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I don't think I'm disciplined enough for 12 X 12. Gah!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Hello lovely ladies,

Maybe some of you remember that I boldly announced doing a 12 x12 this year? Well, it seems that I'm failing big time on this. So far I've bought 4 items already: Grey trousers, red skinnies, the navy puffer and a brown leather belt. And I want more! And I need to replace some items. And it is still only February! Uh oh.

Although I don't seem to be able to control myself in regard of the number of items, I have stayed within budget (with the help of a little creative thinking). The grey trousers I consider as a gift from my Mum, she gave me some money for Christmas. The rest meant using some of my "fun money", but I have managed to save the budgeted amount this month for my trip to China anyway. So far, so good!

I've created a note for this project, and already I have increased the number from 12 to 13. There are other garments that I need to replace, too, and I probably will be needing new shoes for spring - a pair of flat oxfords. There is no room for this in my plan, so I guess it is failing terribly. What can I exclude on to make room for shoes? I really think I need all the items on my list.

https://www.evernote.com/shard.....1bc2f81531

Your thoughts?

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

Anonymous

I think that is the great flaw with a plan like this as it doesn't take Ito account replacements. I think as long as you are meeting your savings goals you shouldn't stress about the 'extra' items!

Molly L-R

Personally, I wouldn't count the belt as an item of clothing as belts are really accessories. Unless of course it cost in the region of $100, then by all means count it.

Inge

(website)

Please don't beat yourself up about this, Ingunn. I'm with Ceit here, sometimes you need to replace an item unexpectedly. Also, sometimes you'll come across an item you've been wanting/looking for for years and suddenly "the perfect one" pops up while it's not in your plan... I personally don't do well with this sort of plan, exactly because "unforeseen things" are bound to happen and I don't want to feel too restricted. Maybe I'm just a big enabler, but as long as you are meeting your saving goals, I think there is room for a few extra items;-)

transition

I guess I'd re-evaluate why you chose to do the 12 x 12. You've stayed on budget, so it wasn't just the money. If it's because you already own enough or too many things, then I wouldn't count a replacement as long as the item being replaced is no longer in the closet.

For me, announcing a 12 x 12 would ensure I'd find lots to buy. . . just like grabbing a shopping cart for a non-grocery trip usually means I don't find what I'm hoping for!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Yes, it's like going into the grocery store for a loaf of bread and coming out with a shopping cart of food! As long as you are within budget, and can still save for other things like your trip, I wouldn't stress!

anne

Veteran

Ingunn, I can totally relate. See this thread! http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-challenge. I am abandoning mine, though still trying to make considered decisions.

To everyone who says "don't include replacements" I say - I hear what you are saying but I still see alarm bells. I get the point when they are unexpected replacements, but I usually have a pretty good idea of at least some things that need to be replaced every year. The trick is to factor them in - if you know you'll need a lot of replacements then maybe a figure of 12 is not the right one!

The other point though is that sometimes not replacing something is okay. Perhaps, for example, not replacing jeggings would mean that other jeans or trousers or even skirts are worn more. If you have a large wardrobe and replace everything then the discipline might be lost.

As others have said, it gets down to what you want to acheive by the challenge and if you think you have a legitimate reason to change the ground rules then, well, go for it!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Ceit, I hear you, and I agree that this is a plan that works better in theory. Real life means replacing worn out items, and who has a wardrobe full of only precious garments that only becomes worn to death every fifth year? Not me, for sure.

Molly, I agree that smaller/cheaper accessories shouldn't count. I don't count underwear, sleepwear and such either. But this particular belt was high end and cost almost as much as my skinnies, so I think it deserves a place on the list.

Thank you Inge, you are only being very reasonable, and I don't beat myself up too much:) I agree with what you say. My ultimate goal is not to get stuck by a number, but I do wish to have fewer, but better wardrobe items. Wether I buy 12 or 20 doesn't really matter, but if I buy very many new items, I suppose the quality inevitably will deteriorate, or I'm blowing my budget.

transition, I think you are onto something. Maybe replacing items shouldn't count? Then the 12 x12 will be a lot more easy to achieve. I do really wish to downsize, you see, because I feel that too many items only create clutter for me. By removing the garments that are replaced, I'll keep the total down, which was my purpose from the beginning.

Karie, I know what you mean! I'm like that, too, and I really need to stay on my budget this year. Maybe I should focus more on that, and less on the numbers. It will probably be a better strategy.

Mona

Veteran

Ingunn, I look at it as a process that starts dirty (I mean don't take it as a black and white process. Expect some greys in there too). Don't let one or two extra purchases bring you down. Modify as you go along and as long as you are still within your budget, it is all fine. After all, the main purpose of 12 x 12 project is to have a minimal wardrobe and not spend a lot of money on unnecessary clothes. You are achieving that, only the number for you is higher than 12.
BTW, I am also in need of some light coloured footwear for spring.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Anne, we double posted! I really agree with you that including the replacements or not is an issue. I'm already excluding replacement of basics like underwear and sleepwear, which I spend quite little on, but how about that puffer coat? It wasn't very cheap, and it is replacing one I've had for years, so I knew it was bound to happen within this time frame. I really think it should remain on my list. I don't think I will be able to stay within the 12 x 12 limits, but for many reasons I want to keep my numbers as low as possible.

Mona, I think I really need to be reminded of the challenges I've put myself up to. Otherwise my expenses will get out of control:) I love shopping too much, I guess. But you are right of course - there will always be some grey.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I know I'm not disciplined enough for a 12x12, but I'm not sure these kinds of plans work well for all of us anyway. The larger point is to shop and buy consciously, being more keenly aware of what we're choosing and spending our hard-earned dollars on.

That said, I'm inadvertently on a 12x12 track at the moment -- I bought a bunch of stuff in January online, only to return all but one item, and even that still has the tags on. Hubs bought me a hat in New Orleans, but I suppose that doesn't count. I was figuring on doing some damage in NY this weekend, but it looks like my credit card is safe for now. I think I may use some of my newly-freed weekend to continue my closet purge.

I think if you're going to do something like a 12x12, you need a little extra allowance for replacement of basics -- your puffer coat is a great example.

ruthe

Everything everyone has said above I agree. It's not the end of the world and if it is...then it doesn't matter.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I think the actual number is less important than keeping to your principle (controlled, sustainable purchasing) and your budget. After all, one year you might buy 14 or 16 and the next year you might only buy 8!

Personally, I think in your situation the puffer coat should sit in the same category as underwear. This is actually a necessity in your climate. A pretty (yet functional) coat like your red wool, perhaps not. An EXTRA puffer in a different colour, perhaps not. But you definitely need protection from the elements. I would put one solid pair of winter boots into that category as well.

However, I see the point that this is an expensive purchase and needs to be accounted for in the budget. (Boy, do I ever see it...glad I did not have to replace my own puffer this year!)

The other consideration for you is that you may simply be the type of person who does most of her purchasing at the start of your season. Consider these your WINTER purchases and you are set for the next couple of months.

Raisin

Veteran

Maybe you could just set a budget for each month rather than just one item? That way you can get what you need or want with the challenge of staying on budget. Seems like that's what you've been doing already.

ETA - I felt the same way, like a 12 x12 was an unessessary restriction, so what I did was make a list of what I needed or wanted for the year (after consulting my closet) and I'm trying to stick to only shopping for those. It doesn't matter when I buy them, as long as I have the money for them. So far I've gotten quite a few items, but only off my list. And I try to only shop for those, not browse, so it keeps me from wanting things I don't need.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ingunn - Angie always reminds us with lists and plans to remain flexible and I think that's what you've done.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I think it's a mistake to stick to these lists no matter what. Also, it's not really possible until you are at the "hug your closet" phase of wardrobe overhaul. 12x12 works if you are just doing seasonal updates or replacements, not going through an overhaul. Where are you in the process?

nancylee

Veteran

I agree with all of the great observations made here so far, Ingunn. It's almost inevitable that you'll need to replace some things, and it is difficult to predict your needs for an entire year.

I appreciate your sharing your experience here since I'd considered setting some sort of shopping challenge like 12x12 for myself this year, but wasn't really sure what my goal was: a smaller wardrobe, buying fewer items, spending less money? I guess what the ultimate goal is with any of these challenges is what Janet said: shopping more mindfully and consciously. That's enough of a challenge for any of us, methinks.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

maybe you are better suited to a budget oriented list than a number of items one? I am trying 12 x 12 because I tend to squeeze as many small priced items I can out of my budget instead of just getting that big ticket item I really wanted.
I am right now on the brink of overdoing my own 12 for 12. I got 2 voluminous sweaters instead of 1 for February (but at the same price I'd alotted) and I have some boyfriend jeans on the way in the mail. If either pair works out, I'll be one item over my one a month. But I'm so desperate for the right BF jean, I don't care!!
I agree that if it helps you along in your shopping goals, that's the most important point. For me, it allows me to mentally be okay with a possible $200 pair of jeans. I see no other way I'd find to allow myself this type of purchase.

(oh, and I bought 3 pair of socks, which I totally don't count toward my 12 items, either!)

cheryl

Veteran

I don't think the belt or coat should count and as long as you are in budget, I think that is more important than number of items unless you absolutely have no room, then you should do a 1 in 1 out rule.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Suz, you do have a clear mind! I agree that a puffer and winter boots are necessities where I live. I wish they were not! This isn't really about the number, and never was, but still I'm surprised that I was that much ahead of my plan already.

I didn't NEED a belt and colored pants to survive or anything, but my only brown belt is cracking, very old and from a flea market long ago. The new one will last me many years. Colored pants are certainly not necessities, but they perk up a lot of my other clothes, and bring added value to what I already have. You know how it works.

Raisin and Shannon - I totally agree, and right now my little games feel more like chores than fun. I think Angie's strategy is far better: Make the list, of corse, but keep a slot open for the unexpected. I guess I no longer am interested in calling this a 12x12-project, but rather just give it its proper name: An ordinary shopping list with a budget.

modgrl, I rather like lists:) Still, I see your point. I guess my wardrobe overhaul is not quite finished. I still feel I need to replace some of my basics and essentials, and there is simply not enough flexibility for this within a 12x12.

nancylee, I agree, the ultimate goal for me too is to become a more conscious shopper, and to make mindful choices. I do like the thought of a smaller wardrobe, because I want to wear more of my clothes regularly, and I don't mind repeating outfits. I want to have fewer, but better clothes. I want to save money, like everybody does.

Mo, I think we are on the same page here, basically. My idea was to force myself to slow down a little, like you I wanted fewer and better, and I think I have achieved this already. Normally I would shop more during the sales. I will not be needing anything more for Winter, so I should be good until the end of March or so. If I split my four purchases in three months, everything is actually in order. But you'll have to ask me about this again by the end of March:) I hope you find the BFs you're after!

ETA: Cheryl, we double posted! I'm starting to feel the same way about the belt and puffer. Good suggestion.

Gaylene

Veteran

To my mind, these kind of challenges are more about wanting to change personal habits than adhering to an arbitrary set of rules. My reason for 12x12 a year ago was to confront my habit of purging stuff that I had bought, but rarely wore, only to go back to the stores and start the cycle all over again. Continually tossing out perfectly good clothing that I had bought on impulse simply because I fell out of love with the item a few months later just seemed wrong, even if budgets were not an issue for me.

In my case, the discipline of restricting my purchases worked because I really had to think long and hard before I'd buy something. I started to understand that most of my "needs" were actually "wants"-- and temporary ones at that. I also realized that I could fall in love with an item but still walk away from it.

I suspect that figuring out WHY you want to set yourself this challenge is essential to knowing what restrictions, or "rules", make sense for you personally. Whether or not underwear, or replacements, or belts, "count" depends more on your goal than how others might choose to interpret the challenge. And, yes, it WAS hard, especially at first, to change my behavior; but, because I knew why I was setting the goal for myself, the difficulty made me realize how important it was to me to regain control over my shopping habits.

fern

Veteran

So much wisdom here already!
Ingunn, my shopping plan is "5 per quarter" or something like that (20 per year), because I knew I would be wearing out things during the year, and if it's an essential, I really do need to replace it in my smallish wardrobe.
So I expect maybe 10 of the 20 purchases will be replenishment, and 6 for wardrobe holes or Angie's "unexpected delights", give or take. The other 4, one for each quarter is an unspecified "Accessory" - sometimes I have to remind myself I need those too.
But the limit is still there, intentionally, and that is meant to keep me mindful.

catgirl

Veteran

I am with you. It has been really hard - I see things I want ALL the time, and that's with a much reduced time frame to browse. It's just hard to stay on track! And one item leads to more needs somehow. Sympathy!

Thistle

Veteran

I think you have already gotten a lot of great advice and insights.

Just reiterating that I think a 12x12 is really hard to do unless you were close to closet nirvana to start with. Just replacing worn out tees and the like would eat a chunk of that 12x12 for most people.

I am going to second Gaylene to really focus on why you are doing it and see if you can modify your program to still achieve your goal but have a little more flexibility in doing it.

DonnaF

Veteran

Hi, Ingunn;

You know, gifts don't count in 12x12!!!

This year I embarked on a 12x12 plan, but now I'm up to five (5) items, but the fifth has yet to be delivered. I decided to add an item for Valentine's Day, another for my birthday, and yet another for Christmas if they don't throw my budget off, which I'm thinking should average $100/month. I had to BBQ because some items on my list suddenly went on sale or in the case of my Dansko tennies, were on one site in only my size on huge discount. Oh, and I'm thinking that the two $26 t-shirts I have on my Wish List should count as one item, especially if they are eventually marked down. Girl math.

Despite appearances, I think I'm doing pretty well as I am within budget, and my list is fairly sparse toward the end of the year. The whole process is making me much more mindful in my purchases which is the point, right? For example, it has made me realize I really need a fall/winter weight blazer so I should wait for NAS and that I should think long and hard before getting a lightweight flowered one, for example. And that khakis and slouchy shorts aren't really my style but that a full skirt might serve the same function for me and that I might be able to pick up one at a low price point since there would be fewer variables to fit.

It doesn't sound like you made any frivolous purchases or created any closet orphans so if I were you, I wouldn't beat myself up. You stuck to your list and found what you wanted ahead of time. I don't think it is necessarily the case that you will maintain or accelerate the pace of your purchases, do you?