OK, Christmas shopping doesn’t count because you’re shopping for other people. But apart from that one playsuit I bought from Club Monaco back in August, I haven’t hit the stores for clothes for at least 5 months – until now.
It was difficult at first, of course. And to prevent myself from spending any unnecessary money, I did the best thing possible. I stayed home as far as I could to keep myself from getting tempted by any opportunity that could have presented itself. Thanks to my lucky stars, the papers ran stories on Japanese minimalistic living at around the same time and capsule wardrobes started getting popular everywhere. Till now, that has really helped! Finally, not only is it OK to not have that much clothes, it is also cool.
And it got so much easier as time went on. I realised I didn’t need new clothes. I also had no one to impress (attending press events is another thing all together though). And right now, I actually still have a gorgeous navy lace maxi dress sitting prettily in my closet, waiting for the right occasion.
So how do you actually stay sane while you avoid shopping for as long as possible? Stay away from shops, and that includes online stores. Take a good long look at your closet and be grateful for all that you already own. Take a weekend and do nothing of utter importance except re-inventing your closet. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear, pick your favourites and then think of how you can mix and match them. You’ll be surprised at how many more combinations there exist, which you have never even thought of. Most importantly, free yourself from peers that shop too much. The pressure is real!
Ear Studs: TROUVEE.CO ROSE QUARTZ STUD EARRINGS
Concealor: REFLECTIONS ORGANICS CAMOUFLAGE CREAM (Use code “ROROXANNE17” for 10% off, valid till March’17)
Eye Crayon: KIKO MILANO LONG LASTING STICK EYESHADOW
Fragrance: CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE EAU DE PARFUM
You’ll know you’ve succeeded weaning yourself off your shopping dependence when you go shopping again and feel the pinch with prices that used to seem reasonable to you. So imagine my glee when I found 3 gorgeous pieces (2 tops and a maxi) for less than $80 during my Chinese New Year shopping session (it’s customary to wear new clothes on this special occasion).
And because they’re so pretty, I have to share them. Remember, en tout cas, resist the urge but spend when it is only absolutely necessary.
Happy birthday to me,
Roxanne
