A Shopaholic's Guide to Fewer Better Things
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You don’t need any more toys. But I definitely need more jeans. Sound familiar? Last year, I embarked on something I called “No Shop November,” I started it in late October because I was getting wildly out of hand with my shopping. And seriously, how can I tell my kids no, when I only tell myself yes?! Like come on, right?! No, you have enough trucks. But mom, you have 20 pairs of jeans... Ummmmmm. Who asked you?! Oops. Something has got to give. I lasted 4 weeks of no shopping, only buying gifts and one pre-approved sunscreen, but I found that it drove me crazy not to buy something daily. That's not normal and clearly I was using it to fill some kind of void. It’s now almost a year later, I've finally found what works for me. It's not perfect, but it's a start.
I love fashion, so it’s hard to not want to grow my wardrobe. But it’s time to do this more thoughtfully, more responsibly. I picked up a copy of The Curated Closet in April and I've been so happy with my purchases, but also my lack of purchases since reading. I have streamlined what matters to me when I shop and I've found that in not shopping I have more items in my closet that make me truly happy.
Here are a few things that I am currently working on in my own quest to have fewer better things:
1. Cleanse that closet. Seriously. Be brutal. Get rid of anything that you don't love or haven't worn in the past 2-5 years. You'll be shocked how much that actually is. Invite over a mean honest friend for a second opinion. Looking at you SarahBeth. Start by taking EVERYTHING out of your closet. Try stuff on. Really get in there. This is going to take hours, so prepare yourself.
2. Always have a list. Have a very specific list of items that you want to purchase. I do it the capsule way by season. When you have such a list it’s easier to know what you want. So when you are tempted to purchase something you can say, "Nope. Not on the list. Not needed. Peace."
3. Think before you buy. Don’t make any hasty or quick decisions. Sleep on it. Shop around. You’d be surprised how easily you’ve forgotten items you "NEED" if you just wait a day or 2.
4. Don’t be swayed by sales. So back to the list. When things are on sale, especially super awesome sale, they just seem better. So if you have a list you aren’t tempted to get carried away because a sale can feel like an epic victory, but if the piece is never worn and soon destined for ThredUp, it's not worth it. Now, when an item you’re saving for on your list goes on sale everybody wins!!
5. Don’t compromise. Save for the exact everything you want. Even if it takes months, years. Buying cheaper, lesser quality will just end up in your giveaway pile the following year.
6. Spend more money. Lol. Okay. Hear me out. Shop small, shop local. Yes, it’s more expensive. But it’s also totally worth it!!! Buying one really nice item you’ll have for years and years can be more exciting then a shopping spree of items that don't make you super happy. Higher price tags are also easier to walk away from if they don't fit the budget that month. Save up, my friends.
7. Unsubscribe from most, if not all, email lists. How many times have you been coasting along, not shopping at all, when all of the sudden there’s a sale at Nordstrom and you’re back to the poorhouse. Well, don’t get the email = Don’t see the sale. I've saved hundreds of dollars by unsubscribing from Vici, among others. Email campaigns are companies most profitable marketing tool. There’s a reason. It also doesn’t hurt to unfollow on Instagram too.
8. You don't have to be perfect. There are no rules here. Only the standards you want to hold yourself to. No one is judging, you need no justifications. This quest is just about being mindful of what we spend and what we own. So go easy on yourself.
Want to follow along with my Shopaholic's Guide to Fewer Better Things!? Then subscribe by email to our newsletter on the sidebar and leave a comment below about your closet goals!! This is going to be, hopefully, a year long quest into buying less disposable clothing and more things that bring you joy! Who's with me!?!