Hi Gillian, you've done so well and I think you're still doing well because you're still meeting the overall goal - which is to be more intentional.
I love reading through your thoughts about it. I started out with you, at first trying no-buy, then sliding into low-buy, then gave up altogether when I hit a rough emotional patch. There is something so emotionally soothing to me about going to the secondhand shop and finding something - in all the things I dislike - that I love, is good quality and makes me feel better inside and out. It stimulates my creativity, hunter/success instinct, and I also feel as if I'm contributing by buying and also dropping things off there. I think there is so much more to it than the number of clothes in the wardrobe.
However, like you, I have a bad feeling about being over-consumptive and a strong desire to bring unity and cohesion into what I have. I've never reached the clear and boundaried approach that you manage, and I am always in awe of how careful and thoughtful you are with your purchases. I think the 'way to be' is evolving for you, and for me, and that's ok! But if you'd set three purchases a month you'd be right on target.
I aspire to have less and wear more of what I love but so often I find myself in a not great outfit because I am forcing myself to wear something I'm not sure about 'one last time' to see if I can make it work. I think I need to reach only for the things I think are great. But sometimes I'm inclined to rebel against myself and wear something 'off' just to mess things up a bit. So I am hard to control!
One thing I have notice is that I now feel a sense of pride and firmness when I leave with nothing, when I don't browse style sites and I focus on having less, as it gives me more time to think about and do other things.
Anyway, I actually came on here to say what about your dresses? I'm finding a lot of joy in dresses and skirts in the warmer weather and I just noticed that you are more drawn to trousers - as am I normally. But dresses I wore in autumn with layers are fun to wear single-layer now so that was just an idea to stretch what you have. x
I think you’ve touched on another hard thing about the limit per month which is that this type of shopping, unlike regular shopping - where I used to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of sizes and colour options, this way there is only one. Just that one. Take it or leave it but if you leave it you can’t go home and order it online or go back in a week. In this way, second hand shopping is more opportunistic and impulsive. I think one way I swerve this is the ‘one in one out’ rule or borrow from another month or say if I haven’t worn it three times in the first month then it’s not for me and it goes back. I don’t stick to any of these rules, by the way, but I think I’ve picked them up from you, and I try to follow them!
I think the impulsivity of secondhand shopping is the thing that I really struggle with - I want to be in control of my shopping (blame the virgo in me 😅) but there's no control with OOAK items. It's like you say - take it or leave it!
"It stimulates my creativity, hunter/success instinct, and I also feel as if I'm contributing by buying and also dropping things off there. I think there is so much more to it than the number of clothes in the wardrobe." - this really resonated with me, Kate. In all honestly, I miss random trips to the consignment store and I find that whenever I do go, I leave empty handed usually, which is good but also, I think that the restrictions mean that I pass on really great items that would spark my creativity, thinking "am I going to "waste" one of my purchases on this item, what if I find something better?" I feel like I can't really escape the guilt around shopping, and maybe I'm just destined to overthink clothes shopping forever. I do feel intentional about the purchases but I miss the spontaneity and fun of shopping too. Surely there's a balance that I'm just missing out on right now which is something I'll have to figure out once the low buy is over, I guess. Thank you for sharing your journey this year - it sounds like you're in control of your shopping, and a little rebelliousness is a good think, I think! And thank you for suggesting that I revisit my dresses - maybe a style challenge where I wear dresses all week will get me out of my funk!
Looking at the bigger picture you are still on track to achieve only 25 items it is just what I would call your 'guidelines' that you have not gone by. You have identified a need so you bought more and as you say, you probably won't need to purchase as much for the next season. I think this is more an insight into what to look for when planning the year ahead so you can make space for those needs.
You're so right - I have a hard time not counting items in the overall total. I think I have done better about this in July - I bought some workout clothes for the first time in years as I want to be better about exercise and I didn't include those in my total, even though I have worn 2 of the items as part of daily outfits. I have also removed 2 of my low buy items that aren't working for me - 1 doesn't fit the way I want (white tank top) and the other was an impulse purchase that I don't feel excited about ("recycle" t-shirt), so I feel a little better about my progress currently.
Gillian - I can feel your pain, which is also a no-buy/low-buy would every be me. Have you considered investing in your wardrobe in a different way - e.g. by doing an online session or in-person session with a stylist? I can highly recommend AB. But an Indyx one will surely do the trick as well. I personally find it super encouraging and refreshing to have somebody else who loves fashion have an intimate look at my wardrobe.
I found this article today when I really needed it! I am really struggling six months into my no buy. I’ve had a couple of blips and today I found myself scouring Depop, manically putting offers on items of clothes and getting dopamine hits when I have the opportunity to buy an amazing item for a really low price. I’ve pulled myself away and found myself here instead so I will keep going, but it’s definitely been hard. Here in Australia the change in season is a shift to winter and although I have more than enough clothes, it has definitely created an urge to want to spend! Despite my few blips I will keep going and I’m definitely learning along the way! Due to write an update post, thanks for sharing!
Depop is really encouraging in that way. I also sell things on there so that was my reason for having it on all the time but I have re-set it so that it alerts me by email when someone makes and offer / purchase and then I deleted it from my screen top but the app still works in the background. I just couldn't stop myself from opening it and browsing and, like you, I always find something great. Now I am trying to only engage at the sale end and stopping browsing because I don't need anything!
One of the biggest challenges of having been so far over on the shopping pendulum with a no-buy is that “backlash” effect afterwards. I think you’re doing amazingly well! I suspect that learning about your buying habits for different seasons will be the key takeaway, and I bet that you won’t be buying much in the fall as you go back to things you haven’t been able to wear in the hot weather.
Thanks, Sheila! In a way, I’m glad that the rebound happened because it let me know that I’d put myself in a state of deprivation and that didn’t really work for me. And I think you’re right - I’ve always enjoyed dressing in the colder months when I can layer and make more interesting outfits so that’s where I always concentrate more effort but now I think I need to switch that effort to summer dressing. I’m so excited about the styling possibilities with the scarf - I’ll be paying extra attention to your summer outfits for inspiration!!
So interesting to see what you've learned after 6 months! It can be so hard to take everything into consideration when setting the rules at the beginning of the year, so adapting a bit can be a good thing. The goal isn't to punish or deprive ourselves, but to be mindful about what we are buying. Working on my halfway round-up for next week.
Yeah, what seems “nice and tidy” in the planning phase doesn’t account for the messy reality of life and emotions 😅. Looking forward to reading about your journey up to the halfway point!
I think it’s key to get the summer wardrobe right - I lose the plot when I feel I haven’t got something I need - it’s much easier to shop intentionally when you know you already have choices! I think you are absolutely right to re-assess: otherwise it just becomes all about beating yourself, instead of absorbing the lessons!
Thanks for this insight, Louise - “otherwise it just becomes all about beating yourself, instead of absorbing the lessons” - yes, this is exactly what I wanted to say! I think that the 2 new shirts + a mini dress that I sewed (all 3 are very versatile items) have given me the summer pep that I needed in order to continue.
You're doing amazingly. I'm very impressed. It is OKAY to make several purchases to suit your needs when you need them. You can honor your self and your person and make yourself comfortable in that way. You have shown that you can be versatile and various with combinations for long periods of time, so it you need something you probably Do need it. And that's good. I think it's sort of like alcoholism, but not as dangerous. Can we shop/buy a few things (or one thing?) in moderation without opening the addiction's floodgates? I hope so. I like to remain updated, but have to be thoughtful and creative about it because it's no good buying trendy stuff each term. Also, our bodies (and feet) change as we get older. Also, I live in a tiny town with no boutiques (a good Goodwill, but spotty) and online shopping is confusing and exhausting. And, full disclosure, I love your style and have purchased a couple of the things (or tried out styles) that you have shown us. (A conundrum: How avoid not buying what your low-buy icon presents?) But I definitely think that moderation is the key. My question for anyone who wishes to answer: if we have been a binger/purger or adictee of any kind in the past and we are better at asceticism than moderation, how do we sensibly enjoy our style and our bodies without going overboard? Rampant consumer culture certainly doesn't help women with this so we have to figure it out ourselves . . . Go easy on ourselves, folks. There are a lot of messages out there to confuse us!
A conundrum: How avoid not buying what your low-buy icon presents?
Wow! A whole post on this, please! Ha ha! I have bought quite a few things with Gillian's style in my head. I find I often buy things my heart recognises. When I really analyse why that? I've bought it because it reminds me of someone I like or I like it on someone else and thought I'd try it. I think I could write a little note like that and attach it to the hanger of almost everything in my wardrobe. I might start that one rainy day, instead of going shopping... I bought you because... If I really can't think of anything to say then maybe I should let it go?
This sounds like a really great activity! Also, I'm really sorry if I influence you to buy things - it's never my intention to do so as I know that we struggle with shopping too much already. Sharing things about shopping/clothes can be so nuisanced - I need to think of how I can be more intentional in this area as well!
That totally wasn’t a criticism of you! Me being easily influenced is MY problem!!
It was a compliment that I am influenced by the way the pieces you choose are flexible and can be worn multiple ways. I think that is a very good way to influence people because it all adds up to buying less in the long run.
Oh, good! I'm so glad that it comes across that way, but I'm also glad that you mentioned it because it puts it back at the forefront of my mind again.
Yes, I wonder if not mentioning brands helps with that because I suppose it makes you focus more on the item and how it works and the idea of it than where it can easily be recreated from.
I unsubscribed to a favourite style person when they did a Christmas list last year which basically pushed all of their affiliate links (which weren’t all ethical). It’s tricky because I’ve learned about companies I’d rather support this way too so it is, as you say, nuanced and I appreciate the exposure companies I want to shop from gain this way. From you and your followers, I was introduced to via your account, I learned about Eileen Fisher, Elizabeth Suzann, ARC, Beyond Nine, People Tree, and I came to you via someone who loved Stalf and also followed you so I guess it’s really important to mention those things.
I think I was following you on IG back 4-5 years ago when I thought I needed some DMs like yours, but I stopped myself because I thought, no, that’s not the point. Any chunky black boot would do. So yes, as you say, it’s nuanced!
I really appreciate this feedback, Kate! I struggle knowing if I should include brands since I know that I’ve gone looking for things that I’ve seen others wear but most of the time, through the secondhand market which is always where I hope to send people.
I’ve also been told by some people that they don’t want to shop secondhand or they are very limited to what they have access to locally, so I also want them to be aware of brands that are making clothing ethically. It’s most definitely nuanced 😅
I lived in those DMs back then! I was actually thinking about them today and about how cute thy’d look with the new dress that I sewed but it’s far too hot to wear boots right now - putting it on the back burner for fall though!
Thank you so much for this thought-provoking comment, Lisa! I like to think that I’ve finally made it to that utopia when I can just buy a few things without it snowballing out of control but is that just because of the restrictions that I’ve place on myself? Or am I “cured” 😅 I don’t think that’s something I’ll fully know until I remove those restrictions which I don’t think I’m ready to do yet - I don’t trust myself that I’m not looking for an excuse to shop. As to your question: I do think a low buy is one way to do this but it gets exhausting to live within these limits while also acknowledging that maybe these limits are how those of us who binge/purge function without guilt. Also, I’m so happy that you enjoy my style and I hope that you’ve loved anything that you’ve bought (or tried) - I’d definitely love to hear of any of these clothing adventures!
First off (warning shot that this will be a long comment 😎), thanks for sharing, even the setbacks, AND you’re doing totally amazing! You can do it (but it would be equally ok if you stopped)! (What if you did a “trial month” where you pretended to forget all the rules, saw what happened, and then reassessed at the end whether you want to go back on low buy? Maybe even if those “trial month” or whatever period purchases didn’t count to the original total? Just spitballin’!)
So this is something I’ve found in my own no/low buy experiences, and it may apply to you(?): If I get itchy for a specific something—a gap in my wardrobe that I start to feel strongly I need to address, like you with summer clothes, which seems to be a big problem for lots of women—and I start shopping but don’t address that desire, the itch persists. This sounds so obvious now that I’ve written it out 😂
I’ll stop there because the other thing I wanted to say I think isn’t relevant—that’s personal growth, baby!
I’m loving the idea of a trial month, Angela! I wouldn’t have thought of that. I’m feeling pretty good after buying the 2 striped shirts and I sewed a mini dress a few days ago - I thought it was too big at first but it’s actually perfect for layering and it has a lot of styling potential which I’m excited about. I think you’re so right about addressing that “itch” when it happens - I think doing so quiets the noise and stops a potential binge. Thanks for sharing that insight!
I wish that I did it more! I sewed a lot when I first learned and then I burned out. I think the trick for me right now is to make patterns that are fairly easy in terms of skill that don’t take too long - I made the Wattlebird Dress by Common Stitches.
Can I ask, did you go straight from learning to sew to making garments? I took a couple of sewing classes last year but I've never taken a class on how to make a literal piece of clothing. Kind of intimidated by it. I've had a skirt on my goal list for months now, but can't take the step to commit to a pattern.
I was much more adventurous with sewing when I first started - I hemmed a pair of pants and a dress just to make sure that I could sew a straight line and then I jumped right into the Wilder Gown. It wasn’t perfect but it lit a fire and the knowledge that I could make my own clothes was very empowering. I’ve had a few favorite patterns since then that I’d recommend for beginning sewists (Pomona pants by Anna Allen clothing, Camille Top by Makayla creates and M7969 by McCall’s and I’ll also add the wattlebird dress, although there’s a few things that I feel like I have to alter if I make it again). I went though a period where I was afraid of choosing the wrong pattern for the fabric but I’m trying to get over that by just going for it, and it feels great. That was a long way to encouraging you to go for it - it really does feel amazing to make your own clothes. And if you have any questions, please let me know!
One of the biggest highs I’ve ever experienced was sewing a zippered pouch, and I still get a little thrill anytime I use a basic tote I made, so I bet it’s even better when it’s a piece of clothing!! I really should just do it—I’ll make it my August goal (feels safer to push it out an extra month 😅). Thanks for the recs, I’ll look up those patterns!
Thanks Annette! I appreciate your support and kind words. I did just sew a dress for vacation (we were driving all day yesterday) so I feel pretty good right now. Not entirely throwing in the towel but also not holding on too tightly to the number anymore. I like the idea of filling any wardrobe gaps that come up and just seeing how it all goes.
Hi Gillian, you've done so well and I think you're still doing well because you're still meeting the overall goal - which is to be more intentional.
I love reading through your thoughts about it. I started out with you, at first trying no-buy, then sliding into low-buy, then gave up altogether when I hit a rough emotional patch. There is something so emotionally soothing to me about going to the secondhand shop and finding something - in all the things I dislike - that I love, is good quality and makes me feel better inside and out. It stimulates my creativity, hunter/success instinct, and I also feel as if I'm contributing by buying and also dropping things off there. I think there is so much more to it than the number of clothes in the wardrobe.
However, like you, I have a bad feeling about being over-consumptive and a strong desire to bring unity and cohesion into what I have. I've never reached the clear and boundaried approach that you manage, and I am always in awe of how careful and thoughtful you are with your purchases. I think the 'way to be' is evolving for you, and for me, and that's ok! But if you'd set three purchases a month you'd be right on target.
I aspire to have less and wear more of what I love but so often I find myself in a not great outfit because I am forcing myself to wear something I'm not sure about 'one last time' to see if I can make it work. I think I need to reach only for the things I think are great. But sometimes I'm inclined to rebel against myself and wear something 'off' just to mess things up a bit. So I am hard to control!
One thing I have notice is that I now feel a sense of pride and firmness when I leave with nothing, when I don't browse style sites and I focus on having less, as it gives me more time to think about and do other things.
Anyway, I actually came on here to say what about your dresses? I'm finding a lot of joy in dresses and skirts in the warmer weather and I just noticed that you are more drawn to trousers - as am I normally. But dresses I wore in autumn with layers are fun to wear single-layer now so that was just an idea to stretch what you have. x
I think you’ve touched on another hard thing about the limit per month which is that this type of shopping, unlike regular shopping - where I used to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of sizes and colour options, this way there is only one. Just that one. Take it or leave it but if you leave it you can’t go home and order it online or go back in a week. In this way, second hand shopping is more opportunistic and impulsive. I think one way I swerve this is the ‘one in one out’ rule or borrow from another month or say if I haven’t worn it three times in the first month then it’s not for me and it goes back. I don’t stick to any of these rules, by the way, but I think I’ve picked them up from you, and I try to follow them!
I think the impulsivity of secondhand shopping is the thing that I really struggle with - I want to be in control of my shopping (blame the virgo in me 😅) but there's no control with OOAK items. It's like you say - take it or leave it!
"It stimulates my creativity, hunter/success instinct, and I also feel as if I'm contributing by buying and also dropping things off there. I think there is so much more to it than the number of clothes in the wardrobe." - this really resonated with me, Kate. In all honestly, I miss random trips to the consignment store and I find that whenever I do go, I leave empty handed usually, which is good but also, I think that the restrictions mean that I pass on really great items that would spark my creativity, thinking "am I going to "waste" one of my purchases on this item, what if I find something better?" I feel like I can't really escape the guilt around shopping, and maybe I'm just destined to overthink clothes shopping forever. I do feel intentional about the purchases but I miss the spontaneity and fun of shopping too. Surely there's a balance that I'm just missing out on right now which is something I'll have to figure out once the low buy is over, I guess. Thank you for sharing your journey this year - it sounds like you're in control of your shopping, and a little rebelliousness is a good think, I think! And thank you for suggesting that I revisit my dresses - maybe a style challenge where I wear dresses all week will get me out of my funk!
Looking at the bigger picture you are still on track to achieve only 25 items it is just what I would call your 'guidelines' that you have not gone by. You have identified a need so you bought more and as you say, you probably won't need to purchase as much for the next season. I think this is more an insight into what to look for when planning the year ahead so you can make space for those needs.
You're so right - I have a hard time not counting items in the overall total. I think I have done better about this in July - I bought some workout clothes for the first time in years as I want to be better about exercise and I didn't include those in my total, even though I have worn 2 of the items as part of daily outfits. I have also removed 2 of my low buy items that aren't working for me - 1 doesn't fit the way I want (white tank top) and the other was an impulse purchase that I don't feel excited about ("recycle" t-shirt), so I feel a little better about my progress currently.
Gillian - I can feel your pain, which is also a no-buy/low-buy would every be me. Have you considered investing in your wardrobe in a different way - e.g. by doing an online session or in-person session with a stylist? I can highly recommend AB. But an Indyx one will surely do the trick as well. I personally find it super encouraging and refreshing to have somebody else who loves fashion have an intimate look at my wardrobe.
I found this article today when I really needed it! I am really struggling six months into my no buy. I’ve had a couple of blips and today I found myself scouring Depop, manically putting offers on items of clothes and getting dopamine hits when I have the opportunity to buy an amazing item for a really low price. I’ve pulled myself away and found myself here instead so I will keep going, but it’s definitely been hard. Here in Australia the change in season is a shift to winter and although I have more than enough clothes, it has definitely created an urge to want to spend! Despite my few blips I will keep going and I’m definitely learning along the way! Due to write an update post, thanks for sharing!
Oh my gosh, I do this too!
Depop is really encouraging in that way. I also sell things on there so that was my reason for having it on all the time but I have re-set it so that it alerts me by email when someone makes and offer / purchase and then I deleted it from my screen top but the app still works in the background. I just couldn't stop myself from opening it and browsing and, like you, I always find something great. Now I am trying to only engage at the sale end and stopping browsing because I don't need anything!
You have both reinforced that I should never open a depop account! Thank you 😅
One of the biggest challenges of having been so far over on the shopping pendulum with a no-buy is that “backlash” effect afterwards. I think you’re doing amazingly well! I suspect that learning about your buying habits for different seasons will be the key takeaway, and I bet that you won’t be buying much in the fall as you go back to things you haven’t been able to wear in the hot weather.
I love your NYC map scarf! So cute.
Thanks, Sheila! In a way, I’m glad that the rebound happened because it let me know that I’d put myself in a state of deprivation and that didn’t really work for me. And I think you’re right - I’ve always enjoyed dressing in the colder months when I can layer and make more interesting outfits so that’s where I always concentrate more effort but now I think I need to switch that effort to summer dressing. I’m so excited about the styling possibilities with the scarf - I’ll be paying extra attention to your summer outfits for inspiration!!
So interesting to see what you've learned after 6 months! It can be so hard to take everything into consideration when setting the rules at the beginning of the year, so adapting a bit can be a good thing. The goal isn't to punish or deprive ourselves, but to be mindful about what we are buying. Working on my halfway round-up for next week.
Yeah, what seems “nice and tidy” in the planning phase doesn’t account for the messy reality of life and emotions 😅. Looking forward to reading about your journey up to the halfway point!
I think it’s key to get the summer wardrobe right - I lose the plot when I feel I haven’t got something I need - it’s much easier to shop intentionally when you know you already have choices! I think you are absolutely right to re-assess: otherwise it just becomes all about beating yourself, instead of absorbing the lessons!
Thanks for this insight, Louise - “otherwise it just becomes all about beating yourself, instead of absorbing the lessons” - yes, this is exactly what I wanted to say! I think that the 2 new shirts + a mini dress that I sewed (all 3 are very versatile items) have given me the summer pep that I needed in order to continue.
You're doing amazingly. I'm very impressed. It is OKAY to make several purchases to suit your needs when you need them. You can honor your self and your person and make yourself comfortable in that way. You have shown that you can be versatile and various with combinations for long periods of time, so it you need something you probably Do need it. And that's good. I think it's sort of like alcoholism, but not as dangerous. Can we shop/buy a few things (or one thing?) in moderation without opening the addiction's floodgates? I hope so. I like to remain updated, but have to be thoughtful and creative about it because it's no good buying trendy stuff each term. Also, our bodies (and feet) change as we get older. Also, I live in a tiny town with no boutiques (a good Goodwill, but spotty) and online shopping is confusing and exhausting. And, full disclosure, I love your style and have purchased a couple of the things (or tried out styles) that you have shown us. (A conundrum: How avoid not buying what your low-buy icon presents?) But I definitely think that moderation is the key. My question for anyone who wishes to answer: if we have been a binger/purger or adictee of any kind in the past and we are better at asceticism than moderation, how do we sensibly enjoy our style and our bodies without going overboard? Rampant consumer culture certainly doesn't help women with this so we have to figure it out ourselves . . . Go easy on ourselves, folks. There are a lot of messages out there to confuse us!
A conundrum: How avoid not buying what your low-buy icon presents?
Wow! A whole post on this, please! Ha ha! I have bought quite a few things with Gillian's style in my head. I find I often buy things my heart recognises. When I really analyse why that? I've bought it because it reminds me of someone I like or I like it on someone else and thought I'd try it. I think I could write a little note like that and attach it to the hanger of almost everything in my wardrobe. I might start that one rainy day, instead of going shopping... I bought you because... If I really can't think of anything to say then maybe I should let it go?
This sounds like a really great activity! Also, I'm really sorry if I influence you to buy things - it's never my intention to do so as I know that we struggle with shopping too much already. Sharing things about shopping/clothes can be so nuisanced - I need to think of how I can be more intentional in this area as well!
That totally wasn’t a criticism of you! Me being easily influenced is MY problem!!
It was a compliment that I am influenced by the way the pieces you choose are flexible and can be worn multiple ways. I think that is a very good way to influence people because it all adds up to buying less in the long run.
Oh, good! I'm so glad that it comes across that way, but I'm also glad that you mentioned it because it puts it back at the forefront of my mind again.
Yes, I wonder if not mentioning brands helps with that because I suppose it makes you focus more on the item and how it works and the idea of it than where it can easily be recreated from.
I unsubscribed to a favourite style person when they did a Christmas list last year which basically pushed all of their affiliate links (which weren’t all ethical). It’s tricky because I’ve learned about companies I’d rather support this way too so it is, as you say, nuanced and I appreciate the exposure companies I want to shop from gain this way. From you and your followers, I was introduced to via your account, I learned about Eileen Fisher, Elizabeth Suzann, ARC, Beyond Nine, People Tree, and I came to you via someone who loved Stalf and also followed you so I guess it’s really important to mention those things.
I think I was following you on IG back 4-5 years ago when I thought I needed some DMs like yours, but I stopped myself because I thought, no, that’s not the point. Any chunky black boot would do. So yes, as you say, it’s nuanced!
I really appreciate this feedback, Kate! I struggle knowing if I should include brands since I know that I’ve gone looking for things that I’ve seen others wear but most of the time, through the secondhand market which is always where I hope to send people.
I’ve also been told by some people that they don’t want to shop secondhand or they are very limited to what they have access to locally, so I also want them to be aware of brands that are making clothing ethically. It’s most definitely nuanced 😅
I lived in those DMs back then! I was actually thinking about them today and about how cute thy’d look with the new dress that I sewed but it’s far too hot to wear boots right now - putting it on the back burner for fall though!
Thank you so much for this thought-provoking comment, Lisa! I like to think that I’ve finally made it to that utopia when I can just buy a few things without it snowballing out of control but is that just because of the restrictions that I’ve place on myself? Or am I “cured” 😅 I don’t think that’s something I’ll fully know until I remove those restrictions which I don’t think I’m ready to do yet - I don’t trust myself that I’m not looking for an excuse to shop. As to your question: I do think a low buy is one way to do this but it gets exhausting to live within these limits while also acknowledging that maybe these limits are how those of us who binge/purge function without guilt. Also, I’m so happy that you enjoy my style and I hope that you’ve loved anything that you’ve bought (or tried) - I’d definitely love to hear of any of these clothing adventures!
First off (warning shot that this will be a long comment 😎), thanks for sharing, even the setbacks, AND you’re doing totally amazing! You can do it (but it would be equally ok if you stopped)! (What if you did a “trial month” where you pretended to forget all the rules, saw what happened, and then reassessed at the end whether you want to go back on low buy? Maybe even if those “trial month” or whatever period purchases didn’t count to the original total? Just spitballin’!)
So this is something I’ve found in my own no/low buy experiences, and it may apply to you(?): If I get itchy for a specific something—a gap in my wardrobe that I start to feel strongly I need to address, like you with summer clothes, which seems to be a big problem for lots of women—and I start shopping but don’t address that desire, the itch persists. This sounds so obvious now that I’ve written it out 😂
I’ll stop there because the other thing I wanted to say I think isn’t relevant—that’s personal growth, baby!
I’m loving the idea of a trial month, Angela! I wouldn’t have thought of that. I’m feeling pretty good after buying the 2 striped shirts and I sewed a mini dress a few days ago - I thought it was too big at first but it’s actually perfect for layering and it has a lot of styling potential which I’m excited about. I think you’re so right about addressing that “itch” when it happens - I think doing so quiets the noise and stops a potential binge. Thanks for sharing that insight!
I’m way better at giving advice than following it ;) So cool that you can make your own clothes!
I wish that I did it more! I sewed a lot when I first learned and then I burned out. I think the trick for me right now is to make patterns that are fairly easy in terms of skill that don’t take too long - I made the Wattlebird Dress by Common Stitches.
Can I ask, did you go straight from learning to sew to making garments? I took a couple of sewing classes last year but I've never taken a class on how to make a literal piece of clothing. Kind of intimidated by it. I've had a skirt on my goal list for months now, but can't take the step to commit to a pattern.
I was much more adventurous with sewing when I first started - I hemmed a pair of pants and a dress just to make sure that I could sew a straight line and then I jumped right into the Wilder Gown. It wasn’t perfect but it lit a fire and the knowledge that I could make my own clothes was very empowering. I’ve had a few favorite patterns since then that I’d recommend for beginning sewists (Pomona pants by Anna Allen clothing, Camille Top by Makayla creates and M7969 by McCall’s and I’ll also add the wattlebird dress, although there’s a few things that I feel like I have to alter if I make it again). I went though a period where I was afraid of choosing the wrong pattern for the fabric but I’m trying to get over that by just going for it, and it feels great. That was a long way to encouraging you to go for it - it really does feel amazing to make your own clothes. And if you have any questions, please let me know!
One of the biggest highs I’ve ever experienced was sewing a zippered pouch, and I still get a little thrill anytime I use a basic tote I made, so I bet it’s even better when it’s a piece of clothing!! I really should just do it—I’ll make it my August goal (feels safer to push it out an extra month 😅). Thanks for the recs, I’ll look up those patterns!
It sounds to me like you’ve learned what you needed to learn from this challenge. I doubt that you’ll go nuts, buying indiscriminately. I say,
cut yourself a break and spend the rest of the year filling holes in your wardrobe that you legitimately identify like you did with the button downs.
Thanks Annette! I appreciate your support and kind words. I did just sew a dress for vacation (we were driving all day yesterday) so I feel pretty good right now. Not entirely throwing in the towel but also not holding on too tightly to the number anymore. I like the idea of filling any wardrobe gaps that come up and just seeing how it all goes.