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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.