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?

All manner of things - I have my search results emailed to me, so it's not hard to rack up that many

I really do have a serious habit.

There's a pair of boots I really have my eye on.

I'm chuckling at 68 things! I'm watching 2 though so I might end up buying something but hoping they'll shoot up right before the end and will no longer be a justifiable bargain.

Glad someone else admitted to wearing Peacocks. I dug out a Peacocks dress that cost me £14 last year (black smock mini dress with purple ditsy print) and am wearing it with dark pink tights (berry?), black cardi (Peacocks again ) and flat black OTK boots.

I have made the whole thing look much more expensive by wearing my mum's mini-coat from the 60s which is gorgeous, and carrying a raspberry East West Maggie (my Christmas present from everyone I've ever met last year).

Oooh Fleecy that raspberry and black ensemble sounds lovely.

I wish I could see everyone's outfits.

Ladies, sorry if I sound judgy but ... it's only January and I am noticing a bit of slippage on the shopping front!! All items sound necessary, but isn't this how we found ourselves w bulging wardrobes in the first place?

I don't know, I just feel so disappointed.

I'm with you, bunny! Come on, ladies!!! Snap out of it!

Shall we start a separate thread for "what are you wearing today?" I am loving hearing about these different outfits too. Giving me lots of inspiration

I thought my top was allowed on replacement grounds???

really need a workout bra too ... is that ok??

Absolutely, LTEC. Fine on both counts, IMO.

Cannot stress enough the importance of good workout bra. Can highly recommend the Shock Absorber range - the high impact one. I bought my first when I had a lumpectomy earlier this year - believe me, you need major support when you have that kind of surgery It was fab - not a hint of movement but not suffocating either. I wear the same type for running and skiing now.

Doh! Am still stuck in 2009.

I meant last year, of course.

tulpe, need your help - where do you buy your dcs ski gear from??

also, when is your birthday? will make sure I post your fortune for you.

Oh but you can bf in dresses Frosty.

Shall I show you which ones??

LTEC - frankly, am shocked . Not to mention disappointed. I expected better from you

I am trying to keep away from the Hush sale despite the fact I don't actually have any pjs. Hush themselves are helping me by a) having the slowest website in the world and b)unlikely to have anything in 14/16 long length even if I could get on to it.

Replacing stuff goes against the spirit of the thread as well unless it's a true necessity such as sports bras.

That would be "a bit thick" not "a bit think"...

Bunny - maybe LTEC was going to suggest a type of dress that Frosty may already have in her wardrobe....that she might have overlooked

I'm sure she wouldn't do anything so wicked as to try and tempt someone into spending on a 'use it all up thread'

Feeling v proud of my willpower today. After spending all of yesterday thinking about buying the Ugg style boots and trying to convince myself that I need them because I'm in danger of getting frostbitten toes, I resisted temptation and instead bought some sheepskin insoles for £1.99 on ebay.

So I did buy something but I also resisted buying something much more expensive.

That's good, isn't it .

I've also just packed up some M&S sale goodies I bought online on Christmas day (yes, I'm one of those shopaholics who even shops on Christmas day ) ready to return them.

Re. sports bras LTEC, lots of good Shock Absorber ones on ebay for £14.99. New with tags.

HellsBelles - yes you are right, that is what LTEC was doing. Am sure of it.

Rosa - well done! I have lots of sheepskin insoles and love them! Make boots both snuggly and more comfy.

LTEC - could you refurbish your black top by de-linting it? I have one of those sticky roller things and de-linted refurbished DD's coat the other day. Made it look like new!

Right. Am editing down my watch list. It is hard

My ebay strategy of watching lots of things and deleting them as they go out of absolute steal territory is a very sensible way of shopping, but it is still shopping, and it is still buying things I want rather than need.

To be honest, I think I'm finding it so difficult because there are such amazing bargains at the moment.

Aren't there always, though..?

And today I am wearing red Martin Kidman sweater (ebay), black jersey Per Una skirt (ebay), white Topshop vest, John Lewis opaques. And the M&S boot-things.

Phasolus,I do that too with Ebay
Have succesfully resisted any purchase since xmas now.However have 20 things I am watching,just in case they escape everyone else's notice and are an absolute bargain,you understand!
In mitigation,hav elisted some items myself.

Oh dear, I am wearing exactly the same things today as I did yesterday. That's not really in the spirit of the thread, is it?

My argument is that I've had to get up really early for the school run for the first time in over three weeks and I just didn't have time to think about clothes this morning. I need to lay them out the night before, don't I?

Still no purchases, and not missing it actually. But it is only the second week of January! I think in a few weeks I will start to get the itch.

Glad it's not just me, GW

I have just resisted a cashmere cardigan by Autograph because (with P&P,) it went over £6 and was thus not virtually free. Not placing another bid felt quite good, actually

Tut, tut. No links, LTEC!!! And Phase - get that list down to zero!!

Today I am wearing:

pink/slate blue "skinny fit" plaid shirt (Boden)
white long sleeve tee (Top Shop)
Martha straight leg jeans - vintage wash (Top Shop
grey "multi-way" cardi (All Saints)
Uggs

Am v pleased with the way I have styled my look today. When first put on, looked a bit "blah" but with a few tweaks it looks very funky mum........imo

Am loving planning my outfits from existing wardrobe. No more longing and stress I was dressed by 7am without any fuss this morning.....an absolute first for me!

Currently awaiting for delivery of my birthday present (the Toast boots). Have already watched 2 DHL vans come and go to the neighbours . Deep breaths, Tulpe!!