The Shopping Ban / Frugal Fashion Thread

[FrugalFashionista]

Tentatively dipping my toes in here ---
Do you love clothes, shoes, accessories, and beauty products - perhaps a bit too much?
Have you self-prescribed a shopping ban, are you on a strict budget, or are you trying to learn to shop more mindfully for other reasons? Are you a budding recessionista, thriftionista, frugal fashionista - or would you like to become one?
Would you like to do this with like-minded people, still looking stylish and up to date?

This thread could be a place for mutual support, inspiration and creative tweaks (planning outfits from what you already have; charity shopping, swaps, repurposing).

My personal goal: no more clothes, shoe or beauty purchases in March.

I'll tell you more about why I am here in true 12-step tradition, but we need a few like-minded people first

Limoncello a great tip, thanks - this will significantly shorten my sentence! My tip in exchange - a foundation that is a bit too dark can usually be made lighter mixing with moisturizer.

Awks sympathies - I know

I was able to fix my DH's bathrobe (torn near the hangtag) by old-fashioned darning. And found my cashmere comb - a couple of sweaters look a bit more presentable now!

This thread is just what I needed! I had words with myself last year when I had a big clear out and sold/donated lots of (barely worn) clothes.

Although I got rid of plenty, my wardrobes were still packed and I made the decision I would not buy any thing new until I have worn everything at least once - this also tied in with the consideration I have been starting to try and give to the the 'true cost' of fast fashion (environmental, ethical etc).

I thought I was doing really well - only one item bought on the high street since (a denim jacket in a moment of 'it will go with everything so it's worth it' weakness). HOWEVER I have just forced myself to stop living in denial and added up the total I have spent on buying clothes on ebay since Jan this year - almost TWO HUNDRED POUNDS... ouch. I have been convincing myself each time that it is 'only a few pounds' and 'doesnt really count because it is second hand'

Looking back over my purchases has also brought a pattern to my attention - I seem to become 'fixated' with a type of garment - for example I put together an outfit that 'needed' a straight skirt - but instead of buying one I have bought several slightly different versions of the same item. The same thing is repeated with boots, and court shoes, and summer dresses. It seems once the 'idea' of an outfit is in my head I have to search for and buy as many examples as possible to make the 'idea' a 'reality' - these are outfits I sometimes never even wear once I have all the componants!!

Thinking further back, I remember shopping for make-up in a similar way - weeks spending my lunch hour buying eyeliners, then onto concealers, then blushers etc, until I had several of each - which I would never really end up using anyway.

Heres hoping that now I am aware of this I can actively try and break the pattern and avoid shopping in this way in the future!

I have decided to go through all my clothes over one weekend and make sure I am aware of everything I have - its so easy to forget when everything is put away. And I have a big box of garments that need alterations etc to keep my hands busy and away from ebay!!

Anyway.. apologies I haven't really added any useful tips for anyone else but it certainly feels good to get all this written down

Beauty products are something I have almost stopped buying now. When I was younger I had everything known to (wo)man and all high end but as I'm getting older I wear make up less often and when I do I wear fewer products. I used to think if I didn't have make up on I should just wear slobbing about clothes but recently I've been trying a lot harder with clothing and even without make up am getting complements and have developed my own style a bit more. My moisturer has been downgraded from one costing £50 to a £1.99 Aldi version which is actually better. I don't wear foundation or concealer anymore but am a big fan of ELF high definition powder to even things out. I no longer paint finger nails but tidy nails look groomed, even when not painted (this doesn't apply to toes, they neeeed painting!). Eyeliner mascara and eyeshadow have been downgraded to cheaper brands without losing any effectiveness. Eyebrows are tweezed a couple of times a week rather than daily so I look groom but less surprised. My occasional weakness is a nice lip balm or gloss for my handbag when the label will be more likely to be seen (shallow).

PavingAnotherRoad EBAY is tricky. I realised that I was unhappy with at least 50% of what I purchased which I then sold back. But it was a time suck so I no longer buy on EBAY I sell what I no longer want.

Anyone got any dungarees from the last time around? I was at a busy national museum yesterday and saw two actual grown ups wearing them, combined with tight tops under, animal print and messy bun hair. Looked quite cool if that's your thing.

Also saw boot cuts worn up to date. Tight at the thigh and long over boots.

In Frugal news Overdressed has arrived in the library - can't wait to collect and get reading.

Am back at work now so less time for my crochet dress but I WILL finish it and wear this summer.

Has anyone got any tips for finishing a lace edge? I have an EBay lace top. Beautiful fabric but in an empire style which just doesn't work for me. I want to turn it into a sleeveless bolero/jacket by unpicking the back seam but can't think how to finish it.

Morning ladies!
Bill I haven't got dungarees but cutoff dungarees are very on trend here (as are regular cutoffs, currently worn over colored opaques; I also saw three pairs of camouflage pattern skinnies yesterday) so will root around for them the next time I'm at the recycling center.

Crocheting is in my DNA - I've done quite a few of those kind of finishing trims - I'd do the simplest possible trim, possibly in contrasting color, can look very Chanel, lots of examples on Pin! Sorry ideas pretty vague as I don't understand exactly what shape the item is and where you'll want to go with it - snap a pic?

Not read the whole thread (will at some point though)
I have lost 4 and 1/2 stone since last July, and none of my old clothes fit!
I'm currently wearing some size 14 clothes I bought in November (and bits from charity shops) but they hang like potato sacks, as I'm a size 8/10.
I have a £50 a month budget for clothes/tea/cake etc. but am on the verge of overdrawn as I needed supportive bras and there are no cheap options at 26H.
I have been altering charity shop clothes to make them fit better, and making my own dresses from fabric remnants, so they fit me properly.
Any tips on dressmaking beyond basic "pin the fabric on yourself and overlock the seams as you go" would be appreciated.

room for a late comer?
I love the idea of 'shop less wear more' but I can't do it.
I often have little clear outs and take things to preloved. I figure there's not much point trying to eBay my primark/river island/New look stuff.
I wish I could save and buy better quality nicer pieces instead of buying lots of crap. I have 3 double wardrobes and a huge chest of drawers full of clothes yet mostly don't know what to wear. I shop for clothes on almost a weekly basis. if I'm trying to stop myself buying clothes I turn to make up instead or nail varnish, actually mostly nail varnish. I have so many half used varnishes ill never use them all.
anyway ill tell more about my reasons for being here if I'm allowed in.

Welcome Cartoon and InMySpareTime.

Cartoon your tale sounds familiar. Some of us have gone for a no spend period, others have a strict list to stick to. Cold turkey fashionistas are doing amazingly and are busy repurposing and putting together looks based on existing clothes - really inspiring.

Frugal thank you
Sometimes I can't see the wood for the trees. I was thinking about a cotton tape edge for the lace bolero but of course crochet would be absolutely perfect and I have some beautiful yarn for the job too.

Lovely Bill - I love crochet trims! Keep it simple to avoid the folk musician look
Cartoon I prescribe the book 'You are what you wear' to get started. You are a textbook case (many of us have been there) and I think it will really help!

hi bill
thanks frugal I will have a look for that book.
I'm trying to save for a new carpet and big Ikea wardrobe for the spare room, I'm rubbish at saving.
not looking for sympathy but part of the reason I currently have sooo much stuff is this
I'd become a bit of a chunk so joined weight watchers and slowly replaced too big clothes as I went. before Xmas a lot of my trousers/jeans were really big on me. but I kept them as were TTC and thought it would save me money on maternity wear. I've kept a lot of stuff for that reason. I put on a bit of Xmas weight then found out I was preg at beginning of Jan. I have recently lost that baby at 12wks. so I now have a wardrobe of not much that isn't currently too big or small. I've put on a stone, don't feel much like dieting or excercising yet. got a few pairs of jeans in the sales yesterday that hopefully will fit. what are the rules on keeping clothes for fluctuating weight.
I was a big 8 small 10. now I'd say a big 10.

Another would be late comer here coming may I join ? I ve not shopped since December - save a pair of cobalt blue heels yesterday to revamp an old loved outfit.

Having a recycled day.

Wearing things discovered on the clear out including a big blanket cardigan which cost £7 and a lovely merino gap jumper

And you know what I'm lovely and warm.

Wearing today:
Tesco vest
Bench t-shirt dress
Homemade woollen dress
Play.com "boyfriend" cardigan
M&S workout trousers

A bit of an eclectic look but I'm cold today, and several people have commented how good I look though. The entire outfit cost £12, including fabric for the dress, as the t shirt dress and cardy were presents, although my bra adds £28 to my outfit cost.

Hi/lo Sunday. First day of summer-like weather and Palm Sunday. Wore high end during the day and simply enjoyed my lovely clothes. I feel very grateful and blessed that I own some very beautiful things.

And now feeling equally good and very frugal lounging in my short pleated black leather skirt (Topshop), long H&M black nursing top (stopped nursing 2 years ago but have not been able to find equally good thick cotton elsewhere ), very cropped ancient terracotta Zara cardigan and an ivory Marni for H&M chunky bracelet (eBay find) and oatmeal Celtic houseboots. I love the comfort but also the contrasting textures.

My shopping ban ends on Easter Sunday (no lapses so far). This has been such a good thing for me, so will modify the rules a bit. I'm going to retrieve my summer clothes from the cellar soon but already know that I need to purchase/replace some summer staples (am not going to spend the summer in white nursing tees ), but 1) will have a strict budget and 2) need to consider sustainable/ ethical/ local options first. This includes swaps, 2nd hand purchases (eBay, thrift, consignment, vintage, recycling center) and new items from etchical/sustainable/local sources. Excited about learning something new!

Sorry about typos, and the new rules are for April.

Welcome new people! Cartoon about your baby - also understand the in-between feeling, I think many of us can resonate. Anything on the swapboard for you?
Chablis & SpareTime love your outfits!

Want to thank Frugal Fashionista and this thread AGAIN. On this cold & snowy day I was looking at various blogs about packing and came across the DKNY COZY CARDIGAN SILK CASHMERE. Loved it found a used one on EBAY to buy but I thought hold on let me look at the video that shows how to wear it.

I took the cardigan I got from FF on the swap board and tried some of the styles it was a bit too short for most; but then I took a huge wrap I have and tried it and most worked but the wrap is too thick for some styles. But between the too short cardigan from the swap board and the too thick wrap in my closet I realised I didn't have to buy anything and could try the style with what I already had. And if I love it I can buy a a COZY in the right colour for me than just buying the first one that seems passable on EBAY.

In the interests of staying frugal, I have rescued from the charity pile, two pairs of DP's jeans that don't fit him. I shall turn them up and wear them as authentic boyfriend jeans

I've yet again been spring clearing the wardrobe. There's a big bag for charity and a small bag of things I think I'm getting rid of but am not 100% sure. I'm putting them in a carrier bag in the bottom of my wardrobe as if I hang them again they'll end up staying so am trying the isolation technique. If I don't wear them in the next fortnight they're out. I have quite a few maternity bits still hanging around that need to go, they're not flattering when not pregnant yet still I hang on to them!

how do you get on to the pintrest board?

thanks will have a proper look sometime over the next few days. didn't even know you could have secret boards!
I'm rubbish at putting together warm outfits that look good, I wish this snowy weather would go away!
still need to read through the thread and see what I've missed.

Super frugal outfit today!
Charity shop:
Skinny fit black jeans and fabric belt
Cerise/white stripy long t-shirt dress
Gift:
Purple cable long jumper

Plus a vest I bought years ago for work.
Total outfit cost £5.50 over 4 years!
(Disclaimer, worn with £26 bra)

Read most of the thread now, sorry, I'll stop posting daily outfits.
I failed the shopping personality quiz, got 2 A, 2D, 2E, 2F. Does that mean I have no personality or multiple personalities? It explains why I have no style!
I got a brilliant "Heidi" style dress from the charity shop last week, fitted side-laced bodice, full skirt, great for teaching Von Trapps to sing etc. £5, and a size 8 to boot.
I must admit to having none of the "permanent 10 best sellers" in my wardrobe, unless a plain white thick-strap vest counts as a plain white top.
Most of my wardrobe is either 2 or more sizes too big, or is from the early noughties when I was last slim.
I have a couple of charity shop items, and some Tesco cable leggings from this year, but I am still getting to grips with my new size, and want to find my style cheaply.
At least with the cold weather I can layer my big clothes so the bigger ones fit on the top layer.