It’s no secret that I tend to lean more towards the ‘minimalist-wannabe’ end of the consumerism spectrum. I can’t say that I’m a true minimalist in every sense of the word, but I do try to consciously live without things I don’t deem necessary.
Take baby things for example, my registry was embarrassingly small because I just don’t believe anyone needs that much stuff for a baby. If I was going to do it again, my registry would be even smaller.
But unfortunately, my closet has always gotten the best of me. It’s not that I buy the newest and most trendiest articles of clothing – it’s that I tend to buy the same style of clothing over and over again because I love it each and every time I see it.
It doesn’t make sense – I know.
Seriously, anything that is navy and white striped I must own, check out my Instagram for confirmation of this.
Anyway, I went to the Randolph Street (Antique) Market this past weekend, and I had such a great time looking at all of the vintage clothing/jewelry/furniture/home goods/ etc. While I was browsing through the various displays I came up with a goal I want to try for the next 12 months: Buy only used clothing.
I was invited to the media breakfast, which took place before the market opened. Do you know what makes shopping for vintage things even more fun? Caffeine & champagne.
Starting today I’m not going to be buying any ‘new’ clothes, but I will still be shopping, it will just be at resale/consignment stores and possibly from friend’s closets. Yep, if I want to buy ‘new’ clothes, I’ll actually buy used items.
This won’t necessarily save me money – because the second hand consignment stores I shop at are still pretty pricey – but I will be getting higher quality articles of clothing for Target-like prices.
Here are a few other outcomes that I’m hoping to achieve with this goal:
- Owning a greater variety of brands in my closet (since resale shops have a great mix of brands)
- Wearing different styles of clothing than I would normally wear
- Spending less time shopping, especially online
- Cutting down on the amount of clothing I buy/own – and hopefully being able to sell/donate some of my own clothing to others
- Being more creative with what I already own
I have no idea if this is going to be do-able or not, but I’m excited to try! Of course, I reserve the right to make an exception here or there, but I really think I can easily go the entire year without needing to ‘cheat’. There are so many awesome resale stores in Chicago, and I can’t wait to find some good deals!
Have you ever done a shopping challenge similar to this? Do you have any tips!?
Love this! I usually have pretty good luck with buying things second hand, and I’ve been meaning to try ThredUp for awhile, but I’m always leery of buying clothes online. I just hate having to guess on my sizes! Luckily the Dallas area has some great consignment shops and I am usually able to find some great staple pieces!
Ohhhh I’m going to try to avoid the online sites, but I have sold to Twice! I agree about the guessing on sizes thing, I am NOT a fan of that at all. Nothing seems to fit me right if I buy it online. And I agree, I went consignment shopping in Dallas about 10 years ago and I STILL have the dresses and jewelry I bought! And I actually wear them!
I’m so impressed with this challenge. I do love consignment shops every so often but there is no way I think I could realistically do it. Love that you are challenging yourself this way, you better keep us updated with your results and great thrifted finds!
Well we shall see what happens in a few weeks/months! Things like this always sound good in theory…
I don’t even know where consignment shops are in my area. I’m sure they are out there, I’ve just never thought to look. My closet gets the best of me big time. I have such a hard time getting rid of things. I’ve actually mostly quit shopping as of late to try to get a handle on the ‘things.’ I finally realized I have plenty.
I honesty thought Chicago only had like 2 consignment stores (because I’m nuts) and then I started noticing them EVERYWHERE. Well, consignment and second-hand stores both. The key to getting rid of things for me is to not actually get rid of them right away, but put them into storage and then take them out in a few months and if you didn’t miss a piece of clothing, then you know it can go!
I love this idea! I try to buy used a lot too and I might have to make a goal like this for at least a month. 🙂
Do you have many consignment shops near you? I think the key to it is having consignment shops you actually enjoy looking through!
Yes! Portland has GREAT consignment stores and I don’t go to them nearly enough. 🙂
Ohhhh I bet Portland is awesome for consignment! There are so many awesome and unique individuals there whose values probably align more with reusing things, including clothing! (Can you tell I love Portland?!)
That’s ok. I love portland too. 🙂
I’ve found that sometimes just going out window shopping is enough to curb any shopping / buying urge. And I’ve tried no buying challenges, and I last like 27 days.
Ohhhh I can’t window shop at all, it drives me crazy! I actually don’t love shopping in general, but when I’m in the mood I tend to buy more than I need! Hopefully this will help limit that 🙂
Good for you- this sounds like a tough but fun challenge! And I think you are right- you will add some really unique pieces instead of the standard stuff everyone has from Target, etc. I tried a challenge where I bought only one new clothing item per month, but that only lasted a few months until I got pregnant haha. I hope to do it again soon once I develop a solid capsule wardrobe in my new size and only add one item a month– we will see!
Ohhhh I think it would be WAY harder for me to stick to only one article of clothing per month! I tend to binge shop, because I either find LOTS of great stuff or nothing at all! I’m hoping buying used will also allow me to not feel horrible about only wearing something a few times – we shall see! I’m working on the capsule wardrobe idea, which should be easier now that I can FINALLY put away winter clothing!
ok i love this. i mean, i love this a whole lot.
i’ve been trying out this experiment where i flip the way my clothes are hung around after i wear them. i’m not allowed to repeat until i finish flipping ALMOST everything… it’s been a fun challenge, something i treasure as i get dressed, and made me aware of the reasons i don’t wear clothes -if i never feel pretty or good in them, why do i own them!?! it’s been really eye opening and wonderful and brought me to a point where i’m not hungering for more clothes because i realize how many i really DO have.
Amber, I am totally going to start trying the flipping hangers idea! It sounds so interesting and I think it will really show me what clothes I wear and what I can get rid of!
I love this idea! I’ve been trying to cut back on the amount of clothing I own, as I realize it’s just TOO much. I’ve felt like a loner with this idea in a world that is screaming MORE MORE MORE. Thank you for sharing this!
I totally feel you, Annie! I feel the same way! However, I do think there are ways to mix up your wardrobe and wear ‘new’ things while not actually having MORE or spending a ton of money – as long as you get rid of things as fast as you bring them in!