Just thinking a bit more (noting Angie’s comment on today’s blog post saying that prices for the brands she usually shops are going up), I thought I would say what the green lace top I like is priced at and see what Fabbers think of the price? It’s $249, and so far the most I ever paid for a top was $219 for my Veronika Maine blurred floral top in 2020 which all Fabbers seem to like and I have worn 97 times so CPW is around $2.50. But I really love that top and not sure this green one would be as versatile. Storm doesn’t even make the clothing in NZ that I know of, I think it’s China. How do they justify the price?

Thanks all - I can't reply individually as yet but well done to those who have had a month off, but also well done to those who have bought well needed wardrobe additions.

I like having one or two intentional breaks a year and then shopping in bursts, but of course everyone operates differently!!

Jenni - I have spent more than that on a blouse or top - but I do know that blouses or tops take longer for me to get to a decent cost per wear than trousers - so in general I spend more on pants and jackets than I do on shirts and blouses. For me, I don't worry about the up front cost if I can afford it, as long as I think I will keep and wear it for three or more years (by then I am usually at 30 wears except for occasion pieces).

Thanks Sally! I can afford the top but the price annoys me

It’s a pretty blouse and I see it is mostly tencel (vs poly), but I would probably pass purely on an emotional level. I have to feel really solid about going above my usual price point. No annoyance just a good gut feeling that it’s ‘worth it’ to me because I love it that much.

Thanks Jules (and sorry for the thread hack Sal!) I think I agree about the emotional level. I don’t love it enough to pay that price, and knowing me I would be bound to want matching green shoes as well… think it will stay in the store.

Haha that’s fine.

I think Jules has nailed it with her advice above.

I will keep an eye out for green shoes although mine have not worn as well as I would have liked. The pointy toe gets scratched too easily. I would not choose pointy toes again unless they were a colour that was easy to polish.

I didn't have any set plan for a no shop January, but as I look back at this month, I haven't added anything yet. But there are a few days left, so you never know!

@Jenni - with items like this that I love BUT think they are too expensive to justify the cost, I stalk them to see if they go on sale. Sometimes, by the time they have gone on sale (and are still available in my size) I have gone off the item. Other times, I gleefully make the purchase, with no regrets.

I don't like spending a lot on tops too. They also have to be washable. Dry-clean only tops are non-negotiable for me.

That said, the green top is beautiful and a great colour. I would love to see you in it with matching green shoes, perfect for a Sassy Shoe Elf!

Thanks Bijou! I have thought about stalking it… I haven’t even tried it on yet though. And guess what- I have a pair of bright green loafers on my Styletread wish list. Such things amuse me while I’m waiting for my husband to sell his vet clinic and see what travelling we can do

My only January purchase for myself besides food was not style related. I purchased a new journal and a couple fountain pens (F AND EF nibs) plus some ink.

That’s fun Staysfit!

I mentioned in Cat2’s thread that I used to always shop end of season sales when there were two sales seasons for clothing - January and July. And these can be still excellent times for good discounts.

Now there are constant sales on long weekends or spend and save, or 20% off everything etc. It must be hard to be in retail right now.

I did not shop -- but then, I didn't have much opportunity to shop!

It’s February now, I did wait the extra few days to see if I would try on the pretty green lace top. It was worth doing- sadly my size 12 (US 8) was a little tight around the middle and size 14 (US 10) was way too big! There was a huge difference between the sizes which the SA commented on. It was also a bit too sheer, I took a white camisole to try it with but that was too obvious. The colour was beautiful on me but overall a bust.
Then I went to the other store and tried the pretty Liberty fabric blouse. They only had a size 12 left, it was again a bit tight around my middle but the elastic on the puff sleeves was too loose and would need altering, so I didn’t get them to order the size up.
So now I don’t need the possible tan pants either.
Maybe I should spend money on trying to get my 2024 pink top shortened as I am not wearing it as much as I might if it were shorter. That might be a better use of my funds. I have already worn it 26 times by blousing it out of my white jeans.
Sorry again Sal for hijacking your thread- couldn’t be bothered doing a whole new one!

I got the Donna Karan New York coat I bought at half price and the fabric is sumptuous. I’m keeping it.

Oh my — unlike everyone else, I’ve been on a several month shopping burst. In November I replaced all my socks, slippers and base layers. In December I bought a few items of knitwear, and three Uniqlo vests (the ones that are Carla’s favorite). In January I bought a new set of pyjamas (I now have a total of three sets), one silk camisole and two small silk bandana/scarves. And just today, after several months of consideration, orange ballet flats from Camper. I’d like to tell myself that I was addressing needs—PJs, socks, vests—but the shoes, knitwear and scarves were wants.

Sorry I have been away for a few days offline doing a hike.

Well done to those who found great sales items. And to those who achieved their no goal targets.

Coming back to say I've bought a couple of things in February (not clothes -- a cookbook, a set of sheets, and a pair of pink sunglasses) and I'm finding I really appreciate new purchases a lot more when I'm not doing it every day!

I do agree Mary. I think that's where online shopping can be "too easy" at times.

Look forward to seeing the pink sunglasses.

I have not done a no-shop month in a while. However, looking around my wardrobe, it seems I have plenty, so I am slowing down.