For me, no shop January started without me realizing it.
I wanted to tackle my finances after an expensive holiday period and I started to realize, I hadn’t purchased any clothing or even extra amenities all month. It felt a bit liberating and cleansing at the same time. I still haven’t bought anything now that we are in February and I noticed the trend of #noshopfebruary starting to take form. SOOO… I thought I’d share my experience and tips on how I lasted the whole month and then some. If you’re interested, definitely try! It’s not as hard as it seems.
Tip 1. Edit your closet
Go through your wardrobe and edit out pieces of clothing you don’t wear anymore or have no need. I’m not one to jump on a bandwagon but Marie Kondo-ing your closet is a good start! I edit my closet every season and after many seasons, I’m in a good spot. I can fit all of my clothing (this includes all seasons) in my closet and 2 drawers. Trust me… this is an accomplishment!
This reason I clear out my closet is so I can see what clothes I have. When this happens, I get creative again with my pieces and I start to fall back in love with my wardrobe. It feels like I’m shopping my closet and I get excited about my pieces again. Once you’re in a good spot with your closet, you won’t feel like you’re missing items and need to shop.
Tip 2. Keep track of products you want to buy
I get it…. good sales are happening almost every week nowadays. When I saw a good deal from one of my favorite brands or a new product, I’d save the link on a google doc and file them away. Part of the reason why I’ve impulsively shopped in the past is because I’d be afraid I’d forget the product and won’t ever purchase it. By filing it away, I put my urge a t ease and feel less inclined to buy it. Yes, some products will stick in my mind and I know that’s the item I’ll eventually buy when I’ve saved enough and actually need the product. Most of the time, it’s things I don’t need and by taking the time to step back, it stops me from purchasing it.
Tip 3. Get inspiration around you
Instead of buying new clothes to switch up your wardrobe, get inspiration around you. Whether that be mood boards, magazines, Pinterest, blogs, travel, etc., the options are endless. The moment I take a step back and clear my mind, I become more creative with my outfits and enjoy looking at inspiration and putting my own spin on it.
Tip 4. Don’t be hard on yourself
Ease into the shopping ban. I know for me the moment I tell myself I can’t do something, the more I want to do it. Start slow and if you end up purchasing something, don’t beat yourself up. You are becoming more conscious about your spending habits and that’s a great start.
Tip 5. Keep going!
Humans are habitual creatures… end of story. After you get used to not shopping, you won’t have the same urge anymore. The instant rush of buying a new pair of jeans or shoes won’t seem as necessary. It’s actually feels pretty amazing so stick with it!
Try it out and let me know how it goes! Small changes go a long way.
xx
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