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No buy or low buy 2023

795 replies

TheOGCCL · 24/12/2022 18:44

Starting a new thread for the new year. I really must do better. Pretty sure I am in need of nothing after my 2022 spending spree.

Ironically I think this board sets me off a bit.

I’m better with a blanket no spend but how dull. Still thinking about my ‘rules’, eg set a budget or an item limit.

I need to avoid the sales as many mistakes happen there.

All welcome who want to cut down for environmental or ethical or financial reasons, or simply the satisfaction of buying second hand, or the ease of getting dressed when you have less stuff.

I can recommend Lauren Bravo’s book How To Break Up With Fast Fashion.

Its a bit like eating meat, if we all collectively did it a bit less, the world would be a better place.

OP posts:
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lindyloo57 · 09/03/2023 08:51

I can't stop checking the next clearance site and john lewis sale, so far brought j crew wool crombie style navy coat, long puffer coat, long gilet, navy sparkly polo jumper, that was in store, and a phase eight long sleeveless black button front cardigan that can be worn as a dress, and in marks sale 2 wool jumpers, one cotton short sleeve jumper and a leather bag.

Netcam · 09/03/2023 12:31

Checking in here too, returned all summer trousers I ordered from John Lewis and Boden, so at least that was a no buy. Kept the Icebreaker wool fleece wide legged ones and have been pretty much wearing them daily for the past week as they are so warm comfy and also now the warmest trousers I own.

I did have another go at summer trousers and ordered 4 different styles in sizes 10 and 12 from White Stuff, but will only keep anything I really like and will wear. Some are petite and some are cropped or ankle length so might work for my 5'3 height without looking frumpy if I'm lucky. So waiting for those to arrive.

The thing is, in summer I only wear leggings and would really like to find some summer trousers that work as an alternative. I feel at 53 that really my leggings should be reserved for gardening and exercise, I don't think they are a great look with my post menopausal belly!

But other than that I bought another wool cardigan/jacket from Stapf, it was rather substantially on offer and they are really well made. They seem to bridge the gap between cardigan and jacket and I have been wearing the cropped one I got a lot, so decided to get a longer one too.

FirstTimeMum072022 · 09/03/2023 13:42

Definitely failed I have bags full of purchases I don't even have the time to try on properly as I don't seem to get a minute to myself anymore also decided I needed a new bag ... I definitely did not.

lindyloo57 · 09/03/2023 16:25

Well the two wool jumpers and the short sleeved jumper is going back, the necks were too tight. I did keep the cashmere jumper, I forgot to mention.

AnnieSnap · 09/03/2023 17:53

I really like my bralets (ordered a couple of weeks ago). They could be tighter though. I have decided not to return them as they will be idea for very hot weather, on flights etc. Based on how these are, I think I’d actually get just enough support for casual wear out and about if I size down, so I’ve just ordered 3 in a smaller size and a pack of 2 smoothing pants/shorts from the same company Bonitaecowear. I’m fine about these purchases because they are a legitimate novel purchase (i.e. not more items I already have tons of). I have still bought no outerwear clothes, cosmetics or toiletries since January 😇

Ellewoods20 · 09/03/2023 18:14

Twice I tried to buy a top on Depop. Same top two different sellers. And both times I got scammed. I got my money back each time thankfully but I think that’s the universe telling me I don’t need the top

TheOGCCL · 09/03/2023 20:28

10 weeks in and I haven't bought any new clothes! My challenge is three months no buy on clothes. I realised last year it has to be a complete ban or it snowballs out of control.

I have been on eBay quite lot and bought a beige top and something for an 80s night out as I don't have anything suitable. Both second hand and very cheap.

I'm still pinning things I might like to buy, and obviously saving money to potentially buy them come April so that will be interesting! So still wasting time scrolling. It feels a lot more mindful though. And guess what, buying/not buying things is making no difference to my overall quality/joy of life.

It does help that I have no desire for spring and summer clothing when it's freezing outside. Keep seeing people with their ankles out 😱

OP posts:
Pigtailsandall · 09/03/2023 23:45

Great job @TheOGCCL, that's fab! Judging by this thread though the rest of us aren't doing so great 😅 Sadly, I had a funeral which meant I had to buy something appropriate - I've tried to move away from black the last few years so I got a black jumpsuit and also a waterproof mascara. I also got semi-forced into buying a t-shirt from DCs school - I could have said no, but it felt a bit silly to decline on principle because it wasn't expensive and it's going to a good cause.

However I'm like you. Best to not browse or buy even the tiniest t-shirt.

Cantonet · 12/03/2023 14:54

Strangely I have no urge to shop at the moment, due to this weather. We've had mounds of snow this week & I've been living in my ancient Fitflop snow boots & leather leggings. I did manage to spend £55 at the beginning of the month on a couple of pairs of Vionics on sale at Tk Maxx & an M&S shirt. Which is a little over my £40 budget, but that's ok. I've sold some more clothes & perfume on eBay & have paid off my credit card.
I do have a hankering for a denim skirt, but then realised I have a long tiered one packed away from several years ago.
I'm loving all shades of denim, faded indigo & Cornflower blue in linen T's & Jumpers in the Wrap brochure. But I shall wait until the sale. I love the styling & colours in Wrap, but the clothes don't necessarily wash any better than H&M items. I already have several pairs of faded indigo button fronted jeans, white t shirts, silk & white cotton shirts & a beige Mac for my spring/summer wardrobe. Plus some lightweight Free People jumpers that are years old, but come out every year.

NeedWineNow · 12/03/2023 15:03

Checking in. Not doing too badly. Had an Avon parcel delivered last week with some essentials and also tried their cream to powder foundation which is very good so pleased with that.

We were in London for the theatre on Friday and had some time to kill so had a wander round Covent Garden. Nothing desirable in the shops I have to say. I did get a bargain in our local charity shop yesterday though - a 100% merino wool Viyella cardi for £4.50 so was chuffed with that and have out a similar coloured Primark one in the charity bag.

DashboardConfessional · 12/03/2023 16:19

Bit of a fail this week. Ordered 3 bras and a coat. They are replacements, though! My current Regatta coat is going to charity at the end of this winter.

Ellewoods20 · 12/03/2023 17:50

Cleared out 95% of my summer wardrobe. The majority of this will be charity shopped but a few pieces I’ll sell on. I have bought a new maxi skirt and midi dress from H&M. The maxi skirt is one that has been on my wish list for ages but I could never find one that was just right. I don’t think I’m doing too bad as I wanted to buy less to save space and I’ve decluttered a lot. I’ve also sold 4 things this weekend.

Netcam · 13/03/2023 08:53

Checking in too, just to say it has ended up being an almost no buy Feb and March basically because I have so far returned all attempts to find summer trousers. I did buy the pair of winter trousers and the winter cardigan which did break my pledge, but they are classic wool items on good offers in the sale and I am sure I will wear them a lot over the years I've kept so I don't feel too bad. Still searching for summer trousers though, but that is all, I really only have cotton leggings for the summer so if I can find some that work I'll be really pleased.

Pigtailsandall · 22/03/2023 08:44

A quick check-in as we are well past the mid-point of the month.

I've resisted further clothing purchases, having only bought a funeral outfit and a waterproof mascara to go with it - and that damned t-shirt for DC's school. But I am running scarily low on some basic beauty products, such as a cleanser. I had a few sample-sized things to try, and I've just cracked open the last one. I don't think it'll last until the end of March but it might last until payday (27th). My brow pen is also almost done and I refuse to go outside without my eyebrows being done, so I might need to order these two things before the end of the month. However, they are staples and replacements so certainly excluded from the low-buy.

NeedWineNow · 22/03/2023 10:40

Checking in. Not too bad all things considered. We've been out a lot this month so funds have gone on that but spending on clothes, toiletries and make up has been considered. I've had some good things from our charity shop - a 100% merino wool cardigan by Viyella, a 1950's Corde vintage evening bag and some gym leggings - but we've had a major clear out and took several bags to the charity shop by way of return.

I bought a Tarte makeup set from QVC which has all the things I use regularly so I am pleased with that. Just need to order some perfume from Avon and that should be it for the next while. I'm going to need a couple of things for our holiday in September but I can hold on those for the time being.

Netcam · 22/03/2023 11:55

I haven't done that well, but I've kind of adapted my plan. Having put all of my clothes on the Whering App and having taken a good, long look at my post menopausal body, I made a short list of a few more things I really wanted before I start my no spend.

So I've delayed it until the 6th April, the new tax year can be a different type of new year.

I really wanted some cotton summer trousers/jeans. In the summer for trousers I only wear cotton leggings and I just don't think I can get away with that look with just a t-shirt anymore, although I think with a short stretchy skirt, of which I have quite a few, they are OK. And most of my leggings are dark grey, so I wanted some different colours.

I ordered loads of linen or cotton trousers/light jeans and returned most of them. Had orders from John Lewis, White Stuff, Boden, Arket, Monki, Levis and I returned them all. However, I have had some success with Seasalt Petite. All of the White Stuff size 12 were huge and the 10 fitted, but I didn't like any of them, the quality seems to have gone downhill, I used to buy decent things from there years ago. But the Seasalt size 10 petite were too small and the 12 petite fitted perfectly.

And with 35% off full price or 20% off sale prices at Seasalt from discountsforteachers until the end of March, I have got a few things at decent prices I'm now happy with to fill that gap. Seasalt petite seem to be the trousers that fit me. I bought (prices including discount):
Hallworthy Jeans £42.25
Waterdance trousers in green £40.92
Nanterrow Trousers in navy £42.25
Seadance leggings x 2 in navy and dark red, £18.17 each
Leather belt (I didn't have a belt as I had no trousers for one!) £22.75

The other thing I wanted was another lightweight summer shirt I could layer over tank tops and tank dresses as I'm starting to feel my upper arms are not quite what they were. I've been trying to exercise and tone them up, but I still feel there are times I'd like them covered, as well as from the sun. I ordered quite a few shirts from the various places above too and have been discerning and kept nothing.

Eventually I found a nice lightweight 100% silk shirt with a fun pattern in the Boden sale with an extra discount from discountsforteachers for £58.50. I already had one of these in a different pattern so I now have 2, which should be enough for this purpose.

Finally, I bought some summer trainers for £67.98. They are Hoka Challenger, which are the only ones I wear as they are really comfortable for my fussy feet. The two pairs I have are heavier Goretex ones in darker colours which are great for winter, but the new ones are non goretex so better for warm weather and in a nice lilac colour for summer and they were about half price which was a great offer.

Other than that, I still have another heavily discounted order from Seasalt with one more pair of different trousers, 2 skirts and a dress, just to try a few more summer wardrobe upgrade options, but probably most if not all will be returned unless there is something perfect in there, since I pretty much found what I wanted. There is also a mustard cotton cord skirt coming from the Lucy and Yak ebay shop which looked like it might work well with or without leggings.

So total spend above of stuff I've kept is £310.99. It does seem like a lot, but I am someone who tends to buy a lot of clothes at once and then none for ages. It is such a big process trying loads of things out that once I've done it and gound what I want, I kind of forget about it and don't want to go through that process all over again.

Will report later if I keep any of the other above items. But that means I really should have upgraded my Spring/Summer wardrobe for a long time as I have all of the other basics I need already such as t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, cardigans, short skirts, dresses, jackets, shoes etc. 6th April no spend start day here we come....

grannycake · 22/03/2023 12:27

I have just ordered a denim dress and a Breton from the baukjen sale. I only ever buy from their sales and I had a further 15% off. Still £90 and they will need to be perfect for me to keep

moimichme · 22/03/2023 16:44

I've been very good. One soft, warm oversized grey jumper for £3 at a charity shop.👍
I've identified that I'd like to find a denim jacket, but having seen different options online and knowing how popular they've been recently, I'm willing to keep looking in charity shops for now to hopefully find what I'm looking for.
Good luck all!

LivingDeadGirlUK · 22/03/2023 17:29

So I have made a couple of purchases this month. I've bought a checked 'shacket' as I needed a layer that wasn't a hoodie. It's actually remarkably warm and I've very pleased with it, £5 on Vinted.

I've also got myself some new Vans, totally lapse in impulse control. They are a blue/purple/grey colour way and just look so cool. I'm going to declutter an old pair of trainers to make room but I didn't really need these as still have life in my trusty gazelles.

Ellewoods20 · 22/03/2023 17:46

I’ve just bought a new dress and a new skirt. However the skirt was second hand rather than brand new. Also, I’m redefining my style so much of my wardrobe is being sold/donated. So I don’t feel so bad biting things as I have more space now. I’m also buying quality items that I can see myself wearing for years to come.

IndianSummer78 · 23/03/2023 02:07

I've not done too badly, kept my spend fairly low (for me). Decluttered a fair bit and not brought too much in. Decided to steal another poster's idea and list my spends in a notebook, it'll be easier to look back over the year than scrolling through a thread. I did have one lapse since my last post some flared cords, a couple of cotton shirts and dresses for summer and a hoodie.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 23/03/2023 06:51

I haven’t bought anything since I last posted, other than something for fancy dress.

Zipps · 23/03/2023 08:28

I've bought a new shower proof coat for spring/summer/autumn. It's the most I've ever spent on a coat but it's gorgeous, great quality,
a perfect fit and I can see myself wearing it to death.
I have very high standards as to what is allowed in my wardrobe these days. No mediocrity! 😊

LivingDeadGirlUK · 24/03/2023 19:51

Ok the Vans were the start of the slippery slope, I've also bought two pairs of cargo trousers from Uniqlo, in my defense they are PERFECT, and a t shirt with sweetheart neckline from a charity shop.

Thats it, no more.

Minirrriot · 25/03/2023 03:02

I know I'm late to the party but I need to do this, though I know I won't be able to commit to no buy.

For the next three months, I plan on severely cutting back, as need to save cash. I do need some essential things and plan on buying a couple of other things I want but I will have to try to curtail my spending.

I plan on buying a pair of peachy beige wide leg trousers I've had my eye on, 2 striped Boden top and 2 M&S polo necks, one in navy, the other in light blue.

I'll need to restock my vitamins too.
As for cosmetics/ toiletries I need to restock my essentials soon - micellar water, cotton pads, mouthwash, deodorant, cleanser, toner, lipbalm, shampoo, conditioner.

Although I have a fair few creams/ peels/ masks I need to use up I do plan on picking up The Ordinary retinol serum and their red BHA/ AHA peeling stuff plus a retinol cream - oh and will get the L'Oréal revitalist red cream too.

I'll also get a Max Factor cream eyeshadow and Olay BB 7 in one.

But that's it for three months and after that, I plan on just buying essentials and one luxury item every week. I need to get this stuff I've listed to complete the capsule wardrobe I've been building, so it does sound a lot but once done, most of the pieces I've purchased should last me a while.

I've been trying to do the same thing with my skincare and make up products - build a capsule collection of high performance products that work and suit my skin and that I love using. I don't plan on purchasing anything I feel meh about ever again, only quality stuff I love be it clothes, make up or skincare.

I plan to use up my skincare too, as I have too many products, and going forward I want to be much more selective about what I buy. Same goes for make up and clothing, though I'm not so bad with buying too many clothes.

Saying that, there are a couple of clothing items I feel are a bit blah that I will get rid of, give to a charity shop etc...

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