Eight Months Without Buying Brand New Clothing

At the start of this year I decided that I wouldn’t allow myself to buy any brand new clothing as part of a new year challenge. I my blog post called 2019’s Big Fashion Resolution you can find out more about it and my previous resolutions. As we are over half way through the year I thought it would be nice to review the purchases I’ve made this year, with a bit of info about where they came from.

Buying Pre-Owned Clothing

I actually made it until May without buying any clothes. I just didn’t feel the need to purchase anything. It did help quite a lot that I had gone through my wardrobe and had a really good clear out. I gave a lot to charity but there were a few things that I have sold on eBay. By taking the time to go through what I own it meant that I discovered some things that I had forgot I owned. As I started shopping my wardrobe I felt that I almost had new outfits.

Gifted Clothing

I was gifted some clothing by a brand but I haven’t actually worn those clothes as much as I thought I would. I think this might be down to the weather change and it becoming a bit warmer. My sister also gave me a pair of black trousers that she didn’t want anymore. There was nothing wrong with them and they are perfect for both everyday and work wear.

Pre-Owned Stores

I live in jeans and wore my favourite pair out. I felt like I really needed to replace them but of course I can’t buy brand new. With this in mind I visited my favourite pre-owned store in my home town called D’Oro. They sell designer and high quality high street clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. Obviously the risk of buying in a pre-owned store, if you have a particular item in mind, is that they may not have what you want let alone your size. I was able to pick up a pair of jeans by 7 For All Mankind for £25 – a major saving on a brand new pair.

eBay

Apparently having one new pair of jeans wasn’t enough as I felt the need to pick up another pair in a completely different style. I wanted a pair in a different cut and wash and had a look on eBay. I had heard that the Zara Mom jeans look and fit really well so I had my eye on them. They are on sale on the Zara website for £25.99 but I can’t buy brand new clothing so I had a look on eBay. I wasn’t sure how likely it would be that they would be on there as they are new season, but I was in luck. Someone was selling the pair I wanted in my size for £10 plus £3.48 for postage, which is still a great saving.

Brand New Purchases

There are only two items that I have bought brand new this year. The first is black & beige slip on sliders with a plaited rope and pearl front strap from Linzi Shoes for £25. The second is a pair of white canvas stripe sole trainers from New Look for £9.99. I didn’t include shoes, gymwear, underwear or nightwear in my resolution for obvious reasons, although I have come across some pre-owned shoes in great condition online. I’m hoping to get a lot of wear out of these sliders over the summer. I live in ankle boots year round because I feel comfortable in them and I hate flip flops with a passion. Flat sandals or loafers rub my heels really badly so I tend to avoid them too.

The good thing about these purchases is that they only came to just over £73 and I had made £71 selling unwanted items on eBay.

I do think the one place I need to check out is charity shops. If you are in the Cambridge area and you can recommend a really good one then please let me know as I’d love to take a look.