Frugal Follow-up

[FrugalFashionista]

We've hopelessly lost the old thread. How are you doing ladies?

I need to reawaken the thread as I need to get back on the wagon. I decided to temporarily suspend my shopping ban - it's summery here and I've started wearing summer clothes and I decided to make some purchases now so that I can wear them all season long (in low 20s it's still a bit too cool for my routine sleeveless dress/bare legs summer look). Most of my old summer clothes are in great shape but this is what I needed to update them -

1. white jeans (have lots of denim shirts and blue tops) - straight-leg, non see-through
2. colorful printed cigarette pants (my wardrobe is mostly solid colors - I want to wear prints but not near my face) - found a pair in my favorite colors from MSMG
3. sandals (bored of ballet flats and Havaianas) - black cage wedges, low-rent child-friendly version of the Altuzarra look
4. slingbacks (found a lovely two-tone white/taupe pair on sale)
5. a few bracelets to liven things up

I'm still looking for a couple of high-quality white or cream tops, scoop neck if possible. They seem to be the hardest item to find, but my refound Zara poly-viscose top is surprisingly versatile. Still thinking about a long and narrow snakeprint silk scarf in my best blues and also need to make a decision regarding nude/taupe courts (to go with my summer cocktail dresses).

Spring lasted for 3-4 weeks here and coincided with my 1-month shopping ban. By thinking a bit harder and digging a bit deeper I was able to find all spring outfits I ever needed without any spending! Summer will be around until the end of October so I hope that I will get quite a lot of wear out of my mix of old and new. But I think I'm almost done with wardrobe updates and might go back to tight-fist mode very soon

Hello All!

Update on the cocoon cardigan I was dyeing grey. It turned out perfectly!

Interesting to hear about tailors. I might have to investigate that. Being 5ft 3 I am lucky that turn ups are 'in' at the moment but it won't last forever!

My style icon is Christine Centenera. We are similar height and body shapes. I am more interested in the shape of clothes rather than colour or pattern so her style really inspires me.

So much for a no spend May! Last night I ordered 2x camisoles and a navy jacket. The reason behind the purchases is that the camisoles are to go under my two existing lace t shirts and the navy jacket is to replace an old one. The lace t shirts are made from a lovely 100% cotton lace however they came with coordinating camisoles in 100% shiny polyester and it really cheapens them hence the purchase of two cotton ones.
The navy jacket is to replace the one I already have, I've never really liked the shape (too boxy) of it and despite altering it never feel right when I'm wearing it.

Right, justification over! Yoni great idea about People Tree, I'm in!

Frugal Don't really have any style idols but I do admire Ines de la Fressange I like her classic style with a twist.

Just I understand what you are saying about boredom with your silhouette. I virtually always dress in trousers and would love to wear more dresses and skirts, however when I do it just doesn't feel right. Sometimes I think it's just a case of finding what works for you and adapting that style rather than going with something completely different. Well, that's what works for me but then I do have a habit of playing it safe

I love Recovering Shopaholics writing,but her clothes and the way she dresses are just so dire.I love the talk of different style inspirations and how we all dress in such different ways.Christine Cen. is stunning-with the little origami-inspired skirts.Your new style crush Frugal, dresses in such an interesting way.I'm little and fairly square shaped and look best in very simple clothes-with heels generally.I'm also tending to a more monochrome wardrobe these days.The way that Jennifer Ariston looks suits me down to the ground[rather boring i know].
Dig i also have problems with synthetic linings.Have a silk nude vest that i've kept for years to wear underneath sheer silk tops.Why do clothes shops sell silk dresses with polyester/viscose linings?Surely it defeats the purpose.
New Bangladeshi accord has been signed by several large clothing manufacturers[after rioting in the streets in Bangladesh].

Teta good news that many large companies have signed although I am that Gap haven't. Looking at their facebook page though it appears that a lot of people will be boycotting them so hopefully they will make a u turn.

I really admire Recovering Shopaholic as she writes with such honesty and vulnerability. However I hope she finds a way to phase out those black and white striped items, as they just don't work. She also doesn't suit to dress her shape as she is a pear and wears tops that are too fitted or the sleeves are too short. Because she is so honest, I find I can look at her clothes and style quite objectively, which helps me.

As I'm at home today, I had a P333 'review' if you like and realise I only actually have about 28 things. So officially I have too few clothes! I have a few things to finish altering and sewing and I am watching some knitwear on eBay. There is also a bunch of stuff put to one side that is 'proper' summer stuff (raining heavily here and I have the heating on) or to ebay in the autumn. Working with my HoC book is really helping me plan and identify what I want.

cardi I wouldn't buy in outfits, but just individual items that you love as long as you know they're realistic for your lifestyle and in colours and materials that work for you. I find Pinterest incredibly helpful and it curbs a lot of my impulses, as I still feel I 'own' some of the pretty things just by pinning them. I'm Queen of Whatever on there as well, if you want to have a look.

Have spent this morning looking online for cream cotton vests with lace digweedsow - any suggestions?

And frugal, don't feel too bad about the things you bought. Each time it happens, you analyse it a bit more and work out what just happened. A couple of questions - why do you think you bought multiples? Why did you hit buy rather than wait a day or come and ask us? Certainly not criticisms, but I'm genuinely interested.

QoW if its an all over lace vest that you are wanting then Jack Wills has a gorgeous one in cream, won't link to it as its very tempting but it is on the website.

Just changed out of yoga gear, today's outfit is rolled hem chinos, classic white shirt, brown tweed jacket and leopard print pumps.

My no spend May is going well so far. I haven't bought any clothes at all but I am planning on a perfume purchase. It's one I've been waiting ages for so I don't feel bad about it. I've been making good use of the clothes I already have, using over 80% of my wardrobe instead of the usual 20% I go back to time and time again.

I am feeling a bit bleak as I've realised I need to update my work wardrobe - two or three cardigans/jackets are getting really beyond the pale, and one work dress has been worn to death (will attempt a re-dye, but i think the fabric is just getting a bit worn out and it shows. appearance matters in my job, so need to get on the case. Am trying to do plenty of research to make sure I buy the perfect replacements though.

Ladies, I am now on a shopping ban.

I have an exam on 14th June, so one month away. I may allow myself to buy something after the exam.

oh heck, only one month until my exam

Hopefully I'm the queen of multiples but paradoxically I'd say don't panic, start with just one dress and cardi/jacket in the best possible quality Multiples are for ourselves - others will never notice. I like to observe people's clothes and often notice low quality - but I'd probably completely fail to notice whether it was the same outfit or a different one than the day before (That's btw one of the problems with RecShop's wardrobe - it's full of near-identical multiples - quantity vs quality. But her writing is stellar, I mislinked last night, meant this post.)

QoW excellent questions, . I'm rewarded at work for quick analytical and decision making skills; I'm the one who takes quick action and makes decisions and gets things done when others still deliberate (ENTJ personality). Unfortunately this trait works against me in many other situations (clicking 'buy' for example ). I complete the full cycle of searching, deciding and finishing the transaction in minutes. I'm also often exposed to very direct feedback and criticism at work (plus as a perfectionist I'm often very harsh on myself). Shopping is one of my distraction strategies and escapes. For me shopping is really about the thrill of the hunt - the high subsides soon after the purchase. Outlets, sales and last pieces are particularly difficult for me to resist - the go go go before it's gone. Multiples is more difficult to understand, but it's some type of insurance against running out of things. Also a consequence of an expat lifestyle - hoarding and hauling various random things during brief visits abroad - has anyone here treated herself to sacks of rolled oats or a steel pressure cooker as a souvenir? Will try to slow things down and ask for your feedback next time...

Cardi great that you like it here, I find you ladies very inspiring and I like the emphasis on styling /self-analysis! Pin and Polyvore have helped me a lot, but I find that finding some stylish dressers (via blogs etc) can really develop one's eye - The Sartorialist and Le Catch for example. My problem with 'mum blogs' is that they are anti-aspirational. If I find inspiring looks, I can dress them down on my own: Olivia Palermo and Lauren Santo Domingo and some Italian directional dressers (Giovanna Battaglia, Eleonora Carisi) and Vika. My second big source of inspiration is street style, both on blogs (love Stockholm Street Style) and people around me (very conservative but refined dressers). That has helped a lot with casual looks, neutrals and finding proportions that work.

Good idea Frugal, I will attempt to find one perfect item and take it from there.

In other news, have discovered that my wardrobe is something like 12% of the size of RecShop's (she has a numbers post of how many of everything). Explains why I wear through clothes so quickly!

Dig I do agree - my impulse purchases were camisoles! My cheap white H&M vests have been washed and worn a lot (even mended!) and I suddenly realized that a heavier weight knit (cashmere and a cotton/rayon mix) camisole will feel luxurious against my skin and skim my curves but not cling too much. Plus no ironing needed Still havent found tops with sleeves that I really like.

Aphra restarting my shopping ban, my modest goal is until the end of May for now.

Teta and Paris Christine Centenera is stunning and nothing wrong with Jen A

OLL I'll buy a bottle of perfume too - will be at the airport tomorrow on a brief trip for work. I've been really good with my make-up purchase ban and using up products , and it's been a while since my last full bottle

Just popping in to say hello really, I've been totally rubbish and fell into the Toast sale. I expect I shall end up sending most of it back but hey ho. Tomorrow is another day. Back in winter clothes today though (it's so cold!) so the jury's out if summer wear will in fact be necessary any time soon...

One small achievement has been to resist charity shop purchases, which sounds odd compared to some other recent posts! I developed a habit of buying things because they're cheap and "for charity", but never wearing them. Resisting (for me) is progress.

Re basics, I find Muji stuff to be reasonable and durable. Not sure on their overall ethical credentials but organic cotton has to be up there?

Hopefully can I ask how much your alterations are costing? I have no idea what's reasonable for these things.

I'm so impressed by the long term shopping bans! Love reading all of your posts

I've been compiling some stats, considering I don't didn't class myself as a shopoholic they are pretty scary!

Since 1st Jan 2013 I have bought 25 separate items of clothing, shoes and accessories.

4/25 have been worn 6+ times
1/25 has been worn 3 times
9/25 have been worn 1 or 2 times
10/25 haven't been worn at all
1/25 has been worn/washed and consigned to the charity shop as a mistake

Nothing was very expensive, no one item over £50 and a lot are t shirts/accessories that cost less than £10 but it still adds up to nearly £400! £400? I'm supposed to be skint!

That shopping ban is definately on now.

Those totals don't include stuff I've ordered/bought and returned!

Going for a lie down now.

AphraBen8 thanks for sharing.

I also have made a list of purchases since 2013.

I have purchased 28 items; but I have returned 6; and Ebayed 6.

Still have 7 items I have worn

So I am with you on this and this is why I'm on this thread.

I would encourage you to return more that you haven't worn if possible.

I am encouraging myself to shop less.

I'm thinking one item per month might be a good goal for me.

I also need to stop buying warm weather clothes- the unworn items are sandals, sleeveless dresses, camisoles, tee shirts.

Ordering / buying and then returning has become almost a full time occupation for me at times. The woman who works in the local post office even sent me a friend request on FB!
I think, for me, there is something about the thrill of the purchase. Then when I get the item home and that thrill is over, I realise I don't really want or need it.
Whilst I still haven't reached the point of a total shopping ban, my spending is reduced. I am still focusing on a quality over quantity approach to my wardrobe. I am also reducing down the amount of time I allow myself for online shopping. I can easily lose a whole evening to it. So I am limiting my browsing to my 20 minute commute time on the train.

Interesting exercise - never done this before!

Since January I've bought and kept 28 items, and returned a further 10. This doesn't include ebay and charity shop purchases though.

Having listed them though, I'm still pretty happy, and have worn them all more than once. I'm getting so much better at planning my clothes - thinking about my lifestyle, putting together outfits from existing clothes and buying to plug gaps. I used to just buy pretty clothes with no thought about when/where/how I would wear. Which is why I still have a wardrobe of lovely dresses just in case I get invited to the Queen's garden party

I have bought 21 things this year (I am counting a multipack of M&S pants as one thing). 8 of those were eBay buys, and 4 of that 8 are back in the eBay pile (have promised myself to clear eBay backlog before buying anything more) and 1 of the remaining 4 items is a winter coat which is in for alterations so obviously not being used.

Of the remaining items, every item (eBay and full priced) has been worn lots already and is working hard in my wardrobe. The only thing I'm slightly peeved about is that I bought a skirt and shorts that really are warm-weather-only clothes, which I know I will need on those odd warm days, but the shorts certainly won't get a huge amount of use in between. The skirt might get a bit more though.

I feel vaguely guilty about the quantity, but that's mainly because the number is high thanks to eBay misses, which I know I will get money back on as none were expensive. I have always found that a few misses are inevitable with eBay, but worth it for the gems as long as you actually re-sell the misses.

Right, Hopefully, you've inspired me to sort out my wardrobe and get Ebaying. I have waves of Ebay and feel a wave coming on

I am attempting to start a wave Dry! I have to in order to fun new clothes, or I'm going to end up wearing holey jeans and a baggy t-shirt to see clients .

Interesting how even those of us on this thread, when we actually add it up, are into 20+ purchases this year. I wonder how many people really add it up and take stock. If I'd been asked to hazard a guess without my list I would have said 10-12, tops, which shows how good at denial I am, at least!

fund new clothes. Which is also fun.

Agree about the denial Hopefully. I really thought I'd bought a handful of items - maybe 10 tops.

Ok, here goes....
Since January I have bought 26 items. The only things out of this that I haven't worn so far are some of the t shirts and the vests but this has been down to the lovely British weather! Some of the things have been worn multiple times already and this total includes sportswear, underwear, shoes and accessories.

Aphra you have made me put all my acquisitions since January into a spreadsheet , which has really opened my eyes. I have bought 26 items, and I thought I was being so good. . I have no idea what I wore last year, as I seem to have worn most of the new stuff lots, (except the bikini and sandals which should last years what with British summers as they are...). My total spend (less what I've sold on Ebay) is £750. That is meant to be about my budget for the whole year. I am honestly horrified and have spent the afternoon unsubscribing to emails and removing myself from mailing lists, I find it so easy to be tempted by online shopping. It is an escape from my mundane working from home lifestyle.

I also spent the weekend considering doing the Project 333 and have cleared and donated a lot of good clothing that I never wore (wrong colours) to charity and some has been listed on ebay - all in preparation of simplifying my wardrobe. I still have over 30 tops, so I am a long way from just 33 items, but this thread and the Bangladesh thread have made me really re-consider my lifestyle and attitude towards clothing. Thankyou Frugal.

The self imposed spending ban is now in place until September at least. Just hope I can stick to it...