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Challenge!

Sisi

Veteran

Encouraged by the good results of my 2021 wardrobe management (I reached my goal of reducing the number of clothes in my wardrobe and the number of yearly purchases) and inspired by my new minimalist friend, a few days ago I suddenly had the idea to defy myself with a no-buy challenge until the end of Winter.
A challenge makes me feel excited. I want to see whether I will be able to make do with what I have. It would also be a way to compensate the money waste of a few years ago when I made a lot of shopping mistakes - and I still cringe thinking of it.
What do you think?
I will keep you updated.

General

16 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I find it's like dieting - it can be difficult to stick to if I'm forcing myself to be *completely* without something, rather than if I just limit it slightly more than usual. So a shopping ban doesn't work for me as well as a shopping *decrease*. Telling myself I can't buy *anything* means I usually end up making a list of everything I *need* right now, lol.

But that doesn't mean it can't work for you (especially if you already know you aren't in need of anything else right now)! I hope that it does work out for you - Good luck

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Sounds like a good rebalancing to me!
If you keep track of your wants, you might be able to distill themes at the end of the break—much easier to get that overview from a distance.

Synne

Veteran

End of winter, so end of March...? Okay I am in! I spent a horrible amount of money on a thermal winter suit for myself recently, and I have absolutely no vacant room in my wardrobe. I need this challenge more than it needs me! Thank you!

Roberta

Veteran

I'll support you too! Mostly because the official end of winter is March 20th, and I think I can make it that far. I bought three pairs of pants in the Christmas sales: I'll go put those on when I feel the urge to shop.

Anonymous

I'm probably joining you! No room in my closet + absolutely nothing even remotely interesting me in the shops + life in flux.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Define the end of winter!Seriously though l think it’s a good idea especially if you are interested in a more minimalist approach to your wardrobe.l read an article recently by a woman who did a whole year of no buy.She found it hard but she did it and feels that it has completely reset her whole attitude towards purchasing clothes so it would definitely be an interesting challenge to do.

JAileen

Veteran

I hope you have better luck than I did. I was going to have a no buy year in 2020. I broke the ban almost immediately.

Sal

Veteran

Good idea - I often have a wee pause with shopping and come out of it with more clarity - eg I do need another blue long sleeve tee but have plenty of jackets and bottoms.

For me 6-8 weeks is about right - longer and I begin to resent it.

Let us know how you get on!!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If this feels right for you, Sisi - of course, we support you and cheer you on from the side lines!

Do it now......right in time for your favourite Summer style season

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I think these challenges are great as long as you don't beat yourself up if you fall short. It is the process and the mindfulness that counts!

BlueJay

Veteran

I'd be interested to hear how it goes! I wonder if it will spark creativity and new outfits that you hadn't thought of before?

Re: the no buy challenge...I bought some things, tried them on, decided I didn't like them and returned them for a full refund--does that count?

MsMaven

Veteran

But the sales! The sales!

I wasn't going to buy anything new until March. At least I'm not buying as much stuff as I did last year at this time. I have the same problem with books--every year I start a book-buying-ban to last until I read all the previous year's books. Never works out.

I have been reading all the reviews on some of the clothes items I've been tempted to buy. It does put a damper on my desire when I read the reasons people don't like the stuff they bought.

Joy

Veteran

Cheering you in this challenge. I will join you as I am looking forward to spring and summer refreshers and have more than enough for the rest of winter and early spring. I am looking at a June cruise for which I hope to avoid shorts and hope to find a great pull on white denim skirt to use instead of shorts and a good packable sun hat. Does anyone know if dress for churches in Greece is like those in Rome?

Bijou

Veteran

I think it is a brilliant idea. I can get derailed when I see items in the sales that I otherwise could not afford, my suggestion is to not even browse. Online shopping is convenient, but there are so many more temptations!

Anonymous

Good luck and I hope your no-buy challenge is successful!

I made a little different plan this year and really did a hard evaluation of what I need in my closet to get me through spring and summer. I also decided in the past couple of months to buy less and buy better quality. Based on that, I have about 6 items on my list and am saving up to tick those off one by one. My only other "allowable" items are to purchase basics (when I can find something I like) to replace those that are getting threadbare in my wardrobe. We will see how it goes. I am really trying to edit my wardrobe down a little as I prefer to not have many clothes. And I want things that are going to last. I am definitely paying more attention to fabrics and quality construction.

Rooting for you in your challenge!!

rachylou

Veteran

A fast can be cleansing and bring clarity