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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:
Burmahere · 10/03/2014 20:06

bluedog that's fab what an achievement! Lovely feeling I'm sure Smile.

thinking101 · 10/03/2014 20:12

I want to start by saying I am pleased I joined this thread and for me I have learned I am able to exercise some self discipline, if not for long periods of time Grin

I made a conscious decision to fall off the wagon, it wasnt done on a whim as I have looked so many times online and resisted. I have wrestled with it all and still abstained. BUT:

We are invited to an event that I need an 'occasion wear' outfit for. I just do not own any, or any that fit Blush

After looking for this item I decided to buy the items I have been resisting (one since early Jan) I have allowed myself to get these:

*denim leggings - two pairs of leggings worn out and chucked in recycle
*longline sweater - i ruined my other one in the wash and had to chuck it out

So I suppose not too bad as these are replacements of staples? BUT then

*grey tweed fitted riding blazer
*long loose n drapey top in 'peacock' to wear with denim and later white linens
*white long sleeve and longer length silk top

In all honesty I have considered these purhases v carefully in relation to:

what I own - to team up with
what i actually wear
farbics

The thing that made me actually cave is I have admitted to myself that I need these clothes to cheer me up. I rely on clothes a lot more than I thought (something I discussed up thread). I am pretty low at the moment in myself and have beendoinf a bit of soul searching.

I am trying to return to work after 4 years of not (SAHM/study) one of things I immediately thought of was the smart workweear I could buy. It will be good to 'put on' that person again. I know the clothes are not the answer to how I feel, but they will definitely act as a bit of 'armour'. The are my crutch on which to rest my anxiety.

I'm not sure where that leaves me with this thread. I would like to stick around maybe commit to another stretch of not buying rubbish - least Ive kicked my impulse asda habit Grin and next Grin

thinking101 · 10/03/2014 20:19

I dont think I actually said thank you for all the fabulous insights and support Smile

Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 10/03/2014 20:21

Thinking- it goes without staying you should stay :). If only to stop buying crap clothes you don't need. Avoiding the 'pick me ups' that do nothing but clog the wardrobe and increase the spend.

OP posts:
Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 10/03/2014 20:23

Thinking- it goes without staying you should stay :). If only to stop buying crap clothes you don't need. Avoiding the 'pick me ups' that do nothing but clog the wardrobe and increase the spend.

OP posts:
Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 10/03/2014 20:23

Thinking- it goes without staying you should stay :). If only to stop buying crap clothes you don't need. Avoiding the 'pick me ups' that do nothing but clog the wardrobe and increase the spend.

OP posts:
Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 10/03/2014 20:24

Thinking- it goes without staying you should stay :). If only to stop buying crap clothes you don't need. Avoiding the 'pick me ups' that do nothing but clog the wardrobe and increase the spend.

OP posts:
Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 10/03/2014 20:41

Shit! Sorry for the multiple posts there!

OP posts:
thinking101 · 10/03/2014 20:48

Thanks for the continued welcome Macca ....didi you just crash the site Grin

Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 10/03/2014 20:49

It kept denying that I was posting so I kept on clicking......whoops! Grin

OP posts:
thinking101 · 10/03/2014 21:04

see macca even the thread is 'testing' you wooooo wooooo Wink

Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 12/03/2014 20:52

How's everyone doing? Smile

OP posts:
foxdongle · 13/03/2014 13:08

hi I thought I was doing well but....
I am going to have to cave over a bloody swimsuit (annoyed :( )
I don't swim much but going on a cruise in may.
I got swim stuff out at the weekend for inspection - I had two - one swimsuit, is now too big and looks silly (weight loss) the other, a bikini, has gone all thin, almost see through, in places.
I can't not have one for that sort of holiday can I? and i don't fancy borrowing one (!)
I've not bought one yet.
I feel a tad miffed esp being the one going on about how easy it is etc (doh!).
I've not bought anything except a bra for months so maybe it was inevitable?
I keep trying to justify it, thinking "well if that's all I buy blah blah", but I will still have failed the challenge.
we have sold some household stuff on ebay - made £400 and had premium bond win £50.
However that's not the point is it?

Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 13/03/2014 18:07

Fox- much like my knackered slippers that I had to replace you can't very well go swimming in the nude! Would you have previously gone 'holiday shopping'?

OP posts:
thinking101 · 13/03/2014 19:29

fox you have done well, youve stayed stronger, at least you have a real need ive totally caved. Its interesting to see how integral he clothes are to our lives from a functinal point of view and not just because ts nice to have new and dress different. Your swimsuit is not everyday wear and additional clothing purchase, its functional to a lifestyle choice, no doubt booked before you bgan this! Good luck with whatever you decide.

I am returning three out fo the four items i bought online the other day.

foxdongle · 13/03/2014 23:13

macca thinking thanks guys for your support

macca -yes in the past I would have gone holiday shopping and no doubt spent £££s - so at least I feel I have learned to identify what I actually need, I suppose.
you're right- definitely wont be skinny dipping on a cruise ship - :0

thinking you have not totally caved as you are sending stuff back and kicked your next/asda habits.
I wonder was it more exciting buying the stuff and getting the parcel than actually having the stuff? did it disappoint you when it arrived?
cus that's what has happened to me many times in the past.

Also last year when I had got more of a grip , I still had to go into shops and try stuff on that I had no intention of buying.
sounds silly but does anyone get what I mean?

thinking101 · 14/03/2014 16:56

fox the parcel inmy car that needs to be returned (tomorrows job) makes me feel sick actually.

I have been going through spreadsheet again looking at the finances today. I think it would be incredibly selfish (re impact on family budget) to keep the clothes and they are not all that anyway.

I enjoyed the shopping and matching stuff up online, I even opended a pinterest account so I could 'play' Hmm. The parcel was disappointing. It has made me completly skint too, as in no money for coffee dates etc. So it is unrealistic that I am going to sit around in the house on my in new clothes that would need 'special' laundry care faff too.

I can feel my grip comming back - might be a bit firmer.

Blueandwhitelover · 15/03/2014 16:12

I am really surprised at how much money I seem to have in my purse at the end of the week now! I resisted the urge to go to the charity shop which had put up all its summer stock.
I know some of you are debt clearing with your saved money, I'm putting mine into one of those money pots for my hols- has anyone found they have replaced shopping for anything else?

ThePearShapedToad · 15/03/2014 16:33

Furniture has replaced my clothes addiction. That and books. My amazon account has skyrocketed since January whooooop Blush

But, still haven't bought any clothes (semi pat on back)

orchidella · 15/03/2014 17:09

My replacement has been buying craft stuff on ebay. I had 29 transactions to leave feedback for today! Still, all were for small amounts and they do go into making something of use. I'm getting better grasp of my accounts, and credit card spends and more ruthless in setting and staying within spending limits.
Well done thinking on returning most of your purchases. Maybe you achieved something through buying them - i.e. finding out that they weren't really a 'solution' to your needs and would just create problems.
Sounds like you have come a long way Smile

emma16 · 15/03/2014 20:44

Your not on your own Fox, i've ordered a parcel of clothes from well known high street retailers in the past, tried it all on & then sent it all back whilst feeling a glimpse of triumph :)) In my head i've achieved something because i didn't keep it all!
Your totally justified in buying a new bikini too, infact i think it's probably a rule the cruise liner asks guests to abide by when they board the ship!
Go for it & when you walk out the shops with just a couple of bikini's i reckon you'll feel proud of yourself for not dragging half the new summer season out with you.

I got an email last night from Next saying their new Summer range is online :(( I did look, i did want it all esp for my little girl & i did shut the laptop down without ordering a thing! Altho i still want to, it's a itch that keeps scratching...trouble is a few orders here & there & you forget how much your bill racks up to as your not physically parting with cash to buy it. My accounts at £200 & im determined to get it paid off in the next 4 months & just purchase clothes as & when they are needed....did you read that, needed, not wanted lol!

foxdongle · 15/03/2014 23:35

hi
emma Next was my downfall a few years back, ( I probably got half of my clothes from there) then Next sorted that out that little problem themselves by never having anything in that I liked for ages!
so I only go in the Next home shops now-I like the towels and bathmats, cushions etc.

thinking well done for sending your parcel back

not got the offending bikini yet - i'm holding out as long as poss :)

androbbob · 16/03/2014 21:50

Evening! Just banked my money from Feb so now have £60 in my savings from not spending on clothes (£1 a day put away for each no clothes spend day). Payday came and went on Friday and I am contemplating a new pair of trainers. My current and only pair are ok, but DD needs a new pair for high school, so I figured she could have my old ones and I would buy a new pair. I have been looking on line to see what I want (last pair are 18 months old and only worn in the gym) so not too bad - still look fairly new.

I have had another clothes sort out now the weather is changing, and reduced my clothes down again. A couple of tops look too dark and are too baggy (weightloss) so they are out. Still got plenty of stuff to work through though!

Will be needing 'new' work clothes soon as a change of role in work, but I have about 5 tops that will do, and when I lose another stone before July, there will be loads more stuff on my wardrobe that can come out!

Keep going girls -we can crack this!

Original poster
MaccaPaccaismyNemesis · 18/03/2014 19:03

It's going well though I now have not one but two weddings to go to this year! Aaargh! What am I going to wear?

OP posts:
thinking101 · 20/03/2014 08:20

Hi.

Not doing well Im afraid. I too have a charity ball to go to and a wedding invite. I have nothing that fits for the former.