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Original poster

Can I survive a year without buying clothes?

794 replies

MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 23/12/2013 23:06

I like shopping, especially pretty day dresses, and I have spent much of 2013 building up a decent amount of clothes after bring pregnant and eating cake changed my shape though I have lost my preg weight now. (Only 2 years later!) Grin.

I was having a look through the other day, and I think I could save a fortune if I made myself not shop for clothes or shoes in 2014. It could help financially to pay back the overdraft etc, and maybe just maybe I could save some money. I can definitely dress well for the year, but will people notice that I'm sporting the same clothes?

Would anyone like to join me in my quest to not shop in 2014?

OP posts:
Fishandjam · 12/02/2014 20:18

I had to buy some stuff online for my mum today (M&S) and once I'd chosen hers, I started idly browsing for stuff for me....then mentally slapped myself round the chops. Made easier by the fact that a lot of M&S's oeuvre this year is fecking hideous.

thinking101 · 12/02/2014 21:53

Well done fishandjam I musthave it bad then as I found two shirts and jeggings Grin but I did not order them.

I'm finding this harder than I thought

Fishandjam · 12/02/2014 22:50

thinking, feast your eyes on this little number. And then tell me how hard it is Grin

thinking101 · 13/02/2014 00:13

It Horrid utterly horrid I have an aversion to animal prints.

At best when in mood I may wear a leopard print scarf which has a low contrast and subdues colours. But that is my limit.

I know that pleather shoulders and sleeves is on trend too, but it is too on trend for me, it will look silly next season so I wouldn't buy. I'd rather look a little less on trend but over two seasons or more if that makes sense.

Where could you wear that anyway? Not in my life bubble. It's so loud you couldn't wear that around town more then once per month either!

There is that enough anti clothes propaganda?

Fishandjam · 13/02/2014 12:02

Is it pleather? I thought it was just black fabric! Ugh.

But see, already you don't want to buy it. Aversion therapy!

thinking101 · 13/02/2014 13:58

I didnt linger to look long Grin

Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 14/02/2014 19:35

Another week without clothes purchases. I managed to forget my coat today and had to remind myself of this thread because I was very tempted to buy a cheapy from tesco. Just kept saying 'you have enough coats!'

OP posts:
thinking101 · 14/02/2014 20:54

Well done MaccaPacca I hope you didnt get tool cold or wet Grin

Well my holiday is here, it's too late to buy anything for it really and I was kinda tempted to use this as an excuse. Im pleased I've got this far with on dress only.

Jaisalmer · 15/02/2014 20:25

Well done everyone!!!!

I've still not bought anything since Christmas Eve which is a complete feat of wonderment for me.

I am also shopping at Aldi which is totally unimaginable as I am a die-hard Waitrose gal!!!

It is hard as the effect on my bank account is minimal but obviously things aren't going to magically resolve overnight.

AGoodPirate · 16/02/2014 09:01

I really want a couple of new jumpers. I've thrown two away and I feel like I ought to replace them.
But I don't need to if I'm honest. Staying strong!

thinking101 · 16/02/2014 09:04

Did you wear them regularly?

Spring is just around corner...so a bit of layering might serve you just as well for a next 6-8weeks.

I must admit I feel the same about one pair of leggings, they are washed out black ones. But I have some treggings and navy ones I remind myself.

ThePearShapedToad · 16/02/2014 11:02

I don't think getting things re-heeled etc counts as buying new. Well I'm hoping not, as I got my favourite boots fitted with a new zip last week!

Can't believe have made it to mid feb without any new clothes. Starting to get proud of myself!

Blueandwhitelover · 16/02/2014 12:05

Well done everyone, I'm now on half term with my overflowing basket. DH is off too but I am determined to empty the last of the wardrobe and be realistic about if I would wear something or not and put the too small stuff in yet another bag in the loft
When we were in Spain in October I spent £120 on gorgeous clothes(five outfits!!) that I was going to lose 2 stones to fit into and look fab, DH, bless him, has not mentioned them.
By the end of the week I should have achieved a wearable wardrobe, this should make me feel more in control.
Just need to stay out of the charity shops...

thinking101 · 16/02/2014 13:32

blue same here on hafl term.

We are going away tomorrow and Im pleased I am making do with what I got which is not bad it is all functional.

Thebluedog · 16/02/2014 16:26

I managed a wander around my local shopping centre today without buying any clothes Grin

thinking101 · 16/02/2014 17:35

Aha! blue Ive been looking at stuff online since my last post. Already thinking about payday Sad Blush

Ive seen gorgeous tunics that cover mu curvy ass just enough. Nice 'trnaistion pieces' loafers. Sad SadSad

I didnt realise i relied so much on clothes.

thinking101 · 16/02/2014 23:33

Sorry for the doom n gloom posts, I still have not bought anything. Ive come very close. I keep planning spring buys via online browsing. Im going away for half term so that is another week taken care of.

There will be clothes to buy next year wont there.

Dune have the new sandals in. Hmm Blush

Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 17/02/2014 07:37

It's bit all soon and gloom thinking Smile. This is harder than I thought- I miss the thrill of finding something new to wear, I really love shopping!

Almost three months in, and we are cooking on gas Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 17/02/2014 07:38

Bloody autocorrect. It's not all doom and gloom.....

OP posts:
MissAnnersleyismyhero · 17/02/2014 09:06

Well into Feb and going strong! Am keeping busy around the house doing loads of DIY tasks which I have been putting off for ages. Yesterday started painting the downstairs loo, will finish it off today.

The good thing is that I have all of the paint in for both bathrooms, so I don't have to spend any money.

foxdongle · 17/02/2014 10:18

ditto ^ doing a bit of a house makeover with paint already got.

blue and white charity shops were my friend last year and yesterday I freed a lovely blouse bought for a couple of £. I am avoiding all clothes shops (even looking) for as long as possible now.

I am at the stage were I can walk past even favourite clothes shops, but that took a while.

I am making more use of my stuff and stopped leaking so much money.

I was in that place where it feels painful a few months ago- it does get easier I promise x.

AdoraBell · 17/02/2014 17:17

Quick update post holiday. Forgot to pack a belt for jeans and they were falling downBlush, so I spent £6 on 1 leather belt. DH bought things when we had an afternoon at the duty free zone but I declined the offer of jackets.

MissAnnersleyismyhero · 18/02/2014 07:43

OK everyone disaster has struck dramatic music

My mum is coming to stay tomorrow and is demanding we go to Bicester shopping village!!! Shock

I tried to talk her out of it (she is in debt with loads of cards and an old debt consolidation loan too) but she is determined. I need to stay strong while there and only buy a sandwich and coffee for lunch! Send me powerful anti-bargain vibes please!

thinking101 · 18/02/2014 08:01

Jesus Bicester Shock good luck, just look at Versace coffee sets n Cath kid t towels Grin

Thanks for enlargement macca. I'm still on track just massively wobbling. I did buy some v cheap knickers. I consider these essentials and they are not the sort to be proud of so I'm reconciled about this purchase.

I'm holiday now. It's all willies n waterproofs, clothes are insignificant so I don't feel I missed out by not doing a pre holiday clothes shop.

My new mantras is 'I done need it, there will be clothes to buy next year' when I see stuff and I get 'I've gotta have it will be gone' it's like I'm saying there will be never anything else as nice again that item becomes the thing that meters. But there always is something else isn't there. The shops are excellent at keeping us going back season after season.

I hopes it does get easier fox Grin

thinking101 · 18/02/2014 08:02

Encouragement