It’s an often told tale that old habits die hard. It might even feel as though you’re in an unending back-and-forth cycle. Going from one place to another and then returning, often over and over again.
And what’s at the root of this seemingly endless loop? Is it caution, or indifference, or perhaps self-sabotage? Case in point, my recent attempt at a shopping fast. Hardly an earth-shattering concern other than an attempt to better deal with limited wardrobe space and curb unnecessary spending as well. Not to mention all the environmental/sustainability concerns caused by overconsumption.
At the end of April in Last Week, This Week: When Less Is More, I shared my thoughts about how doing or having less of one thing could make time or space for more of others. Specifically, I was referencing the amount of time I could redirect to other pursuits by cutting back or even eliminating my all-too-frequent and often frustratingly unproductive shopping excursions. I teased as to whether I’d actually go forward with a no-shopping pledge for the month of May.
Then on what would be the first day, I found myself being enticed, almost led astray. One of my first thoughts after waking that morning was would I or wouldn’t go through with my notion to go on a shopping fast for the month of May? A few hours later as I scrolled through some emails, one, in particular, caught my eye. It was from a retailer alerting me to “new arrivals” that I should check out as well as a reminder that I had an allotment of StyleCash that would be available for only a limited time. Long story short, I did a quick online browse and made a purchase opting for in-store pick-up. Oh well, so much for my resolve but it’s not like I’d spent a whole day out shopping, right?
But that’s not the end of the story. About an hour or so later, I was notified that the item couldn’t be located in inventory at the store I’d selected for pick-up despite it showing as available when the purchase was made. I was told that my purchase was being refunded and I was encouraged to check on the availability of the item at another location or opt to have it shipped. Taking this as a sign from the universe, I’ve decided not to pursue the matter further and by luck, I made it through day one of my monthlong shopping fast nearly untarnished.
My story does end in defeat, though. As you may be aware, it was later that week that COVID came to call in our household which kept me homebound for two weeks. I’m not much of an online shopper to begin with (I much prefer the brick-and-mortar experience) and being in lockdown didn’t push me in that direction. It mostly just kept me from my “get out of the house” shopping trip impulses. That is until I could get out of the house.
I was giddy that first day that my home test finally was negative. Can you imagine how excited I was to finally be able to get out and about? We made a stop at the post office (Poshmark sale) and then swung by a nearby Target before heading to the market. We usually do a full store loop when shopping at Target and the last department we passed was the clothing. Without a second thought about it, the top I’m wearing in the photos above was assessed as a worthy addition to my wardrobe and placed among the items we were set to purchase.
It wasn’t until the next day that I realized what I’d done. I was trying on the top while getting dressed and it dawned on me that I’d broken my shopping fast. My excitement of being able to out in public with the masses had overridden nearly any other thoughts. Old habits, do indeed, die hard it would seem.
Limited wardrobe space and curbing unnecessary spending are problems to deal with on another day. However, thrift store shopping does help with some of my environmental/sustainability concerns and I strive to mix those in with my retail purchases. I’ve always got my eyes open for lightweight jackets and I was so glad to come across the one you see in these photos on a recent expedition. My jeans were also a thrift store find that I DIYed to achieve a raw edge hem.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from the last link-up is Mary, who shares her viewpoints on a range of topics on her blog The Pouting Pensioner.
My shopping fast lasted 21 days. I might have made it the whole month if it had been an active plan, one that I had to be mindful of every day, instead of a passive one where circumstances beyond my control prevented me from leaving my home. Will I try again? Probably not but I will make efforts to shop more mindfully and not as an escape or an avoidance. Old habits may die hard but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the fight. Have you ever tried a shopping fast? If so, how well did it go for you?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
20 Comments
A shopping fast!! What a great idea!!
Wendy
I was coveting that jacket (not that I need another jacket) from the moment I saw it in the first photo. What a great find! Aren’t thrift stores great?
I’ve never tried a shopping fast, but since I live in a very small rural community, opportunities to shop in person are very limited. The closest clothing stores, other that two small thrift stores, are at least an hour away. Like you, I prefer brick and mortar stores to shopping online, so I don’t shop often.
I’m not on a shopping fast per se but I have succeeded in not buying clothing or shoes since May 2021! (I have bought a few jewelry pieces since then.) I just realized that’s a whole year without buying clothing. Wow, time flies.
Congratulations on 21 days!
I don’t think I could go a whole month – I have tried going a week but that has proven to be tough too. I am trying to build a good wardrobe of basics I like so that I won’t be tempted and I’ll love what I have. We shall see though!
xo,
Kellyann
I think I was on a fast for most of the Covid shut down! It seems like I’ve made up for lost time lately, though. Target is such an easy place to buy on impulse. For that reason, I try to avoid the clothing section! But, I have to know…where did you get your shoes? Love those!! Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I often do a month of no shopping , usually because I can’t find anything nice. But there is one pre loved store that I want to visit next month. And you can always try next month too, lol.
I’ve never consciously embarked on a set time period of not buying anything. When I was an impoverished trainee journalist, I had hardly any money and used to buy my clothes from thrift shops. I’ve made up for it since. During the lockdowns I was buying more beauty products and jewellery. I will have to rein myself in now that I’m going to be retired!
Super cute top and those sandals are amazing! I have never tried a shopping fast because I would definitely fail. But like you, I prefer in store shopping experiences which was very helpful during all the lockdown stuff. I never had much inclination to shop online. I was going to go shopping yesterday and check out he sales but realized that I have to clean out stuff before I add more. It is getting way too overwhelming in my closet mess!
Shelbee
It’s a bit like my frequent vow that I will not have another gin and tonic til next Friday! It depends on the circumstances, if the opportunity for socialising comes up I grab it with both hands. So if the perfect item pops up that makes a wardrobe complete and is within budget – just enjoy! Life is short!!
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
That top is so pretty – I can see why you had to have it! 🙂 I tried 6 months without shopping 1 year that I managed to stretch out to 7 months and I was pretty pleased with myself. Unsubscribing from all the store emails definitely helped!
Thanks for the link up 🙂 Hope you are having a great week!
Hi Rena:) It really is all about mindful spending and shopping…so difficult at times! And personally, when I go on these fasts (any kind of fasting)- that’s when I feel tempted the most. Best to just take it day by day and pat yourself on the back when you’re on track lol!
Thanks so much for hosting. I shared posts from both my blogs. Hope your week is going great!
I don’t think I’ve ever tried a shopping fast, but I go weeks when I don’t buy anything so perhaps they can count lol!
I love your sandals, by the way. And I’m glad to hear you got thorugh Covid ok, Rena!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Some habits are worth keeping aren’t they Rena. Love the jacket too. Thank you for hosting the #linkup Jacqui x
Sometimes it is hard to resist! I can certainly understand. Normally when I have a shopping fast it’s accidental because I didn’t have time to shop over a month! Haha!
The universe definitely conspired against you. But 21 days is pretty impressive especially when you’re trying to curtail doing something you enjoy. As for me, I had intended to buy second hand for a year. (I can hear you laughing…) But that came to an end when we were gathered at the Harley dealership getting ready to head out on a ride, and I spilled an entire cup of coffee on myself. So it was into the store to buy some dry clothes. I lost my mojo after that.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Sticking to a shopping fast is not easy. There are just too many temptations with all of the emails we get! It’s also hard to get out of Target without something extra like a cute top ending up in your cart!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Congrats on your 21 days! I consider myself to be more mindful of my shopping and have done mostly thrifted or Poshmark shopping this year. I add some things that I may have needed replaced, but I also buy things I like It is a challenge at times! Very nice jacket and I love the dark jeans on you.
thanks for linking!
Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend, Rena! It had the most views during last week’s link party. Therefore, it is a part of this week’s party features that will go live on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST.