Feeling Frugal for 2015

[FrugalMcDougal]

I'm planning a clothes/ make-up buying ban for at least the start of 2015 and just buying things when I really need them.

I have a good amount of clothes and accessories and think I could be much more creative in how I wear them instead of going for my old favourites when I'm rushing in the mornings. I want to make the most of what I have.

I'm aiming high and imagining myself planning the next day's outfit the night before.

Anyone interested in supporting each other and sharing outfits?

People whose style I admire include Helena Christiansen, Alexa Chung - people who look chic but not overdone, a little bit boho but not scruffy, a little bit quirky but still elegant. I'd like to think that my own style echos that but sadly I think that the dishevelled side wins over the elegant side most days!! I'm wearing my new white stuff jumper today with skinnies and brown knee high boots. I am really pleased with it, it's warm and toasty but feels stylish too. Just as well as it's turned horribly wintery here today!

Hi can I join? I've been lurking for a while.

leedy I love becksondergaard scarves. I'm waiting on two new ones bought in the Asos sale.

Oh yes, I like Helena Christiansen's style too (see my aforementioned desire to look like a chic Scandinavian lady, partly scuppered by the fact that I am about a foot shorter than Helena Christiansen)

I returned six packages of sales purchases on Tuesday, including two lovely Becksondergaard scarves from Atterley Road which I just couldn't justify keeping (though am still hankering after one of them). Am in dire need of a spending ban until at least March (which in my head also gives me time to lose some of the stone that's crept on since last spring).

Picked up the very last of my sales shopping today, a Whistles jumpsuit which I know I must return as though I love it and it was a proper bargain (70% off.. sigh) I only need so many jumpsuits.

I am about to return my last pack of sale purchases today (though sigh, they're Gap and so will take about five million years to refund).

My style... Slightly quirky classic if that makes sense? I like quite plain things and when I go for a pattern it tends to be a geometric or tribal type pattern rather than floral.
I'm the opposite of ruffles, chintz, tea dresses and cutesy stuff.

I like Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kate moss (snore), Ellen Paige... I,prefer people's off duty looks, skinnies/biker jackets etc to full red carpet stuff.

I find it easier to say what I hate (really over done, super glossy looks)

Peonies I am the same. I hate VB's style and anything like that, where it all looks too try-hard and 'polished'. Much prefer a more laid back look.

daim I like Helena Christiansen's clothes too. An ex-boyfriend told me I looked like her -a true love-is-blind compliment - but I took it with both hands! I don't quite get Alexa Chung. Its a bit too straight laced for me I think. I also can't look at her without concern for her eating habits (or lack of). Both those Alexa comments are probably a sign of my age!

Enormouse - welcome, of course you can join.

I'm doing well at not spending. Its only been a week but I'm feeling good about not having bought anything. My bank balance is thanking me for it. we've got a few house projects on the go so I'm distracted by that and trying not to look.

peonie I love the Parisian/gamine look. I use this board a lot when I'm a bit stuck for inspiration. I also like the way Joan Watson dresses in Elementary and Jean who blogs at extra petite.

I don't like the pencil skirt super high pointed stiletto VB look either,or anything too corporate or TOWIE.
However I find as I get older I am preferring a simpler more polished elegant look rather than the Boho style I favoured a few years ago.

No, not into the over-done glossy look either. Even at my most "done" (eg going to weddings) I'm not that done, IYKWIM - my dressy dresses/jackets are Vivienne Westwood and All Saints.

Today I am wearing my permitted-myself-to-keep-because-I-needed-them sale purchase black skinny jeans, an elderly Toast slate coloured linen oversized top, black Clarks ankle boots, and an iridescent/white perspex shell Tatty Devine statement necklace. Oh, and socks with carrots on them. Just because.

I'm with you all on the overdone, wag fabulous look.

I think Emma Watson and Carey Mulligan look great, which brings me to an important question. I have a haircut booked tomorrow.
And I'm on the verge of getting my hair re-pixie cropped. Despite the many months of having a mullet trying to grow it out. Which I've conveniently forgotten . Can anyone suggest a good mid length cut for thick, slightly wavy hair?

leedy black skinnies are an essential. And I like the sound of your socks.

Since joining this thread, I have been very well behaved, and other than spending my Christmas gift vouchers (which I assume is allowed) I haven't made any other clothes/shoes purchases. And I feel better about myself for exercising restraint. Oddly enough it hasn't been all that difficult.

My style is: attempting to look groomed, elegant and polished. I'm not high fashion or WAG.

No spending here either, I haven't even been tempted.

There is no point in posting my daily outfits as they are spectacularly boring, but I am going to London later this afternoon for a late lunch, possibly cocktails and then the theatre. This means I might put some thought and effort into what I wear!

No spending here either. I am going to Rome and Then to the US in space of 6 weeks so need to keep money for that.

Today (working): grey tweed pencil dress, black tights, black blazer, pearl studs and black patent brogues. Black mulberry Bayswater. White and black spotty scarf.

Clearly obeying my "autumn" HOC analysis here

I'm all about comfort. I can't seem to pull off the glossy highly polished look. My hair always let's me down. It has a mind of it's own.

Today's outfit black fleece tights, denim mini skirt (dark wash), coupke of Tshirts layered , shocking pink (so pink it hurts my eyes!!) hoody. And uggs. It's cold here. So cold. So I'm trying to warm up.

Off to meet friend for walk and sandwich. So far in January still not spent anything on clothes. Winning.

Where did you get the fleece tights Ememem? I may define these as a necessity even under frugality regime, as I am going on a singing weekend in Northumbria next weekend and I fear it may be very very VERY cold. (though fun! three days with no children, music, and real ale)

Also my frugality motivator this year (just to restate it for myself) is extending our house/converting the attic. MORE SPACE (to not fill with unnecessary handbags).

Today's pair of fleece tights are from new look. But I think primark also sell them. New look around £7 a pair I think.

These were great in New York last December (2013).

I laughed at 'I assume is allowed' Petal

I wore black skinnies, grey crewneck jumper over white shirt with statement necklace and black leather high tops. Work til school pick-up today.

Does anyone else find Boden skinnies are so unforgiving?

Leedy - good frugality motivator! I working on similar lines.

Well I fell off the wagon :(
I ended up late night internet shopping the sales (read disaster).
I ordered 2 jumpers from Monsoon, a stripe top from Topshop and a top from Boden. By the time they all arrived yesterday, I'd regained my senses and returned the lot today.
Casual day in the office today. Wearing Topshop relaxed utility trousers with a fitted merino jumper and heeled pointy ankle boots.

No interest in clothes at the moment (hope it lasts). My problem is internet shopping when I am bored at work. I've just bought a tent in the sale as we'll be camping in the Peak District when the weather gets nicer. Instead of looking at clothes I'll be planning budget camping trips and looking at walking trails. Experiences so much better than accumulating "stuff".

Hi Blue - falling off the wagon is something that happens, but what was great was that you made the returns! Well done!

Peonies and Leedy having major saving targets is great! I have a big target for next year too and that helps me to keep focused.

And so many of you have had really impressive eBaying and clearouts. I downloaded the Marie Kondo book someone on MN recommended before a while ago and can recommend it - it's bottom line is that you should only keep items that bring you joy and release with gratitude others that have already fulfilled their function in your life. This really helps! I hold on to stuff for sentimental reasons but also in the name of frugality. Guilt is a big part of it. Letting go is really hard for me.

I have kept my iPad browser and work email blocked since the trip. This means that I can still get access to ebooks and mags and newspapers via apps and my private email address but idle browsing is not possible. I can read books in bed on the iPad (because library books cannot be transferred to Kindle) but won't be tempted to look at blogs or online shops. I charge my phone in the hallway away from the bedroom and living room. These simple changes have really restricted my idle browsing. My worst trigger zone are the dead hours between 5 and 8 pm - when I'm done with work, feeling tired and dealing with the children's evening routines. In the past few days, I've read short passages of a really enjoyable travel book during those times. Escapism in a different format

I got a fitness tracker for Christmas and that has been really great too. I really want to make my daily quota and often that requires going for a walk in the evening or doing some light exercising at home. I've been able to devote more time to exercise in the morning and as a result I am feeling better - more energetic - the usual winter inertia and fug haven't kicked in this year. Work is very social and keeps me really connected. I have long trips coming up in Feb and March and enjoy the calmer phase right now.

DH went sales shopping today. He has gotten really fit over last year so he has to replace a lot of stuff in his wardrobe. He is a very stylish dresser with a meticulously organized wardrobe, but he views clothes shopping as a chore. I really should adopt his mindset

I've gone through a lot of style changes but right now the focus is on outfits that fit my lifestyle and feel 'me'.