Home » My Year Without Shopping – January 2017. The Reasons, The Method, and The Rules
January 3, 2017
Yes, it’s true, and it’s long overdue; I’m taking a year off from shopping! I’ve begun to feel just a bit too much like this:
Untitled (I Shop Therefore I Am)
by Barbara Kruger
(By shopping, I’m including clothes, jewelry, and all accessories.) It’s become apparent that I have a lot more clothes than I need, especially when considering my current life. It’s not uncommon for me to spend at least 2 days a week in gym clothes – I’ll wake up and put them on immediately, but then won’t actually GET to the gym until mid- to late-afternoon. By the time I’ve finished working out and cooling down, (at least in the winter) it’s time for me to shower and put on my pajamas! I could get dressed, but sometimes it’s after 6 p.m., and if I’m not leaving the apartment, it just seems silly…
My closets are more than full…
It’s a really opportune time to build up a robust and very liquid emergency fund…
I want to do some more traveling…
and I already have a trip planned for NEXT WEEK (Ireland!!)…
So I need to rein in some spending, and clothing seems a logical place to start!
What’s my plan?
I’m going to start each month with a core of building block garments that I will use as my base: (these are pretty good approximations of what I own; I’ve tried to link to the item that I would purchase if I were in need of a replacement)
shirt – Lands’ End; v-neck sweater – Uniqlo; white tee – L.L.Bean;
Chambray shirt – J. Crew; hooded sweater – L.L.Bean;
Sweater – Halogen; cardigan – L.L.Bean; black tee – L.L.Bean;
Cords – NYDJ; skirted leggings – Eileen Fisher;
jeans – NYDJ; trousers – Eddie Bauer
And then I will target a handful of clothes that I want to try to wear frequently during the month in question. This month’s selections were made with my upcoming visit to Dublin in mind:
Sweater – L.L.Bean; striped tee – Muji;Dotted turtleneck – Muji;
dress – Lands’ End; floral turtleneck – Lands’ End
My dress is from J.Jill, and is years old, but I’m definitely packing it, in case a lovely dinner throws itself at us… And it appears that both my floral turtleneck and dotted turtleneck are sold out… sigh…
Just for illustrative purposes, and to jog my mind some mornings this month, I’ve pictured some ways that these pieces can be worn together, along with some of my accessories. I’ve linked to the accessories whenever I can find them, or something very similar:
earrings – Majorica; bracelet – Majorica; boots – Munro; earrings – Alexis Bittar; loafers – Trotters; necklace – Wayan Asmana; boots – Born; earrings – Pichaya
earrings – Majorica; boots – Munro; necklace – Majorica; earrings – Robert Lee Morris; loafers – Trotters; scarf – Julie Egli; earrings – Latelita London; boots – Born; scarf – street vendor
earrings – Majorica; boots – Born; scarf – Collections Imperiales; earrings – Robert Lee Morris; boots – Munro; scarf – Julie Egli;
earrings – Lord & Taylor; scarf – Les Clefs; loafers – Trotters
earrings – Lord & Taylor; loafers – Trotters; scarf – Entente Cordiale;
earrings – Majorica; bracelet – Majorica; scarf – Parures des Majarajas;
flats – Bottega Veneta; scarf – Nordstrom; necklace – Wayan Asmana
earrings – Majorica; loafers – Trotters; socks – J.Crew; brooch – vintage; earrings – Majorica; boots – Munro; boots – Born; earrings – Robert Lee Morris
I’ve got four potential areas where I’m giving myself permission to cheat:
- I get to spend gift cards that I receive,
- I can replace anything honesty and legitimately essential that falls to pieces – running shoes are going to fall under this category,
- Tee shirts and other garments that come from 5K’s or half-marathons don’t qualify as clothing purchased; in many cases, if I could talk them out of giving me the tee shirt, I’d be happier! and
- If I’m invited to anything truly over-the-top formal, I get to buy something. I’m more likely to win a Nobel Prize than I am to be invited to something excessively dressy, but I reserve the right to go hog-wild if such a thing would happen!
I’m sure that some people have done this just by accident, and that others have undertaken the project deliberately; have you? How did it work out for you?
love,
Janice
p.s. I was really undecided about this until just a couple of days ago, when I received an email ad asking if I was “pouting because I didn’t receive that designer bag that I really wanted for Christmas?” I was appalled…
p.p.s. Read about how I used the above guidelines while I packed for my trip to Ireland.
More from my 2017 Year Without Shopping Series:
- My Year Without Shopping – January 2017. The Reasons, The Method, and The Rules
- My Year Without Shopping – February 2017
- My Year Without Shopping – March 2017; What do you buy when you aren’t shopping for “clothes”?
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Comments
Bibliophile saysI was going through my fabrics yesterday (potential clothes!) when I realised I have so many beautiful supplies to work with this year and after reading your post that I could go at least the next 6 months without buying any more fabrics or clothes either. It's time for me too I think. Love your rules. I'm in! You've inspired me. Looking forward to seeing how things develop.
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- Taste of France says
I went through 2016 without buying anything and lived just fine. I got vicarious pleasure shopping with my kid, who has a habit of growing out of things. I see no reason to buy in 2017 unless something wears out/is ruined. In fact, I plan to revive some "tired black" clothing with a jolt of black dye. They are in fine shape aside from the washed-out color.
BTW, if I were to win a Nobel Prize, I would rent an outfit rather than buy one. If the occasion is that exceptional, it would be a better way to go all-out and not end up with an expensive outfit that wouldn't be worn again.Reply
- Anonymous says
Yay! Everyone has different lifestyles. I did a lifestyle analysis and found that most of my wear is retired casual with heaps of medical appointments, some funerals and rarely a Nobel Prize presentation. But I kept wanting dressier clothes. Analysing your lifestyle is a great sanity check. I have zillions of colours in my wardrobe but not many neutrals so I have given myself permission to buy neutrals. This has so co-ordinated my clothes. I am a bit naughty every now and again but I have certainly reduced my spending. Understanding yourself and planning can make such a difference. Thanks Carol S
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- Cornelia says
I am so glad that you are doing this again, and I will be onboard. I have some trips coming up this year, including one to Europe. But my main reason is that I should have more than enough nice work clothes already, to get me through the year and beyond.
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- Anonymous says
Reading your post has galvanized my New Years resolution to not buy any ready to wear clothes this year. I started sewing 2 years ago and am determined to sew rather than buy clothes. This will improve my sewing techniques and save $. I read your posts first thing in the morning – a lovely way to start the day and give me an idea of what to wear. Have a wonderful time in Ireland – it's my favourite place to visit. Slante agus beannacht!
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- Helen says
I'm doing the same thing; came to the conclusion that I really don't need anything. Buying clothes for the wrong reasons always results in me buying the wrong clothes. I also am beginning to feel incredibly guilty about all of the resources I'm wasting. Year off from the madness!
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- Shrebee says
Janice,
I had arrived at this same conclusion last month. My closet is quite full, as well as quite large, so enough already ! I do crave color variety in tops and toppers , along with some pattern , but that is also covered . My only caveat in this plan is that I am hoping to get rid of some big time body weight, so some smaller size purchases might become a necessity , I hope ! And then as I undergrow what I have , reduce my color choices. 2017 should be a year of reductions all around for me, as we are planning to move to smaller spaces in a year or two and so the process of shedding the excesses has already begun. Here's to acquiring — space in my closet and my house !Reply
- lillibridges says
Good luck. My story is similar!
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- Anonymous says
Shrebee and lillbridges,
I am dealing with an impact on my wardrobe caused by the loss of weight in a relatively short period of time. I blew through two sizes and am headed for one more size down within 8 months. (No, this is not usual for me and yes, it is for health reasons. I did not and still do not have a "target weight." I just want to be as healthy as possible.")
See AlsoHow to Make Money While Travelling - Mapping MeganSave money and make your own dishwashers pods out of common household ingredients!Upcycling on the homestead - be green, and save money!42 Zero Waste Habits for Living Green That Will Save You MoneyBecause I am work in a public position in government, I cannot be too casual. I have to buy reasonable good quality clothes and the clothes must fit. Even though I restricted myself to the most basic pieces and my clothes are neutrals (black, gray, white and some navy with a little dark denim for casual) I bought the same pieces in 2 different sizes. Now, it appears that I am teeing up for one more size down or major alterations of my current wardrobe. And yes, most of my shoes fit too loosely. It has been a bit of a budget buster to say the least.
I would recommend that, during a weight loss program, you might want to be careful about your purchases in terms of numbers of pieces, expense and maybe how the pieces are designed to take into consideration the possibility of alterations. I don't know that I could have managed my wardrobe much differently during this time, but there were three or four pieces I could have done without.
I hope your diet program (I am thinking "diet" in terms of "way of eating in the long-term") is very success. Health is so important. Best wishes.
Susan in WA
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- Shrebee says
Susan,
Thank you for your kind wishes ! Although I am retired, my husband likes to travel quite a bit to very nice places that usually require a travel wardrobe of business casual or " country club casual" as the travel industry purveyors advise, so I need to find some quality looking pieces as this weight loss process hopefully continues. I don't want to look " baggy" in ill fitting clothes, but neither do I want to buy too many clothes that will have a limited wearing time due to changing sizes. Unlike you, I tend to be as slow as a turtle when it comes to weight loss, but progress is progress, no matter how slow !Reply
- Memee says
Bravo! I came to the same no-buying conclusion last week. Because of your excellent blog posts, I have happily organized and built up my core neutrals and accent pieces and learned how to coordinate them. Thank you! Have a grand trip. I hope we get to follow along on Instagram.
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- Margie from Toronto says
I to came to this same decision when I organized my Fall/Winter clothes a couple of months ago – I was shocked to discover that I owned about 30 cardigans and V-neck sweaters (about half of them in cashmere)! Since I won't be going back to work before the summer my clothing needs are very casual and I have determined not to buy anything for at least the next 6 months. I also need to lose more weight (for health reasons) so this is also a reason not to purchase anything new.
My only possible exceptions are a couple of new bras (I have to buy rather expensive European brands) and I do need a new Spring jacket that will be waterproof (my 6 year old LL Bean has given up the ghost).
I'm OK for funerals, small weddings and a nice dinner or two out – if I get invited to a more formal event (which is highly unlikely) then I would look at renting an outfit as has been suggested – but I would need to purchase new shoes.
I'd already set aside a page in my 2017 Planner to track any clothing purchases so it will be interesting to read about how we all do.
And when I feel myself weakening I'll go back through old posts here to ensure that I really plan things out in a more balanced way when contemplating future purchases. Good luck everyone.Reply
- Kristien62 says
I feel that I have come full circle with you. Yours was the first blog I ever read in 2012 as I was searching for help in packing for my first trip abroad-TO IRELAND! Best wishes for a wonderful trip to a land that I love.
I do understand your desire to stop shopping. I received a few gift cards for Christmas and would ordinarily have run right out and bought indiscriminately. Probably would have ended up with things I didn't love or need. So far, I have used one for a pair of much needed black pants from Chico's and long exercise pants and a top for the gym. I have spent the year reworking my wardrobe, weeding out things I don't love and adding items I truly enjoy. Except for a pair of comfortable pumps, I really don't need anything. That never stopped me before. But going through my wardrobe over and over, and giving away bags of unwanted items was a learning experience. Good luck with your experiment. And give Ireland a hug for me.
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- Loryn says
I may consider this, too. I've used your methods to severely limit my color palette and build a core wardrobe over the past couple years. I find myself in the odd position of loving my clothes! So thank you, Janice! Repairing and maintaining what I have would be avoid focus for 2017.
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- Sandy says
I LOVE the no shopping plan for 2017. Unfortunately, I won't be taking part, I'm working on building up some wonderful timeless items and think that 2018 I will be able to do partake in a no shopping year. This year, I will be one of the lucky women following your links to get a great item and help support your blog.
I noticed that some of the items in today's post didn't have a link even though they were mentioned in the description under the outfits. Some of them may have been because there isn't something similar and your description says it all (Broach – Vintage) the land's end turtle neck doesn't have a link maybe there isn't something like it.
Thanks for all you do!
Sandy
Working on building up my common wardrobe and filling in the "starting from scratch" this year.Reply
- Nancy/n.o.e says
Well, someone's got to click through and buy something so you can keep your lights on, so maybe I will have to take one for the VF team and be the designated shopper! No, seriously, I have thought about a year of no buying, and may adopt a version but I am on the lookout for jeans/cords with a specific fit, and if perfect shoes for my tricky feet come along, I want to be free to pounce. Defining what I actually need is a great beginning. – nancyo
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- Lena says
Nancy – I had a lot of frustration looking for jeans with the fit I was looking for (even when willing to pay for alterations that didn't cost more than the jeans themselves!) I came across a website (link below) that would make jeans to your specifications. They have a fit guarantee so I figured I'd give it a try. I am so glad I did! I love my new custom jeans. Yes, I got the measurements wrong the first time and had to use the guarantee to have another pair made. I wouldn't dream of buying jeans anywhere else now! FYI – cost is $79 and it takes about a month, but so worth it.
makeyourownjeans.com
http://www.makeyourownjeans.com/custom-jeans/custom_jeans_guaranteed?cPath=230_238&Reply
- Nancy/n.o.e says
Thanks, Lena! I will definitely check out the site. I have some old (about to wear out) jeans that fit perfectly, so I might be able to incorporate those measurements. – nancyo
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- Sue says
I went for the whole of 2016 without buying any clothes, shoes or accessories. It was surprisingly easy to do and meant that I got to wear some lovely old favourites throughout the year and mix and match in different ways. It has really highlighted tome that I don't need to buy anywhere near as many clothes as I thought. I am still cutting right back and only replacing things that genuinely wear out as I am currently back to doing P333.
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- laurie says
Since I am just starting to build my capsule wardrobe I will have to sit this one out. But I can't wait to hear about Ireland!! We are looking at planning a 2 week trip to Scotland and Ireland in late September/early October. If you have any must see places off the beaten path I would love to hear about it!!
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- Cheryl K says
Good idea. I think I could go a few months except for shoes. I have noticed some shoes I own just do not fit. Or are simply uncomfortable now. Like the basic black heels – the heel is too high. Did my feet shrink, or did I buy the wrong size in my basic black flats? So I think instead of "no buying" I will critically evaluate my wardrobe, including shoes!, and only buy from a pre-ordained list. And things that wear out. The hard thing for me will be not buying scarves. I buy on the cheap anyway $15, but I have soo many…
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- Jennifer says
I too am planning on a no-shopping year in which I want to analyze and rationalize my wardrobe. My allowed exception: if after Janice-style analysis I can see that an intelligently-chosen, good-quality piece will let me get a lot more use out of the items I already have, I can go ahead and buy it.
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- Cynthia Washburn says
Sometimes I think we shop for the lifestyle we think we have (or would like to have). I noticed over the holidays how few people 'dress up' anymore. Perhaps Lululemon and its clones made us all prefer comfort.
Clothes (except for underwear, socks and runners) rarely wear out. My mother told me that in her day a dress (usually made by a dressmaker) would be worn for a dozen years. After the first six or so she would take it back to have the sleeve altered or a collar changed. I guess that's why closets in old houses are small.
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- Lena says
I have spent the last year or so analyzing my lifestyle and clothing needs (including keeping a "What I Wore Diary" for two months) and have carefully planned for my wardrobe needs. I was aiming for 30-36 pieces of clothing but found that what really works is 24 items! What helped me most was putting images of clothing I already own into Power Point and then using Janice's Starting from Scratch series to "shop". Sometimes I needed to consider a new purchase so I found a suitable placeholder item to represent that purchase and added that image to the Power Point. Then I analyzed capsule by using Janice's method of isolating a common wardrobe and a 4×4 wardrobe. But the real clincher was taking those 24 items and creating outfit combinations. I went crazy trying to come up with every possible combination (without the use of accessories) and the results were overwhelming. For a Fall/Winter capsule there were so many more outfits than days to wear them! So I selected the outfits I loved and created a look book of the 30 best outfits. I can wear a different outfit each day of the month and then repeat the next month. Although the use of accessories will make even the repeat outfits look different :)
The process was time consuming but fun and certainly eye-opening. Now I have a shopping list of 8 very specific items that I will add into my wardrobe as I find them. And because I know what I am looking for and how it will be used, I can budget an appropriate amount of money for that purchase based on cost per wear. For me, that means stepping up to spending more for investment quality clothes for work one piece at a time. Once those 8 pieces are purchased, they will last for years and I'll be in on the year of no shopping adventure with the others who are ahead of me in the capsule wardrobe process. In the meantime, it has been incredibly easy to purge all the unnecessary items from my closet because I have a plan that I know will serve me well and keep me looking stylish. All because of The Vivienne Files :)
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- SimplyFy54 says
Excellent and well-deserved endorsem*nt for Janice and her work! And, your comment is encouraging to me since I have multiple closets of nice quality, gently used clothing that I struggle with purging…but, I know it's silly to keep them all when I could simplify my choices like you did and give my less-used items to someone else who would appreciate them!
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- Renee says
That's how I make myself feel better about getting rid of things that are nice but that I just never wear. "This is too fabulous to just sit in my closet!"
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- Arts Doc says
I did a "buy nothing new" year. It included everything, except consumables: food, medicine, body care. It was enlightening. I don't have time to do much thrifting and did not do much. It was enlightening, refreshing, and smugly self-satisfying! I don't remember saving much money – although I must have – I didn't designate it or put it in a special pot. Still, in such a materialistic culture, it was cleansing and I intend to do something similar this year – haven't quite decided on the parameters.
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- Katrina Blanchalle says
Welcome to the no-shopping club! I have only purchased shoes, undies, and the occasional replacement item for the past 6 years. I had soooo many clothes that even with periodic closet cleanouts and truckloads sent to Goodwill, I still have plenty of variety to mix and match every day.
I think you should be a top contender for the Nobel prize, so be on the lookout for formal wear!
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- Anonymous says
Count me in as well. DH retirement is on the horizon and we have lots of major financial goals in addition. It's the perfect time.
Last year I did a lot of planned wardrobe building and I think I'll be fine this year. I'm going to use your same rules with the addition that if I find have genuine functional gaps I can fill them just to the point of filling that gap.
I may find I need to add a few summer tops because that's where I'm least supplied and what wears out quickly for me, and I'm not going to tolerate unnecessary laundry or laundry crises or wearing something old and droopy or not quite fitting to the occasion or function because I'm taking making-do too far. Otherwise, I'll keep listing my wants and "needs" that aren't true needs and save them to buy next year.
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- Dr. JAM says
I, too, kept track of what I wore to teach in and only bought those few necessary fill-ins. I would have not bought anything this year, but I broke my kneecap at the very end of the semester and now am in a wonderful (not) ankle to crotch brace, which has impacted my clothing style…so I have buy another pair of leggings–will look for EF skirted leggings, which might be more versatile.
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While I do not plan an all out shopping ban I have found retirement is an easy way to reduce ones spending habits. I do need to replace my lingerie this month and have that on my list of things that I absolutely must buy. I rarely go shopping "just to look" and buy something spontaneously anymore…recreational shopping used to be a hobby of mine.
Cannot imagine why someone would send you an email about pouting over not receiving a designer bag…thats just plain rude.
Your upcoming trip to Ireland sounds like fun!
Best wishes for 2017!Reply
- webbygee says
Regarding the email, Janice did say that it was an email ad, so I suppose it's OK to be rude if you're trying to sell something. LOL. Anything goes.
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- Anonymous says
Can I add another caveat? If you're traveling and you see something unique and specific to the place you've traveled to-say, an embroidered djelleba in Morocco, a vintage kimono in Japan, you get the idea! These would be clothing purchases, true, but also personal mementos and souvenirs.
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- Anonymous says
Thank you, I hope to follow your example. I have way to many clothes and SHOES!! which I don't need or wear. I need to pair down to what I really want and this looks like a good way to do it.
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- Marsha Splenderosa says
Yes, absolutely, shop in your own closet. It's just too easy to buy new things! And, of course, it's fun. However, I'm at the point where I buy things that are SO similar to each other that no one but me can tell the difference. Also, I'm out of room. Nothing, nothing, nothing is coming in without something(s) going OUT. Great plan for the New Year, which I already know will be simply splendid. Have fun in Ireland, my daughter wants to go badly so we'll be waiting to hear about your experiences.
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- Birgit Knutsen says
I don't need a thing, either. I'm on board for no shopping in 2017! I'll have to tackle this one day at a time, as I enjoy shopping for fun, relaxation, bonding with my daughter, etc. Bras and underwear will be my exception, but only if I need them. Please update us every month with your core of building block garments! Thank you, Janice!
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- Leah says
Love that dotted turtleneck! Anyone who wants to find turtlenecks similar to the sold out ones you linked to should take a look at their local thrift store. I see great patterned turtlenecks (Land's End, L.L. Bean, Talbots, Coldwater Creek) all the time at my local Goodwills.
Good luck, Janice – should be a fun year! I may have to borrow your "targeted" approach…
Leah from http://www.thriftshopchic.comReply
- LoisB says
I'm in. Last year I lost enough weight to warrant new clothes — and this blog helped me make good choices. I think I have plenty of outfits now– although I'll exempt exercise clothes and shoes as I seem to be hard on those.
Actually, I started this after the election. When I'm stressed I shop. ☺️ So I resolved that when I found myself shopping online, I'd go to one of my favorite causes and donate instead. Win all the way around. I don't donate much, so I'm saving money. And I'm helping good causes! ( And it does solve the shopping itch.)'Course, less stress would also be good….?
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- Anonymous says
Your post is a sign that I am going in the right direction!! Three weeks ago I purged my closet, which was an entire room, I donated, gave away to friends, and discarded worn out items. I felt great and started decluttering my kitchen. There is so much to life than things and one can still be classy with less. I might change my mind later but for now, I feel great with the path I have chosen.
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- Anonymous says
I would like to join in too. I have tried in the past but always fallen off the wagon or turned to spending on other things instead. Lois's action on donating is a great alternative. I'm also using the online program called My Year a without Clothes Shopping. You pay for it but it's well worth it – excellent value and less than I would spend in an average year.
I also like the idea of a monthly check-in here. Would you consider that Janice? So we could see how you and all the volunteers are going, and give each other encouragement?
Robyn in TasmaniaReply
- Ivy Bromius says
Solidarity! Back in the summer of 2015, I realized that I had almost no clothing except for old items that were now too tight, tattered jeans, and a couple of suits. That's when I found this site. In the 18 months since, I've worked to carefully craft a wardrobe that gives me maximum options in a three neutral, two accents palette. At this point, the only things I need are items to replace the ones that have worn out (a white dress shirt that somehow became irretrievably stained on a trip and a couple of t-shirts that I've owned for years and that finally became too worn to wear). Since I don't need anything else, I guess I just won't buy anything else.
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- Madame Là-bas says
I have come to a similar decision as I have a basic grey/navy wardrobe with turquoise/ blue accents. My priority is travel so my expenditures should reflect that. Enjoy your time in Ireland.
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- Shreddie says
Who rudely asked you if you were pouting? I'm sure you have good reasons for embarking on this project, but don't let some tactless person be one of them.
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- Librarian2020 says
I have been on a clothes shopping fast since 9/23/16, and plan to continue through 2017. I am going to adopt your parameters, especially as I shed pounds and shoe sizes, of all things!
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- webbygee says
I just started a month without buying any new clothes last July 1st. I thought it would be hard to go a month, but I made it through the rest of the year. I plan to keep going this year and only buy replacements for worn out clothes. Thanks so much for addressing the 'no buy' idea.
After reading your blog for over two years, I've curated a wardrobe that suits my lifestyle. At first, reading Vivienne Files increased my shopping, but that was only because I had lots of clothes, but not a lot of choices. I still read it regularly, but don't feel the need to buy.
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- Hilde says
I decided quite spontaneously on a clothes shopping fast some day last November when I wanted to take a t-shirt out of my wardrobe and the whole pile tumbled out! Now I want to see what I really love to wear, what I when there is nothing else which is appropriate, and what I really would need. What I learned already is that I save so much time when I don´t go into the shops "to just have a look" or browse the catalogues or look at clothes online. And as I have been keeping a record of what I spend for years, I can always see how much money I already saved.
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- duch*esse says
Good for you! Many of us are in the same closet-boat. I keep a list of what I need and only buy that; being retired sure helps- the workplace supports a certain pressure to "not wear that again". Like Hilde, I track spending but also assess value received for what I spent- and you just can't get value when you buy too much. And second the idea of renting if you need to go to one gala.
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- Mary P. says
I had decided on a Shopping Moratorium before I saw your article. I find I am so much more creative in clothing combos if I use what I already have. I do make exceptions for underwear, if needed, and for unexpected events that go beyond my current clothing – like participating in a wedding. I appreciate the article, and plan to share it far and wide!
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- Anonymous says
I was thinking about something similar for some time since now I have enough… now this is my 4th capsule using starting from scratch procedure so I pretty much covered everything! It was awesome purchasing on sales using your guidelines. I even purchased several items for full price since the procedure revealed the gap. Being so frugal for so many years, I'm considering Cheepskate Moratorium: to purchase only several expensive items – they can be on sales, but their original price must be above what I usually consider as too expensive. That will be the challenge!
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- Anonymous says
Funny that you posted this…I have been contemplating my new year's resolution of a strict clothes shopping diet. Also feasible since have finally rearranged house and now have space for sewing machine and quite a few piles of fabric. I have been gradually reconstructing my wardrobe following Vivienne Files for the last year or so, basically by filling in gaps for core items to make everything mix and match better. Your posts have highlighted that I have almost sufficient core pieces but have almost no coordinating earrings/bracelets! So my rules will be: 1. Coordinating earrings/bracelets. 2. Shoes. 3. Underwear and sporting gear where necessary. 4. Haberdashery to turn fabric into outfit! 5. Cull unnecessary items. Thanks, it will be easier to do in e-company :)
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- Anonymous says
I can add one more item to your list of permissions to cheat, if you manage to ruin a piece of clothing (stain, rip, etc.). Something that really makes an item unwearable. This is coming from the person who managed to stain a few tops in Paris. (So glad 5aSec laundry was nearby) –photographerfriend_d
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- Renee says
Perfect timing! I couldn't bear the news coverage surrounding the election and its aftermath and turned to style blogs for my entertainment instead, and I ended up shopping accordingly. I am set. I need nothing. I actually signed up for Jill Chivers' 6 week program because I wasn't quite ready to commit to the full year, but I am going to hold out as long as I can. I have unsubscribed from every marketing email list (oh my gosh–I got a MILLION emails from Loft after Christmas with those same types of horrible messages!) and am tossing catalogs in the recycling bin unopened. I'll continue to peruse my favorite style blogs for closet shopping inspiration.
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- MJ says
I'm actually doing this too! After I realized that not only did I have enough clothing, but that I was really happy with what I do have, giving up wasted hours spent browsing online, and wasted dollars spent on things that would finally pull my whole life together (as if :)) didn't seem so hard to do. My husband volunteered to do it too, so hopefully we'll kick our newlywed debt to the curb this year!
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- Anonymous says
A wonderful idea and I'm looking forward to reading about your journey this year. I've never been able to avoid shopping for very long before I crack and buy something. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. shoppingbrake.com
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- Anonymous says
Great idea, shop your closet. You should have a great time in Dublin Janice, the weather has been very dry and not too cold and the dollar is so strong against the euro. Enjoy. Catherine.
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- Meredith says
I love this idea, in theory and it will be my 2018 goal. I am on the verge of 40/SAHM and most of my closet is no longer age/life appropriate. Also, I have finally stabilized at a realistic weight. So I too will be on the lookout for a few more well curated pieces. Thanks for all the fantastic suggestions.
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- doubleletterlady says
I have had several no spend months in my 20's. Reading about how much resources are expended on clothing production, the human cost, how many pounds of clothes go to landfills each year, it all made me sick to my stomach. Now that I am in my third decade I have decided that I will no longer buy new clothes. Undergarments, hosiery and shoes excepted. I have found several consignment stores both online and in person. Bonus: way cheaper!
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- becky johns says
I really like this new series! First, I like the black and white grouping. Second, I like the concept of roatating each month a group of fresh clothing on which to focus wearing with your basics. I have a hook on my closet door on which I plan to put the months clothing on which to focus wearing…It would also be practical to do four pieces each week if you want more variety. Good systems like this make getting dressed and looking put together much easier. Thank you for your organizational skills!!!
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- Anonymous says
Inspirational as ever Janice and perfect timing! Enjoy Ireland and blog if you're heading to the North.
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- Blogger says
Purchase Luxury Designer Handbags Online.
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- Patricia says
I've been on a shopping diet since last summer when I started my downsizing project. Seven trips to consignment, three trips to vintage (selling, not buying) bags of clothes to family and a few to charity and I still have a ton of clothes. I missed this post earlier because we were in the middle of a move and our internet went down and only got re-installed in the new location. I snagged the largest closet in our new apartment and still got overwhelmed by all the clothes I still have.
The shopping diet continues with a few exceptions. My black hooded trench coat went missing in the move. I'll wait a month or two and see if I actually need it. I'm missing a few key accessories; a leopard print scarf and cute leopard print flats. If I see something great in those pieces, I'll jump on them. I've long since learned the value of a good accessory thanks to you.
Still don't know how I could get rid of so many clothes and still have too much? It's like I have my own shopping mall in my closet…Reply
- Heather says
This i am definitely trying!! I have a ridiculously amount of clothing and only wear the top 3 or 4 garments of each pile! I love all my clothes.. this is why i wont give away. So i am going to shop my own closet for 12 months! I am actually excited to start this experiment. I rarely go to the mall without buying something so this will be a challenge!! But 1 I’m up for. My hanging space is crazy!! I have 3 to 4 items on each hanger. So i know i am in for a surprise when i start going through them. I am not worried about age appropriate clothing as I’m not a trend buyer. I buy what i love. Some/a lot of my clothing has been with me for years so there might be some that i will donate. But i look through my closet often and havent seen anything that i wouldnt wear. I am a little ashamed to have so much when some people have so little! This will be my inspiration to not buy more. Thank you. I am so glad i came across this post. Good luck everyone!!
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