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?

Quite agree, LTEC. I am rather reliant on the white tee myself; one will generally do for best for a year, at most. After that it becomes 'round the house', and after that, a duster.

What's in your basket LTEC?

I'm actually pretty cross with my-wardrobe. Twice in a row I have ordered things (apparently in stock) to then be phoned up a few days later to say 'sorry - when we went to get the item it wasn't here ' and by that time it's out of stock everywhere else.

Is it just me they do this to?!

Message withdrawn

this is the replacement tee/ staple piece I bought

dexter73 - am not telling you what's in my basket!! you have revealed yourself to be eminently sensible and I am feeling too fragile to willingly invite your mockery.

hellesbelles, I've never had that happen with my-wardrobe. And thank you for your nice comments on the AIBU thread. Did I read somewhere that you're in Islington? I bought my wedding dress there

My mum who works in an Oxfam shop was saying that while there is debate about whether sending second hand clothes to Africa is really a good thing they really welcome bras as they're very complicated to make. Must be some charity you can send them to, try googling.

I have been lurking here but feel a bit out of place as I have already managed to stop buying, due to financial reasons really. If I had the money I would probably fritter though! I have some nice stuff in the wardrobe but need to drop a size in order to wear it.

that is a very nice tee you've got yourself there LTEC.

I think I need one of those.

I want it.

I'm not partaking in this thread but I don't have any spare cash at the moment.

I want it.

I wouldn't mock you LTEC! I love filling up baskets too! It's almost the same as shopping. I have just been lusting after this coat as I saw it in the Evening Standard.

Luckily the coat is not in my size.
I'm not sensible about shopping at all. If I have any money it really burns a hole in pocket! I have been sensible recently due to lack of funds but I sold some antique jewelry at auction just before Christmas and they all sold for way above estimate, and my lovely cheque arrived yesterday! My pockets are burning!

Message withdrawn

have just listed 2 items on ebay

One of them has 2 watchers already!!

MissWooWoo, could you buy the t-shirt with the MN10% off? Otherwise check bohemiadesign, they have lots of American Vintage in the sale. I sometimes get larger MW discounts, will let you know if I do.

I've found Primark sports bras to be fine and they're only about a fiver. But I'm not the largest of nork at a C-cup so might not work if you've got more to support?

I didn't wear anything exciting today but I was still pleased - it was one of those outfits that shouldn't work but does.

Black skinny jeans, long-sleeve black t-shirt with a grey vest over the top. Grey ankle boots, black sequin beret, taupe animal print scarf, and antique-gold slouchy bag somehow jazzed it up without clashing.

Felt quite stylish and good at layering today!

Fed up of snow wear so glad it's all disappearing here and I can wear heels again

That yellow cost is lovely - colour wouldn't suit me though so I can enjoy your link!

Now off to look at LTEC's items on eBay...

Yes, how did you?????!

What have you done to me ladies? Have you put a spell on me in my absence? I have given up booze for January so cannot give up clothes/shoes too.

Over the last few days I have TRIED to buy a new purse (my LV one is giving up after 10 years), and bits and bobs from the MY-Wardrobe/Net-a-porter sale. Everytime I get my credit card out I can hear voices "do you really need that?" "£200 is a lot to spend on a purse"

Please take the spell off me so I can get back to my normal frivolous ways

Thanks

CHOO

If you are interested, I'm trying to buy some black skinny jeans but the link won't work
here

Mulberry Purse
or
Bottega Venetta

Please enable me

I'm doing a new look for work. Jeans, vintage tee, boots and blazer. It's working out quite well, people like the "funky style" and I'm not stressing about my work wardrobe

Right I am here and I'm stopping spending. Have done all my sales shopping - not that any has been delivered because of the snow.

But I really really don't need anything for a bit.

I will however have to buy some spring/summer stuff as have very little as have spent past few summers pregnant or bf and over my normal weight.

So my plan is to buy no clothes at all for the next month but to start thinking what I'll need to buy for the summer.

Choo - I think the mulberry purse is the better buy as the BV wouldn't wear/last as well.

Oh and I'm sure it was you who first introduced me to the delights of American Vintage (and ltec) - I love my long sleeved white t-shirt.

Oh ladies, you are way too stylish for me!! I thought I looked OK, but can see from your descriptions that you are all very funky funky! Really giving that yummy mummy label some meaning!! Which makes me wonder why I am not cracking the wardrobe open and donning something worthy of description... I can fit back into some of my clothes, but not all, and am snowed in. Good excuse?

Now LTEC, looked at your new black top, 'tis a staple, I agree. But what should be suggested below it but www.my-wardrobe.com/bcbg-max-azria/red-short-ruffle-dress-178272 gorgeous dress. Intervention, please! I don't have a hot pink dress, and I love short skirts/dresses and yesterday exchanged the earrings DH got me for some divine vintage costume jewelled multi colour earrings that have raspberry pink in them. Is this the Gods telling me its fate?

BTW am feeling v "good" as when I exchanged the earrings, there was no price difference. But my God did I enjoy an hour of mocching about the shop like a magpie picking up and trying on beautiful shiny things.

Will look at Choo's links and respond. BTW Jimmy Choos are on my list of upcoming purchases, esp as DH said in a moment of weakness that I should spend more on my shoes as I don't buy many any more. God love that man!!

Ooh Hana, that yellow coat is a little piece of sunshine, isn't it?! I adore yellow (the right shade...) - wrapping yourself in happiness. Always wanted a primrose coloured room.

CHOO - I agree w TraceY, wallets/purses are subject to much wear and tear, so think you need a "robust" leather, and the Mulberry looks like it would last longer than Bottega. Although Bottega clutches...

On my ultimate wish list is Hermes leather goods. Although baby DD has left little baby teeth marks on my current purse and my handbag gets shoved placed into bottom of the pram, so not even using my "nice" handbags day to day anyway.