for the items you are not happy with?  Can you make the work?  Do you want to make them work?  Or just learn an important lesson about what you like and what you don't like?   Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782814 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:11:55 +0000 Anonymous 1782814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Ryce -- so glad you could post today.  I was the only one in my group of college friends that did not drink.  I did not like the taste at all (past tense).  It made my friends terribly uncomfortable and they would not let up until I drank with them.  They told me I was "too uptight and needed to learn to relax."  I thought they might be right and learned to drink with them.   I think you are right.  When people decide to make life changes (even very small ones), their friends and families sometimes make it about themselves.  Whether consciously or subconsciously, those same friends and family member can resort to sabotaging the effort.   Systems are delicate.  Even slight changes reverberate through the entire system.  The system often pushes back to maintain status quo.  Yet how do we grow if we do not test our boundaries.   But enough about me.  How are you doing????     shedev on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782813 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:11:45 +0000 shedev 1782813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had two reasons for beginning the fast. The first was that I was just burnt out on shopping. The second was that I needed to use the money (and then some) for some bills. The fast was made much easier for me because current trends are the opposite of things I want to wear. It is a good time for me to take some of the items that exist only in my head and create them for my closet. I plan to sew most of my own clothes for the summer 5. I'm going to repurpose some of what I own and use my sewing stash, but will also buy some materials. So far, I've purged 5 things due to wear. I have more that will go soon. The main hole that I have is for black summer sandals. I made the ones I have work for last year. My wardrobe is really mixable, so I usually have a few options and very few holes. shedev on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782812 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:10:58 +0000 shedev 1782812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had two reasons for beginning the fast. The first was that I was just burnt out on shopping. The second was that I needed to use the money (and then some) for some bills. The fast was made much easier for me because current trends are the opposite of things I want to wear. It is a good time for me to take some of the items that exist only in my head and create them for my closet. I plan to sew most of my own clothes for the summer 5. I'm going to repurpose some of what I own and use my sewing stash, but will also buy some materials. So far, I've purged 5 things due to wear. I have more that will go soon. The main hole that I have is for black summer sandals. I made the ones I have work for last year. My wardrobe is really mixable, so I usually have a few options and very few holes. MsMaven on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782808 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:01:29 +0000 MsMaven 1782808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I find it useful and interesting to read how others are doing. I committed myself to a February Fast, although I tried not to buy much in January--just some slippers and some underwear. I bought nothing in February--the month in which I am lured into buying early spring clothes that don't always work out later.  Yesterday I went through some catalogs and online items that I had bookmarked, ready to go ahead and order. First of all I went and looked in my closet, my out of season closet and my stored summer clothes in drawers. I had clothes I had forgotten about in all three places. My biggest items were three jackets, all on sale, but I found some forgotten pieces. I ended up not ordering anything.  I also took a closer look at what I bought last year and decided which items I was unhappy about. I realize I have too many clothes. I make buying plans for needed items, but I am a sucker for sales and for that unexpected item in a pretty color. I have nice EF jackets that I've hardly worn this winter because I have too many other jackets to choose from.  I've also been very busy with other things, which helps. I haven't been to a mall once this year.  I'm not as methodical as you, Sterling, and others who are also analyzing their buying habits, but you have inspired me to think about this and to take a hard look at what I have before I buy that lovely sale item. So thank you for sharing your progress and your discoveries. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782805 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:55:40 +0000 Anonymous 1782805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hooray, Sterling! It's clear this break from shopping and spending is something you are learning from and - dare I say it? - I think you are truly enjoying it! What could be better? It sound like your motives for the hiatus have not exactly "changed", but maybe a better term would be "grown" - so that it is no longer primarily about your wardrobe per se, but really about all the big things being discussed so eloquently here by bijou, cindysmith, Jenni and others - consumerism, control, mindfulness.    It is surprising to me how resistant many people are to the idea of "giving up" something, even temporarily.  As if somehow the fact that you've made a decision to do that implies that they should do the same - which, of course, is absurd.   But, like you, I've especially encountered that resistance with respect to taking a break from consuming alcohol - or just not feeling like having it one night.  Honestly, except with a few selected friends, I often make up a stupid excuse like I'm taking some medication, just to avoid the issue.  Or unobtrusively switch glasses with my husband partway through dinner, so that he can finish my untouched wine.   But, I digress.  Congrats on being one day away from having met your original goal.  And more congrats on having gained so much from it.  Will be cheering you on if you decide to go a while longer - and celebrating your accomplishment with you if you decide not to! Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782804 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:55:22 +0000 Anonymous 1782804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LisaP -- Your post was really thought provoking.  I agree with you.  You have to have a real, meaningful reason to take on a fast and then preserve.  I can't tell you the number of times I have forsaken sugar for all time .... only to last three hours.  The reason I fail is that I forget my reason shortly after I make my commitment.  Or I am not committed to my reason and only think "I should."  Since Lent starts tomorrow and since I am committed to giving up sugar, I'll try to be mindful of your comment.   From what I remember of your WIWs, you have a gorgeous wardrobe.  Your challenge of wearing just what you have this summer could be a lot of fun.  I really am wearing my clothes and coming up with new and interesting ways to wear them to keep me interested.  I am even wearing some of my jewelry that I long ago put in the safe deposit box.  THAT was a pleasant surprise.  I am not only wearing it again; I love it again.   You say you are not to forego buying until you decide what to do with your wardrobe.  I'm doing that too on some level.  I am noticing what I reach for over and over again.  Are you someone that can wear the same outfit and/or silhouette repeatedly?  It helps that I seem to need less variety than others on the Forum.  I am very comfortable on repeat.  During the past two months, I wore the same two pair of jeans and same two pair of ponte pants over and over again.   Anyway I am paying attention to how I feel when I wear my outfits (confident? professional?).  I am also paying attention to what I am not wearing.  Those pieces might tell an even more important story when all is said and done.  I hope to learn a lot from this little experiment.   Finally, culling my closet has been really easy.  No thought is needed to decide to cull something if you don't wear it when all you have to choose from is what is in your closet.  You may be pleasantly surprised this summer.  You have my best wishes.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782796 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:28:11 +0000 Anonymous 1782796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm experiencing what both you and Jenn described - that feeling of wanting less as time goes by , and of having nothing seem terribly appealing.  I was thinking a lot about this today (I was in the car a lot - haha), and reminded myself that these "fasting" plans work only if you have a real, meaningful reason to fast.  If the only reason is "because I think I should" , then I'm not sure one can feel a commitment to that and stick to it. I'm on one because I have to be: my financial situation and plans have changed, and spending just for the hell of it is not an option anymore....wardrobe hole identified or not.  I have some money to spend on clothes, but only for things that I truly need. I'm actually pumped for the challenge of wearing just what I have this summer, and feeling that I'm getting my money's worth out of my clothes, instead of giving half of them away barely worn.  Yes, I may not feel my best all of the time wearing stuff I don't love , but - that's a luxury I'm forgoing until I decide what to do with my wardrobe.   columbine(erin) on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782786 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 22:29:01 +0000 columbine(erin) 1782786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Sterling, I'll go back and check out those posts. I find it really hard to go a whole month without purchasing clothes, lately, but as you say, the money is already spoken for in quite a few ways.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782717 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:48:43 +0000 Anonymous 1782717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Columbine.  I think Stitch Fix is ripe with possibilities.  I believe you posted about it in the past and I read those posts with great interest.  I'll be very interested in hearing about your experience.   If this is of any help to you, the first month was the hardest.  It really did get easier and easier.  There were lots of suggestions from Forum Members to positively re-inforce the purchasing fast.  Most of them involved pursuing other interests like self care, exercise, hobbies, healthy ties to family and community.  Distraction seemed to be key.  After a while, it becomes self perpetuating.  You might consider reading some of the January posts for Forum suggestions.  I found them quite helpful.   To distract myself, I spent January getting my personal finances in order and interviewing potential financial managers. I took a break from that and began a bathroom renovation in February.  The actual bathroom work is done, but now I am trying to clean all that nasty dust from every single surface in the house.  In March, I return to the financial planner thing and start planning a vacation in May.  So my money is spoken for in so many different ways.   columbine(erin) on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782707 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:34:00 +0000 columbine(erin) 1782707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't want to do a fast, necessarily, for a lot of the reasons Angie has brought up, but I rather need to for budget reasons. I'm set to try Stitch Fix this next month and then possibly again in 3 or 6 months. I hope having this to look forward to will help with the deprivation feelings as well as keep me on a track of fewer but better; instead of buying pretties. You're sticking to it and it's inspiring.  Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782702 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:28:52 +0000 Anonymous 1782702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is it exactly, JAileen.  I have always known this about myself.  You would think I would use that information to my advantage and not eat that first cookie, but no, I always believe it will just be one cookie.   JAileen on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782694 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:11:56 +0000 JAileen 1782694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your adherence to your fast is inspiring. I totally understand your black or white stance, too. It's like eating crackers. I'm better off not eating the first one. Anonymous on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782688 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 19:05:57 +0000 Anonymous 1782688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Emily K -- Congratulations on the weight loss.  It sounds like your purchasing fast suits you perfectly.  I'm glad you are following along and have shaped the purchasing fast to meet your specific needs.  I always hope that people pick the parameters that will challenge them to learn the most.  It sounds like you did just that.  YAY for you.   Thank you for the complement.  I have a certain type of mind that fits perfectly with my career choice (very analytical, very detail orientated).  Some people say OCD like it is a flaw.  I embrace it.   Emily K on "Progress Report on Shopping Fast (Day 59)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/purchasing-fast#post-1782684 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 18:58:21 +0000 Emily K 1782684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ugh.  Saboteurs!  They are the worst.  I've got lots of active diet saboteurs in my life and can totally relate to that.  Sterling, when I read your posts I am always impressed by the high level of organization and control that you demonstrate--characteristics I esteem very much!  And you seem to be realizing many benefits from the fast.  Way to go!  There is absolutely no downside to being more careful and thoughtful about the purchases you make (or don't make). I just wanted to say that I am still observing the purchasing fast in my own way--my rules were a little bit different than others' because I have a tiny wardrobe and, due to continuing weight loss, I need to keep buying placeholder items in smaller sizes.  So, I have been buying clothes.  But also, I have been trying to focus on (and to derive more satisfaction from) adhering to good wardrobe-crafting principles than from the cycle of fashion inspiration > desire > wardrobe hole > shopping to-do list > new clothing purchase. (I definitely see how this could be a repetitive cycle for me unless I frame the goal differently!)