No-Buy Challenge - Mid-term evaluation

It is not yet the end of Winter (March 20) but I am so thrilled with the results of my no-buy challenge that I cannot wait to share with you.
Premise. A few days before the idea of the challenge came to my mind, I was convinced that to arrive to the end of Winter (I had considered March 31) I needed to buy some more Winter clothes (warm pants, pullovers, boots).
First - The challenge proved to me that it was a whim, not a necessity. For Winter I have 7 pullovers, 5 pants, 4 booties and various puffers. More than enough!
Second - I learnt to plan a little more (I am not a planner by nature). I found out that planning my outfits leads to a better rotation of clothes and consequently to an increased number of wears.
Third - I was "obliged" to bring out some creativity. I am combining my clothes in new unusual ways. I have started to play with accessories, something that I have never done.
Cherry on top, I got two pretty scarves and a bag for free, from my friends. I am always happy if I can avoid shopping stress!

Long story short ...... happy as a clam

2 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Congratulations Sisi! Ramped up creativity sounds like it will benefit in many ways! Have you and your friends ever done a fashion exchange? I have with my friends. It’s a nice way to get new to me accessories and also to give away items that are like new but not being used.

Maybe planning is a bit like my experiment tracking wears. Since starting, I have made only one purchase, a much needed swim suit for a beach vacation. I have had moments when I have wished for a navy turtleneck as part of my outfit, however, I have been able to get by without one by choosing a different top instead and I am still happy with the outfit; so, I know I do not need one and have not purchased any.

Helena

Fantastic Sisi!!! So glad it's going well for you, keep the updates coming when you can! X

RobinF

Sounds very enlightening! I love the idea of being more creative - more work but can be fun too.

Stagiaire Fash

Very cool! I so agree with you that avoiding shopping stress is a positive.

Joy

Great results. I have to plan to avoid laundry and cleaning bottle necks and to address boredom with too much of the same ol’ thing. Varying accessories, toppers and silhouettes helps. My number of full length pants and very warm tops is very limited this year, but enough. Adding a skirt and sweater dresses two times a week really helps too. As the weather warms up I will have more options. I plan to bring spring colors and neutrals to the front of the closet and plan some outfits in advance.
scarves and toppers will play a major role. I need to include outfits for St Patricks’Day and Easter and some sping hats and brooches.

chewyspaghetti

That's a great outcome- congrats!

Zaeobi

(website)

That's great to hear! I'm suddenly finding an abundance of my deep & warm colours at retail, so I unfortunately have not been as successful as you at not shopping - oops!

It would be nice to see some of your successes (I.e. how you mix & match your existing winterwear creatively to give the impression of variety), if you'd like to share

Angie

Fashion Stylist

WELL DONE .

I'm loving how the strategy sparked off extra creativity.

Happy for you

Runcarla

I love it when a challenge sparks creativity and style mojo! This is a short term project, right? Do you have anything planned for Spring/Summer?

Jenni NZ

This is wonderful! I am on a low-buy: only the one $4 thrifted floaty top so far in 2022, although was gifted 2 other tops which was a bit annoying!
I use my clothing lists to plan outfits a bit. Great to find new combinations!

rachylou

I feel the creativity a’flowing!

Star

Well done! You are re-affirming my commitment to Less is More.

Roberta

Excellent results! I was feeling a little deprived until I realized this didn't mean I couldn't buy ANYTHING. I bought lovely flannel sheets on deep discount and feel cheerful every night.

Here's to another no-buy month! (I might try for April too)

Sal

Great to hear Sisi - pleased it is giving you clarity and sparking creativity.

I have added two things in 2022 - one top in January and one pair of trousers (still to arrive) in February.

Jaime

Fantastic! You are happy, you have learned a new skill (planning) and you have realized your closet can be a creative outlet. Win, win, win!

Anonymous

Sounds great! I'm still joining you on the no buy for the foreseeable future, but sticking to all black most days.

Sisi

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and encouragement!

Staysfit – thanks. I have only one friend who shares my size and taste in clothing. We sometimes exchange clothes but not often because she wears a lot of black, whereas I have decided to limit it. Lately I am considering to "exploit" friends for accessories.

Zaeobi – thank you. I hope I will finally take the plunge and start to post outfit pictures.

Angie – thank you!

Runcarla – yes, this is a short time project, until March 31. Then we will see ...

I’d love to see your outfits.
The thing about posting is you have to remember that peoples comments aren’t about you, or even about your clothes; they’re about the commenters’ tastes, which might not be the same as yours.

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