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?

RamblingRosa - I have very cold feet too. I tried cashmere socks (which were better than regular or ski socks) but still felt a bit chilly. DH bought me Uggs for Christmas and I have had toasty feet ever since. I also have the sheepskin slippers from Toast so can vouch for their quality. Mine are a year old and still look new. Sole is great for outdoors as well as indoors too

IMO, it sounds like a necessity rather than a frivolous fashion purchase

Not that I wander outside in my slippers very often

Only one morning when I was in a rush and didn't realise they were still on my feet until I started the car

Tulpe, you're my favourite person . Anyone who can justify my spending obsession (while on a thread all about not spending) is my hero.

I might give in and get them. But then the weather doesn't seem as bitterly cold as it did last week so maybe I can hold out....

I have ordered my Brora jumper now (Christmas money saved for the sale) so I can join in with the non-spending!

Message withdrawn

Dexter is the Brora sale on now then?

It starts on Wednesday but I got VIP early entry for some reason!

Well done everyone!

I am still resisting but I don't know whether I'll go the course of the year. Hope so. But I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't. In the meantime, this thread is always lurking at the back of my mind to remind me to be a bit wiser.

Rosa - cold feet can really make you miserable, so I would say that solving that problem is a necessity.

I've been thinking about a swap, but I can't figure out how it would work without us running up counter-productive postage charges.

Today, I am wearing: black velvet Boden trousers; grey Jigsaw merino fine knit close-fitting sweater with grey cami underneath. And my pink wellies. Even in the lecture theatre .

Wow - you lucky thing! Not that I care of course now I'm not buying anything

On the using it up front, I am finally using these Skin Bliss capsules from Elemis, which I had been hoarding for when my skin really "needed" it . Why? When would that be exactly? Anyway. They are very lush and smell divine. Skin looks ok too!

PS. LOL at "wearus maximus"!!

And also at whoever it was who was eyeing up the tights in Waitrose! I did that the other day and it took all my will-power not to pop a pair in the basket "just because".

This thread is the key to preservation of my sanity. I am convinced of that.

Thanks to all on this thread Am feeling a v zen like Tulpe today

I bought a cashmere cardi in the sale for £6 today

[runs away]

CoCo - Sounds like you bought a winter necessity [hopeful emoticon], but as LTEC says, 20 Hail Guccis and you are forgiven.

Went to local charity shop. There was nothing remotely nice there - yay (saved money)!! So bought something yummy for dessert from M&S. . But DH and I do enjoy our evening meal together...

Yes exactly, bunny [phew].

It's cashmere I'll be wearing it for years.

Unless I shrink it in the machine. Again.

What I love about this thread is hearing what others are wearing from the depths of their wardrobes.
Have been inspired
Now I lay out clothes the night before after carefully perusing the rails

have been doing quite well, acksherley.. although I did buy some wellies toda,y they were in the sale and they are stopping me from (a) falling over and (b) ruining my nice leather boots, so a worhtwhile purcahse

went to lots of shops today to look for said wellies and did not buy anything other than the wellies, not even an accesory !

ooh, are we sayingwhat we are wearing?

i am waering Asda sleeveless jumper dress over a black top , with thick woolly tights from 2 witners ago, worn with 2008's black knee lenght boots. long silver necklace from east sale, before i started this new regime

ws actually embarassed this morning to open my wardrobe and think, i have too much to wear, and not worn XYZ for ages sorted out my many scarves , pashninas and layering tops, which will surely make lots more outfit combinations withouth buying stuff

I took back some pre-Christmas Fatface purchases last Tuesday and they had HUGE discounts so I did succumb and buy a lovely tomato red jumper for TWELVE POUNDS, however I went into Accessorize to look at wrist warmers but stayed strong. Now I want new blinds for our house I have a better reason not to fritter money away. Having looked at my wardrobe I do have some lovely high street stuff that I just never wear so am going to try and be more inventive (as soon as this snow goes - grrr).

Cashmere for SIX pounds?

Exactly Lulu(claps hands excitedly)
Am enjoying all these outfit descriptions and ideas....
just off to check out my bag collection..have remembered a wool bag from Accessorize in gorgeous colours that is languishing somewhere,would look great with my choice for tomorrow...

Message withdrawn

I had a quick peak in Toast (just to check they had remembered to take Tulpe's boots off the shelf) and didn't get tempted at all...such strong willpower (also there was absolutely nothing left of any note!)

don't start me on handbags , goergina !! i have a cupboard full, but never know whether to match a bag to an outfit or just use one for ages .

My friend wants me to go shopping in Oxford with her on Thursday . She is really good at making me buy stuff so if I manage to resist then I will be very pleased! Perhaps I can just make her buy lots of stuff instead...

I have ebayed

I bought duplicate knitwear. It was a steal. I am now watching 68 things

I am wearing grey Sportsgirl top, black Gap jeans, black cashmere poloneck (charity shop on the Kings Road), Topshop oversized black cardigan (4 years old and renovated with a bit of de-bobbling) and a pair of black wristwarmers (Brora, sale, old). Oh, and the M&S black Ugg-a-likes I use as slippers. With hiking socks.

68 things!!???

like what?

I think I was possibly best-dressed mum at indoor play centre today. Marred slightly by the moment when I de-shod feet to get on the climbing frame and exposed hot pink, skull & cross bone tube socks over plum tights (another member of the cold feet brigade)