ASOS lace striped dress, Opening Ceremony heels (similar), Teddy Blake ‘carla’ nano
Over the last couple of years, I’ve made the odd mention about my intentions to shop less, following the principle of quality over quantity. While I’m more than a little embarrassed at how much I actually shopped in 2013 and 2014, last year’s total was a little more manageable, and a big step in finally attaining that goal. For those even a little bit curious, I ended up with a total of 56 new items in my wardrobe last year – clothing, shoes, bags and accessories – with probably just as many leaving it, if I’m honest!
It may seem cliche to some; chasing some far-flung idea of a so-called perfect wardrobe, a carefully curated selection of high quality pieces that fit well and look good – but to me, it’s been a rewarding journey. I’ve learnt to say no to myself; I’ve learnt patience; and I’ve learnt that shopping to excess is never going to bring you happiness. More than that, I’ve managed to stumble across some affordable brands which don’t sacrifice quality and fair workmanship for price.
While I’m still love a bargain from ASOS on the odd occasion – the above dress being one of my more recent finds – I’ve found that many more of my purchases this year have fallen more within the ‘quality’ camp. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve got a champagne taste on a beer budget, but I’ve found that you can find the odd gem on eBay and The Real Real without completely breaking the bank.
I’m planning on spending much of this year on a self-imposed spending ban, which, admittedly, hasn’t been going over quite as well as I’d planned (the new pair of Max Mara heels I nabbed last night are now winging their way to me). I’ve also decided to give the 5PFW Challenge another go – so expect to see a little more about that in the coming weeks.
Perhaps the one trap that I’ve been trying not to fall into, is having a completely neutral wardrobe. As pinterest-worthy as that is, it doesn’t quite add up with my own sartorial preferences. With wardrobe often being correlated with how we represent ourselves, it also doesn’t quite fit with my own personal views on how I see myself.
So, wish me luck – and here’s hoping that temptation doesn’t get the better of me!
Good luck! And you look gorgeous!! Do you still run like you mentioned back in an early video? I’m sure the diet helps. That takes discipline. I think I can only manage discipline in a few areas at a time. LOL.
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Thank you so much Amy! I’m not running as much as I used to but I try and do some type of workout at least two times a week. Recently I’ve been doing some of the P90x ab workouts as they are EXCELLENT!
That’s a lovely dress! I think I’ve also gone through a similar transition (and it might even be apparent just from, say, comparing my shopping in the first three months of 2015 with the last three or four). I’m not trying to do anything too different this year, except for sticking to a lower month-to-month budget to make room for some larger work-wardrobe expenditures. (Nothing exciting either, it’s just that nice suits are expensive. I don’t even like wearing them, but it’s probably important to have one for my job.)
I love that dress! Such a great ASOS find! 🙂 I suffer from champagne taste as well. Haha. my latest eBay purchase should arrive tomorrow! Hopefully it fits…
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
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Haha you are so funny! At least you do what I do and buy it at a discount 🙂