No Buy July: The Rest of the Story
So, in an effort to rein in my shopping a bit (which, in truth, is a lot of buying but also a lot of returning…and not a lot of keeping), I did a “No Buy July,” during which I was to buy No Clothing. I managed to buy nothing right up until the last weekend when I shot a Loft Try-On Haul for Instagram and ended up so loving one of the items and it was 50% off, so…yeah. I bought it. In July. I don’t consider that a fail really because it was almost the end of the month and my buying, otherwise, was down 100%. The net result was better than it would have been otherwise and I felt like money was just raining down on me all month because I didn’t have it tied up in the online shopping and returning process.
I came to a related decision during the month – because it was nice having extra money – I’m going to cancel my Gwynnie Bee membership. It’s been a good run, 4½ years, and having unlimited items to try and “practice” wearing was very educational for me and helped me understand what items I feel best in. But now I feel like I’m wanting to invest in some nicer quality things and if I let go of GB I can save that money for a couple months, then have something nicer than I’d be able to afford otherwise. Like a new winter coat or a lovely linen dress I’ve been coveting from one of the sustainable brands I admire, or some nice jewelry pieces, etc.
I’ve been reading and thinking a lot about “slow buying.” Trying to be very mindful of where your money is going…spending more on fewer quality items instead of many fast-fashion pieces. It is challenging because the emails and online ads just pull you in…”okay, I’ll just LOOK.” But looking leads to wanting and wanting leads to buying. And I do love clothes. But…the same way I’ve been more mindful lately of carbs and food portions, I’m going to start trying to be more mindful of “recreational online browsing.” I spent almost all of Sunday just going from one online shop to another. Not even buying anything, but it honestly took up most of my day! So it’s not just the money spent, it’s the time!
So, weird now to say “but look at this top I bought,” ha ha, but…look at this top I bought! I do love a white top. If I could have only one color of tops in my wardrobe, it would be white. I think it’s always clean and simple, a little romantic, fresh. This will look as nice over jeans as it does over linen pants or the denim skirt I don’t own (ha ha) and will be a nice transitional piece for wearing into the fall until it gets too cold to have an exposed throat and chest.
This one is a light, sort of silky rayon, with a sweet circular dotted swiss design, tiny ruffle at the collar and ties. I don’t know why I so love ties on a top but I do. The fabric is not clingy, which is always a plus.
What I’m Wearing
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- Loft Plus Dotted Ruffle Tie Neck Blouse, size 26
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Old Navy High-Waisted Secret-Slim Pockets Plus-Size Skinny Rockstar Jeans, size 24. I cropped them myself.
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Sarah
Sounds like a successful and inspiring experience. I just canceled my American Eagle subscription (because, I am actually a 45 year old person, not 19 like I imagine myself to be) and my Fabletics subscription. Today I think I may cancel my quarterly Wantable subscription. I was quite pleased with the decision to exit the clothing subscriptions. But then, BUT THEN – Infinitely Loft and I love Loft!! So I’ve signed up for that one. What I can say is that for me, this one might be worth it, I wore all 3 items from my first box within a week. It’s age appropriate and work appropriate. Let’s see how it goes. Rugs on the other hand? It’s no-buy 12 months and I’m 2 weeks in!
bettyewp
I didn’t even know American Eagle HAD a subscription! I’m thinking of trying out Nordstrom’s Trunk Club (and by “thinking of” I mean I’ve signed up but I’ve yet to have a conversation with my stylish cuz…guh). I’ve been watching some plus sizers who use this and the selection looks really good…and if I’m not mistaken, if you have a Nordstrom card, they waive the styling fee, so…there’s absolutely no cost unless you buy something.
Congrats on getting thru 2 weeks with no new rugs! I know you love rugs, but seriously, how many can one person really buy?? (I’m hoping for a shocking answer!)
Sarah
Honestly, in the past year I’ve probably bought 10 rugs? It’s not good. I donate them when I decide they don’t work but that’s just a rationalization for my bad habit.
jodie filogomo
This is something I need to really think about too, Bettye. Be more mindful about shopping. Granted it is fun and makes me happy, but there’s a storage issue that I need to consider.
But I do love this top on you. I used to get a new white top every summer because it’s always so versatile.
OXOX
Jodie
bettyewp
And it’s all so trickle-down. The fewer items we all buy, the fewer will be made, the fewer will end up as waste in recycling centers. Not all of the overage goes to needy people in impoverished areas. And buying more natural fibers is better for the environment. I’m REALLY trying to pass on poly (there’s a slogan for ya – PASS! ON! POLY! ha) but sometimes it’s so hard. But being mindful is the first step towards change…so even just thinking is good, Jodie 🙂