Unlike the first 6 months of year 2010, when I did a self imposed shopping ban
in 2011 I decided to set myself free and not control my purchasing habits.
No limits, no restrains.
I chose not to control and just monitor.
So, I did.
Month by month when I bought something I
took note of how much I spent and what it was.
As you may or may not have noticed I spent very little on
each item. I make an effort to buy items when they are on sale
and I do not buy expensive labels.
So taking the above into consideration I thought I would
not spend that much.
But, then I started adding what I spent each month...
well I was quite surprised.
Here is the list of what I bought during the year:
19 dresses.
7 skirts
19 trousers (pants, jeans, shorts...)
Some pants had to be hemmed.
I did not consider that cost in the final number as it would
only make it more complicated.
44 tops (blazers, cardigans, shirts, tshirts...)
7 bags
16 pairs of shoes.
My total was 1,994.16 USD, which I honestly find outrageous.
Sure, some people spend that on a bag or a pair of shoes but
I am not one of those people.
So, after seeing the amount I spent and also seeing that
I have over thirty unworn garments with their tags on, I
decided to start a shopping ban.
It's not a new year's resolution, it's just my reaction.
Maybe I'll stop the shopping ban as soon as I wear all these items.
Maybe I will hold the ban for 6 months.
Maybe I'll just replace items or do the one garment in-one garment out method.
Maybe I'll set a budget.
At this point I am just glad that I am aware.
When you are aware of something you can act upon it.
I am no longer in the dark in regards to my shopping habits.
I have seen the light :)
That's the way! Just be *aware*, then you can make choices that make sense for you. According to stats, you are still well below the average of $3,000 per year for US women!
ReplyDeleteAnd I bet it never even seemed like that much while you were shopping!
ReplyDeleteAnd since you did a lot of editing while you were shopping, it probably all seemed to balance out...
but i guess to look at the total its a little astounding, and I think the worst part is the unworn items.
this past year I didn't end up with anything unworn, but there were five tops and one necklace that I only wore once, which bothers me.
I'm too scared to count how much i bought or how much I spent! LOL
ReplyDeletei'm like you, I don't spend hundreds on items but I shop ALOT lol
As long as you are regularly cleaning out your closet and wearing the things that you buy, I don't find spending that amount of money on clothes outrageous at all.
ReplyDeleteLots of people have hobbies that cost more than that; think of fashion as your hobby. :)
Great haul, love your blog!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful new year my dear!
I agree with Sheila. If you are wearing your purchases, you enjoy shopping, and this is an expense you can afford then this amount is reasonable.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do greatly admire your restraint and your ability to recognize what might be excessive for you personally.
I agree with Sheila. I think so long as you are regularly getting rid of the unworn, ill-fitting, worn out, and wearing all the new stuff no biggie.
ReplyDeleteHowever, since you said you have a bunch of unworn stuff - go dive in!
I'm planning on restarting my ban after my birthday. 6 months sounds like a great limit.
I am with Sheila too.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazes me is the number of each item; I shop way way more than you so now I am wondering how many pieces I would buy in a year! I think this year I might keep track, just to see. Thanks for the idea!
What a great way tracking your purchases. I envy your organization in this aspect. I can easily said I doubled what you spent on shopping, last year. I spent over 2500$ alone at White House Black Market (where I worked part time for about 10 months, last year). It is sad when I think about it now, too, but I probably spent at least $6000.00 on clothes to say the least and I still have A TON of unworn items, accessories, and such. I should and hope to be A LOT MORE FRUGAL in 2012. Crossing my fingers, pray for me Lorena (I am a shop-aholic). I would like to see in detail full photos of each item you purchased in 2012, do you have such previous posts perhaps?
ReplyDeleteI am just planning ahead. I have taken stock of my wardrobe and made a list of the types of items I think I need for the rest of the year (replacing my white jeans, a dressy white tank, black wedge pumps, etc) and I'll only buy things from my list this year. No impulse buys. I cannot STAND to waste money, although I am OK with spending a lot on a single item if it's beautiful, unique and well made. I hate it when I buy something and it turns out not to work but I can't return it! I want all the things I own to be well-worn and loved. I feel like right now I have a lot of things in my closet that are nice but that I don't wear...I hate that!
ReplyDeleteafter a year of not shopping, I eased up last year. Well, I'm back on the band this year. Until I get to my goal weight I'm not buying any more clothes!! PERIORD.
ReplyDeleteI think what ever people want to spend is their business, they should just do it within their budget.