Thanks to Ritual for sponsoring today’s video! Get 25% OFF your first month - go to: ritual.com/useless25. Thanks for watching this video and for your support! Signe xx
With the positive influence of you, Signe, Alyssa, and Christina, I am proud to say I've broken my long-held bad shopping habits. I wanted to do a no buy month at the start of the year. I'm proud to say it has now become a no buy year, I'm so happy. Thank you 💗
I know I shop online unnecessarily if I get bored, depressed, or like these past two weeks, have cabin fever. We’ve had an unbearably long, 2-week heatwave, and I’ve been stuck in my one air-conditioned room, except for showering, getting quick food from the kitchen and loading the dishes. I just can’t function when it’s over 90F inside my house. Finally it cooled down a bit this morning so I was more active and didn’t even browse clothing brands! I had real material deprivation until last November and never really feel like I have enough pretty clothes. I know I do, really, though. Trying to reform! At least I buy only natural-fiber, biodegradable apparel in highest quality, so it gets reused if I pass it on. It’s only a little something, but better than nothing.
I have changed my buying/shopping habits quite a bit in the last few years. I tend to look at thrift shops first, then EBay, and finally shop much less in stores.
Picturing yourself in real situations wearing the piece saved me from a lot of impulsive purchases. It happens so often that I love the idea of myself in the clothes, it compliments me, fits perfect, but I won't wear it, because I simply don't have occasions in my life where it would be appropriate. For example, I love low back or spaghetti straps dresses, figure hugging dresses. And most of them are not a choice for work and definitely not good for playground with kids. So that's a "NO" for today 🤷
I recently adopted a one in and one out approach. I won’t purchase a new item until less I’m replacing something that’s old and worn out. So far it’s working. Thanks for the video 🙏🏽
All of the points you made were important things to think about. What really helped me, was to quit going to malls and other stores as a form of entertainment. We used to call it back in the day Window shopping; but it always lead to buying things I didn't need. I am still a work in progress and using your tips and guidelines really help.
Great tips as always. I recently added a striped button up after eyeing several over a two-month period. On first wear, I knew it was perfect and so ‘me.’ Taking that extra time really does pay off!
Thanks a lot Signe for another great video! Your content is really helping me to change my shopping habits and buy things in a more intentional way. You always mention the important reasons (such as materials/fabrics and the impact on the environment) to buy or not buy a product instead of just saying it’s a “musthave” for your capsule wardrobe. I really appreciate that! Have a great day, love from Belgium ❤️
I do try to be intentional when shopping. I stop buying clothing items that I “might” wear. A denim skirt I just got but returned later because I don’t wear denim skirt. It was cute and good price but if I don’t reach for it, it’s a waste.
Great video! That last question is so important. In the Spring I bought a dress that checked all of the boxes. I love everything about it. I haven't worn it once. 2 reasons. The first is because although I thought it reflected my personal style well, it's too feminine and sexy for the places that I would normally wear a dress like church, errands, or coffee. It's too hot right now to add layers or wear boots that would dress it down. But I'm determined to get my cost per wear out of it. I'm thinking that as soon as the weather cools down, I can throw a denim jacket over it and wear it with leggings or sneakers to make it work.
The “Why Before i Buy” checklist will be with me every time I shop. FYI, there’s actually a small channel called “Why Before Buy”. She specializes in showing ways to create very simple cohesive capsules. 👩🏻🔬
I have been following you and your podcast partners Alyssa and Christina for a long while and I really can say that I do all my purchases with a lot of intention and I can't remeber having bought an item in the last 3/4 years that was impulsive. However, with what I am still struggeling is, that I really have enough (wonderful!) cloths that I really love to wear, but nevertheless it makes so much fun to buy new (intenional) items that fit perfectly to my current wardrobe. Although I really know that I have eneough and that I cannot wear all these nice things... For me it's kind of a hobby looking around (online and in store) to see new items etc. I really try not to buy them, but sometimes I am so attracted by an item that I can't help buying it. Sometimes I think I should transform this interest in some kind of a job, only that I don't clearly know in which way. I am so drawn to clothes, personals style, mindful consumption and all these things... Thanks however for your nice videos and the podcast!
I’m currently doing a big sort out of clothing - old/worn out, unflattering & difficult to Co-ordinate with are going to be recycled or donated. I’ve invested over the years in quality products in classic styles plus occasional fashion or trend pieces. I’ve also found that synthetic fabrics or faux leather don’t wear well & look shabby very quickly. I honestly find natural fabrics & leather in classic styles make putting outfits together much easier & have a more polished look.
To avoid the fantasy purchase I ask myself is this something I would wear tomorrow? I noticed that my husband would almost immediately wear the clothes he purchases whereas mine would go unworn. So I now emphasize the ability to wear this garment immediately and not in a future fantasy.
I hope you purchased that white Nordic fisherman sweater, it looked really good on you. I like your and Alyssa's channels, they really help me with my shopping addiction. I do have a couple of favorite items that show sings of wear that I absolutely love. One is plain old white sneakers that I always wear to the grocery store in the summer, and another is a 15 year old navy Armani Jeans coat/jacket that goes with everything (I am a man).
Thanks so much for this! I am planning a trip next week to Portland, Oregon (I live in Canada), and I am planning to shop there. It is so easy to get swept away by access to different brands and “pretty shiny”, but I want my purchases to be intentional, and this helps a lot! Love your videos!
I knit and sew, so I love to treat myself by making a luxurious accessory from time to time. Something that fills a gap in my wardrobe. Right now I am knitting a bandana with a cotton and silk yarn to wear on an August trip to Ireland. Last year I made a linen shawl. Lots of memories with special people ❤
I love clothes and this year there are so many pretty tops which will go so well with my basic bottoms. I do have a check list of what are the best styles for me but that still leaves so many lovely things. I do retire lots that are then donated to the CS.
The wish list helps me--or doing the research to find something i'm looking for, then sleeping on it for a few days. One thing I do find tricky with a lot of 'sustainable' brands that I frequent, is they have this very narrow pre-order window, or they only stock a small number of common sizes (USA size 9 /EUR 40 shoes, arghhh). So they are still creating psychological 'urgency' that way, which means I have to pay extra attention to 'do i really want this?'
Very helpful! I’m in the middle of cleaning out/ re organizing my closet. It’s amazing how many pieces I have overlooked. Thanks for the spot on advice.😊
I’ve been using Ritual for years. I switched to a liquid multivitamin because I needed a full set of B, but I’m using the Hycera and Omega 3 now. My skin is GLOWING. I might try the stress one next.
I’ve learned to take a selfie almost every day in a full length mirror. Then I can look back at these. I realized I have very unattractive ankles so I’m looking for cool pants in full length. Also I make a list of items I need and try to stick to my list. This year I picked up a beautiful trench coat at a great price. I’m buying cashmere sweaters when I find a sale in a color I’ve been looking for. Thank you for helping us think about what we’re buying and why. Also your hair frames you face so beautifully.
Is it really that chilly in your place in July? I can hardly look at your wool sweater 😅 we are having more than 30 degrees C day after day (in Vienna)