Wow! I applaud you for the discipline that you are facing this challenge with, Gillian. This is not an easy one. Many try and fail. You are a true low-buy hero!
Awww, thank you Ewelina! The past year and half has been quite the learning experience and a low buy doesn’t feel too bad after a no buy, but I’m finding that buying my 2 items at the beginning of the month makes it feel a little more difficult 😅 - I went into a shop today and saw a really nice bag, but I left it behind for next month. If it’s still there, then it’s meant to be (it’s a new item so it’ll probably still be available).
I relate to your feelings about that dress! I used to buy objectively nice things that I have zero inclination to wear; recently I nearly bought a secondhand Ganni dress -- it was beautiful, fit like a dream and had so much personality (and it was reasonably priced) but I had no real emotion connection to it and I didn't need to own it.
I’m so happy that you were able to recognize that before making the purchase to buy, LIn! I think it’s easy to get wrapped up in the “discovery” of a really great piece in a “look at this amazing item that I found” kinda way and overlook the emotional connection - great insight!
Just wear the dress and don’t overthink it! It’s lovely and so pretty! And then, after you’ve worn it once, THEN decide on it. If it’s not you take it back to the consignment shop and trade it in. Shop in person instead of online (I know you know this 💕). The best things I find are the ones I wasn’t looking for. Online just creates empty want, it doesn’t satisfy.
Thanks Louise! Keeping them all (for now) - I tried a vinegar wash to soften the tank top but I’m not sure how much good it did - I’ll have to wear it to see if it’s less stiff. And I’m so happy with the ballet flats - solid purchase!
I love seeing all your purchases together. As you said, it is like a capsule wardrobe, so considered and such cohesion. This is what purchasing looks like when you block out the noise and learn what you like. The English Factory Maxi dress is beautiful, I wonder if you might start wearing it when it gets hot. Being poplin it should be nice to wear in the heat.
I have also used vinegar as a natural fabric softener to hurry along the softening of linen and poplin cotton. I find I love these fabrics but find them hard to want to wear at the beginning as they are often stiff.
I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Rach! I'm definitely learning to "trust the process" this year and it's so satisfying to see my wardrobe come together this way! Re: the poplin dress - maybe...I'll definitely hold onto it to see if I reach for it.
Thanks for sharing your experience with softening fabrics - I currently have the tank top in a vinegar wash, so hopefully that works out! Definitely worth trying as the stiffness is the only thing that bother me about it.
Re: the stiff cotton tank, maybe a vinegar wash? I couldn’t find the exact Pin I used when I did it to one of my graphic T’s, so please do your own research if you’re interested, but I think this copy pasta captures the gist of it:
For this, take 1 part vinegar and mix with 3 parts water for four to 12 hours. Then wash and dry as usual.
From what I can tell, it loosens the fibers up so the cotton isn’t quite as stiff. It worked for me, anyway 🤷♀️
Hear you about the shopping triggers! One of the biggest things I've had to work on is reorienting myself to stop considering shopping a hobby (and go spend time on my *actual* hobbies).
11 items (and only 2 potential misses) is really amazing! It's so helpful to read the consideration and intention that went into each purchase.
Recently, as I was dwindling away my discretionary budget, I started feeling panicked. There were so many things I wanted! How was I going to fit them all into the budget?! Maybe I needed a bigger budget? And then I just went "wait a minute! I spent almost five months not buying things! I just quit buying things until I have discretionary money again AND until there's actually something that fits into my wardrobe planning." It was almost painfully comic - the answer had been right there all along. My budget is plenty: I can definitely buy things, nice things, just not *everything*. Which is sort of the point (sigh, it's a work in progress).
That's a great point about reorienting away from thinking of shopping as a hobby! I also fell into this!
"My budget is plenty: I can definitely buy things, nice things, just not *everything*." - YES, I loved reading this and also needed this reminder. I was feeling this last night as I looked at some running gear - I want to get back into it and the current shoes that I have are not going to be cushioned enough. And I have barely any clothes for running, so I definitely need a pair of shorts, at least. But then that means there won't be much more left and I started to worry about not being able to buy "nice" everyday clothes 😒
Spending too much time online can definitely make me want to shop more! So relatable! Would planning your outfits for the upcoming events make you feel less bored?
Love the Mary Janes and the white jeans. I'm impressed that you only bought 11 items so far.
That's a great idea - I did actually plan an outfit for a party that I'm going to this afternoon that will be outside with a casual dressy vibe (white/blue striped shirt / light blue levis jeans or white shorts / white slingbacks) and I feel confident about it!
I am also amazed that I've only bought 11 items so far - it's weird to feel so in control of my purchases! I think that staying away from social media (including the notes section of this app) has been really helpful for not wanting to buy more things. I feel like I can be more considered with my purchases if I'm not seeing new things that I think are lovely all the time, which then makes me want those things too 😅
I love when we are able to focus on the gaps we actually experience in our wardrobe when getting dressed instead of focusing too much on what outside influences tell us we "need". Of course it can sometimes be good to be inspired by others so we don't get stuck.
THat's a great point, Sigrid! I sometimes have a hard time separating scrolling for inspiration from wanting to buy something, so that's something I need to work on!
Wow! I applaud you for the discipline that you are facing this challenge with, Gillian. This is not an easy one. Many try and fail. You are a true low-buy hero!
Awww, thank you Ewelina! The past year and half has been quite the learning experience and a low buy doesn’t feel too bad after a no buy, but I’m finding that buying my 2 items at the beginning of the month makes it feel a little more difficult 😅 - I went into a shop today and saw a really nice bag, but I left it behind for next month. If it’s still there, then it’s meant to be (it’s a new item so it’ll probably still be available).
It’s a really good strategy, Gillian! If it’s still there then it is meant to be yours 🫶🏼☺️
You’re welcome! Happy to pass along a good discount and thanks for the shout out ☺️! Sweater is awesome, btw!
I love it! Thanks again!
I relate to your feelings about that dress! I used to buy objectively nice things that I have zero inclination to wear; recently I nearly bought a secondhand Ganni dress -- it was beautiful, fit like a dream and had so much personality (and it was reasonably priced) but I had no real emotion connection to it and I didn't need to own it.
I’m so happy that you were able to recognize that before making the purchase to buy, LIn! I think it’s easy to get wrapped up in the “discovery” of a really great piece in a “look at this amazing item that I found” kinda way and overlook the emotional connection - great insight!
I use Dr. Idriss skincare products and my dark spots have drastically reduced. It’s the Major Fade trio. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it to me.
Thank you for sharing, Annette! I might have to try this next if the Eucerin one doesn’t work out.
Just wear the dress and don’t overthink it! It’s lovely and so pretty! And then, after you’ve worn it once, THEN decide on it. If it’s not you take it back to the consignment shop and trade it in. Shop in person instead of online (I know you know this 💕). The best things I find are the ones I wasn’t looking for. Online just creates empty want, it doesn’t satisfy.
Thanks you for this advice, Sheila! This week will probably provide a good opportunity to wear it.
I love all the things you decided to keep, and i adore those ballet flats!
Thanks Louise! Keeping them all (for now) - I tried a vinegar wash to soften the tank top but I’m not sure how much good it did - I’ll have to wear it to see if it’s less stiff. And I’m so happy with the ballet flats - solid purchase!
I love seeing all your purchases together. As you said, it is like a capsule wardrobe, so considered and such cohesion. This is what purchasing looks like when you block out the noise and learn what you like. The English Factory Maxi dress is beautiful, I wonder if you might start wearing it when it gets hot. Being poplin it should be nice to wear in the heat.
I have also used vinegar as a natural fabric softener to hurry along the softening of linen and poplin cotton. I find I love these fabrics but find them hard to want to wear at the beginning as they are often stiff.
I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Rach! I'm definitely learning to "trust the process" this year and it's so satisfying to see my wardrobe come together this way! Re: the poplin dress - maybe...I'll definitely hold onto it to see if I reach for it.
Thanks for sharing your experience with softening fabrics - I currently have the tank top in a vinegar wash, so hopefully that works out! Definitely worth trying as the stiffness is the only thing that bother me about it.
Re: the stiff cotton tank, maybe a vinegar wash? I couldn’t find the exact Pin I used when I did it to one of my graphic T’s, so please do your own research if you’re interested, but I think this copy pasta captures the gist of it:
For this, take 1 part vinegar and mix with 3 parts water for four to 12 hours. Then wash and dry as usual.
From what I can tell, it loosens the fibers up so the cotton isn’t quite as stiff. It worked for me, anyway 🤷♀️
Thanks so much for sharing this, Angela! I'm definitely willing to give it a try!
Hear you about the shopping triggers! One of the biggest things I've had to work on is reorienting myself to stop considering shopping a hobby (and go spend time on my *actual* hobbies).
11 items (and only 2 potential misses) is really amazing! It's so helpful to read the consideration and intention that went into each purchase.
Recently, as I was dwindling away my discretionary budget, I started feeling panicked. There were so many things I wanted! How was I going to fit them all into the budget?! Maybe I needed a bigger budget? And then I just went "wait a minute! I spent almost five months not buying things! I just quit buying things until I have discretionary money again AND until there's actually something that fits into my wardrobe planning." It was almost painfully comic - the answer had been right there all along. My budget is plenty: I can definitely buy things, nice things, just not *everything*. Which is sort of the point (sigh, it's a work in progress).
That's a great point about reorienting away from thinking of shopping as a hobby! I also fell into this!
"My budget is plenty: I can definitely buy things, nice things, just not *everything*." - YES, I loved reading this and also needed this reminder. I was feeling this last night as I looked at some running gear - I want to get back into it and the current shoes that I have are not going to be cushioned enough. And I have barely any clothes for running, so I definitely need a pair of shorts, at least. But then that means there won't be much more left and I started to worry about not being able to buy "nice" everyday clothes 😒
Spending too much time online can definitely make me want to shop more! So relatable! Would planning your outfits for the upcoming events make you feel less bored?
Love the Mary Janes and the white jeans. I'm impressed that you only bought 11 items so far.
That's a great idea - I did actually plan an outfit for a party that I'm going to this afternoon that will be outside with a casual dressy vibe (white/blue striped shirt / light blue levis jeans or white shorts / white slingbacks) and I feel confident about it!
I am also amazed that I've only bought 11 items so far - it's weird to feel so in control of my purchases! I think that staying away from social media (including the notes section of this app) has been really helpful for not wanting to buy more things. I feel like I can be more considered with my purchases if I'm not seeing new things that I think are lovely all the time, which then makes me want those things too 😅
I love when we are able to focus on the gaps we actually experience in our wardrobe when getting dressed instead of focusing too much on what outside influences tell us we "need". Of course it can sometimes be good to be inspired by others so we don't get stuck.
THat's a great point, Sigrid! I sometimes have a hard time separating scrolling for inspiration from wanting to buy something, so that's something I need to work on!
Totally agree! It can be so easy to end up wanting to buy something while scrolling for inspiration 🙈