Why I Am Buying Less And Saving More

by - October 21, 2017


Am I a reponsible adult yet?

Over the last year or two, there's been a big change in my way of seeing fashion, beauty and shopping. I've come to a stage where I rarely buy anything, don't jump on the trends and focus on what I need, not what I lust after. 
There hasn't been a big epiphany to come to this stage, no life-changing moment, it just happened over time. Yeah, I became more responsible and aware. I thought it would be interesting to address this in a blog post, and see if any of you could relate. 
Here are some of the things I've come to realise since I started buying less...

Breaking news: I am not in desperate need for anything
Sounds silly, but really this is the key thing to remember. I have stopped buying nail polishes every month or clothes that I wasn't even sure I'd ever wear. I have stopped buying while telling myself 'I'll get it, it was only £10' and ending up never using the said item. I don't restrict myself, I just know how to stop from buying unnecessary things. And happily, I'm doing just as well as I did when I bought three nail polishes in Boots just because they were on offer! 
All the things I bought were all extras I splurged on because I could afford it, and because it feels great to buy new stuff. It really does! I get super excited when I buy new makeup. But all the makeup I bought on a whim, I barely use now. I didn't need it, so it's there, taking up space. I could have done without it... and I think that's the most important thing to understand - buying less doesn't mean restricting yourself or being frustrated. Once you realise that you'll be fine buying only what you need - remembering that these are things you do want as well of course - you'll start thinking about the way you buy.

I appreciate my new purchases more
Because I buy mostly things I need, I always look forward to the purchase. Most of my shopping lists are thought through: I'll note down that I need a new scarf, and look for the perfect one. Needless to say, when I do find the scarf I want, I'm super excited and I want to wear it until the end of time. I feel more responsible towards my possessions, I care more about what I own and it makes me feel more aware of what I have. When I fall in love on an item, I don't buy it straight away - I wait for a bit and see if I still want it as much. If I do, awesome, I'll get it! If I've forgotten about it, it means that I can probably do without it. Wouldn't it be cool to absolutely love everything you have?

Quality over quantity
This is an obvious one, but buying less means that I have more money to spend - well, once I've paid the rent! I'd rather spend that money on quality items, that will last me a while and that I won't throw away six months later. Because these are often items I need, I want them to be top quality so I enjoy using or wearing them all the way. Last January, I needed a new foundation and got the Magic Foundation by Charlotte Tilbury. It was expensive, but it's the only foundation I used all winter and spring - and it is bloody great. Last December, I wanted a new winter bag and got a burgundy Coach bag. It was the most expensive bag I'd ever bought, but I've used it a lot, taken it in trains and at school where I worked, and it still looks brand new - the leather is perfect, nothing fell apart, no scratches anywhere, the gold details haven't lost their colour... Best investment ever. A few years ago, I would have gone through three Primark bags in six months instead. 
Although I do still buy from Primark and the like, I've been drawn to sturdier materials for accessories and clothes. Have you ever noticed how the quality of some of the clothes in Topshop or River Island is awful? Is it really worth that price tag? Going on less shopping sprees could potentially allow you to access items that are a little bit more expensive, but a lot better quality-wise.


Are you a compulsive buyer or do you think through your purchases?

Lots of love,
Julia x

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25 commentaires

  1. I used to be a compulsive buyer when I was still living the DINK life, but after having kids I got much more mindful. First with clothes and then, a little slower, with makeup and skincare. It feels much better this way and you are able to save up for things yo really want.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    1. It is true that having to care for children means that budgeting changes - for the better I am sure! xx

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  2. This is great, we have been so sucked into the whole consumerism thing, almost always buying what we don't need. I always wait to see if I would still want something after a while too, then I buy it.

    ZEKALIN

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    1. Exactly, buying things has become so easy, and you end up with so much stuff around the house that you don't even really want anymore. Waiting before buying is a great technique to know what you really want and need! xx

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  3. I could totally relate to this point. Somewhere in my early twenties I suddenly realised I didn’t need to really buy anything to do with clothes or makeup. I think it has something to do with blogging, it kind of help you refine your taste & you realise what things you really like. Thanks for a great read.

    TFM BLOG

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    1. Well the same thing happened to us both it seems! Your tastes do refine as you blog and find inspiration from others as well :) xx

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  4. This is so great, thanks for this really insparational post!

    http://cheremimi.blogspot.com.es/

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  5. You make such a good point when you say you don't actually 'need' anything - so often I've confused 'want' with 'need'! Absolutely love your final point; 100% with you favouring quality over quantity. Investing in timeless, luxurious pieces can bring so much more happiness in the long run :)

    aglassofice.com
    x

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    1. I used to have that confusion too, and when I realised it, it changed everything! xx

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  6. I agree with you 100%. I prefer to buy things that last. I have a pair of boots bought 4 years ago that I still use. The same with bags and clothes, makeup. I feel I need good face cream and I would spend more on it. But I don't need a lot of makeup as I'm working from home, so I recently bought a palette and that is it.

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    1. Exactly, it's amazing that you can keep an item for so long! It makes it much more special than things we buy on a whim. I totally agree with you on the cream and makeup, it's much better to invest in really good quality items that won't make you regret the purchase! xx

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  7. I think to have a sustainable way of life we need to buy less ! At the moment I try to buy less makeup !
    https://bookslipsticksandtravels.wordpress.com

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    1. Exactly, I feel the same way Alex! xx

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  8. I've been very similar over the past year or so. I've really tried to minimalise my purchases and clear out and donate a lot of the things that I have at home already. The more I've done away with the happier I've been! x

    rhymeandribbons.com

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    1. It's funny how a lot of us seem to relate to that - I do think this is going a favour to ourselves! xx

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  9. I like to think I'm mindful about what I buy, and especially when it comes to makeup and clothes. But I also need to cut my spending and just take a step back for a few months.

    Those small purchases add up, and I do like how exciting it is buying something after waiting for a while.

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    1. Small purchases do add up, and very quickly - it can be hard to keep track of all the things you buy, but once you realise it, it changes everything! xx

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  10. I've definitely gone through phases where I've sent much too much money on beauty and skincare products. It particularly happens for me when my mental health is low. I've got better at shopping moderately and shopping smarter too - making sure I'm buying things I'll actually use and value, not just for the sake of it!

    Morgan | Hyacinth Girl

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    1. I totally understand why you'd shop to make you feel better - I'm pretty sure I've done that before too! As long as you buy things that you'll keep using, it can actually be a good way to be both smart and still treat yourself! xx

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  11. Quality over quantity- I couldn't agree more! I've found myself buying less and find that I really don't miss the things I used to pack into my closet. Good for you for working on responsibility and making a more positive impact on the environment with your decision! xx

    Sending light & love your way,

    My Lovelier Days

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    1. We can easily realise how we don't miss the things we get on a whim - I'm glad I'm not the only one who's experienced that! Thanks Diana xx

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  12. I really need to buy less, but I just cant seem to help myself! x

    Tiffany Tales | Lifestyle & Beauty 

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    1. Oh yes I know how hard it can be sometimes - generally I just think about other things I could do with the money, most of the time thinking about trips I could plan in the near future! xx

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  13. You're about to experience a different kind of freedom! I quit being a shopaholic last year and it's been the best decision ever. I rather save money for travelling or other experiences that matter more than new objects. I don't buy trendy clothes anymore only classic pieces, I own only 5 nail polishes and so on. It's a nice way of life, enjoy the journey and no pressure ;)


    http://www.desiringsme.com/how-adapt-change/

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