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Frugal Follow-up

593 replies

FrugalFashionista · 20/04/2013 18:44

We've hopelessly lost the old thread. How are you doing ladies?

I need to reawaken the thread as I need to get back on the wagon. I decided to temporarily suspend my shopping ban - it's summery here and I've started wearing summer clothes and I decided to make some purchases now so that I can wear them all season long (in low 20s it's still a bit too cool for my routine sleeveless dress/bare legs summer look). Most of my old summer clothes are in great shape but this is what I needed to update them -

  1. white jeans (have lots of denim shirts and blue tops) - straight-leg, non see-through Wink
  2. colorful printed cigarette pants (my wardrobe is mostly solid colors - I want to wear prints but not near my face) - found a pair in my favorite colors from MSMG
  3. sandals (bored of ballet flats and Havaianas) - black cage wedges, low-rent child-friendly version of the Altuzarra look
  4. slingbacks (found a lovely two-tone white/taupe pair on sale)
  5. a few bracelets to liven things up


I'm still looking for a couple of high-quality white or cream tops, scoop neck if possible. They seem to be the hardest item to find, but my refound Zara poly-viscose top is surprisingly versatile. Still thinking about a long and narrow snakeprint silk scarf in my best blues and also need to make a decision regarding nude/taupe courts (to go with my summer cocktail dresses).

Spring lasted for 3-4 weeks here and coincided with my 1-month shopping ban. By thinking a bit harder and digging a bit deeper I was able to find all spring outfits I ever needed without any spending! Summer will be around until the end of October so I hope that I will get quite a lot of wear out of my mix of old and new. But I think I'm almost done with wardrobe updates and might go back to tight-fist mode very soon Wink
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OneLittleLady · 20/04/2013 19:27

I am having another shopping ban in May. Going to top up my wardrobe with summer clothes over the next week or so and then have a ban for a month. I don't need much so I should be able to get my summer wardrobe sorted fairly cheaply. The thing I need most desperately is shoes and sandals so they are what i will spend the most on in hopes that they will last more than one summer.

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BillStickersIsInnocent · 20/04/2013 20:07

Hello Smile

Did the old thread die? (hopefully because everyone is 'cured' Wink)

Frugal love those trousers.

I haven't been on a ban but trying to spend time planning purchases to fill wardrobe gaps. Everything was going ok until the Toast flash sale and I bought a pair of £5 trews. They were reduced to £5 for a reason - see through and unflattering. But not spending ££ to return so have slapped my wrist and will wear round the house as penance.

Currently on the look out for a properly waterproof summer mac. Have a couple on my list - need to choose.

Warm enough here to get my legs out. I love the simplicity of summer clothes.

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scarlet76 · 20/04/2013 20:35

Hello my lovelies Smile
Frugal the white jeans is also a purchase I made this month and gave them a go with one of my many Blush denim shirts. It works well.
Whilst my spending remains reduced, I have fallen off the waggon a little this month and need to get back on it in May.
The purchases I have mde this month have been considered and plug some holes in my wardrobe which should see me through til autumn: Tan leather bag which I can wear on the shoulder or across body (I had some John Lewis vouchers to put towards it which helped justify it), white 'relaxed skinny' jeans, black jersey maxi dress, blue cotton embroidered sleeveless top, sunglasses and a cropped cashmere cardi.
The only things I would still like is a cream pretty summer top (the holy grail), a cotton knee dress and a parka style light coat.
This month has been tough emotionally and I am recognising ever more that shopping has been a coping a strategy for me, a pick me up if you like. But of course the hit is only temporary.

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Corygal · 20/04/2013 20:50

I've reduced my monthly budget to a glorious 7.50 - bought some stretchy stripe cotton jersey that comes in a tube and copied a Cos bag dress.

The pattern turned out to be 'pillowcase with hole', with a couple of stitches to make the inter-esting folds - not exactly challenging - but looks rather good.

Wearing it tomorrow in the London sun, can't wait.

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ShirleySharpeyes · 20/04/2013 20:55

I am still lurking (so glad you are all back)... and trying not to spend, although the toast sale was my complete undoing - I spent £100 Blush but did manage a good haul (jeans, swimsuit, bikini, two cotton jumpers) all of which I really like and of course can justify, so not too bad. I have also sorted through all my clothes and mended lots - I even got around to fixing heart shaped elbow patches on two of my most favourite jumpers... pinterest is a mine of info and ideas isn't it?

So now, I'm planning for a frugal May, and I'm determined that every time I think of something I need/that'll make life complete/wardrobe woes end etc I shall add it to my list (plus onto my 'want's' pinterest board) and if it ends up in a June sale, and I still want it and can truly justify it then so be it.
I know I use shopping as a quick fix and a diversion from stressful stuff, at least I recognize that now, I just need to not be so easily diverted! Lurking on a frugal thread really helps stop me shopping....

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ChablisLover · 20/04/2013 21:12

Very frugal may and June here.

Need to pay for holidays and discovered need to spend £300 to fix car to stop it rolling on hills even when hand brake is on!!! I think this is essential work! Could be £500 + if I need new brake pads too.

Plus have sil 50th birthday, other sil birthday too. 2 friends turn 40 with big bash staying in hotel.

Plus on holidays with in laws next month so may need lots of wine! And trying to budget for trip to outlet near here when there.

Plus would like to budget for summer rain coat - staycationing this year and after last years washout it could be seen as an essential. Cue a heat wave after this purchase. Funding or this is via eBay sales if people would bid. Lots of watchers but no real bids yet


Sounds awful lot when it's written down!

So frugal few months which run into summer hols with increased child care costs too!

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CeeceeBloomingdale · 20/04/2013 21:52

We've been having boiler problems then a whole load of swimming lessons, dance exams etc to pay for so I'll be on the frugal bandwagon for a while yet.

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chanie44 · 21/04/2013 09:11

My last few months certainly haven't been frugal, but I have gone through my wardrobe and made a list of everything I have so I can start to work out what i need to get.

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scarlet76 · 21/04/2013 09:20

Yes an expensive time of year. Downstairs bathroom toilet has sprung a major leak and I am awaiting a plumber which will no doubt come at a price. DS turns 10 next month so presents and party to be paid for. Then it's time to pay for the holiday and at the end of August is BIL's wedding. Determined not to rush out and buy new clothes for any of these events but use what I have

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Fluffycloudland77 · 21/04/2013 09:23

I've been buying more wisely recently, shoeaholics have helped a lot with that though, shoes were needed more than clothes.

River island are doing white jeans, I bought from them years ago and liked the jeans.

I have white boot cuts from gap, I don't like boot cut anymore and they don't sell on eBay so off to the charity shop for them.

Tk maxx had Calvin Klein dark skinny jeans for £30 last week.

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DigWeedSow · 21/04/2013 09:32

Hello again! April has not been a frugal month for me, after ruthlessly clearing out my wardrobe I've been filling in the gaps with things that I need to make it work.

So in April I have bought.......
Taupe linen/knitted biker jacket
Navy/ivory long sleeve Breton top
Neutral ballet flats
Leopard print ballet flats
Taupe sleeveless vest
And tempted by the Zatchels 50% off thread on here a pewter satchel Blush However I haven't bought a new bag for 18 months (actually I didn't even buy that one as it was a birthday present!) so I don't feel too guilty.

In addition to this I need 2/3 t shirts and a pair of either dark denim or taupe jeans. Then working them into my existing wardrobe it should take me right through Summer. In theory that means I could have a frugal May, June, July and August, thankfully I have no special occasions or holidays abroad to buy for this season!

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Fluffycloudland77 · 21/04/2013 13:59

When you look at Elle McPherson in the paparazzi pictures she looks great but it's all pretty basic stuff, cropped 3/4 length cardigan, little camisole underneath it, skinny jeans, ballet flats in black, oversized sunglasses.

What makes it look nice is that it all fits properly, its ironed, she has her hair blow dried and is all lovely and tanned and lithe.

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FrugalFashionista · 21/04/2013 14:46

Great to have you still onboard ladies I would like to have a frugal summer too!

Fluffy I'll give you a direct quote from an Elle McPherson interview as I thing she's a frugal kindred spirit - "Find a personal style by not following fashion trends. I have worn jeans and a white T-shirt with knee-high/cowboy/motorcycle boots, ballet flats and a cashmere jumper for twenty-five years. The shape of jeans changes and that's about it. I believe in comfort and consistency. There is something disquieting about clothing schizophrenia."

I'm ready to start another shopping ban right now. Buying stuff is boring; dealing with the clutter/returns/wardrobe editing even more so (it's super hard for me to let go of things - not sure why). Although I quite like some of my new purchases, I enjoy feeling in control a lot more. Let's have a modest goal and aim for a shopping-free week for starters Wink

Linking to the old thread - Bleeding found it. Lots of good info on it so feel free to refer back.

I've embraced white this spring and while winter white is a great color on me the maintenance is starting to wear me out. I have a white blazer that seems hexed - went into a lot of trouble to replace its buttons; then stained it with biro; got the biro marks out with hairspray, but then noticed that there were yellowish watermarks; got them out by washing the entire sleeve; new yellowish water marks emerged, fetchingly in the armpit area Confused. It's 100% cotton but the tags forbid washing - starting to understand why. Dry cleaners remains an option, but having it drycleaned circa every three days?

What are you wearing? I'm wearing one of my favorite transitional outfits (not exactly the paragon of style but comfy at home)

Refound floral skinnies from last summer (the only skinnies I still wear)
Old refound short white cotton tank
Cream loose-knit poly/viscose sweater
Silver mock-Tiffany chain bracelet
Sky-blue mock-ostrich ballerinas

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OneLittleLady · 21/04/2013 14:57

I think limiting my shopping habits is a good thing for me, it stops me buying just for the sake of it instead of considering what I need and then buying to fit into my existing wardrobe. I've given away three bin bags full of things that don't fit/wrong shape/wrong colour. Most of it's gone to my sister and what she didn't want she's passed on to her friends. I have also started trying things on before I buy them which was something I never used to do. The shopping ban has come at the right time for me as the shops are full of pastels which just don't suit me so I'm saving my money until there's a colour theme I can work with.

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FrugalFashionista · 21/04/2013 15:19

OneLittleLady I'm a Summer but don't like the pastels either Wink Do grown women really buy them?

During the last thread, I accomplished so many things I'm really proud of - for example I repaired a dozen clothing items and did mini clearouts.

Facing a vexing overcluttering dilemma again. A big chunk of my winter wardrobe is useful for cooler summer days and traveling - so I can't get rid of it all. I took out everything I was sure I wouldn't need until October, but didn't clear enough space for my summer stuff

Promising to dedicate at least one hour of my time today to decluttering/trying to find solutions to this. The bottom line - I simply have too much stuff Sad

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BillStickersIsInnocent · 21/04/2013 15:26

I wore ancient bootcuts today Shock more flares actually, with a pale yellow cotton knitted Chanel-esque jacket and navy vest. Until DD spilt a cup of coffee over me. Now just in house lounging stuff.

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OneLittleLady · 21/04/2013 16:28

I'm pretty certain I'm in the Winter palette FF Summer and Autumn colours really do nothing for me, I get far more compliments and nods to how well I look when I stick to winter colours so that's what I'm basing any future purchases on.

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Fluffycloudland77 · 21/04/2013 17:26

I'm on the lookout for basic vests, I've seen some in boden of all places but only in white and I want white and black.

I could buy two and dye one though.

I'm fed up of buying cheap vests, they don't fit well and their too thin. There, I've said it.

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QueenofWhatever · 21/04/2013 17:27

Very glad to see this thread back as I will be needing some support and inspiration. Haven't bought anything as such but had my colours done yesterday. Great day and I'd highly recommend it.

It turns out I'm a vibrant autumn and look best in rich, classy colours such as geranium, coffee, forest green and kingfisher blue. No black or white (not a great surprise to me as they only work for winters and I knew I wasn't one of them), and limited denim, not indigo which will be more of a challenge.

So I've been wearing a lot of the wrong colours - muted pinks, lilacs, greys. Having gone through my wardrobe last night, I realise that I now have exceptionally little to wear. Obviously I'm not going to chuck everything out over night and bulk buy a new wardrobe (not in the spirit of this thread!) but I'm going to have to plan carefully.

I need to go to the shops and try lots of stuff on which is not my favourite thing, but I know it doesn't automatically lead to me buying stuff. Realistically I'll buy some bits and pieces when AW is in the shops. In the meantime, I think maybe some dying, small bits of sewing and trying on different combinations.

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QueenofWhatever · 21/04/2013 18:02

Oh frugal thanks for the postage money. Glad you like the bag - finally!

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FrugalFashionista · 21/04/2013 19:08

Sounds great QoW - fantastic colors! I can believe it's an initial shock - it's a big change. I had my colors done two years ago. I'm a Light Summer and at that point I was wearing just black and bright red Wink Getting used to taupe, camel, winter white and soft blues too some time Grin Go about it gradually! If you haven't done so yet, also figure out your ideal clothing shapes and personal style before purchasing anything new (you'll see more of those colors in stores in autumn). That way you can avoid big and costly mistakes. And remember that Coco Chanel said three good outfits are enough for a woman wish I had taken her advice

For example: the standard advice for a newly color-analyzed person is "Buy scarves". Yes I did that too but it was a mistake - I'm not a scarf person at all. I need a couple of scarves to keep warm in the winter and one or two dramatic and opulent ones for certain outfits (preferably in smoky blue, a magic color that often neutralizes poor color choices), but they are not a daily necessity for me and I usually feel that they clutter up my silhouette.

The correct advice for me might actually be 'Buy a new bracelet'. We went out for an early dinner with DC and everything I wore was old stuff in neutrals (white jacket and top, blue jeans). The focal point was a new bracelet - it really made the outfit (bang-on-trend cobalt-magenta-pale blue ikat pattern chunky cuff) - total cost of the style revamp 10?, wish I'd always remember this Hmm

I got started with decluttering - not easy, action items for the coming week:

  • return everything that can and should be returned
  • go out and buy some clothes hangers
  • sort through and pack up all extra winter clothes
  • storage winter boots
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maybemyrtle · 21/04/2013 19:32

Hello, can I join in? I lurked on the old thread and am so pleased it's been resurrected. Must rein in the spending as I seem to have given myself a free pass in March and April and it can't go on! I did loads of decluttering earlier this year and it felt great to have a leaner meaner wardrobe, it's amazing how quickly I've restocked Blush...

So, I really like the gentle intro of a spend-free week. The only things that I think I'll need to buy for the summer are a pair of summer work shoes and a versatile summer dress. I need to lose weight find a good place that does alterations for existing items too.

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Fluffycloudland77 · 21/04/2013 19:33

Looking after your clothes helps too, I bought a cheap pair of ballet flats for driving in that can fold up and go in the glove box so I don't get my naice shoes scuffed. Now I need leather cream to keep them looking nice.

This only works if you take the sweet rappers, petrol receipts and various CDs out of the glove box.

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FrugalFashionista · 21/04/2013 19:42

Bill a local socialite I see quite often Wink loves white bootcuts. She started wearing them again last week after a winter break. I think she combines them with sandals and a dark super simple top, sleek hair and a general super-groomed look.

Myrtle welcome!

Fluffy agree completely! Very difficult to look glamorous in scuffed shoes Wink

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QueenCadbury · 21/04/2013 19:59

Hi all. Can I just say that queen looks fabulous in her new colours. I had mine done also and am a sprinter winter. I will definitely need to go shopping as although I have the right sorts of colours in my wardrobe they're just not the correct vivid jewel tone. I always bought muted tones as i was convinced i was a summer. just goes to show that you can't self diagnose on the internet. Like queen I can't replace it all overnight (oh, how I wish I could) but having seen what a difference the correct colours can make I'm desperate to get started! I had put myself on a shopping ban over the last couple of months but bought a cardigan that I was convinced would be my colour and now I'm kicking myself that it's not!!

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