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?

that's divine Fleecy

one of my NY resolutions is to get hit on by a good looking man this year. Just so I know I've still got it.

Bunnymother....i already get red..gave up pretending Harpers and Queen was a reflection of my current lifestyle..

No my new subscription is Much shadier..i rememberthe days of 'easy rider' living..now it's just 'easy living'..will remember to post any jam-making tips i find for the rest of you!

In normal circumstances, LTEC, I would have seen the purchase of hat and wristwarmers in both colours as an absolute no-brainer, hence moment of panic

Hana, that yellow is gorgeous, I bought that shade for the first time last summer (a Rutzou jacket, in the sale,) and it always makes me feel amazing.

CHOO, I love the Nudie black skinnies, especially the high waisted ones. I am making a note of them in my 'Allowed Purchases' ledger

I prefer the Bottega purse.

jabberwocky, your new look sounds great, I plan to go for something similar in the summer when I can get into my jeans

bunnymother, the BCBG dress is lovely. I wouldn't find the opportunity to wear it often, though, so it would just sit in the wardrobe with others of similar ilk to be stroked occaisionally

LTEC, what Fleecy says re the Bayswater. I did want one, but just don't feel excited by them anymore. I prefer slouchy, too, and in colour, or grey.

MrsSean, I love the International, but it seems to look wildly different on people IRL. If you are very petite, it can look a bit, er, over-bitty, if that makes sense?

Bodsmum and bunnymother, Vogue renewal is essential.

Blackduck, no it doesn't

MrsSeanBean - I have a Barbour International and I absolutely love it. Fortunately for me I live fairly near a Barbour outlet that has great discounts!

LTEC - tis true though (comment on other thread) though I'm south beach dieting at the moment so hopefully will be thinner very soon!

yes I am in Islington - did you get your dress from Morgan Davies? That's where I got mine!

But with the my-wardrobe it's been so frustrating....always things I've been desperate for and sooo happy to have found one in my size - only to have my hopes so harshly dashed

So today I'm in the ubiquitous Princess Tam Tam dress....with purple tights and brown boots (very nice ones though). My attempt to be more colourful...babysteps (as brown isn't that far from black is it?!)

o.k all - just before my attempts to give up spending I bought this

It looks really lovely on (though I see it looks a bit blurghhhh on the pics) and I think I will wear it quite a bit in the summer (after being stuck in pregnancy or BF clothes for so long). But I know its expensive and perhaps it is a bit grey and boring. Maybe that style is dated already?? I'm rubbish at knowing what is in or out. Do you think I should send it back?

Re: Wristwarmers

Given the current freezing weather I would consider wristwarmers to be a necessity to all computer users. I was tempted last week, and mine arrived yesterday, and I have barely taken them off since.

So no guilt involved in their purchase

oooh la la Hellesbelles - that's quite fabulous! BUT (LTEC tries to enter into the spirit of the thread) perhaps a little pricey for something that likely will date quickly? If you're going to spend £300 I'd personally go for something with either more wow/ less longevity or less amazing but more classic, does that make sense?

which colour Tam Tam do you have? you sound identically dressed to me on Monday! I was in brown TT dress, brown boots, purple tights. Good look!!

yes, Morgan Davies - what dress did you wear?

Hellesbelles - I love it too. I'd wear it in the day with tights and long-sleeve top on underneath. The shoes they put with it are yum but v. expensive. Never mind - a girl can dream!

Happy days! Keep buying people, so I don't have to.

It does indeed make sense. I shall try it on again tonight and see whether I can bear to part with it (it does just magically enhance the good bits and hide the bad ones)! I did fear (as you have confirmed) that it will date very quickly.

Tam Tam - I have brown & purple - today is brown. I got it on your advice from a thread a while ago. I was surprised it looks good as I have biggish norkage (though a small back) - but it seems to be a very versatile cut.

Wedding dress - I am rubbish and have absolutely no idea who made it. It's wrapped up in tissue somewhere so will have a look when I can be arsed! It was pretty boring...strapless, ivory silk but beautifully cut and did look rather nice (I was in pretty good shape for once)

we are twins. I have both too.

am trying to lose baby weight. what is this south beach of which you speak??

I was quite excited by this thread at first, but now I am a bit depressed actually, because it sounds like no one is really serious about this !

I really am serious about not spending much this year, but reading recent posts just makes me feel like I should be going out there and buying more stuff !!!

Oh relieved to hear I don't need to feel guilty about mum's sale buy!! (just hoping they are okay - she normally has good taste...)...I do keep looking at shoes and things, but really don't need anything (tells self sternly)

ps I am going to allow myself charity shop treats, and then reward myself at the end of the year by buying something I really love !

Hellesbelles, I would send it back. There will be loads more exciting things appearing for the summer you might want more..?

VerityB, since I am already overburdened with wristwarmers, I am, unfortunately, unable to play the necessity card on this one

Today I am wearing oversized white grandad-type shirt (Gap), with blue jeans (James, charity shop), black riding boots (Jones, old), 3/4 sleeved grey cashmere cardigan coat (Freda, ebay), and long grey wristwarmers (Brora). I may add a gauzy scarf in black, if it continues to snow.

Hells - if you think you will wear the dress loads this year then keep it but do think what else you could buy with the money.

Feeling - for me its about buying less rather than buying nothing - perhaps I shouldn't post on the thread in that case.

I do need new clothes as was pregnant or bf and above normal weight for past few summers so not feasible/desirable to buy no new clothes.

I do however want to stop those cheap impulse purchases that I always regret.

Today I'm wearing navy roll top jersey trousers, navy vest top and ancient zara pale blue cropped cardi with sparkles on and uggs. We're snowed in and I'm going nowhere.

Sounds a good plan, Feelingoptimistic. I am serious. I bought nothing on ebay yesterday

And the thing I fell off the wagon for was a grey Joseph Alpaca jumper dress for £27. I have a black one (also ebay,) and wear it all the time.

feelingoptimistic - I have been good - honestly - nothing since I started taking part in the thread (I was just linking to a previous purchase). Please don't think we're not taking it seriously

LTEC - The South beach diet - is a sort of less hardcore atkins. First time I did it (after DS) it was amazing - lost loads of weight and it was pretty easy apart from the first few days (though you have to do 2 weeks of no alcohol). There is a book you can get on amazon here. He has updated it with exercises...but even without exercising it works.

Having said that 2nd time of doing it, it doesn't seem to be working quite as well. Perhaps because I'm so old.

I know what you mean Tracey - I have a few really lovely things, but also lots of really average things, which I should not have bought...

Feelingoptimistic - I think there's a mix of people trying not to buy anything and people cutting back.

I'm a cutting back-er but have so far bought nothing and don't intend to for a while either, if it helps.

Also, have cut back on my housekeeping budget (food, cleaning stuff, nappies, pet stuff, toiletries) and am avoiding the supermarket, shopping online, to stop buying extra bits and bobs.

So not just clothes for me.

Hoping to have more money to spend doing things with DH - both working from home and would be nice to be able to go out for lunch together most weeks if we could. Better investment than more cheap, poorly-made clothes!

Good - I believe you Hells !!

I did Slimming World online - it's called Body Optimise. It worked really well for me. And I haven't put my babyweight back on at all since I reached my target weight.

On a different topic, anyone here do oil cleansing? Thinking about giving it a go.

thanks Feeling (thousands wouldn't going by my previous record).

O.k. all I'm swaying towards sending back but will try it on again and marvel at it's flattering qualities (even though it is probably already dated).

Right - must do some work.

I think what I'm going to do is make a list of what I will need for the spring/summer and then stick to it.

You see my problem is that in the past I'd have popped into h&m/new look picked up 4 long sleeved white t-shirts - worn them - got annoyed at how they lost their shape, chucked them and bought more. So i have now purchased one american vintage long sleeved white t-shirt which looks fab and i carefully washed and dried it flat.

Having culled my wardrobe I can now see everything hanging nicely and well spaced so not all crumpled too.