Oye, I feel like I could write page upon page on this topic. Honestly, to some degree, my budget may never match my shopping list. But particularly, right now, because I am in a frugal season of my life, this is on my mind.
I’ve spent the last year sort of overhauling my personal sense of style. I created my first capsule last July with two main goals in mind: find my style and stop shopping so much. I am happy to say I’ve met both. I’ll probably forever update and shape my style, but I have laid some solid groundwork this year.
With the change and new awareness comes a lot of out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new. I have sold and donated countless items of clothing and have slowly(ish) refilled my closet. My natural speed is ASAP. So I’d like to fill out my wardrobe holes starting yesterday but that’s simply not wise, nor does my budget support it. Though it’s hard to be patient I’ve learned some pretty great lessons so far:
- Telling myself no is character-building. This is something I’ve never been good at. It’s just not been in my nature. As a result, sadly, I’ve always been bad at saving. Telling myself no forces me to wait and see if I really want it, and makes me consider whether it would be better to save my $$ or invest in the item. Thankfully, it gets a little easier the more I do it.
- While I am waiting to purchase an item I have often changed my mind! Sometimes after a few weeks pass or a season shifts, I’ve realized I don’t need that item or I’d rather have something different.
- Ultimately, not having the perfect closet today is another way I can gracefully let go of perfection. Instead of being perfectly-styled or perfectly embodying a certain style, why not just be perfectly me?
So, if you’re in this boat with me, lets take heart and save our $$ together and rest and reflect a little bit about what we really want before we dive into spending. And remember, don’t feel like you have to buy everything at once. I am seriously considering adopting the three-items-per-season rule because it appeals to me so much!
Meanwhile, here’s a look at my little “DIY” romper I’m wearing this week. So easy. So summer.
[shirt, thrifted J.Crew / shorts, vintage Levi’s (similar) / sandals, Birkenstock / necklace, Nashelle Designs ]
Peace out,
andrea
Obviously, this post hits home with me. I absolutely relate that oftentimes I’d “want” something only to realise one week later that I wasn’t even that sorry I didn’t have it. But there are also things that I regret missing out on to this day. Your DIY romper is pretty cool and the top is lovely.
And about that three things per season – it’s something I’m also considering, in fact I think that’s what my next part of the minimal fashion journey will be. It’d be 5 things for me though, as I’m still building a solid wardrobe :) Man, it sounds hard – 5 things! That’s nothing! Saying that, I’ve bought exactly two things in the last 3 months so maybe it is doable in the end. Then again, if I had the money I’d be looking at three more pairs of shoes, a maxi dress, a scarf and a silk top. All of which I’d wear and love.
Clearly I have some thinking to do!
xo Kat
Hi Kat! As always, I love your thoughtful comments. In your wardrobe building journey, would you ever consider just adding ONE item, but have it be the top notch leather/silk or whatever it is you are eying. Basically take your budget for your 5 and put into on to one really nice thing. Just some food for thought. ;)
I appreciate the honesty in this post, its encouraging me to be patient with myself about building up my wardrobe.
Thanks!
Kate
kateintheclassroom.com
I love the three things concept and plan on trying it this fall. I also need to work adding quality items to my wardrobe, which usually ends up being a bit more expensive up front, so I may only be able to buy 1-2 new items for fall. That’s ok though, it will teach me patience and help me decide what is really important to my wardrobe.
When I first began my minimalism journey in 2012, I didn’t buy anything for 6 months! In addition, in the 6 months following I only bought something if I sold enough from my closet to pay for the new item. (I had a ton of clothes after years of being a shopaholic!) I think I bought a total of 4 things the entire year. That was a great practice to begin with as it forced me to really think over my purchases and to be content waiting for others. Since starting the capsule concept last year I have sold even more to offset the cost of new purchases, but I am pretty much to the end of “clothing stash”. Since my clothing budget is very small I may be waiting and saving a little longer for new items in the future. But it’s all good….continuing to work on patience in a great thing!
Rebecca, I think we have been in similar situations!! I didn’t go as long without shopping as you did (so impressive!!), but I have taken substantial breaks, and have learned so much. I have also sold TONS from my closet too, and am about at the end of my clothing stash, haha. It’s nice to be able to sell stuff to fund new purchases.
As for fall, some of things I am eying are pretty expensive because I am trying to add some beautifully crafted, “grown-up” (haha!) pieces. So also like you, I might be limited to just buying 1-2. We shall see!
Thoughtful post. I’ve toyed with adapting the French “5 piece” for capsule purchases, which would translate to a similar number of pieces as compared to your proposed 3. It was no more than a notion, but at this point I’m on track for my S/S wardrobe and it’s feeling about right. Look forward to reading how your process pans out.
Thanks Maggie. The French “5 piece” method sounds intriguing!
This is so helpful. I’m just coming to the end of a year where I had just 35 items in my wardrobe. It was a charity challenge and I’m now struggling with the temptation to go mad with buying things because I am free to do so again. But I know that the short term pleasure would be out weighed long-term by my guilt at feeling wasteful. I think I’ll follow your lead and limit myself to 3 new things a quarter.