No buy or low buy 2023

[TheOGCCL]

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.

I'm doing ok so far... Bought a couple of things (trousers I'd had my eye on for months when they were reduced to £21, a skirt from eBay, and was tempted by the Roka lucky dip sale but actually needed a larger back bag which I got so am happy with that). But managing to avoid my usual habit of looking at new collections or sales and buying something just because I like it.

Also sold a few things and donated some things to charity so overall more clothes have left my house than what has come in so far this month (a big improvement compared to the last few months).

I bought some socks and some tights to replace old ones that had holes in.

Considering a new ‘going out’ outfit, but will only buy if I find something that’s perfect or near to perfect. I’m no longer settling for’It’ll do’ now.

The problem is that it costs approx £10 to process each return, even if the item is worth less. So shops are losing money. It’s better not to buy at all, then to buy and return indiscriminately. Or to buy in person if possible and carefully consider each purchase.

I wish people wouldn’t post their purchases on this thread, as it triggers me to browse 😰

Oh, ignore me, I’m in a grump today…

I'd like to join belatedly if I may. I bought far too much last year. My vice is buying activewear as I always manage to justify that to myself. My solution was to create more storage (again!) which has led me to rethink.

I'd like to go very low buy. I will say in advance that I need to, and will, buy tights, and I need to replace a lovely pair of loafers. I may need, but possibly not, some more office-type wear as I might have to go in person more this year.

I'll have a read and catch up later. I do plan to sort out my wardrobe this weekend and see what needs to be kept or moved. I have so much bought and never worn.

@Mrcpy oh yes, I'm not advocating buying and returning - just noting that I think it's telling that people feel pleased when they do return item ls - I think we all have a feeling that we already have too much so theres a sense of relief that the dont "have to" keep an item

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie yes, buying things which are ok or "good enough" is my big problem too. I'm trying to hold out for the perfect blazer and perfect denim jacket but I feel like I need to go to the shops to feel them out. The amount of choice online is staggering and I definitely don't want to order and return a dozen items.

Christ the typos! It's been a long week!

I’m going away this weekend. Bought a new cabin bag but although it looks nice it’s not as roomy as my travel rucksack and I’m doubtful I can cram it under the seat despite it claiming it can.
Then I decided I needed a blazer. I’ve bought one in the charity shop fir £7.
Failed in M &Co as I was hoping to get some basics in their closing down sale. Unfortunately came out with a long sequin snake print skirt for £13. I love it and it’s coming away with me this weekend.
I still don’t have a black or white long sleeved scoop neck which are the 2 items desperately needing replacing.

Some bargain dresses found their way into my online shopping basket this morning, but I managed to stop myself from buying them.

They aren't a bargain if I don't need them! My new mantra

Feeling tempted by skincare at the moment, but I have a cunning plan for this situation: today I'll open a door in the advent calendar DH bought me for Christmas, which will hopefully be a nice little (free) treat and curb my impulse to buy more.

I've also committed to a No Spend January and have been very good so far (spent £70 less than at this point in December). I don't want to mess up my streak now that it's already halfway through the month, so I'll try and hold firm! Then replacements only for skincare, haircare etc. And I definitely don't need any makeup right now.

From February onwards, I'll shift to a low buy in which I have to transfer into savings the same cost of whatever it is that I want to buy, and the aim of buying at most 12 clothing or accessories items (including second-hand) this year.

Good luck to all on this journey.

Bought 2 pairs of black trousers yesterday online, but really need a pair - none of mine fit anymore. One at least will be returned.
I feel generally less inclined to shop this year. I have a lot & need to save.
Count me in.

I'm def doing this this year
I have a lot of debt and am feeling the pinch
Before Christmas the amount of clothes I cleared out that id just bought for the sake of it embarrassed me
EBay or charity shops for clothes this year and I'm going for budget make up with good reviews

Absolutely the same
I have to come back from the shops with 'something'

I agree. It's one thing to post 'I bought new jeans' but perhaps not really in the spirit of this thread to say 'and I managed to grab some 501s for only xx in the yy sale today!'.

It's not my thread and I don't make the rules but maybe posters could think about those of us who are battling shopping addictions and really don't need more incentive to go online.

I have an online addiction. I think some/maybe many on this thread are the same. I'd prefer people to say they caved and bought something if it helps them than hide it. That way we can all support one another.

I am interested too in the the feelings shopping gives and as a previous poster said, the relief it can bring to return something. I remember when I was in my 20s and how thrilled I was when I had something new to wear. I have always liked shopping and was naturally slim so found it easy to find clothes I liked. Now I'm two stones heavier and trying to buy clothes that hide body parts I'm particularly ashamed of.

I have started watching what I eat and am giving myself three months to lose 20 pounds. I think that is the incentive for me not to buy clothes for the next three months too.

I agree though that links to bargains wouldn't be helpful.

I’m trying to drastically cut down how many things I buy this year - clothes, skincare and make up. For me make up will be easier, skincare harder and clothes the most difficult. I’ve made a list of the things I am going to buy this year (inspired by the pursuit of elegance threads) and I’m intending to stick to it. I’m also only going to buy something if it’s absolutely perfect. I’ve been doing that for about 6 months and am finding that the joy I get from those items lasts a lot longer.

It’s interesting though, because I don’t get the same thrill from actually buying when it’s something from my list - as an example I bought a denim dress from a charity shop which was brand new and nearly identical to one I already have but which is old and nearing the end of its life. I didn’t get that excited thrill buying it, because it was a replacement for something I already have and I’m a magpie who loves something new and shiny. But I loved wearing it yesterday because it fits me perfectly, it’s easy to wear and comfortable and I love how it looks. I had a similar experience with a cardigan I bought in the Boden sale - it was a very logical decision and it ticked all the boxes of what I was looking for in this item (which was on my list) but it wasn’t the most exciting thing to buy. But I’ve worn it loads and love it! Those are the only two things I’ve bought this year, and both within the ‘rules’ I’ve set for myself. I should be buying a lot less going forwards as two items is a lot based on my rules when we’re only halfway through January…

I’m also trying to remember when I’m tempted that I can only wear one outfit at a time. So if I buy something new, that’s less time that I can wear the things I already have that I love. Clearing out my wardrobe (a work in progress) so I can easily see the things I have already that I enjoy wearing has really helped with this.

If anyone’s interested I can recommend a YouTuber called Hannah Louise Poston who did a no-buy year and has done a lot of videos on this which I have found really interesting. She has a few summary videos and also her monthly check ins from the no-buy year show the process she went through. She also has a lot of make up content but as I find that easier to resist it’s not triggering for me! Just as a warning for others though.

Sorry for the hugely long post! Thank you for this thread, it’s great to have somewhere to check in when it gets tough (which I know it will!)

My resolution - no beauty, clothes, accessories or luxury products for myself - is still holding strong. I actually unsubscribed from most brands on Instagram, but my favourite brands still come up in my feed via sponsored posts. The discounts are getting larger but the products are getting less tempting as the good ones are sold out.

I'm feeling positive about 2023. The next challenge will be the summer sales. If I really don’t buy anything all year, I’ll probably allow myself to stock up during Black Friday. Of course that’s ages away, but fingers crossed!

Checking in! Last time I said I made a wish list of things I really want and will limit myself to those. Well I bought one of those items in the sale so it’s now off the wish list, and one on Vinted (a bargain £20 for a pair of £150ish boots). I won’t buy any more this month, but I’m glad I limited myself to things that I’d pre-planned, rather than impulse buys.

I also had a massive clear out and have sold lots of stuff on eBay, plus I’ve got a Thrift+ bag to send (if anyone hasn’t seen Thrift, they send you a bag you can fill and choose the charity they donate to - they only take good quality stuff and sell online).

Oh, also I downloaded StyleBook (a wardrobe organiser app). I think this should help remind me what I already have/spend time planning new outfits from what I have when I’m tempted by something new. I just need to spend time uploading my clothes to it though 😂

I sorted through one wardrobe last night so will put those things I no longer wanted on eBay today and tomorrow.

It makes me think about buying more (I.e not buying) if I'm also selling.

@moimichme That’s a very interesting idea about savings. I normally think the other way round. I have a monthly budget and obviously the more of that that’s used means less going into savings that month but I think psychologically it would be more restrictive to reduce my monthly budget, put more savings away and then have to consciously move money OUT of committed savings to buy whatever it is.

On whether people should post on this thread about their buys, I think it’s inevitable as there is ‘justifying’ to be done. How far that justification holds up is for the person to decide, no judgement here. Also people shouldn’t be in denial about what they are doing or hide it. It’s about the effort and intention. I went completely off the rails last year, it can happen so easily. I think it can take some people a few tries and be a constant battle for others. Each time you learn more about your triggers. I know now one of mine is that if I buy one thing that could very easily turn into fifteen.

This thread is helping keep me accountable and I hope it works for others. When I post I always feel slightly ridiculous as this is such a first world problem (which some people might think is a nice one to have) but the reality is that is a form of addiction with personal, financial, ethical and environmental implications. And I guess people should be mindful here that they don’t accidentally enable others (plenty of other threads for that!).

I’m still on track. Nearly faltered yesterday with a top in Tesco but felt good afterwards when I came home with just my groceries.

I'm doing low buy, not no buy, but was still planning to hold out a little longer. However...

I have made my first purchases of the year. I have some old boots (my only pair of boots for normal everyday wear as opposed to hiking boots or wellies). They have finally given up the ghost, so I have replaced those. I wear them almost everyday except in the height of summer, so they are a need. The old ones are going in the recycling and it is a clear one in, one out exchange.

I have also bought a set of four pairs of silver stud earrings as I have lost or broken one of every pair I own. I'm down to one pair of earrings full stop and they are gold. So I feel ok about buying them as they're replacing lost and broken earrings.

The last thing I've bought, (which I am going to think about because I may return it if I don't really need it), is a dress for work / everyday. I do have a couple of dresses for work already. This would take me up to three work dresses, which I don't think is excessive as I work a full week....but I will assess when it gets here and possibly return. It will be a useful dress and will work all year round (if it's nice on).

I hope this post isn't a trigger for some people to end up buying things they don't need, but I did want to fess up and also record exactly what I'm buying for some accountability. I had planned to only buy 12 items this year, and this is three of those 12 gone. I know I will need some new sandals and may want a new summer dress and leggings as the weather warms up and I do more outdoor sport. I had also in planned to look for a new winter coat for next winter, so my 12 items are speedily being spent... So I'm grateful for this thread to keep a record of what I'm buying.

I've also made a list. Is this thread okay to post lists on, or is that not on? It would be really nice to see what other wannabe low buyers are considering/researching/waiting for. Currently mine has three items on.

I like making and reading lists as it gives me the same buzz as shopping and having a list helps be stick to only things I need. So I'd be happy to read lists.