I bought thermal leggings and ski trousers already this year... from Lidl (supermarket) i will not be buying anything else for myself this year.... i have all i need.... i feel x (This may change come summer!! Though i am not seeing clothes advertised or catching my attention at all... from anywhere... so easier for me maybe...)
Definitely a low buy year. I’m gonna try to only add 1 item from my wishlist per month. And to always check poshmark first before buying new. No spontaneous purchases 😂 I took time yesterday to delete all the shopping apps off my phone and unsubscribe from those tempting emails.
I’m actually doing a high-buy this year! After three years of low-ish buy, I simply do not have enough outfits to match my 2023 lifestyle needs. But I have experienced guilt and indecisiveness when shopping and not purchased anything! I need to make a wish list and budget, trust my choices and find the joy in shopping again.
I’ve been buying “fewer but better” for about five years now, except for a lapse into fast-fashion during lockdown, to relieve the terrible boredom and isolation (almost complete for 2.5 years). I try not to be too hard on myself for that, it was one of the costs of the pandemic, because it did indeed help me through a very difficult time. But now, I’m back to my better shopping habits. My wardrobe has never been more wearable or better (a lot of the fast-fashion stuff got donated, unfortunately, because I had compromised on my no-synthetics rule and I just couldn’t tolerate wearing the synthetic-blends I bought. I thought it was better to donate these items while they were current and in new or once-worn condition). I just had to stop looking at fast-fashion sites, the great styles and prices are so tempting (natural fibers and the “manmade cellulosic fiber”, viscose/rayon/lyocell, family is fine for my skin, it’s just the synthetics/plastics that my skin reacts to, and I overheat, too, in those non-breathable fabrics). Apparently, the allergies to synthetics can develop over time and repeated exposure, they didn’t bother me when I was young. Synthetics and blends are also non-biodegradable and only a tiny percentage is recycled, synthetic blends can’t be recycled. High-quality 100% natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk and wools including cashmere are more recycled much more, plus they have intrinsic value so they appeal to a second or third owner. No one wants to buy an out-of-style polyester fast-fashion item.
I tried to do a low buy last year, and while I spent less money I still let far too many items in. Recently, I've been trying to continue being much more intentional with what I buy and trying to buy quality items in natural fabrics. I managed to get a cashmere cardigan on Vinted last week and the quality and feel is beautiful! This year, I'm going to focus on things I actually NEED (especially for work, but trying to find things I can wear for work and home)!
I am planning a low buy year, I think a no buy is unrealistic for me and I don't want to set myself up for failure from the start. I will be very selective, good quality, sustainable. My daughter calls me the Queen of bargain hunting...let's see how I go and if I keep my crown in her eye's 😄 Great content as always Val, many thanks 💗
Thank you for these helpful tips! I am participating in No Buy January with Christina Mychas, and so far I have been successful! I was really displeased with my spending habits toward my closet in 2022, as I ended up adding 30something items into my wardrobe which was crazy, and when I went back to reflect on my purchases, I have not worn more than half of them once. This year I am trying to add a maximum of 12 items into my wardrobe and continue to downsize.
A wardrobe to-buy list and wardrobe budget really help me. No more clothes, etc. purchases on credit cards except in certain, very specific, circumstances. I pay cash from my account, it’s too easy to lose track of spending using credit cards and purchasing with cash way is getting easier online, most sites accept debit cards, that wasn’t always the case. I do like to leave a little room for discoveries, though, especially in my wardrobe budget. Last month I found a beautiful 100% silk, light-blue (my best color) hoodie, and it was priced half-off. It’s not something I planned to look for, but it’s been one of those items that I I adore and wear constantly, I’m so glad I bought it. It can be difficult find non-standard items like this in silk, most silk items are in classic-only style basics, but I wanted to incorporate the sports-luxe trend into my wardrobe and this is the perfect piece. My wardrobe budget is a monthly one because I do want to add new items frequently, but they must be great ones that I really love and will wear. It also keeps my classic wardrobe from looking dated, there are always updates, or trends I want to incorporate, even to my classics. It’s a great treat to add a few longed-for wardrobe items each month! A quarterly/seasonal or annual budget might work better for others
Great tips, especially buying natural fibers. They often have second, third, fourth or more lives, unlike synthetics. Trendy, polyester clothes have no future, except in landfills. A good-condition, natural-fiber, classic- or basic-style item will be much more appealing for re-use, either for re-sale or as a donation, because it has intrinsic value and often, better construction, too. Ultimately, when it does wear out at last, it’s likely to be recycled into thread for making new clothes, or other items like wool mattresses. Some polyester is recycled, but its a tiny amount of the total purchased and it’s not a fiber I can wear new or recycled. It might be good for non-clothing items, like awnings and outdoor furniture. I like getting a little money towards my wardrobe budget by reselling, but mostly, I hope my can’t-wear garments and footwear will be worn again, if possible, so I keep this in mind when purchasing. My goal is a forever wardrobe, but there are always goofs or the unexpected situations, like permanent weight loss/gain, or good leather footwear that stretches out too much to fit (this has happened with sandals I love, and my local cobbler can’t always re-size them to fit, but I check this option first, some they can). I seem to have permanently lost a couple of sizes, at age 62, it’s been at least three years now, so I’m altering a lot of my older clothes to fit better. Mostly, I just put darts into the back waistbands or shoulders of separates, and maybe, slim the sides a bit. Even my beloved JohnnyWas leggings, that I wear at home a lot, are too big, but at $100+ plus each, I won’t replace them, I’m just putting darts in.
Great tips! As a student I'm currently not able to invest in a lot of sustainable brands, although I might pick an item on sale here are there. However, I try to buy as much second hand as possible as well as purchase natural fibers :) This year my goal is to figure out my Kibbe id, Kitcehner essences and also color season. While I don't want to follow those guidelines religiously, I hope they help me understand what looks good on me and what doesn't, as well as stay away from pieces that really don't suit me.
Yes, I think that's a great idea! And I agree, you don't have to follow all the rules, but just knowing those concepts helps to figure out what clothes we actually like on ourselves. 🥰
Great tips ! Since I’ve bought things that I know I’ll use often and I shop from only a few of my favorite stores J Crew, Everlane , Nordstrom I know Iam buying good quality clothes and fabrics I love cotton, cashmere and some wools Iam all set Thanks 😊
omgee... so glad i don't follow or receive those emails and peeps anymore!!! You are right on the point!! Energy and attention matter!! Thank you Val!! xx
I'm definitely selling (Poshmark) and donating a ton of items I never wear because they're uncomfortable or just don't go with other pieces in my wardrobe. Then I'll add items that are more neutral and basic that will be more cohesive to my current wardrobe and style. Can you believe I don't own a single plain black or white t-shirt?!
Good to see you back! I'm doing a no buy year as I had just started my debt snowball and then got laid off :/ And I have way too much. I'm going to start actually selling things and I think I can get into it this time. Selling things can be exciting! (I tell myself haha)
I like to shop at Fair Indigo and Hope & Henry. Both have organic cotton items. Hope & Henry I first found online at Target but they have a website and also sell on Amazon. They are very affordable for organic cotton.
Sadly, so many affordable, sustainable brands do not carry petite sizing, a must for me for appropriate proportioning. Yes some have shorter lengths but that still doesn’t work for me.
I would like to choose my clothes more responsibly but many sustainable brands are only available on line. I am not keen on buying a few sizes and styles then returning some, I prefer to find them in real shops. But I’ll try to find natural fibres in the high street, I can and do follow your other suggestions.
I have started a few of these habits already and think they are really helpful! I use those short waiting moments like at the doctor's office or for the bus, unsubscribing from brands on my phone. I also recommend a list and if you're not sure what you should get there are tons of lists out there for ideas. I'm all about giving grace when it comes to shopping fast fashion if that's what you can afford/access but I wouldn't describe Quice and Everlane as "sustainable". I get a lot of greenwashing vibes when reading their company websites. But maybe I'm wrong! I purchased a few items from Everlane but didn't think the items were worth the price, they were fine, just not worth $100+. They are also union busters, which is the opposite of sustainable imo. If you can afford Everlane, I would recommend Vetta Capsule and Universal Standard.
Yeah that union situation was sad to see... 😭 I still really like their overall quality and natural materials though! I would like to expand my horizons this year as well and try out some new brands 🥰
This year I'm doing "inbox zero," where I set aside time every day to deal with emails. The only emails that stay in my inbox are ones that I need to deal with - a task I need to do, a question that I need to answer, etc. The rest either get deleted or moved to my 2023 archive folder (so I can find them again if I need them). When I get promotional/advertisement emails, I unsubscribe from that list, then delete. My biggest annoyance is when a seller automatically adds me to their advertising email list when I purchase something. Many do not seem to include an opt-out option in their check-out pages - or if it's there, it is not clearly visible. It feels good to immediately unsubscribe from these.
I’m totally an inbox zero person too, it stresses me out to see I have 2 emails I haven’t opened 😅 My sister on the other hand has like 10,000 unread emails… 😬
@@ValKovalchuk Haha - that was me last year! I basically just moved my whole inbox to a folder titled "2022" and started fresh with 2023. Right now I have 2 emails in my inbox: a bill that needs to be paid and an email about a book release that I'm deciding whether or not to pre-order. :) And my "promotions" tab is completely empty.
I’m going to be giving my closet a serious downsizing this year. I’m going to make a list as you suggested and get what I need but also allow myself six items that aren’t basics or on my list, I think it’s a realistic approach for me. I really like your Matisse sweatshirt, can you advise if it runs true to size and if it shrinks after washing? Thanks!
I have washed it about 5 times already and usually hang to dry. The last time I accidentally dried it too, but it still looks the same size thankfully! The only wear I am seeing is some pulling around the underarms and sides. But I’ve shaved it once with a sweater shaver and it looks good again 😊 still happy with it, I wear it a few times a week
Are you guys happy with your current shopping habits? Are you doing a low buy or a no buy this year? I’d love to hear all about it! 😊
In this year I think I'm gonna try a low buy. 🙂
I bought thermal leggings and ski trousers already this year... from Lidl (supermarket) i will not be buying anything else for myself this year.... i have all i need.... i feel x (This may change come summer!! Though i am not seeing clothes advertised or catching my attention at all... from anywhere... so easier for me maybe...)
Definitely a low buy year. I’m gonna try to only add 1 item from my wishlist per month. And to always check poshmark first before buying new. No spontaneous purchases 😂 I took time yesterday to delete all the shopping apps off my phone and unsubscribe from those tempting emails.
I’m actually doing a high-buy this year! After three years of low-ish buy, I simply do not have enough outfits to match my 2023 lifestyle needs. But I have experienced guilt and indecisiveness when shopping and not purchased anything! I need to make a wish list and budget, trust my choices and find the joy in shopping again.
You will, trust yourself, you just need to see some fresh items, there’s always something to love🙂
Great idea!! Shopping with a wishlist and purpose is nothing to feel guilt about 😊
Yes, this is so me,too! ❤
I’ve been buying “fewer but better” for about five years now, except for a lapse into fast-fashion during lockdown, to relieve the terrible boredom and isolation (almost complete for 2.5 years). I try not to be too hard on myself for that, it was one of the costs of the pandemic, because it did indeed help me through a very difficult time. But now, I’m back to my better shopping habits. My wardrobe has never been more wearable or better (a lot of the fast-fashion stuff got donated, unfortunately, because I had compromised on my no-synthetics rule and I just couldn’t tolerate wearing the synthetic-blends I bought. I thought it was better to donate these items while they were current and in new or once-worn condition). I just had to stop looking at fast-fashion sites, the great styles and prices are so tempting (natural fibers and the “manmade cellulosic fiber”, viscose/rayon/lyocell, family is fine for my skin, it’s just the synthetics/plastics that my skin reacts to, and I overheat, too, in those non-breathable fabrics). Apparently, the allergies to synthetics can develop over time and repeated exposure, they didn’t bother me when I was young. Synthetics and blends are also non-biodegradable and only a tiny percentage is recycled, synthetic blends can’t be recycled. High-quality 100% natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk and wools including cashmere are more recycled much more, plus they have intrinsic value so they appeal to a second or third owner. No one wants to buy an out-of-style polyester fast-fashion item.
I tried to do a low buy last year, and while I spent less money I still let far too many items in. Recently, I've been trying to continue being much more intentional with what I buy and trying to buy quality items in natural fabrics. I managed to get a cashmere cardigan on Vinted last week and the quality and feel is beautiful! This year, I'm going to focus on things I actually NEED (especially for work, but trying to find things I can wear for work and home)!
I know what it’s like! It’s so hard to really know how much you buy unless you track every purchase.. but good luck, I think you have a great plan! 😊
I am planning a low buy year, I think a no buy is unrealistic for me and I don't want to set myself up for failure from the start. I will be very selective, good quality, sustainable. My daughter calls me the Queen of bargain hunting...let's see how I go and if I keep my crown in her eye's 😄 Great content as always Val, many thanks 💗
Ha queen of bargains! I love that! 😂
Thank you for these helpful tips! I am participating in No Buy January with Christina Mychas, and so far I have been successful! I was really displeased with my spending habits toward my closet in 2022, as I ended up adding 30something items into my wardrobe which was crazy, and when I went back to reflect on my purchases, I have not worn more than half of them once. This year I am trying to add a maximum of 12 items into my wardrobe and continue to downsize.
Thats a great goal for the year!! 🥰
A wardrobe to-buy list and wardrobe budget really help me. No more clothes, etc. purchases on credit cards except in certain, very specific, circumstances. I pay cash from my account, it’s too easy to lose track of spending using credit cards and purchasing with cash way is getting easier online, most sites accept debit cards, that wasn’t always the case. I do like to leave a little room for discoveries, though, especially in my wardrobe budget. Last month I found a beautiful 100% silk, light-blue (my best color) hoodie, and it was priced half-off. It’s not something I planned to look for, but it’s been one of those items that I I adore and wear constantly, I’m so glad I bought it. It can be difficult find non-standard items like this in silk, most silk items are in classic-only style basics, but I wanted to incorporate the sports-luxe trend into my wardrobe and this is the perfect piece. My wardrobe budget is a monthly one because I do want to add new items frequently, but they must be great ones that I really love and will wear. It also keeps my classic wardrobe from looking dated, there are always updates, or trends I want to incorporate, even to my classics. It’s a great treat to add a few longed-for wardrobe items each month! A quarterly/seasonal or annual budget might work better for others
Great tips, especially buying natural fibers. They often have second, third, fourth or more lives, unlike synthetics. Trendy, polyester clothes have no future, except in landfills. A good-condition, natural-fiber, classic- or basic-style item will be much more appealing for re-use, either for re-sale or as a donation, because it has intrinsic value and often, better construction, too. Ultimately, when it does wear out at last, it’s likely to be recycled into thread for making new clothes, or other items like wool mattresses. Some polyester is recycled, but its a tiny amount of the total purchased and it’s not a fiber I can wear new or recycled. It might be good for non-clothing items, like awnings and outdoor furniture. I like getting a little money towards my wardrobe budget by reselling, but mostly, I hope my can’t-wear garments and footwear will be worn again, if possible, so I keep this in mind when purchasing. My goal is a forever wardrobe, but there are always goofs or the unexpected situations, like permanent weight loss/gain, or good leather footwear that stretches out too much to fit (this has happened with sandals I love, and my local cobbler can’t always re-size them to fit, but I check this option first, some they can). I seem to have permanently lost a couple of sizes, at age 62, it’s been at least three years now, so I’m altering a lot of my older clothes to fit better. Mostly, I just put darts into the back waistbands or shoulders of separates, and maybe, slim the sides a bit. Even my beloved JohnnyWas leggings, that I wear at home a lot, are too big, but at $100+ plus each, I won’t replace them, I’m just putting darts in.
I'm doing a 3 month no buy of clothing, shoes, and handbags (3 problem areas for me). So far so good!!
A 3 month no buy sounds very doable! Good luck!
Great tips! As a student I'm currently not able to invest in a lot of sustainable brands, although I might pick an item on sale here are there. However, I try to buy as much second hand as possible as well as purchase natural fibers :) This year my goal is to figure out my Kibbe id, Kitcehner essences and also color season. While I don't want to follow those guidelines religiously, I hope they help me understand what looks good on me and what doesn't, as well as stay away from pieces that really don't suit me.
Yes, I think that's a great idea! And I agree, you don't have to follow all the rules, but just knowing those concepts helps to figure out what clothes we actually like on ourselves. 🥰
Great tips ! Since I’ve bought things that I know I’ll use often and I shop from only a few of my favorite stores J Crew, Everlane , Nordstrom I know Iam buying good quality clothes and fabrics I love cotton, cashmere and some wools Iam all set Thanks 😊
Your wardrobe always sounds great Lorraine! ❤
omgee... so glad i don't follow or receive those emails and peeps anymore!!! You are right on the point!! Energy and attention matter!! Thank you Val!! xx
You are so welcome 😁😁
I'm definitely selling (Poshmark) and donating a ton of items I never wear because they're uncomfortable or just don't go with other pieces in my wardrobe. Then I'll add items that are more neutral and basic that will be more cohesive to my current wardrobe and style. Can you believe I don't own a single plain black or white t-shirt?!
That’s a great plan! And yes I would definitely recommend a white tee 😁
Good to see you back! I'm doing a no buy year as I had just started my debt snowball and then got laid off :/ And I have way too much. I'm going to start actually selling things and I think I can get into it this time. Selling things can be exciting! (I tell myself haha)
You can do it!! Paying off debt is so rewarding in the end! 🎉
I like to shop at Fair Indigo and Hope & Henry. Both have organic cotton items. Hope & Henry I first found online at Target but they have a website and also sell on Amazon. They are very affordable for organic cotton.
Thanks for sharing!! I’ll check them out ❤
Sadly, so many affordable, sustainable brands do not carry petite sizing, a must for me for appropriate proportioning. Yes some have shorter lengths but that still doesn’t work for me.
I would like to choose my clothes more responsibly but many sustainable brands are only available on line. I am not keen on buying a few sizes and styles then returning some, I prefer to find them in real shops. But I’ll try to find natural fibres in the high street, I can and do follow your other suggestions.
I know, that is a really hard thing to deal with 😭
Ohh I am totally gonna pull out my clothes to find a new combo to love!! Thanks
You're so welcome! 😅
I have started a few of these habits already and think they are really helpful! I use those short waiting moments like at the doctor's office or for the bus, unsubscribing from brands on my phone. I also recommend a list and if you're not sure what you should get there are tons of lists out there for ideas. I'm all about giving grace when it comes to shopping fast fashion if that's what you can afford/access but I wouldn't describe Quice and Everlane as "sustainable". I get a lot of greenwashing vibes when reading their company websites. But maybe I'm wrong! I purchased a few items from Everlane but didn't think the items were worth the price, they were fine, just not worth $100+. They are also union busters, which is the opposite of sustainable imo. If you can afford Everlane, I would recommend Vetta Capsule and Universal Standard.
Yeah that union situation was sad to see... 😭 I still really like their overall quality and natural materials though! I would like to expand my horizons this year as well and try out some new brands 🥰
Acrylic is bad news, too, I can’t stand wearing it.
Great video! I aspire to incorporate all of the suggestions you covered in this video!
Thanks so much! I will be also applying these to myself 😅
Happy New Year! Good tips to start 2023.
Happy new year to you too!
Yes to Social media breaks 1:43
This year I'm doing "inbox zero," where I set aside time every day to deal with emails. The only emails that stay in my inbox are ones that I need to deal with - a task I need to do, a question that I need to answer, etc. The rest either get deleted or moved to my 2023 archive folder (so I can find them again if I need them). When I get promotional/advertisement emails, I unsubscribe from that list, then delete. My biggest annoyance is when a seller automatically adds me to their advertising email list when I purchase something. Many do not seem to include an opt-out option in their check-out pages - or if it's there, it is not clearly visible. It feels good to immediately unsubscribe from these.
I’m totally an inbox zero person too, it stresses me out to see I have 2 emails I haven’t opened 😅
My sister on the other hand has like 10,000 unread emails… 😬
@@ValKovalchuk Haha - that was me last year! I basically just moved my whole inbox to a folder titled "2022" and started fresh with 2023. Right now I have 2 emails in my inbox: a bill that needs to be paid and an email about a book release that I'm deciding whether or not to pre-order. :) And my "promotions" tab is completely empty.
Excellent video and tips 👍👍
Thank you! ❤
I’m going to be giving my closet a serious downsizing this year. I’m going to make a list as you suggested and get what I need but also allow myself six items that aren’t basics or on my list, I think it’s a realistic approach for me. I really like your Matisse sweatshirt, can you advise if it runs true to size and if it shrinks after washing? Thanks!
I have washed it about 5 times already and usually hang to dry. The last time I accidentally dried it too, but it still looks the same size thankfully! The only wear I am seeing is some pulling around the underarms and sides. But I’ve shaved it once with a sweater shaver and it looks good again 😊 still happy with it, I wear it a few times a week
@@ValKovalchuk Thank you!
Thanks for the video Val. Do you have anything on your Wishlist?
I will be sitting down this week to look over what I bought last year and make a new wish list for 2023! ❤
@@ValKovalchuk That’s exciting Val. Will you do a video about it?
Yes, hopefully will film it soon!
@@ValKovalchuk yay. Thanks Val.
😊
🥰