Low Buy 2022: February Check-In

Another month done and dusted as part of my half-yearly low buy. My video update will be going live on my YouTube channel next Monday, if you’d prefer more of a chatty run through on how my month went. 

Wearing Jenni Kayne alpaca knit; Facade Pattern trousers; Tibi coat (old); Oroton bag

I have decided to make a few changes; instead of sharing everything I bought (ie. categories which aren’t part of my low buy) I’ll be focusing on fashion and beauty, along with how my month went and any learnings I made along the way about my personal habits and/or self. I also realise and appreciate I’m in a privileged position where I do receive some gifting, and to make things clear I’ll be sharing the gifted element (and what I received/why) here on my blog only. If you have any feedback, please do share in the comments.

LEANING INTO GRIEF

The biggest thing for me in February was really leaning into my grief. Rather than shying away from it. The anniversary of my mum’s passing was one where I felt overcome with emotion, in a way that I hadn’t allowed myself to be in years. Instead of turning to shopping as an emotional crutch, I found I was taking more time for myself. Resting and reflecting. Sharing how I was feeling with loved ones – unapologetically. It felt like a big win, and something I hope I’ll continue to lean into in future years. 

GIVING ME JOY THIS MONTH

Perhaps one of the larger life updates we received in February, is that our DA approval for our home renovation is not far off. And that little tidbit of information has really set me into overdrive planning-wise. We’ll be almost doubling our floor plan, which means that we will be making some home/decor purchases at some point in the year. As someone who likes to take her time, I’ve been mapping out what these might be (within a reasonable spend, too!). My latest obsession in particular has been discovering new artists; mostly via Instagram. Knowing when we moved in that we would renovate at some point, we’ve made little effort to decorate the walls. So finding artworks and artists which my husband and I both like (no easy feat!), has been one of the things on my agenda. 

I also finished reading Shantaram; which I have to admit, I wasn’t fully aware when I began “reading” it that it was partly fictional. That said, Gregory David Roberts is a true storyteller, and aside from a couple of slow points throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Perhaps my only complaint was that it felt like the threads of individual stories came together a little too neatly at the end. I would have preferred some “messiness”. Next up is Pachinko which comes highly recommended. I saw this is being made into a series for Apple TV so hoping to make my way through it before it airs.

Finally, I’ve been listening to guided meditations. I’d forgotten how powerful they can be at calming the voice in your head; the one that leaves me laying awake at night mulling things over and playing out various scenarios in my head on repeat. There’s many different apps but I quite like “Oak” as the white noise will continue long after the meditation has ended. 

HOW I SPENT MY BUDGET

It’s funny. The way I thought would spend my budget this month was very different to how I actually spent it. I started the month off looking at potentially buying a pair of statement earrings. I love jewellery, and how earrings in particular can transform a look. Most of what I own already is fairly timeless and classic, so I was hoping to add in some whimsy here. I first considered these knot earrings from Acne Studios, but my friend Helen mentioned that they’re reasonably heavy; not what I was after. The other pair on my list (and still on my list) are these ones from Sunnei. Not as loud as I could potentially go, but I like that they bridge the gap from something wildly bold, and something timeless.

The other item I’d had my eye on was a silk skirt from Lee Mathews. I’d actually spotted one pre-loved on eBay, however another bidder slipped in and did a “buy now” before the auction closed. Another piece that’s still on my wishlist; hopefully to add to my closet later this year.

Shopping primarily online, I did make a purchase that just didn’t work out. A pair of shoes I’d had my eye on for the better part of a year. But I couldn’t tell if they were quite me or not. The shoes in question are the whipstitch pumps from Jil Sander. In nude. Heavily discounted on MyTheresa.com, and with an additional 30% off, it felt like the best time to buy to try and see. As beautiful as they are, the style just wasn’t for me. The squared off toe was a bit too square, and I found the v-shaped vamp and bracelet effect at the ankle did me no favours. I tried them on with multiple different outfits and ultimately felt like I’d always choose another shoe over them, so sent them back. 

So… what did I actually buy?

Scanlan & Theodore charcoal tailored trousers | One of those items I’d been patiently waiting to see go on sale. A pair of perfectly tailored trousers from Scanlan & Theodore. These feel like a fancy upgrade on my beloved trousers from H&M, and I thought they’d be a great workwear option, in addition to being well suited to the cooler months as they’re a heavier-weight wool. I got these in the size AU6, which I’d tried on previously and were a perfect fit. 

C&M navy nylon trousers | Of the two purchases, the C&M trousers (similar) felt a little more “impulsive”. I’d had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to add a new texture into my closet. More specifically, a nylon texture. Even if it was in a style or a colour I already owned. The reasoning being how much I rely on texture to convey a mood and add depth to my outfits. And I spotted the Talia trouser at the Camilla & Marc outlet and knew they were the “ones”. These trousers have that sports luxe feel which I was lacking in my closet. I like that they’re low maintenance (perfect with a toddler), and the fit and length were just what I was looking for straight off the rack. Also, who doesn’t love an elasticated waistband…?

I didn’t end up spending my entire budget, meaning I have a small amount to carry over into March (should I wish!).

GIFTING I RECEIVED

I was pretty flat tack with work in February so declined any paid partnerships; a boon to my low buy as it really helped me to reduce any additional items coming into my closet. Additionally I declined any other offers for gifting of clothing items this past month too. That said, there were a couple things I received in the mail.

Monica Vinader | You may have noticed that MV has become one of those brands which I wear on repeat. The brand launched a new collection with Mother of Pearl, and provided me with a voucher to select a few items of my own choosing. I picked out three items; the Keshi Pearl Bracelet, Galaxy Diamond Ring, and Doina Fine Chain Bracelet. 

Necessaire | To coincide with a GWP promotion the brand was running on the site, I received a package containing a travel size of my beloved Body Oil & Body Lotion. Given I’d just recently run out of the Body Oil, this was a very welcome surprise when it arrived on our doorstep. 

Biossance | Finally, you’ll probably already know what a big fan of Biossance I am. Like Necessaire, it’s one of the few brands I can rely on to not interfere with my (sensitive) skin in any way. They recently launched a new Squalane + Copper Peptide Serum, which I received for consideration and review.

THE COLLECTOR MENTALITY

This month I wanted to wrap things up by chatting about what I’m calling the collector mentality.

I feel like I had a bit of an “a-ha” moment in February. A realisation about how and why I like to shop. It took me back to my late teens and early twenties, when I would religiously stalk certain brands on eBay with the intention of creating an archive of my favourite collections. A collector mentality. It was why my closet felt so full, yet I often felt like I had nothing to wear. I was buying for the sake of ticking off a box. Creating a museum of items that I had no real inclination to wear. Maybe they didn’t suit me. Not my colour. Too short. Not a print I really loved. All superfluous and confusing to my personal style.

Fast forward more than a decade later, and some of those same habits seem to still be entrenched especially so in my actions when shopping pre-loved. While I’ve found that I can weed out items that are no longer reflective of my personal style, whether or not there’s a real gap in my closet doesn’t feature as a consideration; even if my 30 day shopping rule does. 

And it didn’t start there. Rewinding back to my childhood, I was the same. Collecting every single “Littlest Family” toy set; comic books (in sequence); precious crystals. I’ve started to wonder if this was a learned behaviour. My mum’s closet – once I left home – spanned across all three bedrooms in our family home, plus two rails in the storage under the eaves. In addition to another full wardrobe at the holiday home in Greece. My grandparents, similarly, never part ways with anything. A habit I put down to their experiences in Greece during the war.

Despite my best efforts years ago, it didn’t take me too long to acknowledge that I would never be a minimalist. While I appreciate more minimal, classic items (from a style perspective), I won’t ever be that person with just 33 items in their year round closet. 

It’s had me questioning the drive behind this behaviour. Is it a coping mechanism? A way to feel a sense of security? Or something else? 

At my age, it’s fair to say that change doesn’t come easy. These realisations may be all for naught. But I do think being aware of deeply ingrained behaviours can help you make more informed decisions. Though it would explain my cavalier attitude towards pre-loved purchases in late 2021… Many of which were “off-season” items, that are still yet to be worn.

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Alright, so that’s it for my February check-in. Any questions? Anything you’d like me to include next month? Hope your own low buy journey is going well!