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The Shopping Ban / Frugal Fashion Thread

824 replies

FrugalFashionista · 08/03/2013 08:03

Tentatively dipping my toes in here ---
Do you love clothes, shoes, accessories, and beauty products - perhaps a bit too much? Wink
Have you self-prescribed a shopping ban, are you on a strict budget, or are you trying to learn to shop more mindfully for other reasons? Are you a budding recessionista, thriftionista, frugal fashionista - or would you like to become one?
Would you like to do this with like-minded people, still looking stylish and up to date?

This thread could be a place for mutual support, inspiration and creative tweaks (planning outfits from what you already have; charity shopping, swaps, repurposing).

My personal goal: no more clothes, shoe or beauty purchases in March.

I'll tell you more about why I am here in true 12-step tradition, but we need a few like-minded people first Wink

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cheeseandchive · 08/03/2013 08:24

YY, me!

I am currently trying to weed out my tatty clothes, stop buying so much second-hand and treat myself to things that are a bit more expensive and better quality and value.

I'm letting the pennies accumulate in the bank while I perve over my purchases for a few months time. I've only bought one top this year, and that was one I actually needed, so I must be doing ok.

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FrugalFashionista · 08/03/2013 08:32

Lovely Cheese, welcome! ((hug)) Or is this too American? Wink
Really like your mindset!

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OneLittleLady · 08/03/2013 09:07

I'm needing to curb my spending as DP has been made redundant this week so every penny counts. I'm not short of clothes though and I have plenty of make up/beauty products to see me through this rough patch. Just going to have to window shop for a while and wait for things that I want.

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carrie74 · 08/03/2013 09:14

I love the idea of making more of what I've already got, and last week I was absolutely ruthless about clearing out my wardrobe (do I really need 3 navy dresses for work?), and listed the better stuff on eBay. Made nearly £100 just getting rid of the clothes I don't wear much, but are still lovely. I know £100 isn't tonnes and tonnes, but for only a few items of clothes, it makes sense.

I'd say being very selective in what you buy can bring you in almost as much as you paid when you come to resell (Ash Jalouse, just didn't fit comfortably, sold for nearly as much as I paid for them! Likewise, I try to buy quite a bit for the children from Boden using codes, the sell on. Holds its value v v well.). So while only buying things I love, I do also think on whether there will be resale value.

Also when trying new trends, if I'm nature I either leave it, or buy cheap to try it out. Primark eat for trying something outside the comfort zone before you're ready to invest (for me it was skinny jeans then coloured jeans, and I got plenty of wear out of my £11 jeans!).

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foxysocks · 08/03/2013 09:25

I'm in. not for a full on ban, but i don't have oodles of spare cash so I want what I do buy to count

like carrie I have ebayed/sold a lot this year and made almost £400 which has been wisely reinvested into my wardrobe.

I am on a drive to wear everything I own regularly - only exceptions are the dresses i go married in - which means I am only buying new bits and pieces when I notice a gap in my wardrobe - eg, my grey gap skinnies for £11 were unflattering, bagged after an hour of wear and gave me very little pleasure. so i used my leftover feb budget to buy a pair of 60% off dark grey goldsigns which have slotted seamlessly into my wardrobe and created lots of new outfit options. they feel amazing and the CPW will be excellent. result.

for march I am planning on one purchase and am still considering my options. either white jeans, a classic breton, or leopard print ballerinas are top of the list.

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ChablisLover · 08/03/2013 09:36

me - i try to buy in sales with codes etc etc

but my ds says mummy has too many clothes

Again - like carrie, selling on Ebay, things that no longer fit (or never did) and last time made over £100 - thats been used to buy things i wanted

Like a pair of black stilletos (think I will return) dont think they are just right.

but I do need to cut back and clear out

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Trills · 08/03/2013 09:44

This is a bad bad thread.

I am trying not to buy stuff in March.

But you will all link things that are bargains, and I will end up buying more than if I hadn't joined you...

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shopafrolic · 08/03/2013 09:45

I'm in and will retell my story once the chairs are neatly arranged! :)
I was thinking about setting up a Pinterest board for things I might be thinking about EBaying and seeing if people wanted to do swaps? I'm sure you can set up group boards on Pin?

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ChablisLover · 08/03/2013 09:57

Shopafrolic - that sounds like a good idea

A swop board would be very interesting indeed

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CeeceeBloomingdale · 08/03/2013 10:14

I have just cleared out and charity shopped (doh!) my wardrobe. I have lots of clothes yet stick to the same tired staples all the time. My budget is limited so need to make the most of what I have. I love accessories and normally buy those to perk up what I already own. I'm not on a total ban but definitely need to cut down.

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CeeceeBloomingdale · 08/03/2013 10:17

A swap shop is a fabulous idea!

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FrugalFashionista · 08/03/2013 10:19

Ooh ladies it's a party in here!!! Loving it! Big group hug!

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lurkingaround · 08/03/2013 10:27

Would love to join this thread, but I have a fear, like Trills that you will all link lovely things, and I will buy! But how could we limit links.

I need to curtail, like you all, and make the most of what I already have.

Love the Pinterest idea. Can immediately think of a few things I have.

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NomDeOrdinateur · 08/03/2013 10:28

Great thread idea - I'd love to join! I'm trying to save money for a deposit so I really need to cut back on clothes, which is difficult because a) my huge boobs ruin tops v regularly so I have to replace them more often than I'd like; b) all of my clothes are in deep, stormy colours which don't really work for summer; and c) I desperately need a couple of pairs of Levi/similar jeans that will fit me properly and last well (and can't buy bargains online as the waistbands usually gape on any jeans that fit my wide hips); d) my bras are all the wrong size.

Does anybody have any advice on how to make my stormy wardrobe look more summery without spending lots on it? I wear lots of charcoal and silver grey, forest green, burgundy, deep purple, indigo etc, but I do have a few summery skirts (white denim mini with flower print, black and ivory Aztec print, black and white floral embroidery, multicoloured patchwork silk) and a cropped denim jacket that I usually layer with (stormy coloured) strappy tops. Sadly I don't like light/bright colours on me, probably because I used to be a goth and my preferences are hard to readjust. Just to make things harder, I also usually wear purple metallic dr martens in summer (which doesn't help with the wintery vibe), as I have ankle problems that the stiff sides of the boots help to correct... Sad

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Limoncellolovely · 08/03/2013 10:30

Yes Yes Yes count me in I have wardrobes stuffed with stuff yet am convinced I have nothing to wear. I am positive if I forced myself to actually look in there and be a bit more creative with my styling never mind March i reckon I could probably go a whole year without purchasing anything !! but hey ho baby steps and all that lets start with March.

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Limoncellolovely · 08/03/2013 10:38

NomDeOrdinateur white would be a good way to lighten things up. I have quite a (dull) muted wardrobe and try to use white, nude and paler shades of grey in my summer wardrobe if I want colour I might add a brighter scarf and make sure finger and toenails are summery use silver shoes or flip flops and carry a silver or pale coloured bag. Hope this helps.

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lurkingaround · 08/03/2013 10:41

I have 2 rules when shopping:

  1. I must Love Love Love the item.
  2. The item must match 3 other items in my wardrobe.


These rules have served me fairly well. However, I have been guilty of straying from this rule of late so I need to rein myself back in. I find when I don't love love love the item, I don't wear wear wear it, so it's not good value. And when I see it languishing in the wardrobe it makes me feel guilty, and a bit foolish. All in all, not good. I need to cop on a bit.
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NomDeOrdinateur · 08/03/2013 10:47

Thank you Limoncellolovely - I have a cream vest top with lacy stuff on it somewhere, I'll try it and see if it works! Unfortunately white doesn't look good on me (it makes me look yellow), but paler greys would definitely be good. Summery nail polish would help too, I forgot about that!

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libertychick · 08/03/2013 10:47

Great idea to have a swop board.

On links - should we aim to just link to pin/blogs/polyvore images that provide inspiration for how to style what you may already have and to useful sites that provide inspiration on hair/make up etc rather than linking to 'bargains'?

And maybe request MN HQ to design a 'slapped wrists' emoticon for naughty ladies who try to throw us off course or who (shock/horror) actually go shopping?!

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BillStickersIsInnocent · 08/03/2013 10:51

I'm in. Currently on ML so not much spare cash, even when I return to work it'll all be spent on child care (can you hear the violins?)

I'm enjoying myself clothes wise at the moment as lots packed away over the last year during house renovations, loving finding clothes I'd forgotten about. Also ebayed some unworn maternity dresses which has brought in a bit of cash.

I like the idea of this thread too as becoming increasingly concerned about wastage, cheap materials, poor working conditions and just the sheer amount of stuff.

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FrugalFashionista · 08/03/2013 10:55

Lurking this is where this thread could help.
Something like...

  • are there alternative ways of getting the item (tweaking/ altering existing clothes, swapping, charity shopping etc)
    *wait for five days before purchasing (you'll miss some bargains, but also avoid lots of mindless impulse purchases)
    *describe what you need (how you are funding it/filling a gap/staying on budget/schedule/plan) for fellow frugalistas. Our knee-jerk response is No, don't buy! Grin Unless the prospective purchase withstands scrutiny / is clearly premeditated).

    Making these up as I type so please help me to get them right!
    Group boards can be started on Pin - should it be closed (for thread contributors only) or open to everyone?
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FrugalFashionista · 08/03/2013 11:04

Loving the wrip slap emoticon Liberty! Yes yes!
So excited about this thread and the tremendous collective sense of purpose and direction!

Warmly support the no direct link to stores - just to Polyvore or Japanese stores Wink etc idea. Make it as difficult your fellow frugalistas to make impulse purchases as you can and don't link if you can describe it with words! Before you link, think it through!

I'm also worried about sustainability, landfills etc. Want to be thrifty and resourceful and learn to love my clothes. No to one night stands and yy to long and caring relationships!

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Portia4 · 08/03/2013 11:05

I'd like to join this thread too, I've far too many clothes and need to either start wearing them or rationalising my wardrobe!

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FrugalFashionista · 08/03/2013 11:06

Oh and a warm welcome to all! Grin

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cheeseandchive · 08/03/2013 11:08

Ooh, I think we're going to have some fun!

Maybe we could also all post advice/experiences of brands/alterations - might help our money go further

At the moment, my next planned investments are;

  • M+S Marilyn jeans or Uniqlo jeans
  • Long layered hush sleeveless tops (am only 5"3 though, worried they might be too long!)


Anyone got any opinions of these brands/styles?
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