The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: Sanne on December 08, 2019, 01:43:00 PM
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As mentioned in one of the other threads.
2020 will be a year of NO clothes buying for me.
But I need some accountability. And it would be nice if others could join who want to.
This year I stranded and bought too much that I didn't NEED but wanted and I already have enough. For me, NOT buying anything is easier than only what I need because I will debate myself on needs versus wants. Strict rules are necessary to avoid having to make choices. I’ve done no clothes for 11 months in the past with less clothes in my closet than I have now so it should be fine.
I don't need to be fashionable. I KNOW this and don't like trends anyway so this should be a no-brainer but I like adding new (new for me, usually 2nd hand) things because I like choices. I have enough to choose from and it won't all wear out in one year at all.
Only exception is underwear, I don’t really see that as clothes (including panty hose because I'm a bit low on that and don't want to buy in advance), but only if really needed. This will not be a problem for me because I don't buy this for fun, only when needed anyway.
No clothes, no shoes, no bags, no scarves. Swapping is also allowed (I rarely do but if this happens, it's ok).
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As mentioned in one of the other threads.
2020 will be a year of NO clothes buying for me.
But I need some accountability. And it would be nice if others could join who want to.
This year I stranded and bought too much that I didn't NEED but wanted and I already have enough. For me, NOT buying anything is easier than only what I need because I will debate myself on needs versus wants. Strict rules are necessary to avoid having to make choices. I’ve done no clothes for 11 months in the past with less clothes in my closet than I have now so it should be fine.
I don't need to be fashionable. I KNOW this and don't like trends anyway so this should be a no-brainer but I like adding new (new for me, usually 2nd hand) things because I like choices. I have enough to choose from and it won't all wear out in one year at all.
Only exception is underwear, I don’t really see that as clothes (including panty hose because I'm a bit low on that and don't want to buy in advance), but only if really needed. This will not be a problem for me because I don't buy this for fun, only when needed anyway.
No clothes, no shoes, no bags, no scarves. Swapping is also allowed (I rarely do but if this happens, it's ok).
I doubt that I wear >5% of my clothes.
I have WAY too many.
Therefore, I've decided to match your commitment (or should I say attempt to match) to buy NO clothes in 2020.
I'll be back one year hence to let you know if I succeeded.
OP, if I don't show up send me a PM to remind me.
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Oh man. I was going to wait until the "only buy what clothes you need" thread was created, but I really don't need any clothes at all.
I have plenty of everything. I'm 8 months post-partum, with a 3.5 year old too, and haven't gotten back into exercising regularly, so I have a bunch of clothes that I haven't worn in up to 4 years - clothes that I LOVE, but don't fit into anymore (yet?). I'll commit to not buying anything next year, unless by some terrible happenstance the cat pees every single pair of my shoes or something. I just asked my SIL to lend me a dress for the only formal event I have planned, so I should be covered!
Reminder to myself for later - yes, you want have a cashmere sweater, and yes, you also want some fleece-lined jeans. They can wait!
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Hi all, I'm a long time MMM follower who's lost touch in the past few years. I'm coming back to my roots! So am making the no-new clothes in 2020 commitment. I've also tried this challenge in years past and have made it 3-4 months before caving in and then giving up. Here's to 2020 being the year to make it happen fully.
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I’m in! My only exception will be socks - I’ve lost (to holes) a few of the socks I wear for running/gym, and will need to replace at some point. Otherwise, I can’t think of any clothing I need.
I asked my BF to buy me running shoes for Christmas (he kept bugging me, and I hate getting gifts and asking for stuff, so I was happy to finally come up with this idea).
I’m pretty good at not buying clothes (I think this year was just running shoes and 2 bras), but I’m trying out FIREd life in 2020, and I don’t want to be tempted to go shopping now that I’ll have extra time on my hands.
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Only things I would buy are underwear and socks. Mine are wearing out. I don’t need anything else.
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Count me in as well. I've made 3 donation trips to Goodwill in the last 3 months and have probably given away 20 articles of clothing, yet I still have way too many clothes. I'm half-tempted to apply a scorched-earth policy to my closet and officially don the Steve Jobs-esque wardrobe.
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I'm in, with the exception of replacing worn out socks, underwear and shoes. I think I'm good for running shoes for the next six months or so, but when summer hits I might need a replacement.
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I want to be a part of this.
I am about to give birth, but it's my third, so I own clothes that can cover a huge range of sizes I've been through the last six years. I got rid of most of my pre-first kid clothes and I do hope to get down to that size again, but I imagine it would take a year to do it slowly and permanently so I want to go on a buy-nothing "diet" in 2020, it's going to be all the more fun to be able to buy new stuff in 2021 (assuming I will need it as I will reach my target size).
I think my two younger kids are going to be participating too (the oldest one might grow out of his clothes so it's not like I can avoid buying him new ones). We are gettng a girl after two boys and we have gotten so many hand me downs from various friends and coworkers, on top of the fact that I have stored the clothes we had for the boys, so now I have two full wardrobes for the baby, one girly, one boyish. I will start sorting through all that and donating all extras once the baby is out and I recover a bit.
But there is definitely no excuse in buying anything for her. And the middle brother is well supplied by his older brother too.
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I'm in! I updated my waredrobe recently and I'm currenlty working on purging the items I no longer wear so I have zero need for any new clothes.
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@Sanne -- just to clarify, is this the "Buy Nothing At All" thread? So if someone knows they're going to need socks, should they stay here or post in the "Only What You Need" thread? I know there were two separate threads last year. Thanks!
Good question, I get your point.
Initially, for me, this is meant for not buying clothes at all. I need that to eliminate having to make choices (is it truly a need).
I truly don’t need clothes. If my pants wear out I have other pants. Maybe not my favorite but there you go. Or I can wear one of my dresses/skirts. Same for every category. Not everything will fall apart in one year. I can also get by for special occasions and travel. I can make it work. Easily. My house will have to burn down for me to not have enough to wear.
I get it that because I mentioned an exception (underwear and pantyhose) this could be 'only what you need'. For me I feel it falls in the category not buying clothes at all as I don’t really see underwear as clothes although they are. For me underwear/pantyhose is also not a problem. I only buy what I need anyways and never in excess. I could exclude it but for me that kinda defeats the purpose because then I would probably buy in advance in some sort of “panic” and I can’t only buy what I truly need and can’t buy it on sale.
So maybe it’s up to the people joining to have that clear for yourself. I guess it differs if something is a problem area for you or not and if it would defeat the purpose if you have to buy in advance.
If you know you will really need something that’s not a basic extra like socks or underwear, it would be better to join another thread for only buying what you need. But I personally think that’s ok. I get it if some people kinda see that as cheating/not buying nothing. That’s ok.
I will drop out if I really buy something else, anything at all. Or if I buy underwear/pantyhose if I can easily get by.
Also... no jewelry. I noticed that was something I would fall back previously and I don't want that this year. I also have enough and usually wear the same items anyway.
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Wow that post was longer than I thought it would be..
I also wanted to say thanks for joining everyone! I didn't expect this.
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For me, I'd rather participate in this buy nothing thread with my socks exception.
If I participate on a "buy only what you need" thread because I only want to buy socks next year, I won't get much out of it, because I don't want to read about people justifying what they are buying. I'd rather read about/support people who are truly trying to buy nothing. And I'll report / drop out if I fail.
I might buy my socks before this year is over if I happen to notice a sale. But I don't want to be forced to buy before a decent sale if it doesn't happen in the next week and a half.
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I'll join. I have more than enough clothes to last that amount of time, for one. Need to buy some underthings, but I can do that now and be ready for 2020.
I knit and sew and would like the extra motivation to make my clothes. Slow, ethical fashion. I find that I sometimes indulge in consumerism as shopping therapy, or because it's a good deal. Well, it's not a good deal for the sweatshop workers making your $15 Costco t-shirt. And it's not a good deal for me if I'm buying extra when I didn't really need it.
And seeing what truly wears out and gives up the ghost will be informative for what to rebuy in 2021, if needed.
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For me, I'd rather participate in this buy nothing thread with my socks exception.
If I participate on a "buy only what you need" thread because I only want to buy socks next year, I won't get much out of it, because I don't want to read about people justifying what they are buying. I'd rather read about/support people who are truly trying to buy nothing. And I'll report / drop out if I fail.
I might buy my socks before this year is over if I happen to notice a sale. But I don't want to be forced to buy before a decent sale if it doesn't happen in the next week and a half.
Exactly this. The not wanting to read about other people justifying what they are buying.
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I am in. I hope to be done with working in 1 to 1.5 years. I feel that I can milk my closet until then.
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Oh man. I was going to wait until the "only buy what clothes you need" thread was created, but I really don't need any clothes at all.
I have plenty of everything. I'm 8 months post-partum, with a 3.5 year old too, and haven't gotten back into exercising regularly, so I have a bunch of clothes that I haven't worn in up to 4 years - clothes that I LOVE, but don't fit into anymore (yet?). I'll commit to not buying anything next year, unless by some terrible happenstance the cat pees every single pair of my shoes or something. I just asked my SIL to lend me a dress for the only formal event I have planned, so I should be covered!
Reminder to myself for later - yes, you want have a cashmere sweater, and yes, you also want some fleece-lined jeans. They can wait!
Update - at the ARC looking for Christmas pajamas for the kids, happened to look in the women's section, and found a cashmere sweater for $6! It's black, fits perfect, is long enough, and has a cute kind of 50s neckline that I really like. I mean, I'd love another cashmere sweater in not-black, but for now, I'm good!
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I'm in.
I successfully bought ZERO new clothes in 2017 (and pared down what I had, made a list of what I really needed to replace in 2018). Bought intentionally in 2018 based on what needed to be replaced. Then I *had planned* to buy zero new clothes in 2019 (going for an every-other-year thing...) but totally failed. I bought several things, most which I didn't need. Totally fell off the wagon.
Getting back on the wagon for a true ZERO clothes year. My exceptions are generally underwear or socks, but I'm good on both of those for the foreseeable future.
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I call my dirty-work clothes my "garbage-clothes wardrobe."
They are clothes I would never wear in public.
After tearing the sleeve on my work jacket (the culprit was a stub on a tree limb) the first thing I thought of was this thread which prevented me from buying a replacement.
I sewed the tear so now the jacket is OK.
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I'm in.
But I'm going to modify my goal to "not buying clothes at all until 2020 is over or until I lose 17 more pounds, whichever happens first." This is because I already lost 23 pounds in 2019 and didn't buy new clothes. All my clothes are now loose-but-not-falling-off, but if I reach my goal during 2020 then they really will be sloppy-clown large so I'd have to give myself permission to at least swap in some smaller work-appropriate thrift store stuff.
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I'm not willing to commit to NO new clothes in 2020 because I know there are some items that I'll need (like bras and socks).
BUT I'm trying to make clothes that I need rather than buy them. It's slow going because I'm not a great sewer. I'm in a different boat than many people because I actually really need more clothes and what little I have are wearing out. Making my own clothes is my anti-fast fashion commitment.
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I'm in! Gonna be funemployed for most of next year (giving notice to work on my own business & career change), so this is the perfect time! That, and I already have a closet full of perfectly serviceable clothes of all sorts-- in fact, I'm planning on selling a bunch of japanese fashion items that I used to wear more frequently several years ago.
The hardest part for me is going to be not buying graphic tees and tops from independent artists/friends in my community who I like to support. They come up with such beautiful and creative designs, and I want to hurl money in their direction (just as they support me). There's one shirt that I've been eyeing for the last six months that I might still purchase.... but the rest will have to wait for 2021.
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I’ve been mentally yo yoing about joining this thread since I first saw it (this one and the buy nothing in 2020). I have decided to commit! (To this one, still yo-yoing about -nothing nothing). I commit to buy no new clothes in 2020. Starting with January. I can commit to a month of nothing new! (Can I do it 12 times in a row???)
I bought a (second hand) replacement pair of shoes this week for work which is the one (of two) things I kept thinking about /needing/ to replace in 2020. Now, barring sudden and extreme foot-growth I should be good for work shoes for 2020. And, while it would be /nice/ to replace a specific blue blouse in my capsule-ish wardrobe which is looking a bit threadbare, I have enough other blouses that I don’t /need/ it to get through a year of work wear still looking put together.
Cheering everyone on!
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I am often tempted by good bargains for stuff I could wear. But this year (2019) I spent a lot more on close than in 2018, like 4 times.
I want to try this thread instead, but find it a bit hard to do a full commit. I will report the period that I succeed, which is hopefully long.
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I’m in as well. I have way more than I need and I ended up buying a bunch things I wanted in 2019. So no more purchases this year (no matter how good the sales are ;-) and no new or second hand clothes in 2020.
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Same!! No clothes for me or hubby. We do have three growing kids, and I'll do my best to keep up with hand me downs, and only buy things they have to have.
But for this challenge- no clothes for me. I have plenty. So for me it's no clothes, no jewelry and no underthings. I have enough of all that.
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I'm in. I just updated my clothes due to weight gain, so I'm good for now and if I can lose the weight.
I do have 3 growing kids- but I rarely buy new for them and they just got clothes for Christmas. However, they will need shoes eventually. My hubby is responsible for his own cloths and he has more than enough. But to keep the peace I'll commit to no new clothes for me in 2020.
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I got enough clothes, so I am in with two exceptions: shoes suitable for work (and only if I can get my current ones fixed) and nylons (but I count them as consumables).
However, I put on 10 lbs last year that I wilk need to shed if I want to make full use of my wardrobe.
So, this may be an incentive to get back in shape!
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Happy (no) New (clothes) Year everyone!
Kicking things off with a wardrobe audit to confirm that I have everything I need work-wear-wise. (Spoiler: I totally do!)
4.5 skirts (one I have to lose some girth to get back into, that is the .5)
3.5 pants (ditto above for the .5)
18 tops/blouses/shirts
7 ‘dresses’ and 2pr leggings to go under, (the dresses are too short to be work appropriate without the legging, and the leggings too tight to be worn without a dress over)
3 cardigans
2 blazers
8pr work-appropriate shoes (2 on their last legs, still presentable on top, but holes in the bottom. Will wear them fully out before tossing, felt I had to justify coz that feels like a lot of shoes!)
By my calculations, that means there are 25 outfits I can wear without doubling up (ie, new top/dress. The bottoms will have a higher turn-over, but I feel ok wearing the same pants a couple times in between washes, where shirts need to be washed every time for me). With 5 work days/week, that’s 5 weeks of outfits before the same one comes up on rotation. With 50 weeks in the year (skipping the two we’re on holiday) that means each ‘top’ should be worn 10 times between now and the end of 2020. All of them seem (fingers crossed) in good enough condition to take another 9 washes before becoming textile recycling (with the exception of 1 blouse that is looking a little shabby and might only last 5 washes).
Doing this audit has made me feel much more confident about the challenge, it helps that I have a capsule-ish wardrobe and most tops/bottoms go together. And if worst comes to worse I have two house Tshirts that could masquerade as work shirts in a pinch.
I have sufficient socks/underthings/ T-shirts/shorts/workout tights / home clothes (not counting those, too much effort), 2pr pjs, 2pr swimmers, a pair of sneakers, a pair of flip flops, a pair of canvas shoes and a pair of lifting shoes.
Let’s do this! (Or rather... not do this...), I’m going to have to get out of the habit of dropping into the op-shop after work before my extra curricular.
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I've been thinking about joining this one for a few weeks now. This is the only area in my spending that I haven't been able to nail down... until now. And as painful as it will be for me, I am making the commitment here and now. No new clothing or accessories etc for 2020.
After speaking with my therapist today, it is clear that I am a compulsive shopper of these items. I think my main goal is some unattainable perfection, that is actually driving me away from my bigger financial goal and making me unhappy. I can't stick to any shopping budget, I just need to go cold turkey... even one sip opens the flood gates.
I hope to stay focused on the feeling of pride when I look back on Jan 2021 knowing that I had control, I changed my habit, and I achieved my savings goal.
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I hope to stay focused on the feeling of pride when I look back on Jan 2021 knowing that I had control, I changed my habit, and I achieved my savings goal.
Good luck! You totally have the power to do this!
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Joining in! I already done one year of no clothes-shopping (2019). However as it seems, one year wasn't enough to wear out too many items, and my closets are still too full. Even underwear, socks and tights - many are still unwrapped and with labels. In 2020, my aim is not just avoiding to buy new things, but also wear out and properly ruin some of the old ones so I can throw them away without feeling any guilt or greed about it.
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I hope to stay focused on the feeling of pride when I look back on Jan 2021 knowing that I had control, I changed my habit, and I achieved my savings goal.
Good luck! You totally have the power to do this!
Thank you! I think I can do it, and it will be monumental when I do. Good luck to you as well!
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@Yasha - taking an inventory is a great idea. I would like to do it this week. I know I have some good sweaters and shoes that I don’t wear and will never wear. I hope I can sell them.
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I'm in! I already vowed to do a "buy nothing new" year but had given myself some thrift store wiggle room on clothing which I am now renouncing. I need NOTHING and I have MORE THAN ENOUGH (especially since I stocked up in anticipation of my buy nothing new year! (Face punches appropriate here) Also I am retiring in December 2020 and have plenty of work clothes to see me through. I will do a major purge of work clothes when I retire.
2020 mantra: I have enough, I do enough, I am enough.
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I'll join too. I've been paring down my closet for a year or so, and now have exactly what I wear and nothing else. Those items will easily last me a year and after seeing the Clothing Waste episode on Marketplace, I'm committed to keeping my wardrobe in check. Whatever wears out this year will be gone, with no replacement.
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I have absolutly everything I need--it's just that none of it fits bc I gained weight. Not buying anything is a good incentive to lose weight and also do laundry. I'll be wearing the same black pants to work for a while until my other stuff fits a bit better. I was just going to go to the thrift store to buy some fat pants but I think that two weeks should have a few more pants fitting and after a few months everything will fit so I'm in. I lost 50 lbs but gained half back so I'm looking to lose 25 asap since I tossed all my fat clothes.
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First win of the month, (aside from the nightmare I had about getting a huge bag of hand-me-downs since people found out about my no-new-clothes year, hahaha), this morning I got up and put on my first outfit (when doing the clothing audit I hung the clothes back in my closet in outfit sets until the ‘bottoms’ ran out. As I do laundry I will hang the bottoms back intermingled with the not-yet-worn-this-challenge tops, and hang the worn tops at the end of the closet so I wear through them evenly), being able to grab an already chosen outfit, putting it on with no second guessing or ‘oh, maybe I should wear this top instead of that one’ is really going to save me time in the morning. And if I hate the outfit I’ve chosen, it’s only for a day, I can be stoic about it and enjoy even more the next days outfit.
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Yesterday I mended everything that was in my long-neglected "to be fixed" box - there were 5 items of clothing in there - all just languishing because of little things, like not being able to wear a shirt because it was missing a cuff button. Being able to put those items back in the closet on their hangers made it even clearer how overstuffed my wardrobe is.
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Love this SWWAL! I think I will try on EVERYTHING in my closet and donate the stuff I don't actually want to ever wear. And on the "I have enough" front, I was starting to get ready for my trip to Hawaii and trying on my bathing suits. I have 4 different black one piece bathing suits and 2 different black tankini bathing suits, all fit, all more or less flattering. Who needs 6 black bathing suits? (I am not a fitness swimmer, btw, these are only worn on vacations.)
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Good thoughts about wearing and trying everything. I purged some stuff again to sell/donate that I just shouldn't have in my wardrobe. I did purges in the past, it's amazing how some things were still there.
There were some things in the maybe pile and I hung them up downstairs if it is fall/winter appropriate. I will wear them and make up my mind about them. I can put it back or donate/sell after I wear it once. If I haven't worn it in a month at all it will also have to go as I just don't wanna wear it for some reason. I will do this again for spring/summer things.
I caught myself browsing secondhand clothing online for some reason and I stopped. I noticed that I didn't want to buy anything so that's good. But why was I browsing. Habit I guess. I want to change this habit.
While purging and trying out things already in my closet I noticed again that I don't need and also don't really want to add anything. Anything that gets added will clutter up my closet again and will get in the way of the time I can wear the things I already own. I want to be able to wear the things I already own. I also want to actually wear out some stuff before adding more.
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Ugh, first failure.
I’ve been tossing up whether to get a pair of spanks to wear under a dress I bought last year to wear to a fancy wedding at the end of next month (I am not a fancy person, and had nothing in my closet that fit the bride’s criteria). I bought a different dress this afternoon instead. I will donate at least one of them (probably both) in March, but still chalking it up as a fail. (Let the “boo”-ing commence).
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Just checking in as clothes buying (and shoes buying) is my bete noir and I have not bought anything in 2020! In fact, today I returned an impulse buy I made right at the end of 2019 for my recent trip to Maui (a swim suit cover up) that was defective and came apart on first wearing. And I successfully resisted urge to justify spending $ I got for return. Staying strong!
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So far, so good. No clothes bought so far this year.
I noticed that my weight is a bit high and that at least one of my trousers is uncomfortably tight. I have decided to eat less between the meals and cut out alcohol for a while. I hope this will bring my weight a bit back and I can keep wearing my clothes.
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Joining! Will be trickier as we approach summer months for me, but I already have enough clothes and my NYC closet is a squeeze, even when it's organized. Getting married this year, but hoping that I can stay committed in not letting that convince me to go off track, since I bought last year what I plan on wearing!
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+1 so far so good as well. I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I got help from my therapist to understand that I was a compulsive shopper, and that I did most of my shopping in an attempt to keep reaching for my ever-moving-target goal of perfection.
Shopping, its financial aftermath and just dealing with the stuff (returns, storage, etc), is incredibly time consuming and mentally preoccupying. And not to mention how much of a relief it is to see my credit card balance growing soooo much slower. I can honestly say I am sleeping better at nights already. Thank you for this thread. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but this is exactly what I needed.
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Joining! Will be trickier as we approach summer months for me, but I already have enough clothes and my NYC closet is a squeeze, even when it's organized. Getting married this year, but hoping that I can stay committed in not letting that convince me to go off track, since I bought last year what I plan on wearing!
I live in a small apartment in an HCOL area and it made such a difference when I "Marie Kondo'd" my wardrobe a year ago (as well as the rest of the apartment). I've recently done another wardrobe purge, since I've had a year to wear out more items and to gain perspective on what I actually want. So far I've avoided adding any new items in 2020 - I even went through the second half of 2019 without buying much clothing, other than shoes to replace some that had worn out. I have a wedding to go to in September but I think I can wear clothes I already own.
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+1 so far so good as well. I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I got help from my therapist to understand that I was a compulsive shopper, and that I did most of my shopping in an attempt to keep reaching for my ever-moving-target goal of perfection.
Shopping, its financial aftermath and just dealing with the stuff (returns, storage, etc), is incredibly time consuming and mentally preoccupying. And not to mention how much of a relief it is to see my credit card balance growing soooo much slower. I can honestly say I am sleeping better at nights already. Thank you for this thread. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but this is exactly what I needed.
Isn't this the case for a lot of people? I feel like this is the case for a lot of people, especially in countries were people are 'better off'. It's like, now we're past the things we actually need (like food, shelter) we start consuming and consuming and consuming to reach an unattainable goal of perfection. Not only for clothes, but everything. Kitchens, cars, stuff and stuff and more stuff. 'Already have a kitchen that works good? NOOO! YOU NEED A NEW kitchen'. To the point were people are telling other people they SHOULD buy things, like kitchens when they already have a good functioning kitchen. Newer phone that has 1 extra option and is 0.000001% faster? Shut up and take my money! And if other people aren't doing it? Shame them!
Sorry for my rant. But I also do this with clothing. Want perfection. Already have 6 pairs of jeans but HEY not the perfect one.
I am beginning to hate this more and more and don't want to participate. But it's soooo ingrained unfortunately. Funny thing is that for home stuff/cars/electronics it's not really a problem for me.. but clothes? Different story.
Also.. thanks for joining! To everyone! Good to have you on board!
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Just checking in -- almost four weeks, no purchases! Shouldn't even be noteworthy but I shop/bargain hunt way too much as a way to get a lift and change the way I feel. I have ben actively resisting the urge and feel better for it! It has nothing to do with need. I have MORE than enough. It (the urge to shop) definitely has both fantasy and addictive elements. I do want to spend sometime organizing, purging etc.
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Checking in after 4 weeks. I seem to be following in my BF's footsteps and wearing the same outfit for at least a couple of days in a row, until it actually needs washing. Just changing my underwear and socks daily. Makes my life so much easier! Likely will not able to do that in the summer because the hot weather makes me sweaty due to menopause. But anyway, I could probably get rid of half of my wardrobe and still have more that I need :-)
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Checking in after 4 weeks. I seem to be following in my BF's footsteps and wearing the same outfit for at least a couple of days in a row, until it actually needs washing. Just changing my underwear and socks daily. Makes my life so much easier! Likely will not able to do that in the summer because the hot weather makes me sweaty due to menopause. But anyway, I could probably get rid of half of my wardrobe and still have more that I need :-)
Haha. Since I quit working at half December or so, I wore the same pair of hiking trousers for many weeks in a row. Eventually they started smelling a bit and I am now wearing my other pair.
My challenge are shirts. The tend to smell often when I have been active in them, or when I used to hurry around at work. For work, I would always put on a clean shirt every day, because I didn't want to spread body odour. Nowadays I can often wear a shirt for several days, when I wear something different for sports activities. I love being able to wear my hiking trousers every day. I will even wear them to my course this weekend. But last week, at a friend's dinner, I put on (a little) more decent clothes, as for social conventions.
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+1 so far so good as well. I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I got help from my therapist to understand that I was a compulsive shopper, and that I did most of my shopping in an attempt to keep reaching for my ever-moving-target goal of perfection.
Shopping, its financial aftermath and just dealing with the stuff (returns, storage, etc), is incredibly time consuming and mentally preoccupying. And not to mention how much of a relief it is to see my credit card balance growing soooo much slower. I can honestly say I am sleeping better at nights already. Thank you for this thread. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but this is exactly what I needed.
Isn't this the case for a lot of people? I feel like this is the case for a lot of people, especially in countries were people are 'better off'. It's like, now we're past the things we actually need (like food, shelter) we start consuming and consuming and consuming to reach an unattainable goal of perfection. Not only for clothes, but everything. Kitchens, cars, stuff and stuff and more stuff. 'Already have a kitchen that works good? NOOO! YOU NEED A NEW kitchen'. To the point were people are telling other people they SHOULD buy things, like kitchens when they already have a good functioning kitchen. Newer phone that has 1 extra option and is 0.000001% faster? Shut up and take my money! And if other people aren't doing it? Shame them!
Sorry for my rant. But I also do this with clothing. Want perfection. Already have 6 pairs of jeans but HEY not the perfect one.
I am beginning to hate this more and more and don't want to participate. But it's soooo ingrained unfortunately. Funny thing is that for home stuff/cars/electronics it's not really a problem for me.. but clothes? Different story.
Also.. thanks for joining! To everyone! Good to have you on board!
haha yeah exactly. I had to do a lot of unfollowing on Instagram...just too much perfection and ads, and I am very competitive, I want to be the best. It's nice to just not have to care as much, and be ok with what I have. I have plenty to work with (pretty sure I have way more than 6 pairs of jeans lol 👀), so I should be good for a while... sigh.
Just checking in -- almost four weeks, no purchases! Shouldn't even be noteworthy but I shop/bargain hunt way too much as a way to get a lift and change the way I feel. I have ben actively resisting the urge and feel better for it! It has nothing to do with need. I have MORE than enough. It (the urge to shop) definitely has both fantasy and addictive elements. I do want to spend sometime organizing, purging etc.
Same here! I am the queen of the deal...especially the high-end sample sales and black friday shopping, and I was all over Barney's closing. It was all compulsive, a feeling of winning even though in the long run clearly I am losing. I just had to stop shopping cold turkey, it was the only way for me.
And I have to say that for me the neatness and organizing was not a part of it. I am very organized and everything is neat and clean, and I purge consistently.... It was more so that I just kept wanting a different version of myself, always new and improved, always more perfect...more like the new vision of myself. And if I just got this new thing it would get me there instantly. And to some extent it did, I do believe appearance matters, but I really have no idea where I was going with all that. It became an endless merry-go-round of makeovers. When is enough, enough?
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I am pleased to report that thus far I've honored my pledge.
I tore and sewed my jacket again.
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I’m in ! Wanting to do a low/no buy year anyways. At the end of December I received a fall jacket, 2 blazers, skirt, tights, and pantyhose free from a family estate. Also received new winter boots for Christmas. I received a few new socks for Christmas so that will last me. I might allow myself to look for some new bottoms for exercise, and a winter coat. I will try and buy used if possible I also want to get a sewing machine to update or extend the life of my current wardrobe and reduce my waste.
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Nothing bought, nothing needed - was't even tempted once.
So, one month off, 11 more to go.
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Nothing bought, nothing needed - was't even tempted once.
So, one month off, 11 more to go.
Great job. Same here. :)
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Checking in! I've tried this challenge a couple years now and usually make it about 3 months before caving. But this year feels different to me. Maybe because I am finally taking to heart how to really minimize my carbon footprint (I've eating mostly plant based now, too), or maybe it's because with 2 daughters approaching college soon, it's becoming realer than real that no material possessions will make me as happy as time spent with family or doing activities I love (reading, walks, hikes, yoga, snowshoeing) or maybe because I am finally facing my decades-long behavior of numbing out discomfort and boredom through shopping for new stuff, I'm not sure really.
And so the month went great, it was easier than it's been in the past, and I bought no clothes. (I did however buy a pair of $32 earrings I will wear 24/7/7 and a scarf/blanket I used on a meditation retreat I went on last week and have continued to use as a blanket in my home.) So not perfect, but pretty darn good, and a little room to continue to improve next month, in which I am committing to buying nothing other than food/basic household supplies/etc. I feel pretty free, am no longer scrolling through online stores or even setting foot in b&m stores. I've also given up facebook and instagram, which I realized (while on the meditation retreat) given me anxiety and just a general feeling of not-enoughness.
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Successful so far - no clothing bought in January, and no temptation so far. Have not needed to purchase my socks yet. I do need to sew a hole in my running pants, but so far I've just been wearing them with the hole.
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I have not purchased any clothing FOR ME this year. I think this will be pretty easy, honestly, unless I literally can't fit into my bathing suit for our trip to Florida in April.
I have bought:
1) One little outfit for my 10 month old because she's ridiculously cute and I can't help it
2) One set of tiny hair bows
3) One set of mittens for my 3 year old
My children do not need more clothes! I mean, baby girl will eventually, but right now she's got plenty, and it's almost her first birthday, when her grandmas and aunts will buy her plenty of adorable things. I just need to make sure to buy what they DO need second hand.
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I made it through the first month without buying clothes!
I even resisted temptation yesterday while walking up a street past a local clothing boutique that I like. I didn't need anything, so I didn't go in.
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Sorry for my rant. But I also do this with clothing. Want perfection. Already have 6 pairs of jeans but HEY not the perfect one.
I am beginning to hate this more and more and don't want to participate. But it's soooo ingrained unfortunately. Funny thing is that for home stuff/cars/electronics it's not really a problem for me.. but clothes? Different story.
Also.. thanks for joining! To everyone! Good to have you on board!
Speaking of 6, I've got 6 brand new jackets just for my *garbage-clothes wardrobe.
*garbage clothes are the clothes I wear at home for dirty work and will not wear in public.
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Wanted to check in as well. I haven't bought any clothes or even thought about buying any this year.
I'm starting to realize I may have a first-world/mustachian problem where too many items of clothing in my closet are too well made to the point where I never get the opportunity to say "this is falling apart or has too many holes, time to throw it away." I've donated lots of clothing to Goodwill, but I still have a ton of clothes left. I purchase 90% of my clothes at Goodwill, TJ Maxx, Marshall's and other discounters and excluding socks and underwear, I'm really amazed at how well everything has held up considering how much I paid for it. To piggyback on what John Galt incarnate! posted, I now have a lot of 10+ year old "brand name" dress clothes that look brand new but serve as garbage clothes for when I do yard work, paint, or automotive work.
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I'd like to join in.
Did a complete no-shopping challenge in 2018 which was fantastic and then fell back into some purchasing habits last year. Will join here for accountability.
Need to reign in my spending and clothes are somewhere I can tend to splurge on since I tend to buy from companies whose practices I support which can be expensive (or thrift store shopping).
Also I live a fairly active/casual life (in a mountain town) and have been wanting to try to use some of the nicer items I have in my closet so another goal of mine is to dress-up a bit more, use the beautiful things I have and appreciate all of the objects which are already in my life!
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Also I live a fairly active/casual life (in a mountain town) and have been wanting to try to use some of the nicer items I have in my closet so another goal of mine is to dress-up a bit more, use the beautiful things I have and appreciate all of the objects which are already in my life!
I like this approach and trying to do the same.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Also I live a fairly active/casual life (in a mountain town) and have been wanting to try to use some of the nicer items I have in my closet so another goal of mine is to dress-up a bit more, use the beautiful things I have and appreciate all of the objects which are already in my life!
I like this approach and trying to do the same.
It's fun too. We went for dinner at a friends the other night and I wore a nicer black turtleneck and earrings so my hubby decided to put on a sweater he doesn't wear too often. Fancify the regular days!
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Checking in. No clothes bought so far in 2020. But I have bought fabric! Using it for sewing my own clothes but the fabric stash in my closet would argue that I have plenty of fabric on hand already...
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Not much to tell apart from that I still haven't bought any clothes.
I haven't been tempted either.
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Sorry, I'm out. DH noticed that a sports website has an extremely good price on staple clothes like woolen undershirts. Normally they are pretty expensive. I love wearing those when skiing or hiking and I ordered two new ones.
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So year 2020, 1.5 months in - no new clothes or shoes. It was easy because I already gone full year of not buying clothes in 2019, and by now seem to have lost all drive or temptation for it.
Unfortunately, nothing I can throw away yet. I'm hoping for much cleaner closets in the end as taking care of clothes is one of my least favourite chores. I think I'd enjoy having a minimalist wardrobe, but for now I have to wait till things are worn out as I don't feel like throwing away useable ones.
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Sooo everything is going good here as well. There are times I see things around (other people wearing things, in tv-shows, whatever) and I'm kinda tempted again because I like it and would like something like it (not because it’s in fashion but because I think that would be my style). But my drive for not wanting extra stuff is bigger and I’m thinking more on why I like it and how I can create a different look with things I already own (is it because I like that it’s colorful – wear more colorful things together e.g.). I also almost bought a canvas tote bag with a nice print I loved when I realized I won’t buy accessories and bags either. I also absolutely didn’t need it, I already have tote bags. Close call.
I’m slowly thinking about next year and what to do because last time I did a no clothes buying year (lasted 11 months) I also thought about the next year but had no strict rules and because I’m also an emotional shopper it got outta hand the next year. I have to make rules for next year as well. Maybe a budget, maybe only specific items I can replace if I have to (only my favorite items that I wear all the time and need to make my favorite outfits and no extra’s), maybe only second-hand, maybe only a specific number of items. Probably a combination of these rules. I’m just better with rules (when there is a logic behind the rules at least). At his point I’m also kinda tempted to see how far I can stretch this, but not sure if I feel the same way at the end of this year. ;)
It's only mid February but I'm beginning to see I'm not likely to wear anything out this year at the rate I’m wearing my individual items.
I did a check in January on what items I wore and how many times. I can make so many outfits. If I’m not being creative and wear everything the easiest way (for me), I almost don’t have to repeat outfits per season. If I get creative and make different outfits, I can go much further.
I got to thinking, if I have these items per season (I have more) and count them all as one outfit (so, easiest way to wear it), I would have 28 outfits.
- 8 dresses (winter – usually wear these with long cardigan or a sweater)
- 8 blouses (usually wear this with black skinny jeans and cardigan)
- 6 sweaters (with black skinny / coated jeans)
- 6 skirts (usually wear them with shirt/sweater)
Like I said I have more. And different kinds of items as well, like blazers. And per season I have different items (although a lot of items are wearable in more seasons). My closet is not overflowing. But I do feel I have too much.
I wear 3 outfits per week (approximately) as I don’t wash them after one wear (I know that’s the American way but I think that’s totally not necessary). So if I have 28 outfits, that’s not a repeat outfit for 9 weeks. I can mix and match so I can easily have double the outfits (just mix and match with different sweater/shirt/blouse) and I don’t have to repeat an outfit in 18 weeks (even when I will wear a new outfit every day, I can still go for a month). And when there is a different season I can wear different outfits as well.
I don’t even really care if I repeat outfits, so this amount of outfits is crazy, even for these amount of items.
I do wear some items more than others. I know why. This is something I have to take into account when purchasing things in the future (80/20 rule). I definitely don’t need more of the ‘extra’ items that I don’t wear a lot but do like as I already have these and they are not going to wear out any time soon.
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Still on the wagon and not tempted much at the moment as I have plenty of winter clothes - some I haven't worn at all this winter yet. I really don't feel like experimenting with my looks so I tend to wear a jeans/sweater combo 99% of the time.
Thinking ahead to spring though. It's been an unusually warm winter and it looks like spring will be here early this year. Typically, I get really frustrated with my clothes when winter ends. My winter staples are cashmere or wool and they are too warm for early spring. And I'm seeing all the spring items in the store but the weather is really not good enough yet for warm weather clothes from my closet. So I usually have a period of couple of weeks each year when I feel like I have nothing to wear and I get tempted into buying something. The in-between seasons time is hard. It passes fairly quickly so hopefully I can survive it this year without getting anything new :-) Maybe I should come up a few outfit options for early spring and get them ready to wear soon...
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Going to join in late and say nothing new for the remainder of 2020. I'm in my third trimester and not going back to work till january 2021 so in theory this should work out fine with me rotating out clothes permanently (last baby) as I loose weight and shopping the smaller sizes in my closet. No one will be around to be impressed by my style anyways.. I kept my odd in-between sized clothing from last post-partum period so it shoudl all work out fine. I hope.
I'm obviously getting new underwear at some point when I figure out what my new normal body is but thats all. Besides, I will commit to, in an actual sizing-emergency, buying used. But lets keep the goal clean for now, a little over 10 months should be very doable.
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I faced my first real shopping temptation last weekend when faced with a clearance rack of mountain bike shorts. I really had a hard time last year finding some that fit (and ended up with boys' pairs) and they're not easy for me to make myself. But the silver lining of a new, dire medical diagnosis is that I don't know what cycling shape I'll be in by the summer so I talked myself out of buying - shopping averted!
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Found myself browsing an on-line site yesterday and always have to ask myself 'what exactly brought me here?'. This time, it was a survey that then linked to one of my favourite, visually-inspiring sites.
Usually organizing my closet helps ground me in reality..I have quite a few things that I don't wear often and am trying to move those things into rotation when I feel like I need a creative boost. Also, I've gained a wee bit of weight so clothing isn't fitting exactly the way I want it to..should easily rectify this over time by getting back to my walking/yoga/bike-commuting routine--then it'll be like having a new wardrobe :)
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I'm still in.
I made myself a challenge to wear all the work-appropriate shirts and pants without repeating. It showed me that I have weeks and weeks worth of clothes! But as I got near the ends of the categories I also realized I dislike roughly 15% of them: there's a shirt that makes me look like deflated humpty-dumpty, one where the part with the button holes won't iron flat, pants that seemed khaki when I bought them but seem more scary-mustard when I wear them, etc.
I should give away these rejects, but I'm wondering if the space and hangers that they free up will start beckoning to me to fill the closet up with new stuff. Maybe I need to move other stuff into the closet, to make it smaller, so I don't start to feel clothes poverty.
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I would like to thank this challenge for helping me stop clutter.
I got a coupon in the mail yesterday for a decent discount on shoes. Normally, I would keep the coupon, not go shopping, then find the expired coupon a few months later in a pile and throw it away. But since I knew that I am not allowed to buy any shoes this year, it gave me the freedom to throw out the coupon right away! That's a nice little win.
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+1 so far so good as well. I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I got help from my therapist to understand that I was a compulsive shopper, and that I did most of my shopping in an attempt to keep reaching for my ever-moving-target goal of perfection.
Shopping, its financial aftermath and just dealing with the stuff (returns, storage, etc), is incredibly time-consuming and mentally preoccupying.
And not to mention how much of a relief it is to see my credit card balance growing soooo much slower. I can honestly say I am sleeping better at nights already. Thank you for this thread. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but this is exactly what I needed.
Every compulsive shopper should frame this statement in gold:).
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I am out - I bought socks and underwear. I have enough socks and underwear, except when I don't do the laundry every 7 days. Then I have to wear the too tight gitch.
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Feb report: again, no clothes shopped.
I had a look, though, but remembered that I don't need anything.
Bonus points: Found some less worn high-heal boots in my utility cupboard. Didn't know I still had them. Will dust them off for more variety at work (they go well with dresses or suits).
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Well I guess this was a good year to commit to not buying any clothes, since being stuck at homes means I don't need much anyway. Happy to say that I am still fully committed and have not made a purchase to date and have no desire to do so.
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My 'problem' is that when I see artists/designers right now doing sales, trying to maintain an income flow--I really want to support them. But, I don't need more clothes and probably need to save my money since I've lost my employment... :)
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My 'problem' is that when I see artists/designers right now doing sales, trying to maintain an income flow--I really want to support them. But, I don't need more clothes and probably need to save my money since I've lost my employment... :)
Very sorry to hear about your loss of employment. How are you holding up?
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My 'problem' is that when I see artists/designers right now doing sales, trying to maintain an income flow--I really want to support them. But, I don't need more clothes and probably need to save my money since I've lost my employment... :)
Very sorry to hear about your loss of employment. How are you holding up?
Thanks @KittyCat , currently I am fine--thanks!
(I didn't mean for that earlier comment to come out as anything except my own reality check that stress 'shopping' is exactly what I DON"T need right now) I have one more cheque coming in and then it sounds like the Canadian government is going to try to set up a program within a month, for those who've lost their work due to the pandemic (and for about four months if we should need it that long).
I have an emergency fund of six months so am just going to deal with things as they unfold. I am lucky..many people in my town are facing the prospect of not being able to pay rent so am very grateful for the savings I have (my partner and I did a complete no-shopping year in 2018- and that is where almost all of that emergency fund came from).
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My 'problem' is that when I see artists/designers right now doing sales, trying to maintain an income flow--I really want to support them. But, I don't need more clothes and probably need to save my money since I've lost my employment... :)
Very sorry to hear about your loss of employment. How are you holding up?
Thanks @KittyCat , currently I am fine--thanks!
(I didn't mean for that earlier comment to come out as anything except my own reality check that stress 'shopping' is exactly what I DON"T need right now) I have one more cheque coming in and then it sounds like the Canadian government is going to try to set up a program within a month, for those who've lost their work due to the pandemic (and for about four months if we should need it that long).
I have an emergency fund of six months so am just going to deal with things as they unfold. I am lucky..many people in my town are facing the prospect of not being able to pay rent so am very grateful for the savings I have (my partner and I did a complete no-shopping year in 2018- and that is where almost all of that emergency fund came from).
That's great to hear. It's stressful times like these that emergency funds help keep us able to cope much more comfortably.
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That's great to hear. It's stressful times like these that emergency funds help keep us able to cope much more comfortably.
Exactly! I am grateful--also saw a funny thing on Instagram that people are doing called #alldressedupwithnowheretogo . Wear your nice duds, do hair/makeup or whatever you like and then stay home.
I'm trying to convince my SO to do it, we can have dinner all dressed up.
He just finished his 14 day isolation after travel--so worth celebrating.
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I'm keeping busy sewing. Haven't bought any clothes this year and am trying to make all my clothes. I've been making some comfy pandemic clothes for wearing around the house and dog walking. I've also been learning to knit socks to make those.
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also saw a funny thing on Instagram that people are doing called #alldressedupwithnowheretogo . Wear your nice duds, do hair/makeup or whatever you like and then stay home.
I'm trying to convince my SO to do it, we can have dinner all dressed up.
He just finished his 14 day isolation after travel--so worth celebrating.
Just logged in to say that I consider March successfully done, as we are on lock-down, so there wouldn't be any clothes' shopping even if I needed something (which I do not).
But this dress-up idea at home sounds like a good idea. DH's b/day is coming up and I was wondering what to do with it. Maybe this will cheer him up a bit!
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Just logged in to say that I consider March successfully done, as we are on lock-down, so there wouldn't be any clothes' shopping even if I needed something (which I do not).
But this dress-up idea at home sounds like a good idea. DH's b/day is coming up and I was wondering what to do with it. Maybe this will cheer him up a bit!
please do it and let me know how it goes. We are going to either tonight or tomorrow :)
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I am seeing some stylists to the celebrities with no work right now offering their services virtually with portions of the profit going to charity. So I signed up for a session with one to go through my closet and get some ideas for how to refine my style and hone in on some looks. For this year I will work with what I have, but for the future I'd like to have some set rules for my style so that when I do go shopping I am not all over the place.
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I still have not bought any new clothing or accessories this year.
I did have a virtual session with the stylist previously mentioned and it was fun shopping my closet with her, and getting her validation on my style and that I already have great pieces to work with so no need to buy anything. So I'm definitely still not craving buying anything.... and also have no use for it since we aren't going out anywhere for some time to come. I did start filtering out a few items from my closet that were not working, so my donation pile is starting to grow and my clothes rack has more wiggle room now.
Overall doing good and feeling proud of my self control and enlightenment.
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Haven't bought any clothing and have been re-working a few items (with ideas to do some more..) My sewing machine and needles are out and I've been working on creative projects daily (not usually wearables--but have some jewelry tools so will be making some accessories since I have the time).
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I've been reading along without joining, for the inspiration. Then I realized that the only new items I've gotten this year were in January, and would have been in December except for laziness (returned Christmas gifts and got what I actually needed, used a gift card to fill a gap in my wardrobe with a high-quality item).
So I'm going to jump in and see how much longer I can go! With the thrift stores closed and being temporarily furloughed from work, I think it will be much easier than I originally imagined. :)
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Well, >1/4 of 2020 has passed.
So far I haven't purchased a stitch of clothing.
Did you buy any new clothes?
In an infected world buying new clothes may be an absolute necessity.
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+1 so far so good as well. I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I got help from my therapist to understand that I was a compulsive shopper, and that I did most of my shopping in an attempt to keep reaching for my ever-moving-target goal of perfection.
Shopping, its financial aftermath and just dealing with the stuff (returns, storage, etc), is incredibly time consuming and mentally preoccupying. And not to mention how much of a relief it is to see my credit card balance growing soooo much slower. I can honestly say I am sleeping better at nights already. Thank you for this thread. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but this is exactly what I needed.
I can relate. I always want to look better, thinner, prettier, more stylish. I realized this a little while ago with my shopping addiction. It is a very hard thing to overcome. I am still struggling. I have made some really promising progress on my closet and shopping. I still his low points where I get sick off everything and feel horrible about myself and go shopping. During my journey I realized a few things that help me not to shop when I am feeling down. Try on my favorite clothing or most of my wardrobe and I always find items I never wear that I absolutely love and It gets me excited for clothing I already own. Or if I must shop for needed clothing, i go with cash only so I can only buy so much and hopefully only what I went for.
I would love to hear any tricks you might have.
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+1 so far so good as well. I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. I got help from my therapist to understand that I was a compulsive shopper, and that I did most of my shopping in an attempt to keep reaching for my ever-moving-target goal of perfection.
Shopping, its financial aftermath and just dealing with the stuff (returns, storage, etc), is incredibly time consuming and mentally preoccupying. And not to mention how much of a relief it is to see my credit card balance growing soooo much slower. I can honestly say I am sleeping better at nights already. Thank you for this thread. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but this is exactly what I needed.
I can relate. I always want to look better, thinner, prettier, more stylish. I realized this a little while ago with my shopping addiction. It is a very hard thing to overcome. I am still struggling. I have made some really promising progress on my closet and shopping. I still his low points where I get sick off everything and feel horrible about myself and go shopping. During my journey I realized a few things that help me not to shop when I am feeling down. Try on my favorite clothing or most of my wardrobe and I always find items I never wear that I absolutely love and It gets me excited for clothing I already own. Or if I must shop for needed clothing, i go with cash only so I can only buy so much and hopefully only what I went for.
I would love to hear any tricks you might have.
I'm an incredibly persuasive person, especially towards myself lol. I can talk myself into spending for all kinds of excuses. So I have found over the years the only effective strategy is just cold turkey. I have an ever present target of saving for a house downpayment, so there's that major goal motivation too. But just knowing that buying clothing, shoes and accessories is totally off the table for me under all circumstances is the only thing thats fully holding me back. My hope is that after a year of that it will break my bad compulsive shopping habit and I can go back to healthy shopping habits, but have yet to see if it'll work in the long term or not!
I do very much agree with the power of shopping my own closet. It sounds crappy at first, but then I get excited for the new outfits I put together... so, win, win.
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Found a long-sleeved shirt in the ragbag that had a rip in the underarm. I wanted a tank top, so I removed the long sleeves and used the fabric to make bias tape to finish the underarms. I fixed the rip that is much less noticeable now, and am one finished armhole away from a 'new' tank top, without buying one.
I probably wouldn't have bothered if I hadn't accepted this challenge. I would've cut the shirt up to use for another project and bought a new tank top.
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Finished the tank top late last night. Forgot I'd have to go through the button jar to retrieve all the buttons. I'd cut them all off before putting the shirt in the rag bag. I wore it today to a social distancing picnic with the SO. It fits even better than it did before as a long-sleeved shirt!
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Nice job @okcisok !
I haven’t bought any clothes this year. Pandemic life makes it more likely that I might, since my usual avenues for free clothing are gone. Plus, all this lockdown baking is making my pants fit a lot tighter.
Thankfully it’s skirt weather soon!
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I feel you on the pandemic affecting my free clothing options @MonkeyJenga. Normally there would be clothing swaps and friends getting rid of clothes and family trades. I'm crossing my fingers that all the quarantine decluttering will lead to some of these in future.
Thanks to this thread, I did not buy a new pair of used jeans. :) My workplace was able to call us back for 8 weeks due to a gov't grant. Same pay but different work locations. Think 'warehouse' more than 'c-suite'. We all wear jeans and company-provided t-shirts. There are several dangers to our clothes (stains, rips, etc) in this environment. Before I joined here, I would've popped to the thrift store for a cheap but nice pair. I would justify that I was saving my 'good' jeans, as I only have three pairs. Instead, I went through the storage bins and found that one tatty pair of old chore jeans that you hang onto for painting or garage cleanout. If they get damaged, no big deal--I'll patch them up and keep wearing them until they are unacceptable, then turn them in shorts or another denim project. But I saved about $8. Or more, since thrift stores in my area aren't open yet so I would've probably ordered something online that was more like $20-$25.
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Another month without buying clothes. Not much of a challenge in Corona times, I have to admit.
However, I have put on a couple of more pounds weight-wise during lockdown, so I have to get back into shape before we have to get back to the office. Otherwise I will fail to fit into my work dresses and suits.
And I really don't want to buy new stuff, so this is my incentive to get back to my regular dress size.
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Another month of no clothing purchases for me. It's not too hard to avoid buying clothes right now. The clothing stores here are all shut down, and I've never liked shopping for clothes online. And when I'm working from home, I only need to be presentable for the occasional video call.
Clothing stores here might reopen soon, though, so the temptation may come back. Most weren't actually ordered to close, and the government is going to announce reopening guidelines next week.
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Also did not buy any clothing etc. this month. I have to say I have been tempted to buy a set of nice stylish pajamas I've seen people sporting on the gram, but so far I have managed to resist and added it to my style inspirations for maybe next year.
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I already broke this rule by buying a new pair of Vans since I destroyed my year old pair from working in them.
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Purchased no new clothing this month although I found myself browsing websites a few times.
It's easy for me to fall into the line of thinking of 'new season, new clothes!' but I've been wearing the same things at home so will be able to switch it up by just opening my closet door or putting on some lip colour :)
I've also been sewing myself a robe for all this at home time..hand-stitching some beautiful fabric that I dyed myself.
A way to commemorate this strange time.
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I had to buy new running shoes and bras. My old ones are totally worn out & I can't make those. Otherwise, still no clothing purchases in 2020.
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Caught myself browsing FB Marketplace for clothing items. For no reason! I was on there to sell stuff, and somehow ended up looking at clothes! I did sell stuff, but didn't by any clothes. I will consider dropping out of this challenge if I have to replace something that I need to wear (safety work shoes, for example), but I'm curious to see how far I can go without *needing* to purchase anything.
It really helps to have a clear goal. "Nope, not looking because I'm not buying." Simple!
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No clothes bought here. As a lot of you are also saying, it's easier because of the pandemic. Clothing shops are not closed here and a few second hand places are also open but because I'm working from home and wearing more lounge clothing than ever and more repeating clothing (I do try to dress up a bit but it has to be comfortable first) there is no need for new clothing at all.And there was no need to begin with so..
It's not that I have a lot of uncomfortable clothes btw (I have to be able to cycle in all of it and you know, who wants to wear uncomfortable clothes anyway) but working from home and from the office does need a different kind of comfort I've found. And it's colder here at my home "office" (just a desk in a smaller part of the living room) so I need warm cardigans.
It got me thinking that I should opt for even more comfortable clothes and that I want more clothes in the future that are multi-functional. The things I wear the most are multi-functional clothes. For example a pair of trousers that are comfortable and can be dressed up and down. Would I wear it to the office ánd for just being at home ánd to a concert/festival ánd travelling? It's a win. And I know what items in my closet do that. I won't discard the rest but will think about that more when I will buy/need to buy additions (not this year obviously).
I also cleared out my closet even further and will be trying to sell online, things I know I won't wear anymore. That will go towards my budget to buy clothes when I will need to do that again. I don't know if people will buy second hand clothing right now though but it's worth trying.
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Out of this challenge..I bought a raincoat.
We are supposed to be going on a weeklong hike in June (if the parks open in time) and it's highly likely it will rain a lot. This was from a company I support and also on sale.
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Just noticed this thread for the first time. I'm already well in without really trying - my clothing purchases have declined over the years as I got what I needed and didn't have any major weight change. And now I've been at home for 2 months on CERB and stores are closed.
I used part of the time off work to do some mending and mask-sewing but didn't get to some of the alterations I had been putting off for lack of time. It was funny, looking at some of the things i was planning to discard and being glad I had them because I still liked the fabric and thought I could make something else with that, if I didn't have the money to get something new and different.
Thrift stores here in Vancouver have been getting steadily more expensive without any increase in the quality of the shopping experience, and I've given up on the ones in Vancouver proper. I do better in Victoria - the market there doesn't seem to support high prices -- although when I was last there things were moving up too.
It's been a long time since I went to a Naked Lady party. I miss them :(
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This month I had to replace 3 plain white t-shirts that I have been wearing almost daily during quarantine and wore out. So that was so far my only purchase in 2020 which I'm ok with. I think I will have to replace these a couple more times this year if I keep wearing mostly white tshirts, which given how cheap and versatile the white tshirt is I'm ok with.
I really do want to replace my pajamas though, ughhh, so I am trying to decide if I will take the plunge.
Other than that I have not had any urge to purchase clothing, and if you compare to this time last year where I would have already spent thousands I feel ok with my minimal purchases so far. I just worry if I buy one or two things it will open the floodgates, so I have to really watch myself.
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Nothing bought again (clothes-wise), last month.
I have had to discard a few things, though: a couple of panties and socks, 2 dresses with holes not worth mending.
Still, nothing yet to be replaced as I still got plenty of either.
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Checking in to say that I've done pretty well so far in not buying clothes. I did break my No Buying rule in May to scoop up some underwear, two pairs of comfy pants (since we're all spending so much more time at home now), and a t-shirt with profits designated for charity. Other than that... it's been pretty smooth sailing. I do feel like what with spending more time with my wardrobe wearing/re-wearing what I already own, I'm starting to get a better sense of what kind of clothing/style/colors I instinctively gravitate towards rather than what I talk myself into buying while shopping or placing orders with friends.
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Haven't bought any clothes so far! I've gotten some free stuff from Buy Nothing, but not even much of that.
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I forgot about this thread, but sadly have to report that I’ve bought a few things. Specifically, 2 packages of socks, a 3/4 sleeve top and 2 pairs of shoes. The top wasn’t needed, but I liked it; the socks and shoes I did need and don’t regret buying. The only thing I can anticipate needing for the rest of the year is a new winter coat, as the one I’ve been wearing for at least 7 years is pretty well shot. Otherwise, I don’t normally go into clothing stores, but get sucked into looking at the clothes at Costco. Now though, I have no plans to even go there until fall, so I think I can restrain myself from further purchases.
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This thread kept me from making some unnecessary purchases lately, so thanks to all who are posting. I go back to regular full-time work in dressy clothes tomorrow--I may have to drop out. It's been over a year since I've needed 5 days worth of dress clothes, but my company has reorganized due to the virus and subsequent business changes. Off to my closet to see how long I can go without having to buy anything!
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I hadn't been posting, but figured I might as well jump in. In 2018 I successfully completed the "no clothes" thread with nothing bought. I FIREd in January of 2019, and in the remainder of last year I bought (1) some underwear and (2) a pair of nice women's overalls for outdoor work.
So far for 2020, nothing bought.
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Tried on all my work clothes and managed to get 13 outfits. That was without recycling outfits with different accessories, just combining pieces. I think I can make it a while without buying anything new! In the past, I would've gone shopping. Even though I don't enjoy shopping and don't want to spend any money on clothes. But going back to work in this particular workplace would've triggered a "but that's what you do!" response. New(ish) job=new clothes. I'm retraining my brain!
Once I lose the weight gained during quarantine, that will add another handful of items and I'll be even farther from needing new clothes.
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Also posting here to hold myself accountable. I haven't bought clothes since October. I didn't intend to not buy clothes, but as I'm this far already I would like to see if I could do this for 4 more months.
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I still have not bought any clothes in 2020. Still limping along with the sports socks I started the year with.
I did have a hiking boot "failure" recently - the fabric portion on the back has ripped on both my boots. I contacted the company I purchased from and the manufacturer of the boot - they said I could send them in (on my dime) and maybe get a store credit if they deemed the failure was not my fault. Even in the best case scenario, that would net me about $99 to spend on a pair of $220 boots, with a company whose quality I don't totally trust. My other option was to use an REI gift card towards a different brand. But I thought about this thread, and I bought "shoe goo" and will try to fix them myself.
I am about to purchase some face masks and buffs to use while taking a hiking vacation next month (hopefully). I have made myself several masks to use at home, but I am bad at them and don't have a ton of materials, and for prolonged use I want something that's better constructed and more comfortable. I'm counting these as personal care purchases, rather than clothing purchases.
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Found an old maxi skirt and fixed it up. Wore it today. I'd forgotten how comfortable maxi skirts are! It's not dressy enough to wear to work, but it's appropriate for a lot of other situations. One more item away from buying anything new!
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I finally purchased new pajamas which I love and am happy about, as well as 2 new bras. I didn't purchase anything else and didn't feel the urge to keep buying, so I feel pretty good about that. This thread has forced me to be super picky and careful about what I do purchase, so I'm thankful for that. I do not intend on purchasing any additional items for at least the next few months, but hopefully I'll make it to the end of the year.
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Job location changed again due to virus cases. So glad I didn't buy new clothes for the last position! Today I'm working from home in a t-shirt and my mended maxi skirt.
If I think about buying something, I tell myself to wait until next month. "Let's just make it through May and see if you need it in June", etc. I'd love to have a black cardigan to stretch some outfits, but I have a gray one and I don't often need a cardigan in summer here. Baby steps.
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Still no new clothes, so first half of the year success.
WFH due to Corona has made it quite easy so far, really no temptation.
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Checking in. Halfway through the year, nothing bought.
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Went to the consignment store today to sell some items(crossposted in Decluttering Thread). They took 2 of 3. Normally, I would've picked out several things while I was waiting and spent more than I earned. l didn't find anything to justify spending money or breaking my six month streak. I walked out of the store $10 ahead! I think I'm farther along than baby steps now.
I also had to run other errands at stores where they offer clothing and accessories (Target, Dollar Tree, Aldi, hardware store). Not one temptation, although the hardware store may not count :)
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Is it okay if I join late?
At the beginning of this year I was buying a few things secondhand (eBay mostly). I have enough now—more than enough. I'm entering a more frugal period of life and my goal is to not buy any clothes for the rest of 2020.
Someone complimented me recently (or rather: months ago, just before COVID-19 pushed everyone inside) on my black jeans. I realized that I've been wearing them regularly for 3 years and they now have the perfect cool-girl fades on them. Things like this make me feel good about continuing to wear my perfectly presentable (and maybe even stylish!) clothes.
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This thread kept me from making some unnecessary purchases lately, so thanks to all who are posting. I go back to regular full-time work in dressy clothes tomorrow--I may have to drop out. It's been over a year since I've needed 5 days worth of dress clothes, but my company has reorganized due to the virus and subsequent business changes. Off to my closet to see how long I can go without having to buy anything!
It's been over a month and I haven't needed to buy anything! I've lost some more quarantine weight and can fit into two more items that greatly expanded my wardrobe. Then I cleaned out the lost & found at work and found a navy cardigan in great shape that no one is claiming. Brought it home and washed it. That's two more sleeveless dresses turned into business casual outfits.
My mending pile is growing, too.
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Checking in.. still haven't bought anything since October. At least 2 more months to go!
How are you all doing?
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Haven't bought any clothing all year. I have appropriated a lot of boyfriend pajamas instead.
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Still nothing bought, so full on track.
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Still holding strong. I *am* looking for a pair of hiking sandals. I'm trying to find a used pair.
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On track -- nothing bought this year.
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Nothing purchased in July, woot woot
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I'm out. Found a great consignment shop and stocked up on clearance winter items. Still spent less than I had budgeted for 7 months of clothes, so I feel good about it.
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I'm out. I haven't lost any weight this year because I'm not focusing on it, but that means most of my pre-pregnancy pants don't fit quite right, so I bought some new pants from REI. They're super comfy, and I feel better about myself when I wear them and they're not stupid tight, so no regrets!
I would have gone to a thrift store, but...Covid-19, and my small children are home ALL THE TIME now, so I can't bring them with me.
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I know I’m very late to the party. Can I join? Working at home means I truly need nothing. Pandemic six pounds means if I don’t get my butt moving, literally, I won’t fit my pants. No new clothes challenge for the rest of the year should encourage me to lose the weight and save some $$ too.
Even my underwear is getting tight. Time to pull it together.
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Job location changed again due to virus cases. So glad I didn't buy new clothes for the last position! Today I'm working from home in a t-shirt and my mended maxi skirt.
If I think about buying something, I tell myself to wait until next month. "Let's just make it through May and see if you need it in June", etc. I'd love to have a black cardigan to stretch some outfits, but I have a gray one and I don't often need a cardigan in summer here. Baby steps.
I'm out of the challenge due to some purchases I listed upthread, but I was reminded of this post because I got a new job. My SO said, "You're probably going to have to get some new work clothes!" I'm not even sure of the dress code yet! The other staff I saw at my interview were wearing business casual (I may have even seen some nice jeans).
Once I get clarification on that point, I'll do a closet check like I did before when my current job restructured instead of running out and buying a bunch of new stuff I may not need. Plus, these people have only seen my interview outfit--they don't know what's new or not! I'm going to set a goal of waiting the first two weeks to buy anything at all and make do with what I have currently. Then a stretch goal of making it through the first month. If we can do jeans at all, even on Fridays, that will help a lot.
Thanks to everyone who posted in this thread. It's really helped me retrain my thinking!
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Checking in, still nothing bought. Almost 8 months!
Thanks to everyone checking in and posting. It's really good to read your stories/struggles/thoughts. And I love reading that for some of you this thread kept you from making some unnecessary purchases. Yeah!
For anyone who wants to join, of course that's ok! It's good to have some accountability.
To anyone 'failing' I wanted to say you're still doing good by training your mindset. And that's also kind of the point right (at least for me it is). If you bought something I'm sure it was well thought about.
I thought I lost my light raincoat but I found it again. I do have a thicker one but I really like the lighter one for layering and it's so easy to bring with me as a layer and wind and waterproof. The thicker one is not something I can bring with me in my bag in case I will need it and is to hot if it's not that cold yet. I'm so glad I found it again. Would've coped without but it got me thinking what pieces I would miss instantly and what pieces are easily replaceable with other things already in my closet.
I think I will make a list of things I would like to buy next year and try to be very critical about it. I know I will need some more lighter pants for spring/summer as that is what I am really missing this year.
I have to say that I also kinda want to keep it going to see where that takes me though. As I feel I only really 'need' the lighter pants and those are not for the beginning of the year I guess I will be able to a bit longer. And to keep the new additions to a minimum.
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I'm going to keep it going next year! I've been reorganizing and going through all my stuff, and my goal should really be getting rid of things, not just don't buy more.
Some extras were more necessary last year. I was more active, and I didn't do laundry as frequently. Pandemic life means I can at least move a bunch of stuff into storage.
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Almost two thirds through this year and I haven't bought any clothes. The challenges are different than I thought they'd be when the year started of course, because of working from home. There's nobody to see most of me most of the time, so that lessens the need for a large professional wardrobe, but because my comfortable weekend clothes have become my everyday clothes, they wear out faster and some of them are disintegrating. So far this year a couple t-shirts, a pair of jeans, and a favorite pair of socks all wore out beyond being able to call them clothes anymore.
I'm making a new pair of socks. I don't know how to knit, but I have one of those sock knitting gadgets with pegs and a hook. I get quite good results with that, but usually give the socks away as Christmas gifts. This time I'm making socks for me, from the mismatched leftover yarn scraps from past gift socks. Nobody can see them on Zoom anyway.
I got a lot of white paint on one of my brown shoes, but... same thing: nobody to see them right now, so no real need to replace them for that. They still function as shoes.
I said at the beginning of the year that if I met my weight loss goal this year I'd need to get new clothes. I'm still moving in the downward direction, slowly, but not all the way there yet. Maybe I won't rush to shop when I do get there, because again it doesn't matter that much with no audience.
My office hasn't made any moves to try to get us all back in person - and if they eventually do I'm not sure whether I'll go, or resign and try to find a permanent remote job. If I'm staying home forever then maybe next year's clothes budget can just be enough to cover a few new t-shirts and some thrift store jeans.
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So far nothing bought here, either.
I'm going to keep it going next year! I've been reorganizing and going through all my stuff, and my goal should really be getting rid of things, not just don't buy more.
Same here. However, two pair of (office) shoes have now disintegrated. If I cannot fix them, I may need to replace them at some stage. I will try to postpone this to 2021, though.
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I'm new here but will jump onto this bandwagon for 2021 now as the start of September looms -- it's been my "new year" since childhood because fall is my fave season, so why not.
I hadn't really meant to, but I did buy a few things this year to fill in what some call "wardrobe holes" that should stand me in very good stead for a while. I also found that I wanted to round out my walking capsule because my pandemic walks are way up and are invaluable for listening to inspirational podcasts! I will not feel guilty for adding a few very discounted pairs of leggings, a couple of new sun visors and 2 pairs of brand-name walking shoes (one was free, one was $24. I didn't care about the names :P), plus about a hundred thousand (j/k) low-cut socks (last purchase: 6 pairs for $2 at Dollar Tree) for that project. This sets me up well going forward.
I did all this, though, before the universe brought me up real short very recently, commanding me to claw my way back to financial consciousness. I love what I've added, but I totally can live without going past it for quite a while. I've worn the same size for what ... at least the last 7 years? And don't plan to change that. But being a small petite with small feet has its challenges: things can sell out quickly, can be found online only, or are just not available a lot of places whether new or used. It creates a "shoot ... better buy while it's available" thing, but everything I do buy is normally on Very Deep Discount, so hey, it could have been a lot worse! Anyway, I'll stop rambling now and silently repeat the mantra, "I will shop my closet ... I will shop my closet ..."
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@Rusted Rose, have you tried looking at teen clothing? They might be your size (although maybe not your style), and where I live, are sometimes tax-free.
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@Rusted Rose, have you tried looking at teen clothing? They might be your size (although maybe not your style), and where I live, are sometimes tax-free.
Thanks @SunnyDays, and oh yes. :) You don't even want to know how long I've been shopping "juniors" departments! (What a weird term that is.) They may be better than they used to be in terms of trends. They used to just be flat-out strange. I admit to a certain amount of trendiness but I blend it with my own indie/creative/gothish/apocalyptic/whatever.
I'm well set for togs though. I was just recognizing one of the psychological reasons behind just buying what I like when I see it in my size -- it usually sells out pretty fast. Going to break that habit for a bit. :)
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I purchased nothing in August, with the exception at the very end for my birthday I bought a couple of dresses. I just wanted to spruce myself up as I was feeling super frumpy from wearing only white t-shirt or tank and jeans for the past few months. I have to say, I felt super guilty doing so even though I made the conscious decision to buy a gift for myself. I guess I'm still paranoid that a little shopping will open the floodgates. So I'm hoping that is not the case and I can maintain my conscious shopping limits going forward - it helps to say that out loud here.
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Still here. Nothing bought this year.
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So far nothing bought here, either.
I'm going to keep it going next year! I've been reorganizing and going through all my stuff, and my goal should really be getting rid of things, not just don't buy more.
Same here. However, two pair of (office) shoes have now disintegrated. If I cannot fix them, I may need to replace them at some stage. I will try to postpone this to 2021, though.
Oh shoot, I forgot about shoes. I need new sneakers. Mentally I'm counting this as medical expenses, since I've been having some pain and may need orthopedics.
Everything else on my body can be secondhand garbage, but I gotta protect the feet!
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Still going strong here. Only 19 more days to go. I will have to buy some basics then, but other than that I'm planning to make it untill the end of the year.
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Another month, no clothes purchased for myself (DH picked up a couple of items from an op shop and some regular work gloves).
I manage to get my failing shoes fixed, but in one case I had to have it done by a proper shoemaker, so it did cost me. They should now last at least abother season.
But no new shoes
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Still here, nothing bought this year.
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Same, still no clothing purchases this year.
The “shoe goo” fix on the fabric of my hiking boots didn’t hold through a hiking vacation last month. I might goo them again, since it does hold for a little while. They are still wearable, but it means I’ll probably purchase boots next year. Or go back to my previous pair, I guess. Pretty disappointed in the Hoka brand, though.
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I didn’t buy anything in September 🙌🏽
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I've made it! It's been a year. I will have to say that Covid definitely made it easier.
I will buy 2 basic tops this month, as two are worn out. I also know that one of my birthday gifts will be comfy pyjama's (I've handpicked them myself) and I will buy new slippers this month.
After that I'll try to not buy anything untill 2021, and try to switch to second-hand clothing after that.
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I didn't buy anything in October yay
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Still no clothes purchases this year.
I finally “darned” my sports socks tonight (I don’t think I officially darned, just stitched). We’ll see how long they hold up.
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Still here, nothing bought this year.
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Still here as well!
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Nothing bought in October or November.
And as I will be out in sticks camping for the next 2 weeks, I feel confident that I will keep it up till the end of the year.
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Welp, I'm out. My warm pajamas finally gave up the ghost, and they were on sale so I replaced them. Nothing else planned for the foreseeable future.
Good luck everyone!
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Welp, I'm out. My warm pajamas finally gave up the ghost, and they were on sale so I replaced them. Nothing else planned for the foreseeable future.
Good luck everyone!
Thanks! I would say that was well thought about.
So I bought two pairs of shoes, so I'm kinda 'out' but want to keep going with no 'clothes'..
One pair of ankle boots that are very comfortable but also nice enough for work and go with everything (€1). One pair of low shiny oxford like shoes with a rubber sole, so also comfortable, perfect for spring/summer for work (€ 7.50).
Last weekend my two pairs of good walking/trekking shoes (I had one pair low, one pair high) broke down ON THE SAME DAY. I put on one pair at home and the sole came loose. I put on the other pair, was walking outside and those soles came loose as well! Luckily I had some hair ties I put around the shoes so I could finish the walk. I thought this could be fixed by glueing the soles back but I did some research online and found out it's the layer in between the soles that deteriorates and can't be fixed as the cushioning is also gone, not only the glue (hydrolysis - https://blog.hanwag.de/nl/hydrolyse-der-zwischensohle/).
I already thought, I can wait to buy shoes next year. That way I can also think about what kind of shoes I want.
I went to a second hand shop nearby for a different reason, to bring clothes I no longer wear, not to buy shoes. But then I noticed some hiking boots and before I know I was trying them on but they didn't fit. While I was sitting there I noticed the ankle boots and they were discounted to € 1, tried them on and they fit like a glove. I was walking around the shop for a few rounds thinking and questioning if I should buy them, the shop owner must've thought I was crazy to think about a 1€ purchase like this. ;) Then I decided that it would be crazy to not buy them.. And then I noticed the other shoes and of course they fit too. I've tried these kind of shoes in the past but the fit was never good.
So... walking boots out, other shoes in. In no way a replacement. ;)
I had to check my 'rules' on this forum for myself but it did say no shoes so I didn't stick to my own rules. I still want to finish the whole year without buying actual clothes. If I do I will still consider this a win (but will tell people I bought shoes ;))
I noticed my exception was underwear but i didn't have to buy that fortunately.
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Thanks to 2020 I unintentionally have not purchased any clothing items this year.
I have been working from home or out in the field since the office is off limits so minimal wear and tear since most days I wear my PJ’s or shorts.
The only thing I could really use is a new pair of shoes, they are very worn out and hurt my feet but now that winter is here I will be wearing my boots so I should be good until next summer.
Really brings to life the additional cost of wardrobe for work as discussed in your money or your life.
Thanks for letting me join even if it was unintentional :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Nothing new purchased, but I did get a Snuggie off of Buy Nothing.
So far nothing bought here, either.
I'm going to keep it going next year! I've been reorganizing and going through all my stuff, and my goal should really be getting rid of things, not just don't buy more.
Same here. However, two pair of (office) shoes have now disintegrated. If I cannot fix them, I may need to replace them at some stage. I will try to postpone this to 2021, though.
Oh shoot, I forgot about shoes. I need new sneakers. Mentally I'm counting this as medical expenses, since I've been having some pain and may need orthopedics.
Everything else on my body can be secondhand garbage, but I gotta protect the feet!
^^ Never was able to get my feet tested, so I still don't know what shoes I need, so I still haven't bought anything. Sneakers aren't helpful in winter here, anyway. My hiking boots are fine.
I have gotten rid of a lot of clothes! I still have a small pile that I'll try to sell instead of donate.
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I was participating in this challenge without the knowledge it even existed! CV19 has made it easier to not buy new work clothes.
Will likely have to buy new clothing next year when I finally decide to dip my toes into the dating market.
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Thus far I bought NO clothing this year.
I almost bought a belt but didn't because I already have dozens.
2021 draws nigh.
By then I am sure I won't buy any clothing so I hereby declare that I bought no clothing in 2020.
HOORAY for me!
How about you?
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Congrats everyone who made it this far!
Besides the shoes, still no clothes purchased.
thinking about doing project 333 next year, to keep me from buying non essential (for me) items, but not sure yet (not counting outer wear/shoes/bags/jewelry as I want to use what I have, I already narrowed that down anyway). Has anyone read that book about capsule wardrobes?
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thinking about doing project 333 next year, to keep me from buying non essential (for me) items, but not sure yet (not counting outer wear/shoes/bags/jewelry as I want to use what I have, I already narrowed that down anyway). Has anyone read that book about capsule wardrobes?
I followed the 333 website with interest during the early days. Instead of packing up everything but 33 items, I chose instead to divide my existing wardrobe into 4 season boxes ending up with 45-50 items in each. I packed away all but the season already in progress and spent a year trying to use only the items designated for each season during that season. As I discovered and discarded clothes I didn’t really like, I found myself getting close to the intended 33. By year two as favorite clothes began to wear out, I ‘borrowed’ favorite clothes across seasons and when I did purchase new clothes I was able to do so with intention. My wardrobe is now curated enough that I only have two boxes: warm vs cold season and that’s working really well for me now.
That sounds like a great approach. I have so many lovely things that don't fit me comfortably anymore and I am loath to part with them.
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thinking about doing project 333 next year, to keep me from buying non essential (for me) items, but not sure yet (not counting outer wear/shoes/bags/jewelry as I want to use what I have, I already narrowed that down anyway). Has anyone read that book about capsule wardrobes?
I followed the 333 website with interest during the early days. Instead of packing up everything but 33 items, I chose instead to divide my existing wardrobe into 4 season boxes ending up with 45-50 items in each. I packed away all but the season already in progress and spent a year trying to use only the items designated for each season during that season. As I discovered and discarded clothes I didn’t really like, I found myself getting close to the intended 33. By year two as favorite clothes began to wear out, I ‘borrowed’ favorite clothes across seasons and when I did purchase new clothes I was able to do so with intention. My wardrobe is now curated enough that I only have two boxes: warm vs cold season and that’s working really well for me now.
That sounds like a great approach. I have so many lovely things that don't fit me comfortably anymore and I am loath to part with them.
I found it much easier to let go of lovely-things-that-didn’t-fit-me-quite-right when they were part of my limited seasonal options. Before creating seasonal boxes I could ignore them, but when I touched them every day while looking for something to wear, I couldn’t. And when I finally put them on to try and use them, (or worse yet, spent a day tugging at them while wearing them out of the house) it became super clear it was time to let them go.
The only drawback to this plan is that my DD is quickly growing into my clothing. She now fits all my prekids clothing. She is two inches taller than me but still has skinny woman arms!
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I lasted this far, and expect to make it to January 1 - and beyond. I may need to get a new pair of house slippers sometime during 2021 - the old ones got more use than normal in 2020 because of working from home, and are getting quite shabby.
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ok, calling it a successful "no clothes buying" year.
Wasn't too difficult due to a lot of WFH.
We are in Tier4 lockdown category now, so no temptation for any shopping now, really (shops are closed for non-essentials).
I must admit having an eye out for some cute flannel pyjamas, but I will hold out till Jan on this.
So, done for this year, books pretty much closed.
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I wasn't so successful in November. I bought a few things that I wanted, especially during Black Friday. I'm trying to get back to no clothes etc shopping once again and will make the same commitment for 2021. While I do end up buying a few things here in there some months, I am still proud of myself for managing to not buy anything most months, which is a massive improvement from my previous spending habits. I don't want to fall too far off the wagon, so I want to stick to this more minimal shopping habit going forward.
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thinking about doing project 333 next year, to keep me from buying non essential (for me) items, but not sure yet (not counting outer wear/shoes/bags/jewelry as I want to use what I have, I already narrowed that down anyway). Has anyone read that book about capsule wardrobes?
I followed the 333 website with interest during the early days. Instead of packing up everything but 33 items, I chose instead to divide my existing wardrobe into 4 season boxes ending up with 45-50 items in each. I packed away all but the season already in progress and spent a year trying to use only the items designated for each season during that season. As I discovered and discarded clothes I didn’t really like, I found myself getting close to the intended 33. By year two as favorite clothes began to wear out, I ‘borrowed’ favorite clothes across seasons and when I did purchase new clothes I was able to do so with intention. My wardrobe is now curated enough that I only have two boxes: warm vs cold season and that’s working really well for me now.
That sounds like a great approach. I have so many lovely things that don't fit me comfortably anymore and I am loath to part with them.
I found it much easier to let go of lovely-things-that-didn’t-fit-me-quite-right when they were part of my limited seasonal options. Before creating seasonal boxes I could ignore them, but when I touched them every day while looking for something to wear, I couldn’t. And when I finally put them on to try and use them, (or worse yet, spent a day tugging at them while wearing them out of the house) it became super clear it was time to let them go.
Thanks for the insight and tips!
I kinda did this this year (and last year, but with buying and this year without buying) as well. I switched the clothes in my closet when the weather started to change. Luckily I can use my boyfriends closet as well as he barely has anything in it. So I put things in drawers and let them hang in my bf closet and in my (part of the) closet I only have things that actually work for that weather/season. I got rid of things this way as well as I knew IF I was to wear them I had to wear them that season.
I want to keep doing this. I also want to stop buying too much. 'Problem' is I like browsing charity/thrift shops and secondhand online. I want to keep doing this but only add what I want to wear a lot and need. So maybe a restriction on number of items would be good but I'm not sure yet. Maybe I should try it.
Funny thing is I got to 33 items when I counted them this season (not counting shoes, accessories, bags, basics like camisoles). So it's not thát bad I guess..
And I can only keep a handful of 'just in case' and 'but I like it but never gravitate towards it' items. More has to go. I would like a wardrobe with items where (at least) 80% gets worn A LOT/all the time and only 20% is extra's.
Last days! Going to make it. ;)
Things I actually need:
- Walking/hiking boots
- Summer trousers
- Some good bras (sigh) and some basic camisoles
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Made it! No clothes bought in 2020!
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Made it no clothing purchases for me in 2020.
My fuzzy pants (PJ’s) are about shot since I have been wearing them almost all day, everyday, everywhere since March.
Maybe I will splurge in 2021 and buy a 2nd pair :)
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Made it no clothing purchases for me in 2020.
My fuzzy pants (PJ’s) are about shot since I have been wearing them almost all day, everyday, everywhere since March.
Congrats on the success!
About the PJs: I don't know where you live but where I live, I'd return them for bad quality if the're broken after only 8 months of use, even if constant. Only because we've become used to bad quality do we think it's normal. We have a 2 year guarantee and I have used it before because I think it's good to bring to the companies attention that some people do not put up with planned obsolescence.
Good success for the new year everyone! :)
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Made it no clothing purchases for me in 2020.
My fuzzy pants (PJ’s) are about shot since I have been wearing them almost all day, everyday, everywhere since March.
Congrats on the success!
About the PJs: I don't know where you live but where I live, I'd return them for bad quality if the're broken after only 8 months of use, even if constant. Only because we've become used to bad quality do we think it's normal. We have a 2 year guarantee and I have used it before because I think it's good to bring to the companies attention that some people do not put up with planned obsolescence.
Good success for the new year everyone! :)
I’ve had them for probably 10+ years of normal use so they have done well. This year was probably equal to 100 years of expected normal use for this item and I will be sad when they area dead.
I have been looking for another pair for about 5 years that is as thick and comfortable unfortunately everything we have found is super thin fleece now days.
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oh, I see, yeah, that seems reasonable- hope you'll find a pair you will like as much! :-)
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Congratz everyone who made it this year!
I did buy 2 pairs of shoes (real cheap) but still consider it a win as clothing was my real problem and shoes not so much.
Mindfully into the new year!
I made a budget for myself of 50 euros per month and anything I sell will also be put in the budget. That will give me room to buy things but not too much.
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I almost completed this challenge, but there was an insane offer for winter shoes (-50%) and all my winter shoes had holes in them and were unwearable.
I bought 3 shoes, spending a total of $60 :)