I’m thinking it’s time for a shopping ban


Zara linen t-shirt, 3.1 by Phillip Lim skirt, Country Rd blazer (similar), Witchery embellished flats, Alexander Wang emile tote, Diva necklace, Marc by Marc Jacobs bolt bracelet

I’ve decided. I’m officially on a shopping ban. I’m not sure for how long, and I anticipate that I will allow myself the odd concession, but after somehow managing to hunt down every item on my Spring wishlist and then some, I get the feeling that there is very little updating that my wardrobe now needs.

The list that I prepared for the Spring season appears to have coincided with a desire to refine, simplify, and cut back. This, combined with the knowledge that approximately 40% of my purchases this year I have since deemed inadequate, only intensifies my pursuit of a wardrobe that is filled with flattering and well-cut garments made of high quality materials. It also lends further to the idea that if I cut myself off from making new purchases, I should be able to focus on finding harmony and cohesion in what I do own – as pretentious as that probably sounds.

I’m all up for suggestions on how to stick to a shopping ban, and have already committed to abstaining from my daily ritual of looking at my favourite online stores, in a bid to remove some, if not all temptation.

Considering that my Spring wishlist wasn’t short by any means, I have wasted little time acquiring and tracking them down. I should probably admit I was in the throes of pulling the trigger on many of those purchases well before I did, but I think I just needed to identify that it truly was a gap in my wardrobe before going through with it. It seems so strange and alien to me to finally not want anything (badly), and be happy with the contents of my wardrobe. I can only hope that this feeling isn’t a fleeting one.

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20 Comments

  1. steph
    September 19, 2012 / 7:26 am

    good for you! i have been refraining from buying too many things too often too, the out-of-sight-out-of-mind mantra works, i’ve unsubscribed from most of my regular newsletters!

    ps. that’s a fab skirt!

  2. Kathy
    September 19, 2012 / 7:29 am

    Adore your outfit!
    I would seriously kill to have your Alexander Wang bag
    Good luck on your shopping ban – the last time I had one it didn’t last very long, and I ended up splurging on Alexander Wang and Acne haha
    You’ve got such an amazing blog (and an amazing wardrobe) – can’t wait to see more posts 🙂
    xxx

  3. Vulette
    September 19, 2012 / 9:38 am

    I am also currently on a shopping ban… but it was kind of more of a ‘intervention’. Spending beyond my budget really isn’t good for me and the boy’s Europe savings account 🙁

    I’m planning a ‘Spring Clean Cull’ to ease the guilt…

  4. Faith @ The Cheap Girl's Guide to Chic
    September 19, 2012 / 1:14 pm

    Good luck with the shopping ban! Sometimes pulling out the things you already have in your closet can help you get even more creative!

  5. indie by heart
    September 19, 2012 / 3:58 pm

    Your idea sounds perfect. I should do the same thing, focus on creating nice looks with the garments that I already have (or not even worn once yet 🙂 and at the same time get rid off items that don’t even suit me / I don’t like anymore ! Blog shop, maybe 🙂

    + Your look is really pretty! Lusting after that spikey necklace..Cool.

    Satu
    Indie by heart

  6. September 19, 2012 / 7:55 am

    wow jamie I just LOVE this outfit! love the pop of colour, it looks fantastic with the neutrals.

    good luck on your spending ban! I found a big thing that helps me is unsubscribing from all my newsletters and sales alerts, it doesn’t sound like much, but when tempting items aren’t trickling into your inbox every day, you kind of forget about them. coupled with avoiding shops and online stores, eventually the temptation just goes away. it gets much easier over time, probably for me shopping is a real habit.

    good luck hun! x

  7. Keshia
    September 19, 2012 / 8:08 pm

    I LOVE YOUR LOOOK !

    Kisses, see you soon 😀 !

  8. September 19, 2012 / 10:39 am

    I’m on an unofficial shopping ban as well……after I cleaned out my closets this summer. Ridiculous. I am saving the money I would’ve spent on clothes to buy/update my electronics and save for a vacation next year. I posted a few styles on my mirror and next to the computer and a vacation picture to help keep me on track! Good luck!

  9. September 19, 2012 / 1:03 pm

    Loving this outfit!!! I think you’ll be fine, to me your wardrobe seems very cohesive, but then again I don’t see everything 😉
    Good luck with your ban, they don’t usually last for me, although I’m trying not to shop that much because I don’t have a regular income anymore, ha ha…I do pretty well and only slipped up while I was in the city (But I had gift cards for most of it XD)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

  10. September 19, 2012 / 3:48 pm

    wonderful look .. very nice the flats and the skirt!!!

  11. September 19, 2012 / 5:36 pm

    Oh gosh, I have shopping withdrawals just reading your post!!! Clearly I am not as strong as you are!! Good job girl! PS. I’d love it if you could visit my blog and follow me if you like it!! 🙂

    -Stephanie
    @LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com

  12. September 19, 2012 / 6:09 pm

    You’re a brave woman to go on a shopping ban!

    This outfit is TOTALL FAB!’

    XOXO
    -Daisy Nguyen from PS BANANAS fashion blog:
    http://psbananas.com

  13. September 19, 2012 / 8:04 pm

    Oh good luck – your wardrobe looks to be very cohesive and you have a very distinct look which means all the pieces you have work so well together.

  14. September 19, 2012 / 11:18 pm

    You look gorgeous! <3

    xx

  15. Kristin
    September 20, 2012 / 6:05 am

    Great outfit – that’s a lovely shade of yellow. A shopping ban is tough – my mind immediately starts thinking of ‘what if’ scenarios that play on the fear of missing out on something. But really, what are the consequences of missing out? Your wardrobe is already so enviable. Maybe make a list of outfits that you’d like to try with pieces you already own?

    Meanwhile, all I have bought in the past two months has been a $15 pair of shoes and a $40 belt. I must admit it’s driving me a little crazy and I may cave in soon. Let’s see who lasts longer haha!

  16. September 20, 2012 / 11:46 am

    Good look! I like it!

  17. September 20, 2012 / 12:14 pm

    LOVE this outfit! majorly crushing on the jacket!

    xx
    jess
    iamkonstantinos.blogspot.com

  18. September 20, 2012 / 9:20 pm

    alexander wang.. you can do no wrong.

  19. September 21, 2012 / 10:01 pm

    Wow.. you’re sooo good! Hubs tells me all the time I need to be put on a shopping ban but I listen for maybe a few days then I’m back again.. shopping. -_- I need your will-power when I see a sale!!!

    xo – Sheila

    If you have time, please come by and check out my blog! And maybe follow?

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