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?

Welcome!

Well I nearly fell off the wagon as I was (and still am) desparate for a pair of carrot/boyfriend jeans. I realised they would go well with all the stilettos and smart jackets I never wear these days but would also work with vests and flip flops for a more casual look so would go through the year.

Found a pair I really liked - £250! But a lovely MNer found me a pair at £55 that look ideal.

I had planned on buying them today but we've had car trouble and so it's in the garage today - and too cold and windy to get the bus

So safe for now...

Boring clothes here today. Old jeans, layered tees, chunky cardi. Dorothy Perkins/Primark combo.

However, off out tonight so will make a bit more of an effort. But not much because it's meeting three old friends (men - so no competitive dressing!) for a drink in a spit and sawdust pub. Still, mustn't let the side down!

Fleecy I like the look of those carrot jeans but I know they would not suit me at all sadly.

I am wearing:

this from Great Plains. The background colour on the dress is actually taupe rather than the pinky shade it appears onscreen.
Long sleeve purple tee (Rare)
Navy leggings (Top Shop)
Brown knee high boots (Toast)

Gah - another lovely dress, perfectly accessorised!

I am going to have to up my game!

I don't know what to wear tonight for my drinks. I'm driving and probably won't be able to park that near to the pub so it has to be walkable shoes - and it's snowing here and windy so thick coat required too. Just as well I'm not on a glam girls night out! Am planning skinnies, nice ankle boots, white long t-shirt with cropped breton vest over the top and a blue/yellow scarf but that might not be warm enough...

Like the sound of your outfit for tonight, Fleecy.

When I want to wear something like that and it's cold, I chuck on a thermal camisole vest beneath. Do you have one you could wear with?

Ooh no but I do have an M&S tummy tuck vest that my mum bought, couldn't get over her boobs and couldn't return because she'd got deodorant marks on it! So I could use that - it's super-fitted and fairly thick so would probably help.

Thanks!

Saw a pic of Kate Moss earlier wearing grey skinny jeans, fitted tweedy blazer, nice boots, big scarf so might give that a whirl too but with black jeans instead. Could wear the cami under a nice top under the jacket. And if I added a hat, that would help with the warmth and save washing my hair

Bck to linen trousers,I wear with cropped cardis and longer fitted vests too.
Agree re flat shoes,also I think finding the correct pair of linen trousers is crucial!
I have a white pair from Fat Face that are a lovely thick but drapey linen,ifyswim!
Today am wearing
Long grey handkerchief hem top from New Look over
Marks and spencer fine white long sleeved tee
Grey Boden waterfall cardigan
Black Topshop leggings
Black biker boots
Long grey and black necklace
Silver bangle.

Dug deep in the back of the wardrobe today in the spirit of the Thread Title.

Found this which i wore with black 3/4 length sleeve bolero style jacket, dark purple opaque tights and black suede high heels.

Felt very smart.

(welcome to the thread LastTrain)

Love that dress thelunar66

Agree GW that fit is essential for good looking linen trousers. For me, they need to be fitted around the waist & hips, through the thigh and then wider from the knee downwards. I find the linen widelegs end up with a saggy bum within 30 mins of wear It is definitely worth trying lots of them on and going for the more expensive ones.

I have some lovely white linen trousers, but have felt they are too summer. Can I really dig them out now? If yes, what kind of tops?

I wouldn't wear my linen trousers now. I assumed we were prepping in anticipation of spring/summer

Am wearing white linen trousers at mo (but they're maternity ones and the only comfy trousers I have 6 months preg - hate all my under bump trousers). I quite like the look with navy cardi etc.

I just received my first purchase of the year. I know it's not in the spirit of this thread, but I needed some long-sleeve tees to complete some looks I had in mind. But this thread did prompt me to have a good look at my wordrobe first and I only ordered tees in colours that I know will be used. Plus I'll get more mileage out of my existing clothes now. Result!

Today is a day out to a restaurant with dd and dh (regular Saturday jaunt) so am wearing
Teal long sleeve tee (brand new )
Turquoise tunic (White Stuff circa 2007)
Indigo jeggings (Next)
Teal scarf (M&S)
Thick grey cardigan with blue and pink flowers on chest (H+M)
Black shoe boots

Looking quite smart though I say so myself

LastTrain - outfit sounds lovely

And yes, tis the spirit of the thread to try not to spend but also to only buy things which will enhance what you already have.

We are off on our hols today Skiing in France. Can't wait so am trying to work a comfortable, stylish but not stupidly out of place for a ski resort chic!

Dove grey & white breton-style tee (M&S)
Indigo cardigown (Hush)
Straight leg indigo jeans (Boden)
Bailey Button Uggs
White scarf (H&M)

Enjoy your hols tulpe - I've never been skiing and always wanted to try

We will miss you. But we'll try our best not to buy stuff in yoiur absence!

that sounds like a plan tulpe...

today i am wearing dark navy merino tunic from last years', (Boden) over an Asda white ribbed top as the v neck is v low on teh tunic, narrow boot flare jeans, and a long denim blue scarf (gap) and my crocs !

Right ladies... here we are in Feb already, so well done to all who are still keeping their purses in their handbags!

I am determined to stick it out till Easter, but saw some lovely Spring stuff in the papers yesterday.

Hi everyone, we'll be needing a new thread soon.

I am totally stuck in a jeggings/boots/tunic rut at the moment, but they are just so damn comfortable and practical for January/February.

Oh, the only thing I bought in January was a pair of black jeggings to replace some that were too big for me.

I made it right through January but have bought a bit of stuff on eBay over the last couple of days - both bits came in at less than £15 for the two including p&p so not too bad.

Better than the £150 I'd probably have spent otherwise over the month. So I'm going to stick around on this thread as well as the other one - this one suits my budget better and encourages me to make the most of the things I already have

Look, Iknow I am incrediblylate withthis andmaybe it's been said- but Lisa Armstrong did this in the Times recently...is the OP she?

Good point... where did the OP go?

yooo hooooooo ! where have you all gone???

i have sinned , forgiveth me

i bought 3 times recently (eeeeeeeeeeek!)

however they were v v cheap and will pull together my spring wardrobe

I got a fab bright orange cropped cardi in matalan ages ago for £2 in teh sale an dit has been brilliant.. well, they had the hot pink and emerald green also reduced and a fab floral tasselled scarf too which will go brilliantly with all 3 cardis and the tunics and trousers i wear them with

i need you all to keep me strong!

come back..........

I'm still here! Just.

I was wondering if this thread had died. Does this mean everyone's caved and gone on mad shopping sprees?

I'm still hanging in there. Except for a bra but it was a practical one rather than a fancy one.

well, we can resurrect it, i'm ready to go on the wagon.. although i have been dropping hints to everyone that i want boden vouchers for my birthday which is not til june !!

if we keep posting, we can lure back everyone else

Was wondering what happened to this thread! We got back from skiing a week ago but picked up new pup the following day......life has been rather hectic for casual MNing.....pet-related "what to do with sodding dog" type threads only, I'm afraid

I was doing brilliantly until last Sunday. I am afraid I caved big time.......in my defence I spent £85 on 4 items from H&M.....all of which go together and will work with my spring/summer clothes too . They also something of a mini update as they are all nude shades (and all items look v Toast/Anthropologie for fraction of price) Plus, after a week of wiping up doggy doo-doo and sleepless nights, I felt I deserved a treat

Not trying to justify myself too much, am I?