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?

Agreed.

I haven't read all posts but, what about swoshing?? Great excuse to socialise & get some new/different clothes out of it!! If you live in hull I'm in

Thats a lovely thing to say sisukas I wasn't feeling too good a couple of weeks ago. I posted about what my NN suggests.

Thise of you who have lots or stuff you dont wear why do you keep it? Ive tried to get rid of stuff, and have a lot less, but I still have stuff I havnt worn for four years and I cant seem to part with them.

I ask this, as I would like to simplify things to help being better organised.

Ok everyone.... drum roll.....

Today I selected three things online, went to pay (would freeze my card in a water tub but unfortunately know the numbers, security code and exp date off by heart ) then got distracted and wandered off.

Later on came back, opened laptop, realised I'd been about to buy clothes and clicked empty basket

< goes off to find a congratulatory biscuit >

Wow - I'd love to do this.... complete clothesaholic - even if most of them are 2nd hand on ebay (I tell myself that doesn't count!). Can we set up a group?? Maybe even do some swapping?

I never shopped online much but wow pear it is so easy to do so well done you for taking that decision.

Sisukas sounds a terrible crisis.
What an event. Such terrible turmoil. Duchesse silk and all the embroidery.

You have my sympathy.

Get a grip.

msmiggins - do you mean to sound so rude?

msmiggins You may not be aware of how nasty your response sounds. You come across as jealous.

Why the personal attacks?

I think that if you can't afford to buy clothes, (and don't get into debt for them) then the idea of someone who has too much brings out the inner cow in some people.

I have done this without trying - well almost as one pair of jeggings this year and no new socks, pants, anything. Makes sense when things tight as mainly concentrating on feeding our family but helps I have little interest in fashion!

sisukas thanks for sharing - Im heading towards 40, 2 years post birth with weight to lose.

Ive been complimented on my clothes a few this last year. I feel I wear clothes that suit me better than before. Ive gained a little confidence (aside from te coat and boot thing - seperate issue) I never knew so much was tied up my clothes. I thinkIve always denied this because I dont want to be 'shallow'

Anyway I have cocktail dresses - about 4. I got rid of a few a year back. They fir me lovelt when I'm a size smaller. They are all from coast. Im reluctant to part but they just sit there taking up space.

Im going to go through my wardrobe tomorrow again. I must also confess, I tend to wear the stuff that is easier to launder and dry.

Yes I'm not sure re the 'year' thing. I sometimes re-discover clothes and am pleasantly surprised. A few months ago I pulled out a 20 year old summer shift dress from Oasis which probably cost all of a tenner - put it on and got loads of compliments which was lovely. Especially given that I can buy something new (and far more expensive) and no-one says a word which then makes me feel invisible and unattractive (clearly have a few isshooos going on here!).

Determined to get everything out once the DC's are back at school and take a critical look at it all, paring up different things often makes them look completely different too.

I'm not as bad with handbags, jewellery or shoes funnily enough, it's the clothes that do it for me.

Hello. I also initially thought who could have that discipline but after decluttering yet again I think I might be in.

I have a good enough selection of clothing that will certainly do until the summer and hoping to get a bpf by then and have an ample maternity wardrobe. I have plenty of accessories and few good newish bras. I have one particular dress from Hobbs that I might invest in tomorrow before the new year begins. Months since I bought anything so I am allowed

Also trying to save childcare is going to cost what??????

Thank you!! Well it won't be quite yet. 14 week old here so Spring will be .. Springy sorry for my bad manners. It's late. Ha ha

msmiggins you must be really bored and long to try and pick a fight with a group of strangers over their decision to try and limit their spending.

sisukas that is really interesting about enjoyment of style being positive. I have always loved clothes, but came from a very academic family where we didn't always have a great deal of money and that which there was was spent on travel or music lessons or books, certainly not anything as frivolous as clothes.

As a child I spent hours designing and sewing my own clothes out of cast offs which was very much discouraged as being a bit "pointless".

I'm fortunate enough now to have a well paid job and my spending on clothes doesn't impact on other elements of my "budget" but I am interested in why I feel so much better when I've shopped.

Additionally much as I joke about my DDs inheriting my fab wardrobe, I think there are better ways to use a proportion of what I spend on clothes.

sisukas The book sounds very interesting - My NN isnt a mistake I do think a lot and I like to get to the root of things. Its a pain I'm far too self aware and introspective! But that is very insightful, as future says the enjoyment of style can be positive. I really didnt want the cothes to matter so much as I can still be me on the inside right. I could say the the same about the house. - I'm constantly trying to balance what looks nice with what feels right in practical terms - having a young family.

I know I have a lot of stuff in my wardrobe that matches. Even my casual outfits - jeans, gillets are all matched up. I need to make sure I am organised so I can wear my nice stuff and not just throw on leggings.

I bought a lot of new stuff in Autumn because I had some 'school gate issues' I removed myself from a clique who would at times would pass comment on what people wore. The things I bought were my 'front' I put on. I've never relied on clothes so much to prop me up. I have thought more about this (found the grudge thread interesting) and having had a break I'm ready just to go back and dress tidy to please myself.

The party dresses are black, taupe, black/cream. - Useful comments about taking a longer term view of exercise, working status. I shall put these into storage.

I need to better organised so I get to wear different outfits like belize says about looking for different combinations. It's great when you can pull something out and get commpliments on.