New rules

Today marks the end of my no-buy year. At times it was tough and frustrating, mostly though it was rewarding and thought provoking. Even though I am allowed to spend again I have decided to impose some regulations on myself to prevent a spiral back into major consumerism. I want to be able to buy pretty new things if I want them but also want to better understand the difference between impulse buying and well thought out purchases.

To this end I’ve set myself some limits. I’ve been reflecting on them a bit recently as the next year might be a period of some change (more on that later) so I’ve been a bit more lax about the rules then I suppose I could have been.

Here they are:

1.       When I establish a need or want I will first ask around in my circle of friends to establish if anyone has what I need and could loan me or possible swap me something for it.

2.       If I cannot find it this route I will put said item on a 30 day wait wish list, if after 30 days I still want said item I will go out and get it

3.       Limited to 3 new items per month

4.       Total cost of new items not to exceed R1500 per month

5.       Total cost of new items not to exceed R10000 a year (so about R830 a month on average)

6.       Above rules to apply to personal items ie things that I spend my own money on. Not items bought from our communal account for use by hubby and me. For instance my cloths, electronics, accessories etc.

7.       Keep track of all purchases. Blog each months summary

So far I haven’t actually thought much about what I want this August. Most of the items on my current wish list are spring/summer orientated and it’s a bit too early to start buying those items just yet. Most stores are still having winter sales.

The only item I might try and snatch-up in the winter sales is a warm grey hoodie. I want one with a zipper down the front and a soft fleecy lining. It has to be extra warm (as that was my number one issue with my jumpers this winter!). I am a bit on the fence with this one though. I keep wondering whether it’s wise to buy a jumper now when I’m hopeful that the weather will be improving soon. Will think on this a bit more.

My No-Buy year

31^st July marks the end of my no-buy year! Before embarking on a new year I thought it was time to assess the progress I’ve made over the past year and take stock of my current situation.

When I started last year I owned 236 items. This included all clothing (except pyjamas and underwear) and shoes. I now own 80 pieces. So that’s almost 2/3 less in 1 year! It took some serious purging. A couple of months ago I actually had to stop purging as I found I still needed enough items to get me through the no-buy period. I have found now that the only way I can further my purge is by replacing current pieces with more versatile options in colours that mix and match well. Or, for example by focusing on tops that work for at work and home so that I can consolidate my work and home wardrobes (right now these are two distinct very different groups of cloths).

My current amounts:

Dresses: 4
Skirts: 2
Pants: 6
Shorts: 4
Work shirts: 10
Tops: 20
Jerseys: 12
Jackets (summer): 3
Jackets (winter): 5
Shoes: 14 (includes my hiking boots and gym shoes)

Observations I’ve had in my no-buy period:

1.       Fewer items mean every piece has to work overtime. Wear and tear is greater and I could see a drastic difference in my quality pieces and cheaper items. Where possibly invest in better quality. The only exception being when you want to try out a new trend you’re not completely sure of yet.

2.       Bright colours are great to liven-up a wardrobe but do require more thought when mixing or matching pieces. To stick to a truly minimalist wardrobe it’s better to limit your coloured options

3.       Buy warmer jerseys! I tend to run very cold. At the start of this winter I tossed two thicker, knitted jumpers as they were itchy when worn directly on my skin. With nothing to replace them I’ve been forced to layer up on my thinner jerseys. On cold days that has sometimes meant I’m wearing 3 light-weight jumpers over each other and I am still cold! So in jerseys it’s good to have a warmth variety (not just style and colour variance). A thick, warm jumper is definitely on my to buy list.

4.       Even with such a limited wardrobe there are still certain pieces that get pulled out a lot more than others. I am trying to learn from my go-to pieces. So far I know that I prefer pants to skirts

5.       Re-evaluate lifestyle. I own plenty of pretty, delicate items for going out. Dainty dresses and strappy high heels. However I’ve found that I don’t go out that much anymore. Me and hubby don’t go clubbing or to many fancy events. We still go out but it’s turned into more like the local pub to watch a game or dinner at friends. So I don’t have the occasion so much to wear my pretties. Do I really need three pairs of going-out heels? Having said that though it’s tough to purge here as items are usually very pretty and were expensive to purchase.

All in all I am glad that the experiment is winding down and that I’ve managed very well so far. I will continue to think about any new purchases I make and want to pen out some restrictions before I allow myself to the shops again (ie a budget or max quantity kind of thing). I will post these later on but before August! :)