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 wearing reasonably newish stuff but that's bc bought specifically for current bfing situation so am determined to get wearus maximus from it. Brown wool/ cashmere dress, plum tights, brown boots (bought from ebay, £25 )

bought my replacement long sleeve tee from my-wardrobe last night and did not have 'just a little browse' to see what else could buy (before, would have justified this on basis of 'one delivery charge') but must confess to a little, thrilling headrush when I pressed "purchase now'....

I definately don't have anything designer in my wardrobe, just mid-priced high street stuff usually.

Today I'm wearing Next jeggings, a long sleeved Gap V-neck black jersey top, Grey lambswool V-neck tunic from Mistral, and my brown Brasher Bolivar boots.

today I am wearing vintage black leggings (they were from the 80s, first time round ), charity shop black suede wedge boots, a fat face tunic (bought before xmas in the sale 1/2 price) and a black lacy-knit sleeveless wrap over cardie from Oasis (charity shop!)
Seriously, most charity shops have upped their game in th epast few years and are a great source of cheap clobber.

May I also suggest holding a clothes swap party with friends? We do this one or twice a year and is great fun and great to get free different clothes/accesssories.
We have done book swaps too,

BM..lol at your foodshopping for armageddon
Definitely recognise that one in myself too..

Great to hear everyone's outfit combo's..i'm at that boring stage of pregnancy where each week i have less and less stuff i can squeeze into so am on about 5 possible combos left! so nothing earthshattering to report on my styling today.

my smug deed for the day is i have just picked up some library books to help with this project
Alvin Hall's..'your money or your life'(i mean business here ladies!)
2 wardrobe secrets type books to give me some extra hints
and a diy fashion projects book
though i need to stop reading this thread obsessively so i can actually put some of this stuff into practice

..in the spirit of this thread I actually bothered to take my boots to the cobbler to get them re-heeled. Something I would never normally bother to do (usually they will languish at the back of my wardrobe and I will end up buying practically the same thing again).

And they look perfect

Will do a bit of clear out when DD goes to sleep and see what's lurking.

I have one of those de bobbler things from John Lewis,takes a while to do but does remove bobbles.Cost £10.
thelunar66,I fear my outfit sounds more stylish than it looks
Am also atempting to shift extra punds gained over xmas.

Well ladies. I have participated in a little retail therapy yesterday and today BUT, in my defence, tis my birthday present from DH And as we already established.....gifts don't count

Yesterday I bought some brown boots from Dune - was in a rush, tried them on briefly and thought I would bring them home to consider. Before I'd even got back in the car I knew I had made a mistake

What I really wanted was these babies from Toast but they were sold out. Called customer services to enquire about waiting lists for returns only to be advised to try the shops. And, HURRAH!! they had one pair left at the Islington store which should be winging their way to me this afternoon I so hope they are as lovely as I think they will be.

Am carefully resisting the Hush sale (which started today).

Today I am wearing:
indigo straight leg jeans (Boden)
pale blue cashmere cable knit roll neck (from Queenwood)
Cardigown in a dark grey-blue shade (Hush)
Bailey Button Uggs

Very cosy

would you thrifty ladies do me a favour and look at my mulberry bayswater thread, would value your opinions. Thanks loads

Am also at home today, poor baby DD has a cold so was snuffling and crying from 5am. She is happy at the mo, and I am tired. So slapped on much primer and concealer and even more mascara and am wearing black l sleeve thermal top and Sportsgirl (Australian brand) jeans. Feet are bare, but have my fave OPI nail polish on my hooves feet "Got the Blues for Red" so all is not lost! If I do head out today will be donning the North Face jacket I bought 2 years ago and cannot do without. God, how bereft I am of style !

Tomorrow hope to up the sartorial stakes!!

Tulpe, I hope your boots fit, they are so lovely. I'm wearing mine today. Way more than I would normally spend, but they literally go wiht all my dresses and skirts and make them look at least 50% nicer than they actually are.

I recognise that that last post wasn't really in the spirot of theis thread - so - I am just about to returning a very lovely sweater dress from Muji that I don't need.

Love those boots Tulpe.
I am determined to save up for something I really want,not 'make do' with 4 or 5 cheaper versions for the sake of it that I don't 'love'.
Sometimes one item makes everything else work so much better

Oh that sounds great, Tatty. I think you commented on the ones I bought yesterday on another thread.

I think I was trying to get something "smart" thinking they would look better with dresses and skirts. However, they just aren't me, tbh. My look is definitely more Toast than LK Bennet, iyswim

I ordered some Goucho boots from Toast several years ago which I ended up returning (why????) but they were the most beautiful, sumptuous leather and I imagine these Cavalry boots will be the same.

tulpe - I'm in Islington too - I shall have to check out the shop (for ideas only of course - no buying )

Help! I've seen some Ugg style boots on Toast website. I've never been a big fan of Uggs but I have got the coldest feet ever and I'm beginning to wonder if sheepskin boots are the only answer.
I'm not doing very well at this not buying anything lark. Can any of you help me stay on the righteous path of anti-consumerism? Or should I just accept that shopping is the only thing that keeps me going and give in to my desire for new boots....?
I fear I may be a lost cause

PS. are we doing a clothes swap thing on here or is everyone just selling their stuff by ebay or taking to charity shops?

I took it back and resisted a top reduced to £15 that would go with the slim leg trousers that I do not own. Actually I realised that I really hate taking things back - that moment when they say is there anything wrong with it and you say no I am just addicted to shopping I changed my mind thanks

I took it back and resisted a top reduced to £15 that would go with the slim leg trousers that I do not own. Actually I realised that I really hate taking things back - that moment when they say is there anything wrong with it and you say no I am just addicted to shopping I changed my mind thanks

I really don't like it at all

No, No Rosa - there are no lost causes, just the odd hiccup while we intelligently become our most stylish and beautiful selves(ie no crazed shopping). Am Australian, so prob goes against the grain, but I do not like Uggs or sheepskins anything (beyond pram liners). Perhaps cashmere socks? I hear they are v warm, although don't have any myself...

Hana - at our beauty snap moment re the OPI.

First post on this thread which I love btw! Those boots are fab, fab, fab tulpe! Very
Just wanted to second the advice re doing a clothes swap part - I've been to several with friends of all different sizes and always had lots of fun - its amazing just what suits who. We've also had a handbag swap party and an accessorises one - both very sucessful. Great way to have a clear out of stuff you dont need or wear. All that was left over was taken to a charity shop.

Thanks Bunny. I've never liked Uggs either but they just look so warm and I've got insanely cold feet. I've been wearing two pairs of thermal socks and I'm still freezing. I'm trying to tell myself that it would be a practical/necessity purchase rather than a frivolous fashion purchase....