Anyone interested in a "use it all up", "don't buy any new clothes this year" thread?

[Penthesileia]

This may come across as a rather anti-Style and Beauty thread...

For all kinds of reasons - we're a bit stretched financially this year; environmental & ethical; intellectual, etc - I've been thinking that this year, I ought to try to:

a) use up all the beauty products I've accumulated before buying new ones

b) try not to buy any new clothes (except necessities, such as tights, should I ladder them, etc.), as I own lots of nice clothes and, frankly, although I really adore shopping for new clothes and having nice new things to wear, I simply don't need them; plus, I've come to feel that I ought not to buy clothes that are not ethically sourced, if I can manage it, and this is quite difficult - so what's more environmentally friendly or ethical than not buying anything at all?

Anyway. I realise that this is rather self-indulgent, and it's a luxury of a kind to choose not to buy more stuff (I say this because I know that there are many on MN who don't have much to spend on themselves). However, I was hoping to find some like-minded souls who might like to support me in giving up my shopping addictions.

I know this is entirely vacuous and frivolous , but we could (occasionally) post what we're wearing, how we're accessorizing or innovating to make our old wardrobe feel new, etc. Obviously, this thread might appeal to people who are already thrifty (kudos!) and who might be able to give tips, etc.

So, is there anyone out there who wants to join my challenge?

I'm intrigued how loads of people here have mentioned charity shops. They are all really bad in my area. I have never (actually I did once 21 years ago in Bath, a natty Laura Ashley fairaisle knitted waistcoat which I still own ) found anything I could wear.

It's all such a lottery of size/ colour / quality etc etc. I'm amazed (but happy for you ) that anyone can go into one and find something even close to what they need in appropriate size / colour/ without horrendous bobbling / staining etc.

ilovemyoboe: I think it depends on why you are keeping. Stuff 1 or 2 sizes either side of what you currently are, and if you really love, you can bag and store, as long as you realistically think you can fit into inside a year imho.

Same here Mrs SB,and this is Cheshire

Nice cardi stayfrosty Wish I was a more confident knitter. I'm alright once someone else casts on for me I get going but can only do very simple stuff and never remember how to cast off!

Ooooh Frosty, I love that. The detail on the back is lovely and I really like the garter stitch cuffs. I might have a go at it in black or charcoal grey with coloured buttons of some sort.

mrseanbean - i live ina ver propserous place where people wear things for a couple of weeks, seemingly and then deposit them in a charity shop. My padded jacket is current season but I paid £4 for it in a charity shop.

I am an easy size though (10-12). I love the challenge tbh of finding cool stuff.

Tell me where you live MollyRoger. It might be worth the journey!

Still on the wagon, just marking myself back on the thread.

I'm still here, still in re(tail)hab

I will however be purchasing an American vintage ok g sleeve tee to replace the one I dh ruined.

Am definitely sending the bag back
Have photographed my next few eBay items
Have convinced myself Paul Smith dress looks like a bath towel and am not going to look at it again. Tried on my Chloe LBD for first time in a while and realized that its perfection renders future black dress purchases unnecessary.

Btw, I also do very well out of charity shops...

I live in Kensington in London so you would think that the charity shops near me are full of gorgeous new designer cast offs, yes?? It would seem not!! If any of you know of any good charity shops near me, please do tell!!

Am still on the wagon! Though DH has misunderstood and seems to think I shouldn't be buying anything - he whizzed pram w DD past the shop in the Tate Britain today so I couldn't stop and go in - apparently I am likely to have my wallet out before I know it . Am I that bad? . Apparently so.

since I have 3 months to think of these, any recommendations for lovely slim leg trousers? Like tatty there is a gap for these in my wardrobe.

Btw congrats ladies - any shopping that has been done sounds like it was for necessities!!

Re-charity shops..i think the secret here is persistence..over the last couple of years i have acquired amongst a few other things..

an ungaro winter coat
NWT paper,denim,cloth jeans
an amazing cocktail ring EVERYONE comments on

..but i am by no means doing all my shopping here and it would be v hard to shop to order..it would certainly be hard to complete a wardrobe..it's just chance..i try to pop in for a browse whereever i might happen to be,even the mot unlikely seeming locations,and yes,i have picked stuff up in west london..the only thing about the 'affluent areas' is that things are priced considerably higher..even a couple of miles away you might find more bargains to be had.

i think the myth of a utopia of a charity shop where every item is sublime needs to be ignored..plus rest assured a good stylist would have ferreted it out and done a deal..if all the stuff was that great people wouldn't be giving it away.

In other news..could i really be addicted to the 'no spend'..i need to top up my oystercard(travelcard) today..and i'm gutted!

can I join in? I have a serious problem and need help. If this thread stops me for at least a week that would be a major acomplishment

I think I am also getting quite excited about not spending, too! Last night we had lamb shank stew from the freezer (I hoard food like Armageddon is just around the corner... ) and am actually resisting getting a print framed despite DH's requests. Very unlike me!

Think today is the day that I return things, too. And will duck into the local charity shops on the way and see what is what. If for nothing else, they are usually v good for books. Although have many, many books...

Well done everyone!!

I'm at work in soft wool zara trousers and a lovely cream v-neck jumper in knitted silk I bought about 5 years ago and forgot about.

Am v excited about not spending too.

Today am wearing my funky jeans from Peacocks, with a long grey jumper with pockets from M&S with a bright green vest top (just seen) that my sister gave me - haven't worn it before. Not quite designer but still like to think i look good! We have just moved and I found a whole bag of clothes upstairs - mostly for the charity shop but some fun finds

Also excited re not spending and being more create with existing clothes.
Today am wearing
dark straight leg jeans from Principles 3 yrs ago,hardly worn
White lacy cami from Marks,bought 5 yrs ago and still going strong
Boden twist top in cranberry,from 2009 sale
Limited Collection grey/brown 3/4 sleeve cashmere open cardigan,bought off ebay 2 yrs ago,hardly worn
Autograph brown biker boots from 2008,worn loads but still good
Sainsbury's scarf,bought 2009 in 20% event,teal/pink/puple/silver stripe,goes with everything and worn loads
Dorothy perkins necklace in cranberry colours from 4 yrs ago,recently unearthed.
Am loving reading everyone's ideas and 'new' outfits,getting loads of inspiration,as good as shopping

Georgina you sound very stylish today!

stayfrosty I sooo know what you mean about 'save for best that never comes'.