Buy well Buy once???

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m impulsive. If I see something I want, I need it there and then and if I don’t get, it I pine over it like its a lost love! Last year I made the decision to try and slow down my impulsiveness by creating more of a capsule wardrobe [see post here] and tried to shop more of what I already owned. Now I have to admit there have been weak moments. I can sit scrolling through Instagram and mentally spend hundreds of pounds lusting over new trends and fast fashion – like that Gucci Tee 😍 But aside from a few minor slips, my spending is becoming much wiser now and before I buy anything I ask myself the same question, Will I still love this once I’m home and I’ve cut the tags off or is it doomed for a lifetime at the bottom of the ironing basket?

I think the sales are the worst place for someone trying to keep a capsule wardrobe, 30% off here, buy one get one free there… but try not to be tempted! Ask yourself “Would I still want this if it was full price?” and “Why are there so many of this item left in the sale?” Chances are you didn’t want it before and there are so many left because no one else did either!

Now I’m not saying to avoid the sales altogether, lets be honest there really are some fantastic key pieces which can enhance your wardrobe, I picked up a beautiful Trophy jacket from Topshop for £36 and it is something I know I’ll wear for years! I think you just need a clear idea of what you’re looking for and not be drawn into that impulsive buy just for the 30 second spending buzz.

I also don’t think you need to spend a lot to ensure the longevity of a piece of clothing. I have a £7 T shirt from H&M that’s lasted longer than a £79 Rag & Bone one! Sometimes how you look after your clothes helps with the shelf life. I never hang knitwear as I find it completely ruins the shape, instead I fold them and keep them in a draw separated with tissue paper to avoid bobbling, I find the same with Tees too! Theres nothing more annoying than pulling a t shirt out of your wardrobe only to find that its stretched to the shape of the hanger!

Another thing I’m setting my mind to this year is to stop looking at what everyone else is doing and to be more me. When I first started Instagram I became a little obsessed with what everyone else was wearing, so much so at one point that I was buying things that didn’t even suit me, just because everyone else had them! I know all about the IG effect and it can be totally contagious, seeing gorgeous women [normally half my age] wearing beautiful pieces can be so tempting but I know that 90% of those clothes don’t fit into my lifestyle. Can I really justify 6 pleated skirts when I spend at least 3 days at home cleaning the house whilst watching This Morning?? So I’m being strong and admiring them from my phone ’cause lets be honest, I only need to be wearing jeans and a Tee to empty the bins and sort out the washing! 

So my aim for 2017 is to continue with my Buy Well Buy Once mantra and hopefully I’ll not only have a little more cash in the bank, I’ll also have less trips to the charity shop! 

Wish me luck and as always thank you for reading!

Tracey xoxo

 

 

 

A Snapshot of Me

8 Comments

  1. I loved this post. It really resonated with me. I am exactly the same and am on the same mission to curb my spending and stop buying clothes. I look forward to following your journey

  2. Thank you so much for reading! I’m a terrible impulse shopper and hoarder so this is something I really need to do! I’m hoping by summer to have decreased the size of my wardrobe by half… hoping!
    Tracey x

  3. Ah, I love this. So true! I think this is typical of most people. I love Instagram and adore looking at people’s different styles. I think getting to know yourself (like you said) is key as you need to dress a) for your body shape and b) for your lifestyle and c) what makes you happy and comfortable and I can guarantee that isn’t going to be wearing someone else’s style. Love the blog and I will be paying a visit to Aldi! 😘😘xx

    • Ahh I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! Thank you for reading and taking the time to leave a comment 😘
      Tracey xoxo

  4. Hey lovely, popped over !
    I agree totally. Personally for me – I’ve gone from a well paid fulltime job to part time ( due to redundancy) and I just can’t afford to buy anything other than something I’ll get my wear from… I also love looking at IG for inspiration but found it also confused me at the same time. If that makes any sense? I had to remind myself that I’m me not somebody else…. the one that dresses like a bag lady. Anyway it’s 3.49am and I’m rambling . Lovely post, Tracey xx

    • Thank you so much for reading Tracey! Yes, that totally makes sense! For a while I got carried away with dressing with what I thought I should look like for IG but it was pretty stressful outfit planning and far too expensive! And you do not look like a bag lady in the slightest!
      Tracey xx

  5. Oh T this is me all over! And like you I’m more often than not to be found at home doing the mundane chores or on the school run in my active wear!!!!! I’m a terrible impulse buyer and things literally play on my mind if I don’t buy them. Like you I’m getting better but I need more work yet!!!! (T @mummyofsleepthieves)! Great post chica xxx

    • Ah thank you for reading my lovely! IG is just far too tempting at times isn’t it!! We can be strong 😉
      Tracey xoxo

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