I think your no-buy was totally successful!! I have had regret from not buying something before, and if you've been thinking about it for a while, I think it could be on the "okay to buy" list. Cait Flanders on The Mindful Consumer (a substack but she also wrote a book about her no buy year a few years ago) kept an "okay to buy" list with things like that during her no buy year. I want to try some sort of no buy challenge but I would definitely need an "okay to buy list"!
Maybe reframe it as saving for the things you loved rather than a nobuy, because even though you were trying not to buy for a specific time, your aim was to buy something (and you totally succeeded at not being distracted from your aim, and got what you wanted!) - I think the aim of a nobuy is to reprogram your wanting habits. I'm in my second month of one now, (with the proviso that I can buy the perfect black cashmere cardigan if one comes up - been looking for a few years while the one I have is held together with darns, so I know I'm not going to impulse buy it), and I'm taking it month by month. But it's easier for me because I'm outside the trend demographic.
I love this take and you definitely made me feel better! I'd be so curious to read about your no-buy success and I'll keep an eye out for the perfect black cashmere cardigan for you! What do you consider "perfect" in that sense?
The one I have is generous in proportion but not massively oversized, straight cut, ends mid hip or even low hip, v-neck, neither rigid nor flimsy, all for under $€£200 :)
I would argue your no buy was successful because your goal was to save for future consumption. But, to me, smart consumption is the best kind; getting your coat at a discount and participating in circular fashion is a major win!!
The feelings you had about the barrel leg pants are way too familiar for me and the way sneakier type of buying annoyance. Who among us isn’t trying harder to appreciate what we already have but bravo to you for being curious and wanting to learn.
I thought I left a comment but on refresh I don’t see it, so if you get a double comment apologies!
I think you succeeded!! Especially since you held off on buying things you didn’t have on your list.
I’ve never done a no buy month because I’d like to think I’m pretty good at not impulse shopping. However, this has me thinking if I should try it as a a way to confirm I don’t impulse shop 😅
I feel this! I'm so primed to buy into trends after years as working as a merchant and always looking for the next new thing. I've been able to slowly shift into secondhand and I have months where I don't buy anything, but there's always a sense of being behind the curve when I'm not buying seasonal trends with everyone else. And I think you were successful in your no buy - with secondhand you sometimes have to commit right away before someone else buys it.
I think your no-buy was totally successful!! I have had regret from not buying something before, and if you've been thinking about it for a while, I think it could be on the "okay to buy" list. Cait Flanders on The Mindful Consumer (a substack but she also wrote a book about her no buy year a few years ago) kept an "okay to buy" list with things like that during her no buy year. I want to try some sort of no buy challenge but I would definitely need an "okay to buy list"!
Wow I have to check out her Substack and book — that's such a helpful mindset and helps with the rigidity I was worried about!
Maybe reframe it as saving for the things you loved rather than a nobuy, because even though you were trying not to buy for a specific time, your aim was to buy something (and you totally succeeded at not being distracted from your aim, and got what you wanted!) - I think the aim of a nobuy is to reprogram your wanting habits. I'm in my second month of one now, (with the proviso that I can buy the perfect black cashmere cardigan if one comes up - been looking for a few years while the one I have is held together with darns, so I know I'm not going to impulse buy it), and I'm taking it month by month. But it's easier for me because I'm outside the trend demographic.
I love this take and you definitely made me feel better! I'd be so curious to read about your no-buy success and I'll keep an eye out for the perfect black cashmere cardigan for you! What do you consider "perfect" in that sense?
The one I have is generous in proportion but not massively oversized, straight cut, ends mid hip or even low hip, v-neck, neither rigid nor flimsy, all for under $€£200 :)
I would argue your no buy was successful because your goal was to save for future consumption. But, to me, smart consumption is the best kind; getting your coat at a discount and participating in circular fashion is a major win!!
The feelings you had about the barrel leg pants are way too familiar for me and the way sneakier type of buying annoyance. Who among us isn’t trying harder to appreciate what we already have but bravo to you for being curious and wanting to learn.
Thank you for that! I agree, I don't think it was unsuccessful per say, but definitely taught me a lot about my pre-purchasing habits!
I thought I left a comment but on refresh I don’t see it, so if you get a double comment apologies!
I think you succeeded!! Especially since you held off on buying things you didn’t have on your list.
I’ve never done a no buy month because I’d like to think I’m pretty good at not impulse shopping. However, this has me thinking if I should try it as a a way to confirm I don’t impulse shop 😅
Ahh love this take Ofelia! Definitely let me know if you try it and I'll be there for moral support!
I feel this! I'm so primed to buy into trends after years as working as a merchant and always looking for the next new thing. I've been able to slowly shift into secondhand and I have months where I don't buy anything, but there's always a sense of being behind the curve when I'm not buying seasonal trends with everyone else. And I think you were successful in your no buy - with secondhand you sometimes have to commit right away before someone else buys it.
It's so frustrating to try to slow down only for marketing messaging to tell you you're missing out. You got this!! Let me know how it goes.