The Learning Curve.

Earlier thoughts consisted of desires to 'shop till I drop' come January 1st. I would day dream about new clothes and actually being able to purchase something when I see it in the shop. Although these thoughts occur every so often six months on, they are much less intense and occur so rarely that I hardly even notice when they do.

I was recently day dreaming about the day I get to purchase a new item in order to achieve a different look. It bothered me briefly but then I realized I had so many clothes, and so many different types of clothes, that creating a different look with the clothes I already had would be easy.

Considering I own 5 blazers, all unique in shape, style and colour, along with high waisted jeans and fancy tops, how did I think I couldn't change or alter my look with all of them in my wardrobe?

From setting myself this challenge I've learnt that I don't need to go shopping for new clothes to create a contrasting look for myself. All I have to do is rummage around in my wardrobe and put various items together (as well as wear more of my clothes.) I have so many items that I've only worn a few times. I can't be the only girl who has a wardrobe full of stuff I've only worn once, or a few times. Can I?

Six months into the challenge I've started making a detailed shopping list devised into sections (shoes, jumpers, accessories etc) and the only thing on it is a pair of converse. They're on the shopping list because they are a necessity. (Or at least will be when I throw out my other two pairs of converse that I've had for six years. One pair has the inside coming out and the other pair has a hole in the back to them.) They'll be alright for the rest of the year but after January they'll be even more battered. I'm considering converse a necessity because they're my favourite shoes to drive in.

I'm learning a lot from taking so much away from myself. My detailed shopping list is practically empty because I have the question 'Do I really need this?' written at the top i.e. I'm not buying a want unless it's a need. (And yes, I consider a new pair of high heels a need if my other pairs break or wear!)

The Challenge.

The challenge of not buying any new material items (clothes, shoes and bags etc) or buying anything unessential began when I realized that my wardrobe was full, even though I felt like I had nothing to wear. And when buying hair, skin and various other products such as make-up became unnecessary because I had enough of them to last me for at least the rest of the year, something had to stop. The challenge commenced 5 months ago and will continue until January 1st 2015.

I have a habit of always wearing the same clothes from my wardrobe. I wear them, put them in the wash, get new clothes from the 'clean and ironed pile' and then go back to wearing my original few outfits, without even opening my drawers or wardrobe. And so the cycle goes. Yet, I still buy new clothes. Used to.

In the past I have been sucked in by various deals; especially by deals in 'Boots'. I love 'Boots' and the '3 for 2' deals get me every time. My very curly hair requires particular hair products that are a little more expensive than most. I think the hair products deals were fair enough, it was when I began getting other 'back-up' products that things started to get a little silly. I ended up with spare products almost every time I went in there, not to mention doubles and triples of the same products. My hair products deals extended to back-ups of body lotions, hand creams, make-up and skin care products.

The product buying got so ridiculous that I have a 'spare products drawer' in my room now. The contents of it has gone way down since January but it's still ridiculous in my opinion.

The 'Spare Products Draw' January 5th.

The 'Spare Products Draw' June 1st.

My buying was triggered by the thought process of 'this will be used so I may as well get it while it's cheaper.' That was my attempt to justify it. But now that I've put a stop to my purchasing products that I don't actually need, I'm wondering if I'm going to be short of some products before the year's out. My ridiculous thought process last year has now been changed.

When I came up with my resolution to put a stop to my unnecessary purchasing, I also decided to just halt the new clothes as well. I want to feel like I'm getting the most out of my purchases and by buying more I don't feel that will.

So far I've stuck to my resolution. To be honest, I don't even want to buy anything new. However, flicking through magazines and some window shopping can, and sometimes does, cause mini-tantrums (in my head) but they soon pass.