My shopping wish list
My shopping ban will be over in another week. Since July, I haven’t bought any clothing, accessories or shoes for myself – except for my field hockey uniform which was required and purchased through the team (and a separate dry fit long sleeve top to wear under my jersey). And a Maid of Honour dress for my friend’s wedding in Hawaii.
Now what I’m planning on doing is clearing out my closet of anything that I haven’t worn this year. If I can sell it, I will list it on eBay, otherwise it will go to goodwill. Once I am done that, I will go about selectively purchasing a few items on my wish list during the Boxing Day and January clearance sales. After that, I will be back on another 4 month shopping ban until I go to New York City at the end of May. Then, I will re-evaluate my wardrobe and figure out whether to continue the shopping ban or not for the rest of 2011. Chances are I’ll just keep it going because it’s getting easier and easier as each week passes. :)
My current wish list:
- Brown leather boots
- Brown leather belt
- Skinny black leather belt
- Black skinny pants
- 2 pairs of tights (grey, black)
- 1 or 2 tops (would love to refresh my wardrobe with new basics)
- 1 or 2 cardigans/sweater wrap (wear them nearly every day to work)
- Fun spring/summer dress (have 2 summer dresses but neither is work appropriate)
- 2 high impact sports bras (haven’t bought new high impact sports bras in 8 years)
- Athletic shorts (why are all shorts so, well, short these days?)
- Underarmour compression shorts
- 2 or 3 pairs of running socks
- 1 or 2 pairs of field hockey socks (haven’t bought new FH socks since high school – over 10 years ago!)
***Note that everything on my wish list I currently do not own, unless otherwise indicated.
As you can see, half of the items are work-related, and the other half are fitness-related. Also, all of the items are complete WANTS, not NEEDS. Because even though I don’t own a lot of the items on the list, I don’t need them either. I can get by just fine with what I have.
Thoughts:
This shopping ban has been an interesting experiment. As a former shopaholic (and someone who would have bought everything on that wish list with one trip to the mall – with no hesitation or guilt), I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned that I really do like to dress up for work. I work in a somewhat casual work environment (business casual), where people will take the ‘casual’ part a little too seriously and sometimes wear sneakers and jeans to work. But I am more comfortable wearing something more polished – it’s how I’ve always dressed at other jobs, and it makes me feel confident and professional.
So it was weird when I started the shopping ban, I started to dress down my outfits. I’m not sure why, but I only began to realize it last month. I wasn’t wearing my dress pants or suit blazers anymore. Maybe it was because I felt like my wardrobe wasn’t fresh anymore since I wasn’t adding any new items. But by taking some time and shopping in my own closet, I started to come up with creative combinations with items that I already owned. I’d try different colour combinations, textures, and experimented with outfits that seemed a bit out there, but looked good when I put it together. I realized that I do have a pretty solid wardrobe, and the items above on my wish list are ones that I think would really compliment what I already own and perhaps make my wardrobe a little more versatile.
Who knows if I’ll end up with one, or even any of the items I want when I go shopping after Christmas. I’m not in any rush, and I’m not going to make it a point to go shopping for those items either. If I happen to be in a store, I will keep my wish list in mind. But that’s about it. I’m not going to seek anything out during this mini break from my shopping ban. I’ll just see what happens.
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I wear a uniform to work and much as I hate it, I can also see the benefits of it.
1) I never need to worry about what to wear.
2) My own clothes last me longer.
3) Cuts down on expenses as I never have to buy a work uniform.
So my decision to only buy a few items from Ebay or thrift shops id going to be so easy, and of course cheap.
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I wear a uniform to work and much as I hate it, I can also see the benefits of it.
1) I never need to worry about what to wear.
2) My own clothes last me longer.
3) Cuts down on expenses as I never have to buy a work uniform.
So my decision to only buy a few items from Ebay or thrift shops id going to be so easy, and of course cheap.
My recent post Lightening Strikes Stopped Blogging
I really like the idea of a shopping ban. I've never been a shopper myself but when I first started my 'real' job I do go out and get more office appropriate attire. Since then I haven't gone out to get anything else. In the past have you had a clothing allowance or fund you have saved up for to go shopping with? Or did you just cold turkey your shopping habit?
Sarah
My recent post HST Cheque and Dilemma Solved
In the past, if I did remember that I wanted something, I would put it into my monthly budget. But more often than not, I found that I would randomly buy things. It wasn't getting out of control or anything, I just didn't think all those random purchases were necessary … and I wanted to challenge myself to the shopping ban. I wanted to know that I could still do something like that should I ever be forced into it (through a loss of job or change in my life for whatever reason).
I really like the idea of a shopping ban. I've never been a shopper myself but when I first started my 'real' job I do go out and get more office appropriate attire. Since then I haven't gone out to get anything else. In the past have you had a clothing allowance or fund you have saved up for to go shopping with? Or did you just cold turkey your shopping habit?
Sarah
My recent post HST Cheque and Dilemma Solved
In the past, if I did remember that I wanted something, I would put it into my monthly budget. But more often than not, I found that I would randomly buy things. It wasn't getting out of control or anything, I just didn't think all those random purchases were necessary … and I wanted to challenge myself to the shopping ban. I wanted to know that I could still do something like that should I ever be forced into it (through a loss of job or change in my life for whatever reason).
sigh..I'm still addicted to shopping..more like addicted to finding a great sale ~~ I'm gonna try the 4 month ban from shopping starting in Jan and see how that goes :( I know I have wayyyy more than enough clothes to last me through a year… but gak! I don't know how you do it!
Have you calculated to see how much you end up saving each month on average by not going shopping?
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Yes! Do the 4 month shopping ban with me starting in January. It's hard the first few months, but it gets easier. You just have to unsubscribe to all retailer e-mails, don't visit their website, and stop going to the mall. LOL!
I don't have a calculation on how much I saved, but it must have been a lot. I was buying at least one or two new things every month. And then random shopping trips to the outlet malls in the states. I will compare 2010 clothing spent to 2009 and see what I come up with.
:) yup that'll be my new year's resolution! hahaha! It's gonna be hard cuz I work in downtown core.. I'm surrounded by shops! I'm gonna try try try anyways! wahh HAHAHA ~
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I am SO glad that I don't work in the downtown core. I think all of that temptation would drive me crazy!!! In fact, since I moved to Vancouver 3 years ago, I can count on one hand the amount of times I've been downtown for something other than a Canucks game.
sigh..I'm still addicted to shopping..more like addicted to finding a great sale ~~ I'm gonna try the 4 month ban from shopping starting in Jan and see how that goes :( I know I have wayyyy more than enough clothes to last me through a year… but gak! I don't know how you do it!
Have you calculated to see how much you end up saving each month on average by not going shopping?
My recent post YAY! Twitter is UP!
Yes! Do the 4 month shopping ban with me starting in January. It's hard the first few months, but it gets easier. You just have to unsubscribe to all retailer e-mails, don't visit their website, and stop going to the mall. LOL!
I don't have a calculation on how much I saved, but it must have been a lot. I was buying at least one or two new things every month. And then random shopping trips to the outlet malls in the states. I will compare 2010 clothing spent to 2009 and see what I come up with.
:) yup that'll be my new year's resolution! hahaha! It's gonna be hard cuz I work in downtown core.. I'm surrounded by shops! I'm gonna try try try anyways! wahh HAHAHA ~
My recent post YAY! Twitter is UP!
I am SO glad that I don't work in the downtown core. I think all of that temptation would drive me crazy!!! In fact, since I moved to Vancouver 3 years ago, I can count on one hand the amount of times I've been downtown for something other than a Canucks game.
I second that about shorts being so dang short! I found a really great pair at the Gap last summer that hits about mid-thigh when they're rolled up. They're a little longer if rolled down, and I dig them. I'm so over the days of my youth when wearing shorts up your crotch was the fun thing to do. Not anymore! :)
I second that about shorts being so dang short! I found a really great pair at the Gap last summer that hits about mid-thigh when they're rolled up. They're a little longer if rolled down, and I dig them. I'm so over the days of my youth when wearing shorts up your crotch was the fun thing to do. Not anymore! :)
I'm so impressed with you sticking to a shopping ban. A friend of mine tried to take part in the great American apparel diet and not shop for a year — it was mere WEEKS before she caved and bought something new, and now a few months later she's completely given up.it was disappointing because I really wanted to see her succeed.
I'm not a shopaholic, but I can understand the draw. I like new things… I just like saving better ;)
Good job!
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I'm so impressed with you sticking to a shopping ban. A friend of mine tried to take part in the great American apparel diet and not shop for a year — it was mere WEEKS before she caved and bought something new, and now a few months later she's completely given up.it was disappointing because I really wanted to see her succeed.
I'm not a shopaholic, but I can understand the draw. I like new things… I just like saving better ;)
Good job!
My recent post Fab Freebie Contest- Gail vaz Oxlade’s book “Easy Money”
I love the idea of making a clothing wish list before actually going anywhere near a mall. That seems like a really great way to control your spending and make sure you dont just buy clothes willy nilly that you dont even need! I'm definatly gonna try that!
I love the idea of making a clothing wish list before actually going anywhere near a mall. That seems like a really great way to control your spending and make sure you dont just buy clothes willy nilly that you dont even need! I'm definatly gonna try that!
Didnt you buy a pair of Saucony shoes per a post a few down? Did that not count against the shopping ban?
It was a pair of Asics runners actually. :) While it technically counts against my shopping ban because they are shoes, I'm not going to count it because it's not like I went out and bought them just for fun. I literally could not exercise without a pair of running shoes, and there were no other methods of getting shoes for free or doing without.
you should check out your work benefits… orthotics inserts for the shoes could be covered… some places include a pair of running shoes… in the end.. its $0 to you
My work benefits do not cover orthodic inserts or running shoes actually. I find it weird that they don't cover orthotics because every other health care plan I've been on has covered it… but that's just the way it is I guess!
Didnt you buy a pair of Saucony shoes per a post a few down? Did that not count against the shopping ban?
It was a pair of Asics runners actually. :) While it technically counts against my shopping ban because they are shoes, I'm not going to count it because it's not like I went out and bought them just for fun. I literally could not exercise without a pair of running shoes, and there were no other methods of getting shoes for free or doing without.
you should check out your work benefits… orthotics inserts for the shoes could be covered… some places include a pair of running shoes… in the end.. its $0 to you
My work benefits do not cover orthodic inserts or running shoes actually. I find it weird that they don't cover orthotics because every other health care plan I've been on has covered it… but that's just the way it is I guess!
Waiting until January before I announce that I am to be let free at the malls with cash to burn. j/k
I actually found it very interesting that I could say: I NEED A NEW SWEATER! .. only to look at my closet and think: Okay.. I do? But I have so much already.
The ban made me stop and think. Now on my list..? Nothing. Although I'm still lemming after that Anthro shirt.
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EXACTLY. I used to say "I NEED a new sweater" because I hadn't bought one in a while, or because I didn't have a colour I've been wanting, or because it's getting colder … but that sweater is still a want, not a need. It's crazy how you really begin to understand wants vs. needs once you just stop buying things.
Waiting until January before I announce that I am to be let free at the malls with cash to burn. j/k
I actually found it very interesting that I could say: I NEED A NEW SWEATER! .. only to look at my closet and think: Okay.. I do? But I have so much already.
The ban made me stop and think. Now on my list..? Nothing. Although I'm still lemming after that Anthro shirt.
My recent post Meet my brother- the comedian on improving the quality of his team
EXACTLY. I used to say “I NEED a new sweater” because I hadn't bought one in a while, or because I didn't have a colour I've been wanting, or because it's getting colder … but that sweater is still a want, not a need. It's crazy how you really begin to understand wants vs. needs once you just stop buying things.
Wow I’m impressed. Thats a long time without shopping!
I might hop on the bandwagon with you for January! It goes until when, May?
Is that just clothes/accessories, or do you cut out anything else as well? Makeup and stuff?
I just don’t know if I could do it. I hate letting myself down on my goals!
My recent post Change the Way You Think
No, it's just clothing, accessories and shoes. It doesn't count make-up or personal care items – but that being said, I don't wear a lot of make-up to begin with.
Wow I’m impressed. Thats a long time without shopping!
I might hop on the bandwagon with you for January! It goes until when, May?
Is that just clothes/accessories, or do you cut out anything else as well? Makeup and stuff?
I just don’t know if I could do it. I hate letting myself down on my goals!
My recent post Change the Way You Think
No, it's just clothing, accessories and shoes. It doesn't count make-up or personal care items – but that being said, I don't wear a lot of make-up to begin with.
Last time I went to the mall, I spent $45 on a jacket that is hanging untouched in my closet.
I have vowed to only buy my work clothes at Goodwill from now on – the more "professional" type clothes tend to be the least worn looking. I found a suit there for $10! (And I looked at Macy's and couldn't even find an expensive one that fit me.)
Now if only I had some fashion sense…
Last time I went to the mall, I spent $45 on a jacket that is hanging untouched in my closet.
I have vowed to only buy my work clothes at Goodwill from now on – the more “professional” type clothes tend to be the least worn looking. I found a suit there for $10! (And I looked at Macy's and couldn't even find an expensive one that fit me.)
Now if only I had some fashion sense…
I agree with you, dressing up for work is nice … but I admit, in the winter, I haven't yet mastered the look of "chic layering," and I end up looking like my grandmother's afghan with all the cableknit I pile on myself.
But I'm in love with your shopping list. If I weren't six feet tall I'd be tempted to fly down to BC and kidnap your wardrobe … but something tells me I wouldn't be able to fit :P
lol yeah I'm 5'2" so we definitely wouldn't be able to swap clothes anytime soon. :)
I agree with you, dressing up for work is nice … but I admit, in the winter, I haven't yet mastered the look of “chic layering,” and I end up looking like my grandmother's afghan with all the cableknit I pile on myself.
But I'm in love with your shopping list. If I weren't six feet tall I'd be tempted to fly down to BC and kidnap your wardrobe … but something tells me I wouldn't be able to fit :P
lol yeah I'm 5'2″ so we definitely wouldn't be able to swap clothes anytime soon. :)
@Money Rabbit- For some reason I couldn't envision you as being 6' tall! Maybe its the rabbit logo LOL.
Congrats krystal on your shopping ban! I think I should try one for myself… I've been only buying things that I need and not want.. nothing really is piquing my fancy right now anyways. Stuff in Canadian malls are so expensive and everything looks the same. :(
Agreed. It's really easy not to buy anything in Canada because once you've shopped across the border and seen the prices there, it's hard to shop in Canada and know that you're paying way more.
@Money Rabbit- For some reason I couldn't envision you as being 6' tall! Maybe its the rabbit logo LOL.
Congrats krystal on your shopping ban! I think I should try one for myself… I've been only buying things that I need and not want.. nothing really is piquing my fancy right now anyways. Stuff in Canadian malls are so expensive and everything looks the same. :(
Agreed. It's really easy not to buy anything in Canada because once you've shopped across the border and seen the prices there, it's hard to shop in Canada and know that you're paying way more.