NOT BUYING IT! 2015 - A consumer holiday

thriftish

Just popping in to say hello! I've been offline for a couple of days and I can't believe we're on page 34 already! Going to make a cuppa and read back now

fuddle

In a bit of a pickle as my timing is way off but I have had a promotion and will very soon be office based and out of uniform.

I need to think of some key pieces of clothing that will last, will do without needing washing every day and that are easily accessible (both practically and funds wise as I haven't budgeted for it!)

Any ideas on how to begin building a skeleton work wear wardrobe with the minimal amount of pieces needing being bought :cool:

115K

I'm another one who doesn't drive and it doesn't bother me. My husband knows how to drive but he doesn't like it so we use public transport or walk.

Primrose wrote: »

Another cheap savoury veggie potato dish is to make up some Sage & Onion stuffing mixture, mix into mashed potato, make into little flat rissoles and shallow fry until crispy brown on both sides.

Cheap doesn't have to mean tasteless!

I'm trying that, sounds delicious.

Lina_T

fuddle wrote: »

In a bit of a pickle as my timing is way off but I have had a promotion and will very soon be office based and out of uniform.

I need to think of some key pieces of clothing that will last, will do without needing washing every day and that are easily accessible (both practically and funds wise as I haven't budgeted for it!)

Any ideas on how to begin building a skeleton work wear wardrobe with the minimal amount of pieces needing being bought :cool:

I'd say the basics are;

Black trousers
Black skirt (pencil or a-line)
Some smart but comfortable shoes (best from Clarks)
A smart shift dress
A few shirts
A black blazer

Buy as good quality as you can afford so they last, shirts in natural materials like cotton etc. and check all are machine washable for convenience before buying

P.s. if you're on a tight budget the supermarket ranges are ok, George at Asda, Tu at Sainsburys etc.

thriftish

Fudddle ~ Elaine from Mortgage Free in 3 had some posts recently about building a capsule wardrobe, I don't know if that would be useful to you. I haven't had time to sit & read them myself.

Another one here who is going grey and owns no makeup.
I'm 34 and this year I have noticed white flecks appear. I have reddish brown hair with natural highlights and it's the blonde hairs that have faded first. My siblings are dark haired and both went grey in their late teens, my 29 year old sister is totally white haired so she dyes it. I can see her point of view but I think she struggles to understand why I'm letting mine fade, even though you'd have to be right up close to see my greys for now!

I also don't drive. I'd like to know but I'm afraid to learn. We were rear ended a few years ago with the kids in the car, and while we were all fine I suffered a miscarriage. It has made me quite a nervous passenger.

CAFCGirl ~ I hope you figure out the gift reshuffle. These things happen so try not to be too hard on yourself. Is there anything you own that could be regifted?

I don't know if I could manage no supermarkets on my current budget, but I will look and see about buying my meat and fresh produce from local independents as a start.

Ok - must clean the house! I was volunteering at school this morning and the first of my childminding charges arrive in an hour. Lots to do!

Hope you all have a lovely day x

grunnie

fuddle wrote: »

In a bit of a pickle as my timing is way off but I have had a promotion and will very soon be office based and out of uniform.

I need to think of some key pieces of clothing that will last, will do without needing washing every day and that are easily accessible (both practically and funds wise as I haven't budgeted for it!)

Any ideas on how to begin building a skeleton work wear wardrobe with the minimal amount of pieces needing being bought :cool:

I don't think you need to buy anything. All you need will be in your wardrobe already. When I went on a cruise earlier this year I found this on the internet.
try Imogen Lamport on Youtube
and her website
www.insideoutstyleblog.com


she says you need 4 bottoms skirts or trousers or jeans
6 tops which all go with the bottoms
and 2 jackets or 1 jacket and a cardigan
with all this she made 72 different outfits
and add a few bits of jewellery or scarves
and that's all you need.

fuddle

I do need to buy some smart clothes. I have been a stay at home mum/carer in a uniform. I know the office well and I know I can't go in jeans or leggings... my staples. Believe me, I am tight these days and if I can get away with not buying, I will do.

I am liking the skirt idea, as have been giving some thought to it myself, and a skirt can be worn a couple of times before washing. I would just need to change tights. I will use my black work trousers but well aware that they are polyester and will be uncomfy and icky sat on a chair working hours but will do for now. I like the idea of the scarves as I do have a few of those and a different scarf will look like a different outfit even though I could well have the same top on for two days.

Thank you for the feedback. Some real workable ideas in there. I will look at mortgage free in 3 thanks

ruby_eskimo

grunnie wrote: »

I don't think you need to buy anything. All you need will be in your wardrobe already. When I went on a cruise earlier this year I found this on the internet.
try Imogen Lamport on Youtube
and her website
www.insideoutstyleblog.com


she says you need 4 bottoms skirts or trousers or jeans
6 tops which all go with the bottoms
and 2 jackets or 1 jacket and a cardigan
with all this she made 72 different outfits
and add a few bits of jewellery or scarves
and that's all you need.

Another way of re-mixing outfits is to pair a dress with a skirt over the top (making it a top) or with a jumper over the top therefore making it a skirt. That's 4 different outfits from 3 items of clothing and is a trick I use all the time for work (just don't wear all 4 combinations in the same week!).

I have found myself browsing a lot of the sales this week because I keep thinking I need to buy some new shoes for work when in reality my current ones are still going strong after almost 3 years.

Effyb4

I'm feeling a bit sad today. All I hear at the moment is what people are buying for Christmas and on the radio this morning, they were going on about children getting everything that they ask for.

I have 3 teenage boys and we don't have very much money at all this Christmas. The boys are likely to only get one very small present. They know the situation and I think they are ok with it, but I just feel so guilty that they won't get the amount spent on them that we would normally.

I'm kind of dreading Christmas this year.

parsniphead

Sorry to hear that you're feeling sad Effy. I'm sure your boys understand. I remember Christmas as a child when money was short and times when not so short but the ones I remember are as a family playing board games or dancing to the hippie hippie shake with my late dad. The best memories are not made by buying stuff. Perhaps you could talk to them and ask how they might like to spend the day.

I hope you feel happier soon. Enjoy the day being together with your family.

X