How is the No Buy going?

Feels and learns, and my possible future buys

In the last days of 2023, I wrote this:

Before I took on this fashion-related No Buy on January 1st, I had planned and bought.

Not necessarily a lot, compared to other privileged consumers, but I felt as though this planning and buying took up a lot of mental (and financial) capacity.

I wanted to spend my time and money on more important stuff, and not focus on what I was lacking, but what I actually have, while still indulging in my joy for clothes.

Hence, a No Buy.

And I haven´t bought any clothes, shoes or accessories since December.

So, how are my current feels and observations about this challenge/decision/choice?

I take more pleasure in wearing the clothes I already have. Some days I even express my thanks to certain items, in my super-quick morning gratitude ritual (I knooow, but science tells me this shit works, and I enjoy it!).

I feel joy in being creative with my wardrobe. I have a dress-up session every now and then, and sort through seasonal items.

I have reduced my screentime, in deleting shopping apps. I still consume fashion-related content (worth my time) on Substack and YouTube, but I don´t spend time scrolling webshops, or physically browsing actual (secondhand) shops.

I don´t feel or react to the same sense of urgency: “I need this, now”.

Sure, my favorite bra looks a bit worn, but it will last me throughout this year and beyond, before it really needs to be replaced (or at least I hope so). And I think I could find a pair of running shoes that better suit my needs and my feet, but I´m not a too avid runner, so the ones I´ve got will do, for now.

I have also looked closer at what makes certain items feel “off”, and I have learned that some of it has to do with my body (and hair!) changing.

Specifically the parts where many hours in the gym slowly has made my shoulders broader and my thighs bigger. Which is cool.

But it also makes my fitted shirts and blazers fit a bit to snug, and some jeans have their poor seams holding on to dear life as I wriggle them over my ass.

I meet this both with a sense of pride of what I have achieved at the gym and a welcoming feeling of being happy with and in my body, but also a sort of sadness of having to discard some items I really like and have use for.

This is also my first year of embracing an unknown feature about my body: That my hair is actually wavy, not straight.

I am on an interesting journey of wtf is going on with my hair. It´s wavy, a bit frizzy, and more voluminous, which is a contrast to the sleek bob or sharp buzzcut I have had for much of my adult life.

My look on the top half of my body is more “natural”, “soft”, “wild” or “retro” even, and I am sensing that it affects my choice of clothing. I look for sleekness and more modernity in my clothes, to balance the hair out? Less fuzzy-ness? To be explored further.

I have also spent more time with the “maybe”-pieces of clothing, since I now satisfy my want for “something new” with exploring the depths of my closet.

And I have learned that many of the maybe´s are no´s and deserve a new home. Tops with a neckline I´ve never been comfortable in, items in a quality or fabric that I don´t like or shoes that squeeze my feet, items were loved and worn by me 15 years ago, but that I can´t see a future with.

I am slowly un-learning a scarcity mindset, which is a huge deal.

I grew up with a very strong awareness of resources (money) being limited. I am reflecting on how this has affected my relationship to clothes as well as other things in my life. I am thinking a lot about quality vs. quantity, both in relation to my wardrobe but also at work, in friendships, in my home. It´s a lot to take in and contemplate on.

I also look forward to welcoming new items in my wardrobe and jewelry-box, but I expect more from the stuff that will enter my life in the years to come.

I am patiently identifying “missing pieces”, problem-solvers, and checking back with The List (see below). They must be durable, comfortable, and make me feel really good.

And I will allow myself the items I actually want.

Saving up for them if needed, instead of getting more clothes for less money (re: quality vs. quantity).

I can still feel a jolt of “wanting” new clothes, but I don´t crave them?

Because the opposite of craving is satisfaction, and right now, I feel more satisfied with my life, in general.

And as we know, people who are satisfied are A DANGER to capitalism, which makes me a dangerous and satisfied woman, which is AWESOME.

Still, when my No Buy is over, I plan for some capitalist indulgence, which takes us to:

My Current List for My Future Buys

I plan to follow the Rule of Five, with five new items per year. I will also limit myself to five pre-loved/secondhand items as well.

It is a list of basics, mostly, but basics for a body that has changed ever so slightly, and a style that has evolved in the last couple of years, leaning more towards chill and modern, than retro or classic.

Some quick inspo for the following:

A Pair of Black or Dark Grey Loafer-ish Shoes That Are Chill

Preferably Clarks Wallabees, a tried and tested shoe for me.

Interesting but Versatile Pants for Daily Use All Year Round

More wide-legged pants, in a “stiffer” material, maybe nylon or canvas, leaning more towards a sporty and edgy look than classic. They should have an elastic waistband, maybe belted. The color should be beige-ish, brown or grey.

The Arcteryx Veilance Belfry pants would be nice for my actual life in this actual climate, so would these by Snow Peak (even though these two don´t have elastic waistbands). This one by Mfpen also looks interesting, which has the added bonus of being made from deadstock fabric.

A Modern and Cool Black or Navy Two-Piece Suit

I outgrew my first “real suit”. The pants have torn and the blazer no longer fit properly around my shoulders. It´s successor should be in a wool/wool-mix material, it could be discreetly pinstriped. The fit should be sharp, but also chill. I should wear it mostly with sneakers, or loafers, but the leg should be wide and long enough to look nice with a heel. The blazer must be able to fit a sweater underneath.

A Pull On-ish Skirt

An easy-going skirt, ankle or mid-calf length, with pockets. Maybe pleated, maybe with an elastic waist. A skirt that leans more sporty, in a material suited for spring/summer/early fall. In a lighter colorway, could be a bold/bright color, could have a sheen to it. Should look cool with sneakers as well as sandals. I like the look of the Tibi Pull On Nylon one.

A Ribbed Fitted Feel-Good Dress

Kneelength or longer, with a crewneck or mockneck, in a material that hugs my body and can take me from the office to an exhibition opening to a night out or dinner date, if needed. In a darker color, maybe navy or deeper tones of green, brown, red or purple, or black. It should preferably have an interesting detail, such as a cut out, or open back, and make me feel sensual and cool.

Lightweight but Roomy, Black Everyday Bag

Crescent-shaped, or a tote, but with enough structure to not make it look sloppy. I lug a lot of stuff around on the daily (lunchbox, book, gym- or swimwear), and need to fit it into my bag, without it getting to heavy. I want it in leather or a sturdy nylon material, and iy should have an interesting texture or feature. Could very preferably be by Issey Miyake, or have a similar look.

A Red Fitted Crewneck Top

It should be in a bright, deep red, leaning more towards blue-ish red than orange-red. I want it to be fitted, could be ribbed, or in a material that allows for movement, without a very “synthetic” feel to it. The sleeves can be elbow-length, or it could be a tanktop. It should feel sleek and modern.

A Simple Black Belt

Sleek, sturdy, with a simple silver buckle, in a leather material. More modern than classic.

A Cool Ring for My Right Index Finger

A silver ring that is bold, but still modern. Could be a vintage, modernist design, or something a bit more rock´n´roll.

The Daily Earrings

Hoops, in solid white gold that allows for daily wear: To the gym, in the shower, to bed.

Runner-ups:

A new bikini, running shoes (if I decide to get more serious about running) and the aforementioned bra.

But I am in no hurry. I have plenty to wear.