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January SYC - Personal Parameters

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, this is an accountability post! I will be participating in Nemosmom's January SYC challenge; however, there are a few legitimate purchases I might want to make in January. I want to document these so I don't start buying non-clothing items, or "exceptions" as a boredom-buster or replacement retail therapy!

In January, I may purchase:

grippy yoga socks (gear)
a yoga knee pad (gear; I have a dollar store one that I use for cleaning, but I might get one specifically designed for yoga)
a winter hat (gear; I am currently stealing my children's hats haha - I want a very specific cranberry red colour to match the accent in my plaid scarf, so if I spot one, I'll snap it up; if I don't though, the children's hats are fine :D)
bras (basic; usually Angie does a basic review in January I think; I will partake in this and may need to replace some tatty underpinnings)

I don't need clothes, makeup, skincare, nail polish, home decor, journals or other various and sundry doodads - there, I've said it! Please feel free to hold me to account; thanks friends!

Do you have plans on what to buy - or what to definitely not buy - for January?

Shopping

30 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m in the same boat, TG. I don’t really need any new clothes...except, I’m going on vacay to Curaçao for two weeks at the beginning of February and this time I want to bring/wear a rash guard - which I currently don’t have!

FWIW, I’ve decided that since fitness kit does not cross over to day wear, and I buy it out of necessity and don’t derive a whole lot of sartorial pleasure from it, $ will come from the ‘Sports and Rec’ budget and garments, footwear, and sports accessories won’t be counted.

However, the rash guard is for wearing over bikinis - which I don’t consider sports kit - and I want the rash guard to be ‘fashionable’.
so, that is why I didn’t join in the challenge.

Sometime in the next couple of days I will do a travel capsule to see if I’ve got what I need, or if there are any holes. My bikini is ancient - pre-YLF, and possibly the oldest thing in my closet. I’m hoping I’ll be okay, because I don’t fancy shopping for warm weather stuff this time of year.

Helena

Veteran

Carla, let me know where you find the rash guard ... We are always searching for these for the whole family, due to pale skin on me and a family history of skin cancer in DHs side. Your logic makes sense on the gear - it's not a big temptation item for me really. Just trying to be extra mindful of what I'm buying and why!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am fully in favour of gear purchases coming from a separate budget because (in my life) they pretty much don't cross over to regular wear. I am also STRONGLY in favour of anyone living in Toronto buying hats in January if they find hats they love!!

Fully on board with a yearly basics overhaul. I do this in conjunction with NAS because the sale bras happen to work for me and it all works out more cheaply.

Runcarla

Veteran

@TG - I suspect Lands’ End for the rash guard(s). They get rave reviews and I know my size with that brand. Also, I get the catalogue. I’m hoping for a catalogue with updated prints/patterns in my mailbox before too long. Pickings are slim on their website atm, and LLBean and Athleta was a bust.

taylor

Veteran

The truth is I Don’t Need A Thing ! Nothing at all !
So, that means I really need to be held accountable for any impulse buys. I have a terrible problem with that. I don’t plan to buy anything , then suddenly come across something I have to have . I am really going to TRY to get a handle on my impulse buying.:)
I’ll be joining SYC ....and doing my best to stay away from shopping malls and websites .

Anonymous

Ok - I'll be right on top of you, Helena, if you really want me to do that

I was thinking further about my own SYC for the next 12 months, and one thing I am NOT going to do is to do any kind of edit or furious culling (like I've been known to do) until each season is over and only if something is clearly not working . I'm going to try my hardest to find other uses for things I don't like - not sure what that will be, but maybe some knit basics I have in colours that are questionable can be worn for outdoor workouts etc. I'm so tempted to toss and edit, but I'm sitting on my hands for now.

rachylou

Veteran

I very specifically need a new maxi puffy. I have looked and looked and just need to pull the trigger. I am also searching for good combat-style workboots, to replace my much-mourned Payless one’s. I have tried two different ones already and both are a bust.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Boden sell rash guards,long sleeved and short sleeved ones if that’s any help.
lm also trying to cut down on general consumerism as well as fashion buys but lm wary of saying an absolute no to anything because past experience has taught me that I am psychologically unsuited to total bans of anything.So I am thinking of doing the French 5 piece thing and seeing how that goes ,charity shop purchases are excluded.l am interested to see how we all get on with our various challenges!

nemosmom

Veteran

Nodding along with you, TG! Your anticipated purchases for January sound like real needs that you aren't tackling without much thought - hats off to that (in cranberry, of course!) And, I am another who budgets my gear separately from my out-in-the-world clothes.

I will also be re-evaluating my travel capsule this month in anticipation of a trip to Florida in March; that should be mostly planning and not purchasing (I hope). I snuck in an undies refresh in last week, but still need to replace some bras. I could probably hold off until next month, though... I placed an order last week that I'm waiting to arrive, but won't be buying anything else this month.

I know you didn't ask me specifically, but for a rashguard I've had success with ones from surf companies (O'Neill, Hurley) or Coolibar.

Carla - I'm not sure if you are looking for a tunic style or hip length, but Coolibar makes a rash guard in a navy mariner stripe and in red!

Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Long Sleeve Freestyle Rash Guard - Sun Protective

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Coolibar UPF 50+ Women's Long Sleeve Freestyle Rash Guard - Sun Protective

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If it makes you happy, I will gladly hold you accountable, sweet Helena. But you appear to be a very accountable person though

I'm with Suz. Gear/Workout-Wear, Make-Up, Hair & Beauty Maintenance, and all Wardrobe Basics are a separate fashion budget. At least - they are for me. Note that Wardrobe Essentials and Accessories fall into my fashion budget though.

If you find great hats - GET THEM right away!

Runcarla

Veteran

Thanks Cardiff girl and nemosmom. Will check these sources out. I have started a rash guard thread in order to collect more info without hijacking torontogirl’s thread.

Joy

Veteran

I have some very specific items that I am looking for and am thinking of giving myself permission to buy replacements or HEWIs if found second hand. I am also testing whether or not I really need more skirts and suspect that I need items like shift dresses more as there is no waist to interfere with my waist glucose monitor. The problem is that wearing tights or stockings is a problem with this monitor in chilly weather. I welcome any ideas you may have. Anything that touches or pushes on this meter is a problem.

Helena

Veteran

Suz, as always you are sensible and encouraging!

Carla, thanks for the Lands End tip and all the rash guard info in this thread was fab - but looking forward to looking at the new thread too!

Taylor, but do your purchases bring you joy? If so, then maybe a small impulse allowance would make sense? But there's never any harm in taking a break; there will always be something to buy when you come back to it. FOMO is a good thing to challenge.

Lisa, I know you will and yes, please do I think that makes a lot of sense about editing - if you're not buying, why not give yourself the opportunity to enjoy and be creative with what you've got. "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" as they used to say!

Rachy, you MUST get your puffy jacket.

CG, very smart - I think I can do a month, because I like doing 'breaks' from things, esp. in January - but I agree that all-out bans can backfire - we have to know ourselves I think, and where we are in our journeys.

Nemos, that makes tons of sense and thanks for the rash guard info!

Angie, thanks and yes - for me this is intended as a fun challenge and palette-cleanser of sorts for the New Year. Noted on the hat though - I definitely won't pass one up IF I see one (it's amazing how quickly the winter gear disappears at this time of year).

Joy, those meters are a blessing but I can imagine that they present some unique (and annoying) dressing problems. Sounds very sensible to shop for them as needed.

rachylou

Veteran

Joy - re the CGM - sometimes fat arms are a good thing... I wear my CGM a lot on the back of my upper arms...

notsaf

Veteran

Thanks for this! I'll be making a quick trip back to this US later this month and am looking forward to picking up a few things from storage: literally, shopping my closet! However, if this one pair of *not skinny jeans* from J Crew work in person, I'll get them: otherwise the brand is much too expensive for non US prices and shipping!

Demi boot crop jean in rinse wash

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Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I do think things like knee pads, rash guards and fitness gear are more health than fashion related. I agree with Angie, Helena you seem like a very responsible person, but if you ask for support we are here to offer it!
As for me, I am so far from needing anything that I cannot even relate the idea of need to my wardrobe. Nonetheless I will continue to thrift away happily, and then periodically sell what I don't actually wear to support more thrifting. That is my gardening !

Helena

Veteran

Shevia, and your garden is lovely

Notsaf, I LOVE those jeans ... They are now on my 'considering' list (post-January of course!)

This is definitely meant as an exercise in fun and not punishment or denial ... Appreciate the support and will enjoy everyone who is having fun shopping too! Xx

Roxanna

Veteran

TG - thanks , this will help keep me accountable too!

I am happy to join the SYC challenge and this will help me stay accountable. But there are two large purchases I might make:
1) a luxury brand name handbag - I keep saying I want one of these, but then I go and spend my budget on clothes. I might spend some of my Christmas bonus on an investment luxury handbag if the right one comes along.
2) an investment luxe parka. I’m looking for 100% down with interesting fashion-y details which seems to be exorbitant everywhere (case in point - the one Angie linked to the morning with the leather trim for $2,400!) if o find one of these on drastic sale for under $500, I’ll pick it up since parkas are all I wear all winter long.

@Lisa - NOT purging is SO smart. In January, everyone is urging us to Kondo the hell out of everything, but the truth is, all I ever do after a really big purge is shop again to fill it up! I’m going to follow your lead and live with all my things to see how/where I could use them.

I’m excited about this SYC challenge - I really need it!

Anonymous

No seperate budgets for me, either there's extra money at the end of the month for non-essentials or there's not. The biggest wolves get fed first!
#breadwinnerblues
That said, I did order a black asymmetric tunic and snake boots yesterday, and will get full sizes of a few of the makeup samples I got. And I bought a pack of gym socks. Desperately need sports bras too, but getting discouraged on that quest Padding please folks!
Maybe some replacement sleep leggings and tops too- black of course.
Probably won't buy anything more than that this month, as I really hate trying on clothes when I have a zillion layers to take off :p

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Ditto. Let's all hold each other accountable. Part of me wants to shop but part of me doesn't since I have plenty to wear, at least this Winter season. I'm still trying to do a minimalist look with lots of neutrals, but I do miss a good print so we'll see if something pops up that I like.

I do need the following in the next few months:

exercise wear - most likely running leggings
high impact sports bra that keeps the girls from bouncing
Navy blazer
a leather bag (preferably in cognac or black)

Susie

Veteran

My plan is to not buy any clothing in ANY categories in January! I am very well set and even created a 'capsule' to work with the next 2-3 months. I didn't focus on editing to get rid of things; I just selected the things I most wanted to wear and tried to have a good balance of neutrals, colors and patterns. It was interesting how it came together and I expanded my editing to include bags, shoes, coats, scarves and jewelry. I've moved some items to another closet but I haven't donated anything yet.

Anyway, I am also in good shape as far as gear and basics and pretty much everything else. So I don't have any needs- or even wants- right now so hopefully that's true for the rest of the month!

Anonymous

Roxanna - have you ever looked at SAM parkas? I bought one about 4 winters ago (just under $1k) and although it's not good for super cold weather, the luxury factor and quality are off the charts. I'll own it for the rest of my life, hopefully .

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with the notion to keep gear in a separate category from fashion buying restrictions. I find my gear to be a completely separate necessity. I need new trail running/walking shoes, and that is not part of my clothing budget. I just got a second pair of convertible mittens/gloves too, because they get worn nearly every day in the winter for outdoor activity and they get sweaty and gross and need to be washed frequently, so I need a pair to hold me over while the first one is in the wash. I could use a second pair of running tights as well, but I'm making do with a very old pair of color blocked ones in addition to some newer ones, even though the color-blocked ones are not so flattering anymore since I bought them when I was 10-15 lbs smaller.

Bras and underwear are necessities as well! Perhaps should be included in the fashion budget, but I wouldn't skimp or drag my heels on that one -- after all, that's why they're NECESSITIES!

You are far more disciplined than I am. I ordered a skirt after seeing Angie's Nordstrom sale roundup because I've enjoyed the few times I've worn a skirt this winter, and I'd like another one that spans the seasons -- and I'm really picky about skirts. But it needs to be perfect or it goes back. I'm going try to resist any other style purchases for the rest of the month. Stay strong! (I'm talking to myself, not you, but if it helps you, I'll tell you too!)

Roxanna

Veteran

@Lisa - I have not heard of SAM parkas! Thank you for the reco, I’ll give them a try!

Anonymous

https://www.google.com/url?sa=.....a&

Here's the link. The company is actually called SAM New York.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’m not doing SYC. I took a buying pause in October last year and haven’t bought much since. I’m feeling in control now. I am thinking about buying some flat sandals this month since I am wearing them almost exclusively now. I would also like a new hat. But I always say that and never find one (because of my big head). My current hat (men’s size XL!) is now about 5 years old and I wear it every day. Now that’s a workhorse
But I am definitely up for focusing on remixing in January. And I’m going to enjoy seeing what others come up with. I love a good remix

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I agree with you that things needed for sports and underwear of all types need not be included in our “clothing” budgets/counts. I just listed the things I plan to buy this year in JAileen’s thread—not a total syc year for me, but controlled purchases.

For rash guards, I suggest you look at swimoutlet.com which I also mentioned in Carla’s post.

Looking forward to your closet creativity this year!

LaPed

Veteran

This thread is a great read! I'm not doing a strict SYC or shopping ban because I know I have some very specific replacements I'll need in the near future. So I guess my approach is going to be one-out-one-in. If something is unwearable, say goodbye to it, and then find a suitable replacement. If I have more than one or two of something, ask if I really need a new one at all or if what I have is enough.

I just finished reading this blog post that might be helpful to folks looking to cut down on shopping: http://www.thismomsgonnasnap.c.....ingerrule/

Mirjana

Veteran

I'm not sure, I probably won't buy
anything as I already did it just before New Year, long puffer and red boots. I really don't need anything for winter and spring, and for later who knows.

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