I have quite the collection of clothes, shoes and accessories (if you follow my Instagram you already know this). But of course being the frugal gal that I am, almost every single article of clothing/shoes/accessories I own, are from garage sales, thrift stores, hand me downs, and bought while out of the country for super cheap!
So I do actually spend very little on clothes.
The first reason, I had just bought a house!
As this was the most expensive purchase I have ever made, and the fact that I did it alone; saved up all the expenses myself, and paid for it myself, means I am buckling down, and putting my already frugal to the max lifestyle, under a frugal microscope! Since I already spend very little money, there is not a lot to choose from to cut (I have no car payment, my car insurance is only $55 a month, I have a Civic so I spend very little on gas, I pack my lunch every day etc etc.), so I decided to cut from my clothing budget.
The second reason, is that just having moved, as it usually does, it reminded me that I have way too much stuff.
Since moving, I am still in the process of going through absolutely everything I own and getting rid of everything that doesn't add value to my life, doesn't make me feel happy or look good, and reminds me too much of my past life. I have gotten rid of so much stuff, and it feels so good! So I did not want to start bringing in more things to clutter up my beautiful house that I have been working so hard on.
That's the nice thing about getting all free/super duper cheap clothing, is that you can have lots more of them!
So I took these six months to really appreciate, and wear the clothes I already have! Focused on making fun, new outfits from existing pieces.
I also have this giant tote full of clothes that I've been meaning to upcycle, and make fun new clothes out of! So I want to spend time doing that, making new clothes for myself!
So glad you asked!
Where do you like to buy clothes (a certain online shop, the mall, thrift stores [thrift stores are my weakness])? Unsubscribe from that stores' email list, avoid the mall like the plague, just stay away from the places you are most likely to buy clothes.
For some people, shopping is a real habit, and something not easy to stop. That is not the case for me (although a couple weeks ago when my mother told the ladies at my favorite thrift store I was doing this challenge they were like, "Oh, so that's why we haven't seen her lately!" Hehe.). I did occasionally get that shopping itch, but it was pretty easy to ignore, because since buying my house I have been quite busy.
Even if you have not just purchased a home, I am sure you still have plenty of things to fill your time-So when you begin this challenge, why don't you start a list of things you would like to accomplish during these next six months (or 3, or 1, or 12!).
Add all those small things you've been meaning to get to and just haven't, those bigger goals and aspirations that have never been accomplished, and anything inbetween. During my 6 months of no clothes buying, I began a 100 Day Challenge, and it was a great way to make sure I was focused on the more important things in my life.
When you set your goal of not buying clothes for a certain amount of time, promise yourself a reward at the end of it.
I am personally on the hunt for a pair of leopard print creepers to reward myself for six months of not buying any clothes! Yay!
Jess <3