No clothes shopping - February 2017

[Juslookin]

This is the second month of our installment gauntlet. I had decided that for me, trying to set the goal for the whole year was overwhelming.  I am setting up one new gauntlet per month in order to get through the year.  Jump in or out as you see fit.  Maybe some people will go with me for the year.

So my no clothes shopping for me is clothes buying for myself.  I do not count my kids or my husband in this gauntlet.  The issues with clothes buying are my own and not my families issues. (Honestly, if my husband agrees to buy new clothes, I'm thrilled, I think it last happened in 1999 :) You may run your personal no clothes shopping gauntlet the way you see fit.

So who is in for February?  Are you trying for the whole year with me?

28 days left for February (335 days for the year)

[boy_bye]

I failed on this in January but definitely willing to try again in February!

[ketojenn]

Definitely in!  I have no desire to purchase new clothes anytime soon, but impulses when I'm out and about do happen.  My plan is to get through the year with nothing new including running clothes, which is my main problem.

[ZiziPB]

I'm in!  January went well for me, so I do want to continue.

[recklesslysober]

I'm in! I got through January with no clothing purchases, planning to do the same for February!

[Juslookin]

Happy first day of February everybody!  I made it all the way through January and I intend to do it again in February.

Let me share a little bit about myself.  I am too much into clothes. I like to read bloggers who talk about and style clothes.  I used to shop too much for recreation and I have been known to walk into the store and buy every item of clothing that a mannequin is wearing because I liked the way the outfit went together.   I wish I had made different choices with my money. So that's what this year is all about.  Choices and taking back control of what I want to control. I have enough of everything and I have decided to make this year about saving.  So that's what I am doing. 

My plan is to not buy anything for myself this year.  I will make allowances if I receive gift cards as gifts.  I will also make an allowance if something I own is ruined and I do not have another item I could use instead.  For example, I only own one bathing suit, if it should spontaneously combust I will be permitted to buy another.  However, don't really see that coming into play this year.  I don't want to make excuses or justify my purchases.  I just want there to be no purchases. 

So 27 days left in February (332 Days left for the year)

Who is with me?

[FireHiker]

After a successful January, I am in again for February! Like Juslookin, I am only including myself in the ban and not my husband or kids. They really only get clothes out of necessity, and not "want". In January I bought my oldest one package each of socks and underwear (how a teenage boy gets down to 4 pairs of underwear before it's urgent enough to mention it is beyond me). I also bought my youngest 3 pairs of warmer pants in early January because she had a growth spurt and only had one pair that fit. Fortunately everything warmer was on clearance (not that there was much left at that point), and it was well-timed since we had cold and wet weather right after that.

Anyway, I bought no clothes for myself in January. I didn't even look at clothes online, which is big! Removing the temptation really helps. I plan to go the whole year, but for now I'll take it one month at a time at least.

[Kaybee]

I am too much into clothes. I like to read bloggers who talk about and style clothes.  I used to shop too much for recreation and I have been known to walk into the store and buy every item of clothing that a mannequin is wearing because I liked the way the outfit went together.

I'm lucky enough to NOT have an issue with clothing (I LOVE capsule wardrobes!) BUT I wanted to recommend a blog by a woman named Caroline,  un-fancy.com.  She has a minimalist wardrobe but still comes up with incredible styling options.  It's not about constantly being on trend but I've never seen a post and thought "well, THAT just looks ridiculous".

[pachnik]

I'm in for February.   I am going to say that if I wear something out and actually need to replace it, that's okay to buy. 

I'm not much of a shopper and dislike clothes shopping (retail).  I don't mind going to Value Village with my husband when he's going. 

[4alpacas]

I'm in.  I do need to buy two new bras...but they're boring, and I've needed to buy them since November. 

[Poundwise]

I'm in! 

Possible exceptions: May need to get a new pair of sneakers... mine are 9 years old, though my feet don't seem to mind.  As for family, absolutely no new clothes, no matter how adorable, for Baby Poundwise, who still has a lot of unworn clothes.  Except maybe a pair of church shoes.  As long as they have one pair of good pants, boys will have to have patches on their knees, since they started out the fall with new and they are too rough.

[Firefly]

Count me in too! My downfall is Goodwill shopping - LOVE that feeling when you find an almost new cashmere sweater from J.Crew for 6.99 with a 50% off member's discount or 1.99 Gap dress for my little girl! But we truly don't need any clothes. In fact, my closet can use a trimming :). Instead of buys new clothes I am trying to find creative and unexpected ways of combining my existing clothes.

[Juslookin]

I am too much into clothes. I like to read bloggers who talk about and style clothes.  I used to shop too much for recreation and I have been known to walk into the store and buy every item of clothing that a mannequin is wearing because I liked the way the outfit went together.

I'm lucky enough to NOT have an issue with clothing (I LOVE capsule wardrobes!) BUT I wanted to recommend a blog by a woman named Caroline,  un-fancy.com.  She has a minimalist wardrobe but still comes up with incredible styling options.  It's not about constantly being on trend but I've never seen a post and thought "well, THAT just looks ridiculous".

Thanks, I will check her out.  I'm not into trendy, maybe little things, but mostly I go for classic pieces.  a nice cardigan in a classic color will be in style forever.  That's really my sort of mojo.

[dandypandys]

I am in! Frugal Feb leads to Affluent April.

[Kaybee]

I'm not into trendy, maybe little things, but mostly I go for classic pieces.  a nice cardigan in a classic color will be in style forever.  That's really my sort of mojo.

Ahhh!  We likely have very similar style.  I always felt like really trendy things were "wearing me" instead of the other way around so I tend to go with a simpler, more classic silhouette and every so often throw in trendier accessory pieces. I don't know how to emoji this on this type of forum but *thumbs up*!! :)

[amyable]

I didn't buy any clothing in January, and I'm hoping to continue in February.  I'm only 3 months postpartum, and I'm still losing weight, so I know I may have to buy a few pairs of pants in a couple of months, as my body shape has changed.  For now, I'm just wearing side-panel maternity pants--they're my comfy little secret!

[Juslookin]

Hey everybody!   

Sooooo. I am still on the bandwagon, but browsing.  I know what the problem is, it's the nice weather tempting me to shop for spring clothes.  I have been poking around online a little.  I have to try to avoid my weak places. 

I have to be honest, I never even thought I would even get this far, I sort of started this in December on a lark, and then I failed December, and after I couldn't even do a month something possessed me to do it for the year. 

What was I thinking? 

However, now that I have the month of January under my belt, I sort of don't want to give up the progress.  I just try not to think about it shopping. Keep my mind occupied.  The funny side effect is that I have been dressing nicer.  I take a little more time to put things together.  Of course i have more time, I'm not shopping. :)

So how are you doing?  Do you know where your weak spots are?

21 days left in February (328 for the year) 

[Juslookin]

I didn't buy any clothing in January, and I'm hoping to continue in February.  I'm only 3 months postpartum, and I'm still losing weight, so I know I may have to buy a few pairs of pants in a couple of months, as my body shape has changed.  For now, I'm just wearing side-panel maternity pants--they're my comfy little secret!

We won't tell.  What is shared on the no clothes shopping thread, stays on the no clothes shopping thread.  lol

[Juslookin]

I'm not into trendy, maybe little things, but mostly I go for classic pieces.  a nice cardigan in a classic color will be in style forever.  That's really my sort of mojo.

Ahhh!  We likely have very similar style.  I always felt like really trendy things were "wearing me" instead of the other way around so I tend to go with a simpler, more classic silhouette and every so often throw in trendier accessory pieces. I don't know how to emoji this on this type of forum but *thumbs up*!! :)

I checked out Caroline. I like her stuff.  She is pretty much how I dress on every casual day.  Thanks!

[Poundwise]

Argh, my husband forgot his suitcase on the way to a business trip, so ended up buying all-new clothes and toiletries!  In revenge, I am canceling some pants that I was going to give him at Christmas but got back-ordered to February. He'll never miss them.

[ZiziPB]

Hey everybody!   

Sooooo. I am still on the bandwagon, but browsing.  I know what the problem is, it's the nice weather tempting me to shop for spring clothes.  I have been poking around online a little.  I have to try to avoid my weak places. 

I have to be honest, I never even thought I would even get this far, I sort of started this in December on a lark, and then I failed December, and after I couldn't even do a month something possessed me to do it for the year. 

What was I thinking? 

However, now that I have the month of January under my belt, I sort of don't want to give up the progress.  I just try not to think about it shopping. Keep my mind occupied.  The funny side effect is that I have been dressing nicer.  I take a little more time to put things together.  Of course i have more time, I'm not shopping. :)

So how are you doing?  Do you know where your weak spots are?

21 days left in February (328 for the year)

Yeah, the change in the weather is tough - I always feel like I have nothing to wear during the odd, in-between weeks.  Do you switch your closets with the seasons?  Would it help to pull some spring/summer clothes out of storage early, instead of browsing the stores?

I'm holding firm but I am religious about no browsing - catalogs go into recycling without being opened, I get no e-mails from any shopping sites (caught one or two stragglers recently and immediately unsubscribed without even looking) and I use an ad blocker while reading things on the internet.  Basically, remove all temptation!

You may find this blog interesting: http://recoveringshopaholic.com/

[CloserToFree]

I'm in!

[I'm a red panda]

I failed February. I bought another pair of leggings.  (So 2 purchased in February, and I now own 3 pairs of leggings.)
At 8 months pregnant, paneled maternity jeans just were not comfortable anymore. I now live in leggings.

Unlike jeans you can tell if I wear the same pants everyday, because they have patterns on them, so I need more than 1 pair...  (I got through the past 8 months with 2 pairs of jeans, though I really didn't like one of them, and just wore the other pair 90% of the time.)

[flamingo25]

I didn't buy any clothing in January, and I'm hoping to continue in February.  I'm only 3 months postpartum, and I'm still losing weight, so I know I may have to buy a few pairs of pants in a couple of months, as my body shape has changed.  For now, I'm just wearing side-panel maternity pants--they're my comfy little secret!

We won't tell.  What is shared on the no clothes shopping thread, stays on the no clothes shopping thread.  lol

I loved those pants. I kind of wished I'd kept mine just because they were so comfy!

A bit late but I'm in for February! I did January too and am hoping to do the whole year. I'm including myself and my 1-year-old son (who gets loads of hand-me-downs and should be fine). I can't control my husband but he rarely buys clothes so he may unintentionally join too.

I just got a bag of clothes from my Buy Nothing group which helped me have fun with "new" items. I'm also going to a clothing swap next month and am hoping that can help mix things up without buying anything.

[ZiziPB]

How is everyone doing?

I am fine and not really tempted to go shopping.  If anything, I want to go through my closet and get rid of a things I don't wear.  I have a lot of items I bought on a whim and wore a few times, but now they are just lingering in my closet.  Will try to do another purge this weekend and bring some things to consignment.

[4alpacas]

How is everyone doing?

I did end up buying a new bra, which I needed.  Other than that, I've been good.  I don't need anything else, so it hasn't been too difficult.

[Poundwise]

How is everyone doing?

Not so great. :~(

I bought two t-shirts for a fundraiser. One for me, one for a kid.  Not much to say except we'll wear them though we didn't need them.

[recklesslysober]

I think I'm finally going to bite the bullet and get new winter outerwear during the end-of-season sales. I donated my old winter jacket before we moved almost two years ago and have been getting by with layers.. but this year was unusually cold and there were a few times I found myself wishing I had a proper coat. I plan on getting a snowboard coat and pants so I can also get back into that next winter. I keep putting the purchase off and then regretting it during the season when everything is full price. Then I still don't buy anything during the sales and the whole cycle repeats itself. I'll probably count this purchase as sports equipment though rather than clothing since it will be mostly used for that.

[marielle]

I'm in for the whole year! Hopefully! This winter I had to stock up on some stuff because I literally didn't even have a hoodie, so I should be set for the rest of the year into next winter. I have yet to buy clothes in 2017. I don't have a very good wardrobe but I think it will last. Mostly participation t-shirts and such, hardly any fancy/business casual clothes but I shouldn't need any.

Underwear will be difficult though...

[Juslookin]

Hey everybody, we are almost through February!

I have been busy, replacing shopping with school work. It is saving me big bucks. I have not bought One. Single. Thing. 

I really didn't think I would make it through January, much less the year, but every day I get closer to going the year. Since I've made it this far I don't want to give up. 

When I first started this challenge somebody said that my goal of one month of no clothes buying was too easy and it wasn't worthy of a gauntlet. That's not true though. Every single person reading this right now has their own struggles. I read things on these boards every day that would be easy for me, but that doesn't mean that the person facing that struggle isn't working really hard. 

"Accepting oneself does not preclude an attempt to become better." -Flannery O'Connor

8 days left in February (314 days in the year)

[dandypandys]

I'm managing! I have not bought in Jan, or Feb. :) I've not really been tempted much at all either, so feel I can easily-ish do a March one.

[I'm a red panda]

Although I failed this one with a small purchase (but oh so worth it and quite honestly needed) for myself, I had a bit of a win yesterday.  Had a good amount of baby clothes in an online shopping cart for a great president's day sale. Realized if I am just patient I can probably get these things at a garage sale in a few months, closed the website and walked away from it.

[Juslookin]

Although I failed this one with a small purchase (but oh so worth it and quite honestly needed) for myself, I had a bit of a win yesterday.  Had a good amount of baby clothes in an online shopping cart for a great president's day sale. Realized if I am just patient I can probably get these things at a garage sale in a few months, closed the website and walked away from it.

Congratulations! And yes, I used to clothe my children in used clothes a lot. They practically give them away!

[alleykat]

I have not purchased clothing at all this month, nor in January.  The funny part is I wasn't even expecting to join this challenge because I do want to round out my wardrobe a bit, but this extra 20 lbs is helping me even stay out of stores. I refuse to buy until I lose.  However, I also just decided that if I am going to lose it has to be now otherwise, I will have to go shopping. Getting dressed is tough because most things don't fit and I am getting tired of it in the morning.  So, it is now do or move on. :)

[JohannaP]

I am in.  Didn't buy any clothes in January, will try to make it the full 12mo. -->Made it to March.  I am getting antsy about a new pair of black flats but I think I can hold out until April at least...

[amyable]

I didn't buy any clothing in January, and I'm hoping to continue in February.  I'm only 3 months postpartum, and I'm still losing weight, so I know I may have to buy a few pairs of pants in a couple of months, as my body shape has changed.  For now, I'm just wearing side-panel maternity pants--they're my comfy little secret!

I ended up buying a jacket, and then regretting and returning it!  So, I'm counting it as a win.  I really, really want clothing right now.  I'm 4 months postpartum and have lost 60 pounds since having my baby.  I only have 12 left to go!  My old pants are buttoning now, but they definitely don't fit well.

[alleykat]

Alright, finishing the month with no clothes purchased.  Awesome.

[ZiziPB]

I have done fine in February and thinking about March already.  I have travel plans and a function to attend towards the end of March (my parents' 50th wedding anniversary) - I don't think I need anything new for the travels but so far I haven't decided what I'm going to wear to the function.  I own one dress that doesn't fit me terribly well at the moment.  And in talking to my mom, she's planning to wear a similar dress to the function anyway, so I don't want us to look like twins.  Over the last few years I have gained weight (perimenopause) and transitioned to much more casual wardrobe, so my choices of dressy clothes are very limited.  Any ideas or suggestions?

[ketojenn]

Welp, I wound up buying a $5 pair of sweats Friday.  When I'm not wearing running clothes, I'm wearing my one and only pair of sweat pants because comfort matters more than fashion right now.  Unfortunately my old ones were starting to look a little too gross to wear in public, so I caved and got a new, stain-free pair. lol

[frugalkristen]

Made it through the month without buying any clothes.  In January, I bought some jeans and a denim shirt at Plato's Closet (my only jeans ripped).  I do need knee highs for work but other than that don't see me buying any clothes in the near future.

[LittleWanderer]

I (semi) failed.  I bought one bra this month, but it was needed, so I'm okay with that purchase.

Total clothing bought this year:
- One t-shirt (not necessary)
- One bra (necessary)

[FireHiker]

I think I'm going to make it for February! I was very tempted by a Stitch Fix "no styling fee" offer this month (my few, favorite items of clothing are from Stitch Fix), but I managed to not succumb to temptation so I'm feeling very empowered. I did buy my teenager new shoes over this past weekend, but he only had one pair of shoes (aside from football and rugby cleats, and dress shoes), and they were literally falling apart. I am counting it as a win, since my goal was to buy nothing for myself, and nothing for anyone else that wasn't a "need". Teenage boy has to have one pair of shoes for every day wear/running. We did shop around online after going to one store and found the same shoes he wanted for $25 cheaper elsewhere on sale, so even better.

I am going to stick with it for March. My only allowable purchases for myself this year are: a second pair of jeans if I get down to one (I wear jeans to work every single day, currently have 3 pairs that fit and aren't too ragged to wear to work), and a minimum amount of clothing in the next size down if I lose weight, after trying everything in my closet. I have a lot of clothing two sizes down...sigh. Pretty sure I am still safe to commit to March.

[CloserToFree]

Resist the Stitch Fix!  You can do it! ;-)

I am on fire and feeling great about it.  Haven't bought a damn thing since I started my clothes ban in November.  It's amazing how the longer I go without buying stuff, the easier it is to keep it up. It helps that I get occasional hand me downs from my sister, but even without those I think I'd feel OK about my existing wardrobe.

One thing that's helped me is channeling my energy toward eating healthier and working out more -- rationale being that if I get myself back into top shape, I'll look amazing in anything, even old ratty clothes.  My progress has been slow but it's helped motivate me to stay away from shopping.  Hope everyone else is holding strong! 

[pbkmaine]

I have done fine in February and thinking about March already.  I have travel plans and a function to attend towards the end of March (my parents' 50th wedding anniversary) - I don't think I need anything new for the travels but so far I haven't decided what I'm going to wear to the function.  I own one dress that doesn't fit me terribly well at the moment.  And in talking to my mom, she's planning to wear a similar dress to the function anyway, so I don't want us to look like twins.  Over the last few years I have gained weight (perimenopause) and transitioned to much more casual wardrobe, so my choices of dressy clothes are very limited.  Any ideas or suggestions?

Yes. A fancy black skirt, full length or midi, and a silk jacket in your favorite color, with a silk shell underneath.

[FireHiker]

Resist the Stitch Fix!  You can do it! ;-)

I am on fire and feeling great about it.  Haven't bought a damn thing since I started my clothes ban in November.  It's amazing how the longer I go without buying stuff, the easier it is to keep it up. It helps that I get occasional hand me downs from my sister, but even without those I think I'd feel OK about my existing wardrobe.

One thing that's helped me is channeling my energy toward eating healthier and working out more -- rationale being that if I get myself back into top shape, I'll look amazing in anything, even old ratty clothes.  My progress has been slow but it's helped motivate me to stay away from shopping.  Hope everyone else is holding strong!

I did, I resisted! :) I think if I were at my goal weight/size then it would have been harder to resist, but maybe not since I have a closet full of nice clothes I could wear then. We are working on eating healthier and working out more in my home too.

I looked back through last year's spending, and I haven't bought anything for myself since October, when I bought a new pair of jeans and a pair of shoes (that I wear ALL the time). So, that means this is 4 months of success so far!

[ZiziPB]

I have done fine in February and thinking about March already.  I have travel plans and a function to attend towards the end of March (my parents' 50th wedding anniversary) - I don't think I need anything new for the travels but so far I haven't decided what I'm going to wear to the function.  I own one dress that doesn't fit me terribly well at the moment.  And in talking to my mom, she's planning to wear a similar dress to the function anyway, so I don't want us to look like twins.  Over the last few years I have gained weight (perimenopause) and transitioned to much more casual wardrobe, so my choices of dressy clothes are very limited.  Any ideas or suggestions?

Yes. A fancy black skirt, full length or midi, and a silk jacket in your favorite color, with a silk shell underneath.

Oh, I like that suggestion and I agree that it would look nice, but I would have to buy each one of these items.  I literally do not have any fancy or dressy clothes at the moment.  I mostly wear pants to work.  I own one black skirt and one navy skirt - both very utilitarian.  I have a few blazers I wear for work but no dressy jackets.  I have a few shells that I wear mostly with sweaters or said blazers, but they are all too casual for the occasion.

I decided to order a couple of dresses from Talbots to try out.  But I'm going to check out their dressy skirt and jacket selection as well as I like your outfit idea very much. 

[Juslookin]

So I have done a closet inventory to figure out what I have and what I can put together.  I am looking at some capsule wardrobe ideas, mostly to get me out of the house faster.  I know that I will probably need new white sneakers coming up soon and a new white t-shirt.  I am looking to not buy anything all year so I am thinking about this carefully. I have gift cards that I have been saving exactly for something like this.  I may not count this shopping against myself and allow the purchases only because A. I have consciously decided what I "need" and I am not just aimlessly shopping and B. Because the gift cards were Christmas gifts.  So for now I will just let this sit with my moral conscience as we move on to March.  No shopping to date. New gauntlet posted!