Not buying any clothes 2017

*Margaret*

Hello, could I join in? I'm not doing a completely 'no buy' year as a lot of my clothes are quite old already so things are certainly going to wear out in the next year. I am pledging to only buy replacements for worn out items, rather than buying things just because I want them or think I need them. I also want to keep an eye on how much I'm spending.

My first purchase of 2017 is a 2 pack of tights from M&S as a pair have worn out at the toes, leaving me with one pair which isn't enough as I wear tights every day and washing them in the sink every night is a faff I could do without! So my clothes spend so far is £6.

silvasava

I haven't bought very much for the last few years - mainly underwear but like GQ I am tall so often things don't fit where they should. Too short in the leg & arm and waistline too high. I've got plenty of clothes as before I retired I travelled so needed more formal and hot weather clothes.
A couple of tips I have picked up on the way are. Love it madly, need it badly or forget it and whatever you buy must go with at least 3 things you already own. Some of my clothes are many years old as I tend towards classic rather than fashionable. I also stick to particular colours that suit me which often narrows down my choice! I can't wear any of the autumn shades.
The only thing I'm on the lookout for this year is a tankini for our holiday later this year. I do need to have a cull as I keep far too much for Justin!

PipneyJane

FrugalWeirdo83 wrote: »

Hello, wondered if anyone would care to join me on a challenge to not buy any new or second hand clothes for 2017? My reasons for doing this aren't just for saving money but also to cut down my consumption and to be happy with what I have.

It's too late for me, but I just wanted to say what a brilliant idea! I do a Fashion on the Ration challenge each year, based on the original 66 coupons from 1941, which really helps me control my spending on new clothes and yarn (my big weakness). Second hand clothing is exempt, however, but I rarely find anything that suits my taste when I browse charity shops.

Thanks again.

zaxdog

Got to February 19th and so far I have only bought a shrug from the Oxfam sale rail at £1 so by my standards doing well :j

Trying to extend it to my other weakness so lots of library visits instead of buying books

VfM4meplse

PipneyJane wrote: »

I do a Fashion on the Ration challenge each year, based on the original 66 coupons from 1941, which really helps me control my spending on new clothes and yarn

I have just Googled this and found your blog, interesting!

RainbowHippie

Hi everyone, life has been running away with me a bit and i have not been good at posting, i've been reading along though and enjoying your stories. I like the idea of more mindful purchasing for those who've chosen not to buy absolutely nothing. It's just as important and just as worthy a goal in my humble opinion.

I'm attempting a full not-buying-it year, and so far I've managed to resist buying any clothes. I've been tempted, because OH and i are trying to do more exercise and have joined a local gym. I currently own zero 'workout' type clothes, and was slightly tempted to buy some (especially since OH is determined he needs, and will buy, at least some new stuff). But i have some lightweight, loose cotton trousers that are comfortable and a few strappy tops that will be fine to wear for now, and am planning to repurpose (by sewing) some older tops that are shorter than i'd wear normally these days - combining two to add extra length should make them decent. They will not look like 'proper' gym clothes, and may not be 'fashionable', but let's face it, as long as i'm decently dressed and able to exercise, that's all that really matters.

I may yet give in and get some decent gym shoes, but as i'm currently doing nothing with any impact, the cheap canvas summer shoes that i've had for years (and barely worn because they're useless in the rain and we live in Manchester!) will suffice until/unless i'm absolutely certain i need good trainers. If i genuinely think i need them i won't feel bad for buying, and will research to make sure i get really good ones that will last a while.

I'm happy that i've got almost two months into the year without buying any clothes, but made absolutely no progress on my sewing/adjustments pile though! I have mended things that needed it (couple of small tears sewn up, buttons sewn back on coat) and got as far as trying some stuff on and pinning it, but my sewing time has been taken up with making gifts. My friend requested a cardigan for her daughter's birthday and i was able to crochet one (from stash) and sew a little reversible zip-up hoodie from recycled t-shirts (also from stash). Also made a patchwork blankie-folds-into-a-cushion entirely from fabrics i already had for another friend's little girl. I was pleased that i managed to not-buy there as well, even using quarter of an old duvet (washed of course) as the blankie/cushion padding. One day i'll get to make some things for myself! :rotfl:

PipneyJane

I do a fashion on the ration challenge every year.

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I have just Googled this and found your blog, interesting!

Thank you. Sadly, my blog is woefully out of date - I actually "spent" 68 coupons last year, so this year starts 2 coupons down. I will get around to updating it shortly (my biggest distraction to blogging - my husband - has a business trip coming up).

I was inspired by a post on a Board over on Ravelry, several years ago. There's a couple of 1940's/vintage knitting boards there.

oldtractor

Hi all, still nothing IN but some items OUT. 3 pairs of trousers,one coat and 2 gilletts.And lots of old socks and underwear.

silvasava

Hmmm - fell of the Wagon yesterday. I bought a navy striped cotton top to replace one I'd ruined with bleach and a pair of navy cut off's in the sale. The pair I already have have seen better days and will be finished up this summer and the new ones brought out for my hols later in the year.

*Margaret*

I've just been clearing out the bottom of the wardrobe and I've found some plimsoll type shoes I'd forgotten about - they'll do for the Summer for just trotting about. I tend to have two pairs on the go 'Sunday Shoes' and 'Old Shoes' - when my Sunday shoes get too tatty they become my old ones. Now I have three pairs which is rather decadent, although my old ones have holes in them which is less decadent! I will get some new Sunday shoes for Easter and they should do me for the Summer. I only get through this many shoes because I walk everywhere and when I'm working I'm on my feet.