It seems strange to say it but Iโve sort of fallen out of love with shopping, no wait, let me rephrase that, Iโve fallen out of love with shopping in the way that I used to. If you had discussed this with me a year ago, I would have talked about how I loved to shop and may have even jokingly (not joking) said I was a shopaholic. As much as Iโm ashamed to say it now, barely a week went by when I didnโt purchase something new, however small. I was regularly popping into the high street shops and picking up a โbargainโ or something I โhad to haveโ. But were they really bargains or pieces that I needed?โฆDo I still love those pieces now? And am I going to have them for years to come?โฆThe answer to all of those questions is no.
Something clicked last year, well it was more of a build up really and then I seriously began to think about my clothes, what they meant to me, why I bought so much and what would happen if I just stopped shopping in the way that I did. Other than that initial buzz of an impulse purchase, it wasnโt seriously making me happy, was it? I almost thought it would spell the end of my fashion blogging because if I didnโt constantly have new clothes to post about, then what would I actually post about? The whole point of my outfit posts had been to talk about the โcool new stuffโ Iโd bought, right? Then I reminded myself that Iโd always tried to label myself as a style blogger, more so than a fashion blogger anyway. The reason I loved to put outfits together to share here on my blog was more for the styling aspect rather than talking about current trends and I guess that in my obsession for always finding something new, Iโd somewhat forgotten about that.
I decided to take it back to basics, quite literally. I began a massive clear out and decided to focus on the basics when it came to making new wardrobe additions. I wanted to focus on more re-wearable pieces and only have garments in my wardrobe that I genuinely loved and wanted to keep for a long time. That meant no more impulse buying. I stopped shopping in a lot of the high street stores, which is something that helped a lot. If I didnโt pop in H&M, then I couldnโt end up impulse buying a super cute top that was โonly ยฃ8โ, or if I stayed away from Zara, Iโd avoid getting caught up buying the entire contents of the store after wondering in amidst a huge saleโฆAnd it was actually a lot easier than it sounds because what you donโt see, you donโt miss.
I began to find a love for clothing all over again and in a new way. Buying something new was always an easy option for me but working with something I already owned and constantly thinking of new ways to restyle it was actually a lot more fun than I had once imagined.
Now I really do think through my purchases. I use Pinterest for style ideas, I browse online at stores before buying and I like to plan. It actually makes the buying experience all the more enjoyable, as now it usually means that when I do come to purchase something new, Iโve really took the time to think about it and itโs something I really genuinely want, love and will actually get a lot of wear/use out of.
Dress – Old (Similar here) | Trainers – Converse | Denim Jacket – Dizen | Bag – Matt and Nat (Here in lilac) | Sunglasses – Vintage Christian Dior
Samio x
25 comments
go you! I talked about this a while back too and it’s easy to be a fashion blogger if you’re constantly buying new things. The hard part is to create new looks with everything you already have in your closet! I too have only bought basics recently, things I know I will wear over and over again. Love the outfit Samio! You look stunning!
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfiโฅ
I’ve never really been much of a shopper, still isn’t. I’ve always just been given clothes to wear, from aunts and parents and friends haha. So when I did decide to buy things for myself, they were basics and essentials I knew I would wear always. I try to keep to that. You look lovely Samio, as per usual haha <3
xx Bash | go say H E Y B A S H
I just wanted to say what a lovely post this was. I can really relate as I myself have started to downsize my wardrobe and more than half the stuff were things I bought quickly, wore quickly and were forgotten…quickly :-/. Back to basics all the way. Stay beaut!
Natalie x
I found you from your YouTube vid on a monochromatic wardrobe and love the way you mix up just a few items to create unique looks. Style vs fashion – I am very inspired by you!
Ah thanks for checking out my blog and that’s very lovely of you to say, I really appreciate the kind words! ๐
Samio x
This is so helpful! You’re right: you can re-use and change your clothing combinations with clothes already yours! Loved reading this!
Thank you Monique!
Samio x
You go girl! Be a style blogger, I believe you’ll impress everybody. We’re just here to support your style!
Love, Fads
Instagram โข Twitter
Ah thank you Fads. ๐
Samio x
Obsessed with this look and I can’t get over your hair, it’s perfect :))
Such a beauty!! <3
xx
http://putitallonme.com/
Thank you! =)
Samio x
I think you an I kind of have the same brain. ๐ I always do that too, buying things because they’re ‘a bargain’ when I really don’t need them, and because I feel like any style posts should show new items. Style blogging wasn’t originally about that, but it’s so easy to feel like you aren’t offering your readers anything if they can’t find it online. I guess blogs aren’t magazines though!
You’ve inspired me to (attempt) a massive clearout. ๐
Looking beaut too, of course!
lily kate x
jolihouse.com
Thank you Lily…Do it! I’ve actually started to find it so freeing letting go of lots of unnecessary barely worn pieces and I’m starting to feel a lot happier with my wardrobe now that there’s far less in it (something I thought I’d never say)…I totally know what you mean about feeling like you need to feature pieces that readers can currently find online (this was my main dilema) but then again a lot of people, myself included, look at style/fashion blogs purely for inspiration with no real intention of purchasing the exact same pieces featured, so if you have certain pieces that you love to re-wear and re-style, I think it’s good to share that. =D
Samio x
Have you tried putting together a capsule wardrobe for seasons? I like basic pieces that build on each other, too! And a capsule wardrobe does just that.
โฅ
Amber
All the Cute ?
Today’s Post: Abstract Print Dress
Yes I have, it sort of accidentally happened actually. After clearing out my wardrobe I have been left with my most worn pieces and although I didn’t completely plan it, everything is very mix and match and I love it because I find it so much easier getting dressed in the mornings now. ๐
Samio x
This is such a relatable post! I was exactly the same….nearly every week buying something new! Clothes, jewellery &accessories. It was riduculous. Reinventing key pieces time and time again is a skill that not much bloggers have…but you have shown already you can! And Ive followed your blog for a while…I think from when you had the platform creepers! So you have come a long way. Buying something ‘on trend’ and buying something to post about is not a fashion blogger thats a clothes horse! Of course theres going to be something ‘on trend’ that you might really like or a bargin but if you know you wont like it in a few years theres no point. Atleast you have recognized your shopping habits and you have changed them now! It took me to have a baby to realize my bad shopping habits…So in the last two years I have sold anything I dont want or given to charity…And switched to basics that I can mix and max for comfort and convenience…..
But i love charity shops and vintage shops for unique pieces! And I realized most of the clothes I have kept are from charity shops and vintage from a period from 10 years ago!! I think because I’d spend hours and make a real effort to find what I really want.
Your very Inspiring. Love the outfit very much casual & comfort but sleek. :))
You can find some great pieces in charity shops, especially when you stumble across old pieces which are timeless, I find they can often be so well made and you can find a bargain at the same time. It’s also nice that you’re able to get something ‘new’, whilst recycling at the same time. One of my favourite dresses (and oldest pieces in my wardrobe), I found in a charity shop for about ยฃ3 I think it was and I still love it several years later. ๐
Samio x
gorgeous as always and love love the post!!
kisses from dubai
http://www.mahryska.com
Same here!!! I absolutely understand you!!!
โฅ Vicky | The Golden Bun – Instagram TGBย
Yes to all of this! I love that you’re more of a style blogger as well, personally i much prefer seeing how people have styled different pieces (no matter how old) rather than reading about the latest trends etc but those come and go, but style never fades. I actually think that might be along the lines of a quote from YSL come to think of it!
This post really made me excited to go through the clothes that I already have and try to restyle them in a new or inventive way ๐
http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au
Yes do it! It can be surprisingly rewarding/enjoyable…and I love that quote, I’ll remember that one, it sums up what I’m attempting to go for perfectly. ๐
Samio x
Loved this post, and I definitely agree.! Shop smarter ๐ Adore this outfit on you as well!
Erica
http://www.eggcanvas.me
Thank you Erica! ๐
Samio x
I need to change my way of thinking when it comes to fashion and start investing in basic pieces that I can mix and match, which will also last me for years to come. I’m starting to really notice that bargains or cheaper pieces never last well, they just start to wear down after a few washes! You look amazing as always and I love this simple outfit x
Beauty with charm
Yes I feel it is worth it to invest in quality at times, especially when it comes to those staples that you find yourself wearing time and time again and thank you Alina! ๐
Samio x