For the last few years I’ve used some of my downtime during the holidays to assess my shopping habits over the past year. Then I write about it on the blog: how much I’ve been shopping in the past year and how many purchases I made, whether or not I’ve made any progress to slow down my fashion habit and justify my exhortations about slow fashion, and whether or not I’ve become a more ethical shopper. This time round I’ve been reading a lot about the changing habits of consumers during the pandemic. Or maybe I should say I’ve been reading what the experts say about the possibly changing habits of shoppers, what shoppers are saying about their consumption during the pandemic, and the professed realignment of ideas about shopping itself. This article in Forbes dubbed the change in spending habits wrought by the pandemic “the new frugality.”
But what does that phrase even mean? And why does it not instill in me excitement and hope for a brand new year?
Welcome to 2022, my friends. A new year. So why doesn’t it feel new? Why does it feel like the same old, same old? Could it be because we are once again in a modified lock-down here in Ontario? As the Covid Omicron variant surges, and people scramble to get their booster shot, or rant about government measures and refuse to get vaccinated. All my friends and family are hunkering down and trying to be careful. Trying to figure out what they can do to make living through another year of Covid more bearable.
And in the face of all that, I find I want to be anything BUT careful and frugal. I want some excitement. I want to be able to look forward to something. Anything. So, I’ve been polishing up my rose-coloured spectacles like there’s no tomorrow. And I think I’ve hit upon a solution for myself. A way to continue to be a careful shopper, to embrace the slow fashion movement, and yet still have fun with fashion. I’m calling it Sue’s “New Frugality.”
But before I get into the future, let’s look back at 2021.
Experts say that overall shopping habits changed during the pandemic. Many people had to cut back their spending because of job and income insecurity, even though some of the pandemic financial pain was alleviated by government assistance programs. On the other hand, Forbes magazine says that many people who weren’t necessarily hurting financially were beefing up their savings with the money they normally spent on entertainment, travel, and dining out. Others looked around their home and closets and realized that they had quite enough “stuff” and spent the weeks of lockdown focusing on simple pleasures.
According to a Charles Schwab survey, lots of consumers are planning to splurge some of that “pent-up” money they saved during lockdowns. Not that splurging is necessarily bad. But one wonders if this “new frugality” and the new-found appreciation for the simpler pleasures (like home-baking, board-games, and family walks) discovered during lock-down will survive in a post-Covid world.
Certainly we all know that on-line spending surged since the beginning of the pandemic. According to this article on the Price-Waterhouse-Coopers website, many shoppers say they will continue shopping online in a post-pandemic world, citing “price, convenience, and health and safety concerns.” Several articles I read agreed that in the past two years consumers seem to have a “heightened awareness of environmental and social issues.” PwC predicts that more consumers will, going forward, be looking for companies whose values align with their own. And that shoppers will be willing to spend more on brands with ethical practices. So hopefully when that “pent-up demand” to shop, as the article puts it, “comes roaring back” ethical and sustainable brands will benefit.
Last year when I started my slow fashion review for 2020, I was convinced that I had purchased next to nothing over the year. Ha. Turned out that, over the course of 2020, I purchased 20 new pieces, the exact same number of items as in 2019. And because of the long spring lock-down in 2020, I spent more than normal on new sweat pants and tee shirts. Beefing up my stay-at-home wardrobe, as it were. You can read last year’s analysis here, if you’re interested.
So let’s see how I did with my shopping in 2021.
Here’s what I purchased. For spring I bought a Club Monaco cashmere hoodie, one pair of dress pants from Aritzia, and a new black trench coat from Everlane.
I also purchased a black cashmere crew-neck sweater from Everlane, a new black belt from Nordstrom, a pair of cargo pants from Aritzia, and a new pair of Birkenstock-style sandals from Brown’s Shoes.
In the summer I shelled out for three tank tops. The same style as a red one I bought in 2020 and loved. Everlane had a special on so I bought three: black, white, and navy and white striped. All three were hero pieces for me last summer. Along with these cream cargo pants which I love.
For fall I bought a green, collared polo-style sweater from Everlane, Levi’s 511 jeans, and a bag from Fossil.
After I discovered that my old leather pants had finally bit the dust, I bought a new pair from Aritzia. I shelled out for a new down coat, also from Aritzia, a black turtleneck from Vince, and knee-high boots from Brown’s Shoes. I seem to be wearing more and more black these days.
All told, that’s 17 new pieces. 2 pairs of jeans/casual pants. 2 pairs of dressier pants. 3 sweaters. 4 tank tops/light turtlenecks. 1 pair of boots. 1 pair of sandals. 2 coats. 1 belt. 1 bag. That’s 3 fewer pieces than in 2020.
That’s pretty good, but not terribly laudable. I mean, I did not deprive myself. Nor did I go hog wild. Several pieces were to replace old worn out pieces: the leather pants, the down coat, and a couple of the tank tops. A couple were to fill gaps, and make my wardrobe pull together better. Like the black crew-neck cashmere, and the boots which I planned to wear with my winter dresses and skirts. Several of the pieces were meant to update my wardrobe: the long trench, the baggy dress pants, and the new jeans, for instance. As well as the new sandals. The green sweaters I bought just because I liked them.
I’m ashamed to say that I did little research into ethical brands in 2021. Which is to say I looked up the ratings for the brands I purchased, but did not venture into trying any new, pricier, but more ethical brands with which I was not familiar. I stuck to tried and true because I liked the styles of the brands, knew how they would fit for the most part, and felt comfortable with the quality of the garments. I found myself moving away from some of the pricier brands I’d shopped before. Opting for Levi’s jeans instead of my usual favourite brand. And the Fossil bag which, while not cheap, was not as pricey as some I saw and might have opted for. Having said that, I don’t believe I stinted on quality.
So I guess like many people this past year or so, my shopping has been affected by the pandemic. I bought a bit less. And I shopped less pricier brands than in the past. The reasons for that are more complex than simple attempts to be frugal. I am more cautious shopping on-line. My buddy Liz has retired from her job, so shopping at Nordstorm, where I am likely to spend more on individual pieces, is not as much fun as in the past. Even when the store was open for in-person shopping I rarely went. And the one time Liz and I shopped together, the fall offerings at Nordstrom were disappointing. Whether this is down to the pandemic, I don’t know.
And like the people who talked to the Charles Schwab researchers in that survey I mentioned above, after a year of frugality (sort of) I am itching to splurge.
So how does a girl (or even a sixty-five-and-a-half-year-old woman) stay true to her slow fashion goals and still release some of that pent up urge to run madly off to the mall and shop?
Because that’s what I am longing to do, my friends. I want to splurge. I’m tired of being careful. Tired of making the best of a bad situation. Tired of being “good.” Tired of bad news, stories about rising Covid cases, the death of democracy, and whether schools will open or close again. In the words of the inimitable Madeline Kahn in the movie Blazing Saddles… “I’m so tired.”
I want to be excited and hopeful for the new year that lies in front of us. And for the past week, as I’ve been reading articles, and counting purchases, I’ve been struggling with how I can keep my rose-coloured glasses polished up and firmly in place. And I have a plan I’m going to call Sue’s “New Frugality.”
It goes something like this. I am going to make a few calculated, well-planned splurges occasionally throughout the year. How many, or how frequently I will do this, I don’t know. I haven’t got that far yet. These splurges will be splurges because I don’t really, truly need anything at all.
In the past couple of years I’ve pretty much filled all the holes in my wardrobe. The faux-leather skirt, two sweater dresses, two coats, and the new boots purchased in the last two years took care of the items which had been on my “to buy” list for a while. I’m well supplied with jeans, ankle boots, blazers for both fall and spring, tee shirts, and sleeveless tanks. I don’t need any new sweaters. With the exception of a couple of pairs of skinny jeans, I’m still excited about wearing pieces I bought years ago. Mostly because they go so well with the newer pieces in my closet. If I look at the photos above, every outfit includes one or more pieces that are at least five years old. And several outfits have pieces that are much older than that.
I promise I won’t run rampant at the mall. These “splurges” will be planned purchases. But they will be for fun. And not because I need them. And part of the fun will be the leg work. The research. I promise to do more research into ethical brands to start with. I plan to take a turn through some of the independent stores in a couple of Ottawa neighbourhoods for inspiration. That is when the Covid numbers improve a little. The pieces I choose will be good quality, and not fast fashion. And I will choose with an intention to keep them for five years. That’s Hubby’s idea. He’s calling it my five year plan. Ha.
I won’t promise that each piece will be “frugal” when it comes to price. This is after all my definition of frugality. And I’ve never made price my main concern when I’m shopping for clothes. That’s why the plan is called Sue’s “New Frugality.”
So. After all that, I feel like I’m ready to sally forth into a new year. I feel that I will be staying true to my slow fashion convictions. And still having fun. My rose-coloured spectacles are all shined up and firmly in place. And I’m excited to get started.
Now, how about you my lovely readers… my virtual shopping buddies… how did the past year of shopping shape up for you? Did the pandemic affect your shopping habits in 2021? Are you struggling to find ways to stay positive and hopeful about 2022?
P.S. The clothing links in the post, with the exception of the links to Aritzia, are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking an affiliate link, I will earn a commission. This helps me to pay for the blog.
60 thoughts on “2022: Year of the “New Frugality””
Look forward to seeing what you buy
Ah, me too, Diana. The chase and the research will be half the fun.
For me 16
Pink cashmere crew neck from Nordstrom, blue denim shirt dress, short sleeved navy and white stripped T, hot pink tote from Fossil (on sale for $100), a summer dress with a small floral pattern, green Levi’s Capri. For fall 4 long sleeve Ts, one black and white striped,one grey and white, one dark blue and a dusty burgundy Merino wool. Waterproof Columbia shoes for walking our muddy roads. Brown Levi’s belt and hang my head in shame, 3 more a black, a navy and a nice dressy golden brown belt on line from Marks and Spenser. Yesterday took my Christmas money and bought an Omni- heat jacket in a soft grey. Can wear it under my heavier walking coat and by itself. I suppose that is actually a 2022 purchase. Plan on high waisted Levi’s and sandals
I think a pink sweater will be my first order of business when I start my splurge research. I need a pick-me-up… and pink will be just the thing. You did really well, for 2021, Brenda.
Looking forward to the Suegality!!!
I love this! Suegality for the win! 😉
Ha. Love that Lisa. I may have to use that term from now on.
I’ve got a post or two to organize before I get to my own assessment of last year’s shopping. But I recognize in your new frugality (if Lisa makes yours Suegality, I guess I’ve got to stick with FRugality!) some of the spirit I brought to my wardrobe last year — or, at least, I’m jumping on your description happily as a way to justify last year’s purchases. I think I stayed below 20 new pieces, but I also know that my spending was rarely a response to a legitimate closet need but rather a need to burst out of the Covid confinement. That said, my purchases were mostly, if not completely, “ethical” (by some recognized definitions) and I bought most of them in locally owned shops. I think this latter point is really important now, more than ever, and I’m looking forward to seeing your posts about shopping in Ottawa. What a great idea!
Yours really will be FR-ugality. 🙂 Bursting out of covid confinement is what I need right now. 2021 was a year of worry… and I want to be light-hearted for a while.
Since the pandemic I have been shopping online and will continue as I live in a small city with few store choices. I found Shepherds on Instagram and started ordering from them. The brands and prices work for me and I love the fashion shows they do a few times a week. I have found that I have spent more money but have items that are good quality and stylish. Have you shopped there Sue? It is a local business with customers world wide. Thank you for the great blogs. Happy New Year.
I am familiar with Shepherd’s. Since they closed their Bayshore store I have not shopped there very much. But I do see their Facebook Live events from time to time. They have a very good reputation, and I know they carry good quality stuff.
Forgot to mention that Shrpherds is a store in Ottawa locally owned.
I’ve always admired your shopping discipline & you’re a very good advert for having such a system . My method has been to wander aimlessly around for the occasional hour or two seeing if there’s anything that calls out to me . There have been mistakes but the wardrobe I’ve ended up with seems right for me & my normal lifestyle . But this isn’t a normal life now . The few items I’ve bought over the last eighteen months have been very practical i.e. clothes for home & dog walking . I’ve always made a point of visiting the local Margaret Howell discount shop sale twice a year but not in these covid times . I have enough stuff for the life I’m currently leading . I’m not keen on buying clothes on line . I like to feel the fabric & see how things hang on me plus the returns business is a pain . It will be interesting to see how people react when everything settles down . Will it have changed their priorities or will they make up for lost time ? I find myself thinking of that old Chinese curse ‘ May you live in interesting times ‘
I am not a good wanderer when it comes to shopping. I get impatient. I’m much better if I have a mission. I too wonder if people will simply make up for lost time as you say. THat would be a shame, I think. Like if I’d gone back to colouring my hair after I’d grown it out for months and months. Such a waste of angst. Ha.
I had a little ponder on my wardrobe over Christmas and realised I need very little but bought a new breton top in the sale. That is it. As for frugality, I will admit to enjoying a degree of that. In an attempt to cut back on plastics, I took my empty olive oil bottle down to my local refill shop and filled it with olive oil. The price was out of this world so…next time I will not do that. I will buy cheaper olive oil in a glass bottle and re-use the bottle. I do, however, like their moisturiser so will go back for that and take containers for buying dried goods. When frugality costs three times more than I would normally pay, I have to consider the sense of that. I am not tired yet but I am a bit bored. Still, on we go.
I wish my olive oil place refilled bottles. Such a waste not to do that. But I agree when being “frugal” costs three times as much… what the heck is that all about?
Frugality is nothing new. I am a first year baby boomer and grew up in a post war atmosphere where you need not waste anything. When my father returned from his military service, the focus was on family. As a child, I have very little memory of ever shopping for new clothing.
Fast forward to today and here we are up to our necks in a relentless pandemic. I carry a certain amount of guilt when I make more extravagant purchases. By that, I might mean simply a more expensive hand bag or a special skin care product.
We can’t always shake off the history that molded who we are today.
No, you’re right, it’s nothing new. But it takes different forms in different people I’ve always noticed. My mum always loved good quality clothes, even when I was a kid (one of 4) and she could not afford to buy them. Think I get that love from her. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it. Ha.
I’m looking forward to your splurge! Do you ever think about splurging on jewelry? A pair of beautiful, everyday earrings was my splurge of 2021 and I enjoy them daily.
I can’t bring myself to splurge on jewellry. Not sure why.
Off the subject but, Sue, I am used to reading your blog on the Bloglovin app. Your last several posts have not appeared on my feed there. Have you changed platforms?
Love the blog and the community.
Bloglovin’ has not yet caught up with the fact that I have changed servers. It’s still listing my old site on my Bloglovin’ account even though I’ve changed the url. I’m trying to get in touch with them but their site has been down.
I think I bought 6 new pieces in 2021, if you don’t count 2 pairs of trail runners – the amount of walking I do means I go through them at a clip! 3 Johnny Was tops (pre-move as I’m not sure I can get the brand here), a pair of Eileen Fisher white jeans, a Bandolier iPhone case for my walks (which I’m going to have to replace as hubby is buying me an upgraded phone for birthday/Valentines), and patent leather Birks, because I was influenced by you.
Other than the new iPhone case, the only thing I’m really jonesing for is a pair of black riding boots – I’ve seen a lot of women whose style I like wearing them, and I keep thinking “ooh!” I’ll probably get them as a reward if/when I hit my weight loss goal this year. That last bit is the wildcard – while I’ve lost 45 pounds in the last year, I’ve been able to make due with some pieces I’d shoved in the back of the closet, but at some point in this weight loss sage I’m probably going to have to spring for some basics that fit.
Wow… you lost 45 pounds! You are going to have to spring for new pieces, my friend. 🙂
Clothing purchases have been mainly outdoor gear to keep me going on hiking and ski trails in style.
And….I just bought a really good digital piano. Can’t wear it but it will do me a lot of good.
I think it’s important to like what you wear even when you’re exercising. Hubby always gets me those things for Christmas.
I bought far less in 2021 than I normally purchase. I just didn’t see the need. I think going forward it will be my new norm. I’ve come to the realization that one can only wear so many outfits and we always go back to our faves. A stint in a hotel while my home was undergoing bathroom renovations cemented that fact. I lived with four pairs of pants and twelve tops, two pairs of booties, one shoes and one pair of runners. That was all I needed, so why do I have a closet full of clothes? Why do I have thirty pairs of footwear? 🤔
It’s amazing how little we can live with… and how much of what we own we can live without.
So I consider myself pretty frugal & buy mostly secondhand but I can say that I have learned to be frugal & but new/expensive items also, especially jewelry. I have found that Kay jewelers has great options for sale & 0% intrest for 12 months & options to purchase lifetime warranty/repair/replacement on jewelry. I have even gotten one of a kind/trunk show pieces.
Granted I don’t get jewelry regularly/every year but I do have a nice selection from the last 17+ years. I plan on wanting to gift some of my jewelry to family/others to be nice heirlooms (a new tradition for me). I can say that most my jewelry I have I got 40-60% off (nothing more than $2,000 & that was 1 carat-3 carat diamond jewelry) & will not need to be replaced soon. I even buy jewelry for certain family (sweet 16 /boys & girls & graduation). I bought the boys all citizens eco watches & girls got bracelet/necklace that all still have years later.
I feel that is my splurge since we stay within our budget/financial goals.
I think that is a great way to splurge, Regina. I love looking at estate jewellry but have never purchased anything expensive.
I actually saw way more this past year because the colours I like and wear well were suddenly available. I stocked up because they will disappear again (as they always do) for another 10 years. I buy good quality and classic for the most part because what I buy must last 10 years until the colourways come round again. Yes I also buy the odd bargain from TJX/Winners/Marshalls that is my nod to what is “in”.
And, because your hair is now white/grey, you will need to adjust your wardrobe to have more of the colours that suit you…..you are lucky because there is always LOTS of black for sale and that is one of your best basic colours.
Frugal is not always about buying less or cheap….it is often about buying better in a timely way so the overall picture is “frugal” or money well spent
Yes, I have been looking at colours differently since I let my white hair grow in. That’s partly why I feel more comfortable in black than I have in years.
Last year I purchased only 12 items, not counting underware, sleepware and hosiery. That sounds really frugal, but one of the items was a pair of gold earrings from Tiffany… not so frugal. Unfortunately I mostly just look at them, since there is nowhere outside that is safe to wear them.
I also lost 10 pounds last year, so some items in my wardrobe are now too large. At this rate, I will never have the minimal but complete wardrobe I desire.
One important lesson I’ve learned is that accessories last even if your weight changes, and they are much more interesting (at least to me) than basics. So please, if you catch me wearing sweatpants and gold Tiffany earrings, don’t laugh.
I promise I won’t laugh, Cathy. 🙂
Hi Sue! I’m new to your blog and have spent most of the holidays catching up on your older blog posts.
I feel like you’ve got a better handle on your wardrobe than I do but I’m always striving. I love to shop and love having new things to wear. Consignment stores have kind of been my answer to scratch that itch. I love digging through looking for the hidden gems.
I, like you, have gone white recently and have slowly been changing my colours. Still like my black but adding more jewel tones.
I really look forward to seeing your blog posts. I enjoy that you are Canadian and that your blog is not filled with endless pop up ads. Thank you so much for brightening these endless dark Covid winter days!
Thanks for going back and reading old posts, Ruth. I admit that I never have much luck shopping in consignment stores. I think that’s because I shop with specific pieces in mind, and with thrift stores and consignment stores you have to be more flexible than that.
For some odd reason, (I’m home most of the time, and with the pandemic, doubly so) I decided I was absolutely sick of wearing jeans and decided to buy some casual dresses. Having vowed to be thoughtful about shopping, I shopped on Poshmark and found 1 new, and 2 almost new dresses by Boden, a fave British company. They fit perfectly and were 1/3 to 1/2 what they’d cost new! Mind you, there’s stuff on there that should be donated as rags, but with time aplenty, I browsed and found casual dream dresses! I’m a “recycling” clothing convert now.
I’ve only been on the Poshmark site for a few minutes at a time. Good for you to persist, Donna.
I must admit during lockdown I shopped quit a bit on-line!! I’m trying to cut down this year because I’m running out of space but I haven’t decided to keep it at a certain number of items!! I’m disabled and I need something to look forward to and this seems to be it lately!! Working on other things!!
We all know best what we need to get by, Natalie.
I have bought quite a few new clothes recently. When I retired some years ago, I assumed I would continue to wear the things I wore to work which were perfectly suitable for my life now. But I kept pulling out and wearing weekend clothes. During our multiple lockdowns I had time to think and realised it was an emotional response. I didn’t want to wear clothes chosen with work in mind because that part of my life is over and new patterns of life have begun. So work clothes went off to the op shop for others to enjoy. I am gradually building a small collection of clothes for life now. Keeping in mind things good for travel, one day, some day, maybe!
Online shopping can be tricky. Few websites give good descriptions of their sizing and very few international brands have free shipping to and from Australia. Using tall slender teenagers to model, especially when the brands demographic is for over 35s isn’t helpful either. Ordering multiple sizes and returning bothers me, it’s so wasteful so I generally stick to local brands, occasionally international where I know their sizing and quality.
We all change and life changes around us. Fashion is a small but fun part of life.
I gave a lot of my professional stuff away too. Felt good. I knew I’d never wear much of it and was happy for someone else to be happy to have it.
I did the 100 day dress challenge from Wool& last year, so I spent 100 of my days in the same dress. Learned tons about wool, met some glorious women, and didn’t buy any clothes for at least 3 months! Did buy accessories, and afterwards 2 more wool dresses. I’m just learning about slow fashion and stumbled upon your writing. Thanks!! Fun and informative, from a 62 year old gal with good intentions.
That sounds like an interesting challenge, Sabrina. One hundred days in the same dress must have challenged your creativity!
Thank you, again, for your inspiration to reflect. 2021 was a fast fashion year for me, shopping online filled a void, and there were so many good sales. In 2021 however, thanks in large part to your blog and book recommendations, (The Conscious Closet and I have come to realize there are sizable consequences for my shopping actions. I have begun to look at my closet(s) with a new view – maybe not rose colored – more of a practical green! My goal this year is very lofty – not to buy any new clothing. Truly, I can survive without purchasing anything new for any season I experience in New England. So far I have not been too successful, having purchased an ultra lite down vest from Uniqlo yesterday. I have been able to legitimately justify this purchase however, (which I am always good at, but this time for real). My classroom is very cold, as the fresh air intake for the building has been increased to make the indoor air quality Covid safer for the 800 of us in the building. A black slim down vest will fit nicely over tops and sweaters! Also, I had my eyes on it for several months, they just recently came back in stock – so I consider this a postponed purchase. Prior to the year ending, I also discovered the benefits to me and the Earth of the “Thread Up” clothing recycling company, and purchased a pair of gently used quality jeans and a Boss wool blazer – at quite a discount.
I can also emphasize with the so done with Covid life feeling. My new coping strategy (with my State’s 23% positivity rate) is to try and view it as a bad cold that we all may inevitably get this winter. Also, it’s not as debilitating or deadly as the Ebola virus, so I am grateful for that as well. Happy New Year to you Sue, thank you for sharing your inspiring thoughts!
Thanks, Nell. You will get a ton of wear out of that Uniqlo down vest. I can attest to that. Sounds like it was a necessary purchase. Short of wearing your coat in the classroom! Good luck! I am constantly amazed at the capacity for “pivoting” that my friends who are still teaching have had to demonstrate in the past two years.
I have to give myself a little grace; I am extremely petite and must make compromises from time to time based on that hardship ( which it is if you are over 50 and 5’). That being said, I have the exact Everlane cashmere polo sweater as you in the same color! My parameters: It must fit, be (mostly) a natural fabric, and work for my lifestyle. Also, if I love it, it’s likely to be a workhorse staple or a successful basic. It might only be frugal because I am buying fewer and better… for me.
I agree, Stacy. We sometimes have to purchase when the opportunity comes along, especially if we are a hard fit. I’m like that with sandals. I rarely find sandals to fit me. When I see a pair that does, even if don’t need a new pair, I will usually snap them up.
To repeat my comment from last year- you’ve got some lovely pieces!
My number is a little bit higher than in 2020 . There were many replacements ( beach sandals,beach bag- my fourth in adult life-,2 bathing suits-all needed-, leggings and a couple of t-shirts,mostly white. I didn’t buy any of them in 2020.) . I wanted a blazer,so I’ve bought nice, light blue, “cool wool”, one.
I’ve made some splurge buys- I’ve found an amazing shorter coat that was on my list for years ( it was a replacement/upgrade),it was knee lenght but I liked it very much and take it to my seamstress to shorten ….
I decided to go with cross body bags only (it is pretty much the must now indeed) instead of regular bags
I’ve bought two pairs of sneakers (also replacement)
All of these are good quality and suit my life style (especially now ) and I wear all of them non stop (well,maybe not bathing suits right now)
In December I craved for something with sequins (How to explain? Covid can do this for people! Where to wear? At home,just to feel nice) very much but,knowing it was not good for environment,didn’t buy anything
As you can see,no dresses, no silk ,no going out wardrobe pieces,no fast fashion…even no boots
Dottoressa
Dottoressa, I crave velvet during the holidays! My friends here have been amused by my trotting out my outfits over the past couple of weeks.
Carol,me too! More classy than sequins ,but this year I craved them !Love velvet very much,even during the year for the theatre( before 2020 ). The emerald green dress was in my mind,too! Maybe devore velvet…..
D.
That cool blue blazer must look stunning on you, D. I could use another pair of leggings. Lounging around ones, not good wool ones. I’m always on the look out and never find them. I may resort to ordering the Heat Tech ones from Uniqlo which come highly recommended by Emma Hill. I drooled over a sparkly top I saw at a little independent store when I was shopping in Fredericton. But to save myself I didn’t even try it on.
Hi, I’m new to your blog but I love your sense of style and the thoughtful commentary you bring. I did more shopping in person than online this year, and that statement surprises me in retrospect! I bought 3 blouses, 2 sweaters, 2 jogger pants, 2 casual pants. All except the joggers were bought from local stores. This is way less than I usually buy in a year. Shopping is a social activity and we, in Alberta, have been less restricted than other parts of the country. (That’s a topic for another time.) Thanks for provoking some thinking about shopping in general. I expect my shopping levels to stay low in 2022.
Welcome to the blog, Sue. I really miss shopping in person. Not at the mall necessarily, but in small stores along an actual street. And then decamping for a nice lunch with a friend. My old friend and I did this when I was at home in Fredericton in December. I was surprised how sustaining it was. 🙂
In 2021 I purchased two merino wool/cashmere cardigans from Woolovers, three pairs of Levis jeans, and three dresses from Loft that fit me well and and totally lift my spirits. Oh, and some short Born boots that are extremely comfortable to walk in. I realize that I shouldn’t make a lot of clothing purchases, because I have plenty of clothing, but contemplating style and outfits still gives me extreme joy. It has been a lifelong interest and hobby and I have no intention of giving it up. I will just make wise choices. I see a lot more women my age (66) who have ceased to care. I love your posts about fashion (and appreciate your great writing) and can’t wait to hear about your Suegality purchases in the coming year!
We seem to have been in lockdown for a fair bit of the year so I haven’t done much shopping at all and I’m not a big fan of online purchasing unless I know the brand well.
Like several of your other readers I am now retired and seem to have a lot of clothes that don’t fit my new lifestyle – even without covid! Time to give them a new home…
My only shopping last year was three pairs of jeans (black, blue and grey) from a local shop that was closing down and I really like their brand. I also bought pair of black ankle boots for winter and wore them about three times as we hardly went anywhere and sneakers were fine for most things. Hubby “bought” me a pair of three quarters pants and a shell top for Xmas (summer here). So a very frugal year here. I suspect jeans and jumpers for winter and shorts with tees for summer might be pretty much my standard uniform in the future. But, like you, I have a need for something to look forward to – even if it is just shopping.
Four new cashmere sweaters in and 5 old sweaters out to find other owners at our local ‘sharing’ shop. That’s the extent of my indulging in purchasing. Cashmere is wonderful in our chilly, damp climate and I wear these wardrobe treasures daily, carefully of course. Waiting until post-season sales is the focus for me and I do feel that these soft and warm sweaters will see me through many years with good care.
I wear disposable masks and bold lipstick colours – that’s another indulgence – 2 really good lipstick. It’s a little treat to pick me up – tired of looking in that mirror and seeing ‘tired’.
I do appreciate your thoughtful commentary and many thanks for your time to share these ideas with us.
Thanks, Laurel. I’ve really come around to cashmere in the past few years. And to lightweight cashmere sweaters in the past two or three.
I love your idea of splurging on a few things, especially with the addition of your husband’s idea to keep the items for at least 5 years. You already seem to purchase with the idea of using items for the long term, which I think is the right way to approach purchasing. I think that a good splurge could be something unusual that is handmade by a local vendor.
I hope that you find some special items that make you happy every time you wear them.
The search is half the fun too.
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