Shopping Ban With a Difference (Long Post)

For the last few weeks, I have been thinking about going on a shopping ban for three to six months. I received news in November that my masters funding grant for low income families had been cut due to a slight improvement in my parents' financial circumstances despite me not receiving any financial support from my mum or dad. While I have tried to appeal this decision from the funding body, the decision won't be changed and in fact, there has been another overall cut in everyone's funding by 5% from the beginning of January. Needless to say, I just have to deal with it and alter my spending to keep myself out of debt. I have started by cutting back on nights out and random expenses such as the cinema, gigs, lunches and by buying cheaper groceries. I also have started to take on more hours in my part-time job but I will have to cut back when Spring Semester starts as I want to improve my grades this year.

However I need to address my shopping habit as well. In 2009, the focus when I had extra money was to build my wardrobe up to a point where I had enough simple classic basics and trendy items to reflect my personal style and to get to a point where I don't have any major gaps in my wardrobe. At least, if I have to stop shopping, I won't be stuck in a situation where I don't have an appropriate outfit for most events.

Initially I was thinking about going cold-turkey with six months of no-spending allowed but I would probably go crazy. I also thought about giving myself €50 ($70/ £45) a month as a maximum budget for clothing but this also won't address the major issues within my wardrobe. In the last year, the focus of my wardrobe has been quantity rather than quality. While most of my clothing is of good quality, other parts aren't. I have way too many items of clothing from cheap retailers such as H&M and Primark which are starting to bobble and fade after three months.

Instead, I was thinking about allowing myself one purchase a month which is of a high quality. In this case, I would spend €60 on a skirt rather than €100 each month on four or five pieces of clothing. Of course, if I am spending more money on one single item of clothing, I need to have a view to the future and buy clothes which I can wear for a longer time frame as well.

So with this in mind and to limit my expenses anyway, I have set myself a maximum budget of €400 for the next six months to invest in 6 items of clothing, preferably one piece each month. For the month of January, I bought a dress on sale for €30 from Mango: http://www.asos.com/Mango/Mang.....;clr=Multi

I have been stalking this dress for about three months already and already have worn it with cardigans and sweaters. It is light enough to be worn on its own in the summer as well.

For the month of February, I have either a skirt in mind which can be used in a smart casual or business casual outfit for when I get a job after graduation in July/ August.

Skirt: http://www.warehouse.co.uk//-/fcp-product/299383

I love the folds from the waist to the hips but would it be versatile enough to wear for the next three years and worth the investment?

Do you think this type of shopping ban could work?

Thanks and sorry about the length!

16 years ago

garmenta

Active Member

I think it's wise to have a clothing budget, to plan for major purchases, and to look for versatile, high-quality items. You probably want to add a bit for "necessaries" (surprising how much socks, for instance, can cost, and when you need them, you need them!). Consider, too, that if you shop for pleasure, you may want to set aside a small amount per month or per week and buy something small, frivolous, and inexpensive, just so you don't feel deprived.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Seems like a good idea, one that fits with the concept of buying fewer items of higher quality. Sorry about your funding and good for you that you are making the adjustments you need to make. I think it's going to be another rough financial year for the world.

MNsara

I think it sounds like a good plan - one better quality piece each month. It may cause you to analyze carefullly which item to be seeking out.

If that seems too severe, you could also allow yourself one small item (set a low budget for this one, $10 or less) each month that wasn't in the plan, but makes you smile. . .

rute

I think this plan can work.. it's much better than a long term shopping ban.. This way you have a lot of time to decide the next item and make a better choice.

I'm also in shopping ban until the end of January and I'm already dying.. (so many good clothes on sale...) but it is important to control what we spend.

RoseandJoan

It sounds like a good plan to me Dawn.

Queen Mum

sounds like a great plan to me too, but don't we need a little $ each month for things like layering t's, shirts, etc. I honestly don't know if I could get by on only buying 12 items of clothing throughout the year. But, then again if you're set with extras, then this might work great for you.

I have no additional budget for these things Queenie. It's so important to go with what you can afford Dawn. I love clothes but refuse to incur debt to purchase them

medusa

Dawn, your plan sounds both practical and wise. Good strategy.

I really, REALLY like that skirt. I think you could do a lot with it since you are so creative and making new outfits.

Dawn

Thanks for your support everyone. I probably should set a tiny bit aside for those random clothing emergencies like new socks and tights but that could be my random treat in the month as well as I get as much of a kick out of finding a great pair of tights as I do from the perfect dress. However I probably do have enough layering tshirts, camisoles, tights, socks, undies and bras to see me through this shopping ban.

I'm getting as much of a kick thinking about trying to find the perfect item for each month. I'm thinking a non-boyfriend blazer in grey for March.

I feel so much better for even talking about the tough money situation I'm facing but I also hope this ban will help me to reflect upon my habits as a shopper and to help give my wardrobe a proper run-through for the next six months.

I love your positive approach to your tough situation Dawn. A grey blazer sounds lovely for your business casual wardrobe.

Ele

This is totally do-able, Dawn! In fact, this is pretty much how I have always shopped- one item every month, apart from undies, socks, etc. The only time I ever buy more than that is when I'm on holiday in NYC (my trips there are pretty shopping-centric) or for "back to school" when I was younger. I feel extravagant if I ever buy too much in one month- I'm a born saver, not spender

(PS and OT- I quoted you on my cookbook blog today!)

marianna

VERY wise. I am on a shopping ban too as my financial situation simply won't allow for foolish spending anymore. I like your approach though. Very doable. I may jump on the bandwagon.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Big thumbs up from me! A clever and effective plan.

Srujana

LOVE that skirt. Can totally see you pulling it off (and the shopping 'ban' as well) Good Luck!

Vani

A very sound plan Dawn! And it is inspiring me to do the same too. It never hurts to have a little more in the savings account. Love the investment pieces you have bought and are contemplating. Sorry about the cut in financial aid. Kinda sucks but you are on the right track!

Maybe instead of a "shopping ban" you should call it a "shopping diet"...you're still shopping, but with a focused plan.

Anonymous

Dawn, your idea sounds like a great idea when one has enough but needs to shop and stay current. This would be a good practice for me to add better quality items and not get something just because it's a great buy and fits well. Thank you for the idea. I'm used to stocking up twice a year at sales but should try to make less be more.

Cool, it's a fashion diet! I'm spending today cleaning and organising my wardrobe so I know what I need to purchase in the next six months.

I think that as part of this plan, I should ban myself from buying dresses! I own far far too many dresses!

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