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?

Hello everyone and a belated happy birthday to Tulpe.Am at the Toast boots.
I have a wardrobe full of boots,none perfect though have promised myself next autumn will hunt for a perfect pair!
this thread has given me the encouragement needed to break the cycle of spending for the sake of it.
Phaseolus have also resisted ebay for a month or more now.
Am so proud!
Today I dug out a black stretchy knit short sleeved dress bought from a local small boutique in september and worn once.
It has sequins to the neckline so I hadn't considered daywear,plus the short sleeves.However I have added a long sleeved purple tee underneath,black leggings and black uggs,and a purple ncklace from a school xmas fair raffle
It looks quite good,and has given the dress a new lease of lufr.

Lufr obv mean life!

Ladies, all sounding very stylish today! And esp well done to Bodsmum as being v pregnant is an extremely challenging time style wise. But inspiring that you haven't just retired to wearing your DH's tops (a friend said she was going to do that and I thought "oh dear, that's not good for the soul").

Tulpe - happy birthday!

HellsBells - commiserations on the loss of a valued friend top. That is a real bummer, but agree with Phase that with much tugging, you may have a happy ending

Marsha - love that Newgirl asked if you were a troll, as was highly amused to think of hairy arsed trucker (according to MN that's what trolls look like) typing out a description of a divine outfit w hairy sausage fingers whilst wearing a wife beater singlet, castigating himself for even thinking that a MaxMara coat would work, when it was obv that Chloe was the perfect choice! Your outfits alone are enough to keep me glued to this thread!!

LTEC - I know just what you mean, there are a few MNetters who have a particular turn of phrase that makes me just know they are Australian and am almost always right. It's cos we are oh so witty and sophisticated, non?

Am wearing dark grey and black striped trousers and black scoop neck 3/4 sleeve top w black patent ballet flats and red coat. Not v inspiring, but about right for a grey day.

sorry marsha

hells - would it fit your child in a 'i bought this from the white company catalogue' sort of way

im in black jumper dress again with different jeans and a large wooly scarf worn indoors

i nearly booked a facial today as it was £20 rather than £45 but was very good and saved £20 instead

A very happy birthday for yesterday Tulpe! Sounds like you had a deservedly lovely day.

So, forgive me all - but I've fallen off the wagon rather spectacularly

No excuses, but reason is this: having bought my beloved Princesse Tam Tam dresses for current situation (ie breastfeeding and a size bigger than usual) I'm conscious that they'll have had their day by the end of the season. Already they are looking alarmingly big in some places.

So I opted for the "longevity", "season after season" "classic" reasons and bought the above.

I'm sorry. I'll clean the toilet wearing my still unworn despite being bought last summer Choos as penance.

Nooooooooooooo - ltec - i've so got my eye on that dress too.

Which colour did you get?

I keep checking and thinking if its there tomorrow when money goes into my account then its meant to be .

I'm so going to get kicked off this thread.

I just got the black - it's pretty much sold out in every other colour!!

also, with black I can further justify the 'classic' argument

d'you fancy forming a faction thread??

What a gorgeous dress LTEC. I'm in danger of falling off the wagon with you on that one. Shame they have none left in Berry though.

Lovely dress cake and you shouldnt feel too guilty as it is in the sale!

I rememeber speaking to you about those bad boy choos last year - OMG I cant believe they are still unworn! Have a word with yourself!

Nice cashmere dress. If they had the Berry in my size I would be in trouble too.

yes but lambana - was pregnant until 3.5 months ago so could not wear for fear of doing myself/ baby an injury!!

and since then, no nights out as bfing.

Believe me, this summer ... those shoes are going to be worn and worn and worn

So gorgeous that they're not even in the sale, you notice??

MrsSB - I would have liked the berry too

Thats true cake. You would be dicing with death balancing a pregnant tum on those vertigous lovelies.

Take good care of them because they will never date and you can wear them forever.

My cashmere tights that I ordered are on their way so I will report back once received and worn.

newgirl at passing jumper onto DC's - it may just work!

LTEC - I think you may be truly wicked (for me anyway). Everytime I click on one of your links I get a sudden 'I must have that' rush. And they have a 12. ughhhhhhhhh.

Its a very good job indeed the berry is all gone or it would definitely have been purchased.

However being sensible I know I'd get more wear out of a pair of good jeans and am hankering after these once I hit my goal weight.

So not going to spend until I can comfortably fit in a size 8 of those.

You see - I'm back on the wagon

Well you are waiting Tracey (unlike some naughty ladies I could mention ). I love J-brand - they seem to work really well for my shape. Almost like spanx

I wonder if we ought to make it a rule that people are not allowed to come onto this thread and show off link to things they have just bought?

It would make it easier for many of us I think...those that are serious about it...a bit like just not going into shops, so we are unaware of all the fabulous unnecessary stuff we are missing

I only came on to say I have had to buy a pair of shoes in the sale, (which I will not link to!) because I have got to go to a Christening and have got nothing appropriate at all for my feet. But am not buying anything else for the occasion, as have got a couple of dresses that will do depending on weather. I feel bad about the shoes but seriously have not been to a formal occasion for about 5 years and have no poshish shoes that even fit.

Well, now I have...though will be looking in charity shops this week and if something else turns up, will send them back.

No offence btw to those who have linked...some gorgeous stuff!! I just don't want to see it!

lovely dress LTEC etc on brora website...berry is stunning, black lovely also ...am tempted but none left in my size ..thank god

LTEC - that dress is loveliness itself. So snug, so sleek, so luverly. DH even commented when I showed him. Damn those links!!

Just bought a couple of bargainous things for DD today - orange Gap top and purple H&M socks. All essential . So still consider myself on the wagon.

Ah you see, I am not feeling the pull to the new clothes at all. Which is tres unusual for me

Thanks for lovely birthday wishes, LTEC

Had mild panic about "what to wear" tonight before going to dinner with girlfriends. Then had a "proper" look and, what do you know, pulled together an outfit never worn before but that got lots of "oooh, where's that from" type compliments . I am loving this whole thread and ethos. Everyday now I go shopping in my closet! SO tonight I wore:

Silk floral tea dress in cream/lime/khaki tones (vintage - very 30's bought in boutique near Portabello)
chocolate merino opaques (I think M&S but bought last year)
Toast Cavalry boots
Chocolate angora/wool mix waterfall cardigan (James Lakeland)
YSL-esque "antique gold" cocktail ring (Top Shop)
"gold" bangles of assorted widths & weights (Top Shop)

I fessed up to everyone over dinner that I am not buying this year except to replace staple items. They were v impressed but now the pressure is on to prove I can do it!

Tulpe - how gorgeous. Sounds really perfect.

Today I'm very blurghhhhh. Black jumper, jeans....just about saved by a rather nice alexander mcqueen red and black scarf nicked off DH. I must start planning things the night before to stop my default setting of black.

Have to go to gymboree today though so I needed something easy to move around in (that's my excuse anyway)

woke up this morning in a cold sweat.

Phoned Brora, cancelled order.

Annoyed with myself for succumbing. Like Tracey, all I really need is new jeans once baby weight is off (they are lovely btw tb!!) so I will wait. And diet!!

at home this morning so wearing indigo skinnies tucked into long Uggs with S'NOB long t-shirt thingy in broad stripes of purple, burnt orange, deep pink & grey/brown. Looks marginally better than it sounds!!

Will change into 'proper' boots for the park this afternoon. Am strictly an "Uggs at home" kind of girl

God Cake, I'm really impressed! I am finding it nice not to think about shopping actually. I've sent all my Toast stuff back apart from one useful black top because I didn't love any of it and resisted buying posh half price bubble bath in teh John Lewis sale. I am a real sucker for reduced toiletries.

Just have to send back some boots I bought before Christmas and I will have a clean slate.

Have to summon up the energy to start listing for ebay now

Good stuff. Stand strong people. I feel good have not succumbed to sales.

Wearing mustard yellow Vanessa Bruno cashmere dress.
Dh's dark brown Paul Smith belt (I need a belt!, will keep stealing his for a while. but it's a bit big)
Wolford grey anthracite tights.

Tulpe's birthday outfit sounds fabulous.
Going well!