Can I survive a year without buying clothes?

[MaccaPaccaismyNemesis]

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!) .

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?

siskas- i completely understand. I worked in a similar envoronment once and would think nothing of spending £300 on a jacket for work- like you my job took em a broad to meetings abroad, mostly in Paris and San Franciso.
Many of however ( including me now ) are not in that kind job and no longer have the money spend either.

I am self employed and work online so for me clothes are not very important.
I do work out a lot though- and that gives me a huge confidence because I can slip on any £1 dress from a charity shop and see my tight butt and flat stomach- that's where I get my buzz from these days.
If I weighed 4 stone more than I do I don't think I would be happy wearing second hand clothes!!

Hello again lovely people .

Just to report that I have given my credit card to a friend and unsubscribed from all my favourite on-line retailers.

I cannot tell you how hard that is for someone like me who is totally addicted to shopping.

This year just has to be different, I don't want to live in debt any longer .

Well done Belize now that's action for you...

I'm actually quite excited about the prospect of no new clothes.

I have about 60 dresses in my wardrobe - varying in cost from £50 to well over £500, most if them worn once. Some not that. When I think what the money could have gone on it makes me really sick

"I'm actually quite excited about the prospect of no new clothes.

I have about 60 dresses in my wardrobe - varying in cost from £50 to well over £500, most if them worn once. Some not that. When I think what the money could have gone on it makes me really sick"

That quote could only be found on Mumsnet- poor your. Don't gag on your Guccis.

Msmiggins, can I please request that you not comment on someone's past budget, clothes cost whatever you choose to spend on them. My watch cost £1500 but my coat cost £25. This is about reasserting control, and having a challenge.

Good for you Maccapacca. Quite right in showing us a sense of proprietary.

msmiggins, I typed a reply to one of your posts on this thread the other day and then deleted it but this time I will reply.

I absolutely respect that you don't find overspending on clothes a problem but some of us do and are determined to do something about it.

Would you go on a dieting thread and be disrespectful about someone's choice to change the way they eat?

I hope not so would you mind awfully desisting on this thread - thank you .

ashamedoverthinker - thank you .

I'm trying to focus on what my life would be like without debt but also feel angry with myself for something I feel I should be able to control. I need to channel the anger into something positive.

What exactly are you getting out of this thread, Mrsmiggins ?

You've already told us that this wouldn't be a challenge for you. Brilliant! I salute your common sense and your tight butt!

Futuredreamer your comment is really honest and I would imagine there are plenty of posters on this thread who empathise.

No I won't "awfully desist" belize.

Don't you know how this makes you sound? Like a posh spoiled brat.

To quote a previous poster_

"I have about 60 dresses in my wardrobe - varying in cost from £50 to well over £500, most if them worn once. Some not that. When I think what the money could have gone on it makes me really sick""

Are aware that many mothers in this country struggle to feed their family- never mind having thousands of pounds worth of clothes in their wardrobe.
Given also the fact that we have millions of babies dying a year for the lack of clean drinking water and food.
How awful to have an overspending problem. Much sympathies ( air kisses all around ) XX

Hoping that this thread remains positive.

It isn't choice to want to look nice, and present myself well. I was very poor for many years, and only due to working two full time jobs have I had spare cash. It did seem to unleash a but of a clothes hoarder and spender lurking within so hoping that the challenge resets me to normal!

it is my choice (clumsy fingers)

Just joining in - I have gone up a dress size or two since DD was born and am determined to lose it. I have plenty of nice clothes in my previous size and enough in my current size to get by. But no new clothes = more motivation to lose weight + saving money!

Stop caring what other people think of what you wear. I suspect most people won't notice.

You have enough clothes. You don't need any more. You certainly shouldn't be buying any more when you have an overdraft and clothes not yet worn!

I haven't read whole thread but has anyone considered this: War time clothing rations for a year

cargocultcraft.com/fashion-on-ration/

I feel that some are missing the point a little! To criticise those that are acknowledging their weakness for clothes by stopping shopping for their superficial and debt encouraging ways is a bit off.

It would be like saying to someone who is stopping smoking, 'but you have smoked and therefore you are bad' rather than 'well done, good choice for your future health'.

I agree that I have spent too much, and need to relearn behaviour so stop berating me for it!

Macca the majority of posters understand the sentiment behind the thread. Controlling an aspect of our spending on particular products.

I dont give a chuff what you have or have not in your wardrobe - that is a secondary point really and RELATIVE to your own budget and clothig needs.

Clothing for a lot of peole is related to three emotive issues (IMO) - eating/weight, money and self esteem about how we present ourselves.

Please dont anyone apologise for what they have or dont have it's not the point. I certainly am not going to apologise for having spent hundreds on multiple coat and boot combo's I didnt need this autumn. I am not going to apologise for spending hard earned money.

I will apologise to any relevant persons my uncontrolled spendng affects but seen as that is not you (or anyone for that matter it was mine to spend) mrsmiggins butt the fuck out.

Thank you, I needed a little bit of reassurance there . And to the rest of the non-shoppers, I am very much looking forward to 2014, and have already worn clothes that were lurking in my wardrobe.

Very well said Sisukas.

It is such bad manners to crash onto threads that you are not really interested in just to make trouble .