I'm going to take a contrarian view about in-person shopping, an activity I'd adored since childhood -- I even spent some happy years working in retail shops -- but now find almost intolerable. Why? At least where I live (San Francisco Bay Area), there are a dwindling number of opportunities for decent IRL shopping, new *or* used. One example: The Saks Fifth Avenue department store in San Francisco's Union Square this year announced a new appointment-only policy; you can no longer just walk in and browse. Coupled with the store's limited offerings (from five floors down to only two that contain mostly glam, high-end womenswear -- for whom, I wonder) and the requirement that a sales associate shadow the shopper at all times except in dressing rooms, it makes for an awkward and unpleasant experience. (I wrote about it a few months ago: https://fritinancy.substack.com/p/by-appointment-only) I prefer to shop alone and be left alone; when I shop in person I feel oppressed by hovering salespeople anxious about their commissions.
As for thrift stores (charity shops), I find them almost useless; the chances of finding something of good quality in my size -- a standard size! -- are almost nil. I just don't have the patience or the optimism such shopping requires. The same holds true with home-decor shopping: I tried to do it in person last week, only to discover that none of the products that were listed online as available in-store were in fact available at all. A huge waste of time. I returned home, located exactly what I needed online, and ordered it. Yes, it would have been nice to touch the product before I bought it. But the shops did not make this an option.
I used to have pretty good success with The RealReal (less so now, and never in their brick-and-mortar stores, which stock exclusively high-end designer labels) and now have decent results with eBay. There's little serendipity involved, and I miss that, but when I know what I'm looking for -- most recently a certain style of semi-dressy raincoat -- I can count on finding it on eBay at an affordable-for-me price.
Nancy, you were the much needed voice of reason to my delirious IRL shopping praise. Because you're right, shopping in person can be truly awful. Last month when I tried to find winter boots in person, it wasn't fun. It wasn't productive. I didn't find anything I liked. I hated the department stores I went to. They had nothing but ugly shoes, a tiny selection to choose from, and non-existent customer service. It felt like a complete waste of time.
I still think that at its best, shopping in person is amazing. I'm a tactile person and I like to touch things before I buy them. But at its worst, IRL shopping is not any better than online shopping. Especially if you're trying to find something particular or a niche product, shopping in person can be very, very challenging, frustrating and time-consuming.
Department stores really aren't what they used to be. They're trying to cut costs at every corner and they're slowly dying out. But I'm still shocked to learn about the "appointment only" system at your local Saks. It sounds impossible. And to have five floors shrunken into two... well, that says a lot.
I agree with Nancy 100% about IRL shopping, especially in the US!!! Though I never enjoyed shopping as a kid but it’s gotten worse in the last 20 years. I had a goal to shop in person more than online this year but that didn’t happen. Tiia, maybe you could write something for those of us who loathe shopping IRL but want to learn how to appreciate it more?
Wow! This was so beautiful to read, peaceful too 😍. I know the Rule of 5 is anchored in the urgency and absurdity of our overconsumption but I agree with you…destined for failure for all of us. Ideally we would all figure out what are achievable, impactful changes we can make today, and build upon them. And this is what you have done and would love to be where you are. I started writing down everything Dec 23 inspired by you. I like the going back and color coding as a forcing function to analyze and reflect. Honestly, I enter the things and haven’t done anything with it. I think the other thing from your post that has slowly dawned on me is to choose IRL over online. I live in New York and really have no excuse to not visit a store. Emilia Petrarca’s Substack has inspired me here as well. And yes, I don’t have time so I guess that is a silver lining of sorts! Maybe shopping should only be a 1x month or 1x quarter physical day!
I think the Rule of Five is probably better suited for the more advanced, or the types of people who don't necessarily have a bigger problem with shopping. I'm kind of envious of people who are thriving on it, but honestly, more power to them! I just know that it would be disastrous for me to try it at this point of my journey.
Tracking down purchases and not doing anything about it is exactly what I did for years. I'd just stare at the list, feel shock and horror, and then I'd feel bad about myself. But adding shopping notes and the color codes has made a big difference for me. I'm getting better at figuring out why something doesn't/didn't work out or if I'm actually getting any wear out of something. Definitely makes the tracking process a little meatier.
Shopping once a month or once a quarter in person actually sounds like a lot of fun. I remember how I used to shop with my mother and sister when my sister and I were in our early teens. This would happen once or twice a year. We'd take the whole day, go into town, and we'd each get some new things, but nothing crazy excessive. We'd then go out for dinner and at home we'd unpack our purchases together and make new outfits. I can still remember some of the clothes I bought back then and how significant the process of buying them felt and how that trickled down into how special the clothes felt when I wore them later. Online shopping doesn't have that. It doesn't even come close.
Yay—I’m glad you feel at peace with your year of purchases. I loved reading about those beautiful pieces that clearly mean something to you. (Side note: have you thought about dying one of your two linen shirts black?)
I have done more online shopping this year than ever (mostly due to being stuck at home with a baby). While most of these purchases have been solid ones, I’ve come to really dislike the experience of shopping this way (robotic-feeling, divorced from tactile reality, missing the in-person “magic”). My goal for 2025 is to shop more in person, which I think will naturally limit how much I bring in due to life circumstances. I’ve realized that I have few urgent wardrobe needs and I can take my time tracking down the things I covet—instead of querying for them nightly until my wrist cramps.
Shopping in person is so much more interesting than online shopping, but sometimes life hits a curve ball and online shopping is the only rational option. I can imagine that being at home with a baby is one of those situations when you simply can't go shopping in person without it being a major inconvenience. Online shopping makes much more sense then. I'm glad you managed to buy well and I look forward to reading about your in-person shopping experiences next year!
I think I'm too much of a dying novice to try dying one of the antique shirts myself. I successfully dyed two things black this summer, but our washing machine took quite a beating from the dye. Not sure I want to repeat the ordeal any time soon!
Thank you for reading! I sometimes wonder how self-absorbed it is to list things that I buy like this, but I also learn a lot from reading other people's shopping experiences. I'm glad my thought process resonates! Happy holidays to you as well!
Earlier this year, I really examined my shopping habits. I relied heavily on online shopping, some fast fashion and definitely influencers, social media and shopping apps. And while I’d done no-buys before (I call them “swinging low”), but mostly during spring and summer which is really easy to me. But several substackers inspired me to think more about fabric and sustainability. And I became mad at myself for getting sucked into the vortex of over consumption. Anyhow, while I didn’t do the Rule of Five, I made HUGE changes. I tried to keep NEW purchases at a minimum. I deleted all shopping apps, removed myself from email lists, deleted Instagram, No fast fashion, no synthetics and nothing made in China. If I “wanted” something, I’d check my closet first, then eBay or other resale. I probably bought 10 new things (only one major purchase, a Toteme bag). The rest all pre loved. Life changing!
Wow, that's amazing, Francine. What a huge change, and in just one year! I hope next year is just as productive and rewarding for you as this one has been.
I replied similarly to a post on Erika Vs Substack. Yours and a few others have made a really big impact on me!
But I have to tell you that many amazing Substacks (Long Live, Harry Styles, Rabbit Fur Coat, Tiffanie Darke, 5 Things, etc) has complete changed the way I shop. I had 3 months of a no-buy (super easy for me in spring/summer bc who cares). Made a wish list of 5-10 new things for fall/winter and 100% stopped buying fast fashion or synthetic garments. When I shop, I shop eBay, TRR or thrift shops. "New" suede jacket? eBay! "New" Prada sweaters? TRR! Anyhow, I just want to let these amazing women know that you've made a difference!
I love this reflection and the conversations here in the comments! This year I bought 81 items, but it was the first year I put some intention behind culling 6-10 year old items like athleisure and skinny jeans that were no longer serving me. I don’t regret much of what I bought as it was necessary to refresh my closet, which ended up smaller than what I had started with. What I do regret is the portion of my purchases where I fell prey to brands pushed by influencers (having really only started following influencers for the first time this year).
For 2025, my goal is to stick to ~2 purchases a month on average and keep a tightly edited wardrobe. I’m feeling optimistic and equipped do this with all the work I’ve put into my style learnings this year so 🤞🏼
Sounds like this year was a much needed wardrobe refresh for you, and I love your plan for next year! I've often felt really unsure of myself heading to the next year, but that feeling of optimism and knowing that you've put in a lot of work to figure things out is the best.
The influencer minefield is real, it's really hard to not get sucked in... Taking time away from all that has been really good for me.
thanks for sharing, as always. i bought way too much in 2024 but slightly less than the previous year. truthfully the only thing that prevented me from matching/exceeding is that i ended up moving and the relocation was a huge expense and distraction. so the last few months have been a major pivot. the good news is that in my new location i am 30 minutes from lots of great vintage and secondhand, whereas before i needed to shop exclusively online. i am hoping to majorly curb online shopping in 2025 as a result. 🤞🏼
Buying less than in the previous year is a win in my book. Well done! Sounds like maybe your moving has kick-started something, and that's so valuable. Access to good vintage and secondhand in person is a potential game changer, for sure!
Thank you for sharing your reflection of 2024 shopping. Very honest! I remember your 2023 reflection where you were a bit tough on yourself (if I may say so). This year I notice an evolution and a flow. And you bought beautiful things, they are so you!
I bought too much! This was a tough year. I buy as compensation, I know. To get insight in my shopping habit I started tracking what I bought. I still need to do a proper reflection but most items I actually wear, few items I hardly wear. I pay better attention that pieces need to be wearable. That's at least one good thing.
For 2025 I want to buy less and need to find an approach. Maybe the one-ish could work for me too. And budget restriction. But first let's get through the last weeks of December! Happy holidays!
You're right, I was hard on myself last year, but I honestly felt like a failure. I learned a lot but I still felt like I was treading water. But this year feels different, and I'm so glad.
Congratulations for having started the tracking process! It can be so eye-opening. The fact that you're noticing that you already pay more attention to wearability is a huge step forward, and you should be proud of that.
I second just getting through the last weeks of December! Ugh, this time of the year can be so stressful. Wishing you a happy holiday season, too!
I’ve retired and so my shopping has reflected being home more and looking for more comfortable clothing that I can also wear out. I’m wearing less jewelry and more tee shirt/chinos but miss some of my more fun clothes that sit in the closet because they feel more like an “outfit” and I feel less like I want to wear an outfit. I’ve made some mistakes this year but I do love the barrel pants I bought
It's so important to buy clothes that you actually wear in your everyday life! Sounds like your shopping year has been a pretty good one overall. We all make mistakes sometimes and that's just the way it is.
I know what you mean about some clothes feeling like an "outfit". After I left my office job ten years ago I let go of so many "office outfits" that I just didn't have any use for.
Really great to read about your year of shopping, Tiia! I always admire your transparency and thoughtfulness in how you write, share, and live. Because of you I started tracking my buys this year, something I had never done previously. I bought more items of clothing during the first half of the year by far, beginning with what is likely to be my last Tibi (sale) spree last January. I haven't purchased any Tibi items since then and feel like I somehow finally kicked that particular addiction. I was obsessed with Tibi in 2022 and 2023 but for various reasons my style has shifted to more casual (moved to southern California in 2023 and the style here is much more casual and coastal, plus having health problems and body pain this year made me not want to wear as many "fancy" clothes).
In any case, this year I bought 27 pieces of clothing, 6 pairs of shoes, 3 swimsuits, and 9 new pieces of jewelry (a first) as my jewelry style changed this year 45 in total. Clothing and shoe brands focused on Tibi, Zara, Mansur Gavriel, Everlane, Sezane, and Jamie Haller. Jewelry from Rachel Entwhistle and Etsy. Though I wear all of the jewelry regularly, I'm bummed that too many of the items of clothing and some of the shoes I already hardly wear. Three of the 6 pairs of shoes I've barely touched. Ack! About 8 of the clothing items I already wish I hadn't purchased. Ugh. That is upsetting and now I wish I had paused longer to see if I still really liked them a while later. I did too many impulsive buys both online and in store in the first half of the year. My goal for 2025 is fewer purchases—ideally 20 or fewer—and more time for contemplation to see if my "love" of something actually pans out over time. Thank you for all you share here in this space! You've been a refreshing place to land in this crazy world of consumerism.
By the way, you did REALLY well this year, Tiia! I'm envying you. And, since I'm not good at nor enjoy vintage or second-hand shopping, I admire that nearly every purchase of yours was pre-owned. Mine were all new...sigh.
Thank you for sharing your shopping year with us, Lisa! It sounds like there were a lot of hits on your end, so don't feel too bad about the misses. They're bound to happen! Considering that this was your first year of tracking down your purchases, you did really well!
I still find that it's really challenging to figure out what I'll eventually end up wearing a lot, and what doesn't cut the mustard. I still struggle with that. The wearability of shoes is particularly challenging for me to predict.
Like you, I've gone through some changes in my jewelry style this year. I have a huge collection of vintage jewelry and after putting in some extra work, I'm finally beginning to understand where I land on jewelry and what makes sense for me.
Thank you for your reflections. I started keeping a shopping spreadsheet in 2022 after you suggested it and it has really helped me get a little better every year. I did the Rule of 5 this year with mixed results. It did force me to choose second hand before new, which was excellent, but I did exceed the 5 second hand items very easily. Small steps. I do count my changes as a success even if I wasn’t perfect.
I'm so glad to hear that tracking your shopping has been beneficial to you! I'm definitely in the small steps team, too. I don't think going cold turkey works for a lot of people. Slow and steady does it!
Thank you for this piece, as I was reading I thought to myself that I would have a difficult time facing my shopping habits for the past year. It feels like I don't own the vulnerability to come to terms with my shopping addictions. Your thoughtful analysis and categorized list will help me get pen to paper and face my own wins and misses. Bonne fête 🥳
The first step is to figure out if you have a problem with shopping, then to admit it, and that's the hardest one by far, because like you said, it requires a level of vulnerability. But once you know where you stand, it will be easier to start figuring things out. You will do great!
Thank you for reading! The process of figuring out one's clothing consumption is a lot of work but it's also so rewarding! (And sometimes it's awful if the year has been bad, but hey, that's life!)
Loved this recap. You did very well; I'm envious!
I'm going to take a contrarian view about in-person shopping, an activity I'd adored since childhood -- I even spent some happy years working in retail shops -- but now find almost intolerable. Why? At least where I live (San Francisco Bay Area), there are a dwindling number of opportunities for decent IRL shopping, new *or* used. One example: The Saks Fifth Avenue department store in San Francisco's Union Square this year announced a new appointment-only policy; you can no longer just walk in and browse. Coupled with the store's limited offerings (from five floors down to only two that contain mostly glam, high-end womenswear -- for whom, I wonder) and the requirement that a sales associate shadow the shopper at all times except in dressing rooms, it makes for an awkward and unpleasant experience. (I wrote about it a few months ago: https://fritinancy.substack.com/p/by-appointment-only) I prefer to shop alone and be left alone; when I shop in person I feel oppressed by hovering salespeople anxious about their commissions.
As for thrift stores (charity shops), I find them almost useless; the chances of finding something of good quality in my size -- a standard size! -- are almost nil. I just don't have the patience or the optimism such shopping requires. The same holds true with home-decor shopping: I tried to do it in person last week, only to discover that none of the products that were listed online as available in-store were in fact available at all. A huge waste of time. I returned home, located exactly what I needed online, and ordered it. Yes, it would have been nice to touch the product before I bought it. But the shops did not make this an option.
I used to have pretty good success with The RealReal (less so now, and never in their brick-and-mortar stores, which stock exclusively high-end designer labels) and now have decent results with eBay. There's little serendipity involved, and I miss that, but when I know what I'm looking for -- most recently a certain style of semi-dressy raincoat -- I can count on finding it on eBay at an affordable-for-me price.
Nancy, you were the much needed voice of reason to my delirious IRL shopping praise. Because you're right, shopping in person can be truly awful. Last month when I tried to find winter boots in person, it wasn't fun. It wasn't productive. I didn't find anything I liked. I hated the department stores I went to. They had nothing but ugly shoes, a tiny selection to choose from, and non-existent customer service. It felt like a complete waste of time.
I still think that at its best, shopping in person is amazing. I'm a tactile person and I like to touch things before I buy them. But at its worst, IRL shopping is not any better than online shopping. Especially if you're trying to find something particular or a niche product, shopping in person can be very, very challenging, frustrating and time-consuming.
Department stores really aren't what they used to be. They're trying to cut costs at every corner and they're slowly dying out. But I'm still shocked to learn about the "appointment only" system at your local Saks. It sounds impossible. And to have five floors shrunken into two... well, that says a lot.
I agree with Nancy 100% about IRL shopping, especially in the US!!! Though I never enjoyed shopping as a kid but it’s gotten worse in the last 20 years. I had a goal to shop in person more than online this year but that didn’t happen. Tiia, maybe you could write something for those of us who loathe shopping IRL but want to learn how to appreciate it more?
I've thought about Nancy's comment a lot in the past few days and I have some thoughts brewing, so I'll definitely write more about shopping IRL soon!
Wow! This was so beautiful to read, peaceful too 😍. I know the Rule of 5 is anchored in the urgency and absurdity of our overconsumption but I agree with you…destined for failure for all of us. Ideally we would all figure out what are achievable, impactful changes we can make today, and build upon them. And this is what you have done and would love to be where you are. I started writing down everything Dec 23 inspired by you. I like the going back and color coding as a forcing function to analyze and reflect. Honestly, I enter the things and haven’t done anything with it. I think the other thing from your post that has slowly dawned on me is to choose IRL over online. I live in New York and really have no excuse to not visit a store. Emilia Petrarca’s Substack has inspired me here as well. And yes, I don’t have time so I guess that is a silver lining of sorts! Maybe shopping should only be a 1x month or 1x quarter physical day!
I think the Rule of Five is probably better suited for the more advanced, or the types of people who don't necessarily have a bigger problem with shopping. I'm kind of envious of people who are thriving on it, but honestly, more power to them! I just know that it would be disastrous for me to try it at this point of my journey.
Tracking down purchases and not doing anything about it is exactly what I did for years. I'd just stare at the list, feel shock and horror, and then I'd feel bad about myself. But adding shopping notes and the color codes has made a big difference for me. I'm getting better at figuring out why something doesn't/didn't work out or if I'm actually getting any wear out of something. Definitely makes the tracking process a little meatier.
Shopping once a month or once a quarter in person actually sounds like a lot of fun. I remember how I used to shop with my mother and sister when my sister and I were in our early teens. This would happen once or twice a year. We'd take the whole day, go into town, and we'd each get some new things, but nothing crazy excessive. We'd then go out for dinner and at home we'd unpack our purchases together and make new outfits. I can still remember some of the clothes I bought back then and how significant the process of buying them felt and how that trickled down into how special the clothes felt when I wore them later. Online shopping doesn't have that. It doesn't even come close.
I have similar memories shopping with my own mom. Shopping, lunch then home to “play.” I miss that!
Me too! Beautiful rituals the internet has robbed for us. Ok I am motivated now to do this!!
Yay—I’m glad you feel at peace with your year of purchases. I loved reading about those beautiful pieces that clearly mean something to you. (Side note: have you thought about dying one of your two linen shirts black?)
I have done more online shopping this year than ever (mostly due to being stuck at home with a baby). While most of these purchases have been solid ones, I’ve come to really dislike the experience of shopping this way (robotic-feeling, divorced from tactile reality, missing the in-person “magic”). My goal for 2025 is to shop more in person, which I think will naturally limit how much I bring in due to life circumstances. I’ve realized that I have few urgent wardrobe needs and I can take my time tracking down the things I covet—instead of querying for them nightly until my wrist cramps.
Shopping in person is so much more interesting than online shopping, but sometimes life hits a curve ball and online shopping is the only rational option. I can imagine that being at home with a baby is one of those situations when you simply can't go shopping in person without it being a major inconvenience. Online shopping makes much more sense then. I'm glad you managed to buy well and I look forward to reading about your in-person shopping experiences next year!
I think I'm too much of a dying novice to try dying one of the antique shirts myself. I successfully dyed two things black this summer, but our washing machine took quite a beating from the dye. Not sure I want to repeat the ordeal any time soon!
Thank you for sharing. I learn so much for reading others’ thought process and journeys. I’m so glad you’re at peace with your year! Happy holidays ❤️
Thank you for reading! I sometimes wonder how self-absorbed it is to list things that I buy like this, but I also learn a lot from reading other people's shopping experiences. I'm glad my thought process resonates! Happy holidays to you as well!
Earlier this year, I really examined my shopping habits. I relied heavily on online shopping, some fast fashion and definitely influencers, social media and shopping apps. And while I’d done no-buys before (I call them “swinging low”), but mostly during spring and summer which is really easy to me. But several substackers inspired me to think more about fabric and sustainability. And I became mad at myself for getting sucked into the vortex of over consumption. Anyhow, while I didn’t do the Rule of Five, I made HUGE changes. I tried to keep NEW purchases at a minimum. I deleted all shopping apps, removed myself from email lists, deleted Instagram, No fast fashion, no synthetics and nothing made in China. If I “wanted” something, I’d check my closet first, then eBay or other resale. I probably bought 10 new things (only one major purchase, a Toteme bag). The rest all pre loved. Life changing!
Wow, that's amazing, Francine. What a huge change, and in just one year! I hope next year is just as productive and rewarding for you as this one has been.
I replied similarly to a post on Erika Vs Substack. Yours and a few others have made a really big impact on me!
But I have to tell you that many amazing Substacks (Long Live, Harry Styles, Rabbit Fur Coat, Tiffanie Darke, 5 Things, etc) has complete changed the way I shop. I had 3 months of a no-buy (super easy for me in spring/summer bc who cares). Made a wish list of 5-10 new things for fall/winter and 100% stopped buying fast fashion or synthetic garments. When I shop, I shop eBay, TRR or thrift shops. "New" suede jacket? eBay! "New" Prada sweaters? TRR! Anyhow, I just want to let these amazing women know that you've made a difference!
I love this reflection and the conversations here in the comments! This year I bought 81 items, but it was the first year I put some intention behind culling 6-10 year old items like athleisure and skinny jeans that were no longer serving me. I don’t regret much of what I bought as it was necessary to refresh my closet, which ended up smaller than what I had started with. What I do regret is the portion of my purchases where I fell prey to brands pushed by influencers (having really only started following influencers for the first time this year).
For 2025, my goal is to stick to ~2 purchases a month on average and keep a tightly edited wardrobe. I’m feeling optimistic and equipped do this with all the work I’ve put into my style learnings this year so 🤞🏼
Sounds like this year was a much needed wardrobe refresh for you, and I love your plan for next year! I've often felt really unsure of myself heading to the next year, but that feeling of optimism and knowing that you've put in a lot of work to figure things out is the best.
The influencer minefield is real, it's really hard to not get sucked in... Taking time away from all that has been really good for me.
It is a minefield huh? Also mind boggling how many on IG still don’t declare ads or gifted, etc. I def spend a lot more time on Substack these days
thanks for sharing, as always. i bought way too much in 2024 but slightly less than the previous year. truthfully the only thing that prevented me from matching/exceeding is that i ended up moving and the relocation was a huge expense and distraction. so the last few months have been a major pivot. the good news is that in my new location i am 30 minutes from lots of great vintage and secondhand, whereas before i needed to shop exclusively online. i am hoping to majorly curb online shopping in 2025 as a result. 🤞🏼
Buying less than in the previous year is a win in my book. Well done! Sounds like maybe your moving has kick-started something, and that's so valuable. Access to good vintage and secondhand in person is a potential game changer, for sure!
Thank you for sharing your reflection of 2024 shopping. Very honest! I remember your 2023 reflection where you were a bit tough on yourself (if I may say so). This year I notice an evolution and a flow. And you bought beautiful things, they are so you!
I bought too much! This was a tough year. I buy as compensation, I know. To get insight in my shopping habit I started tracking what I bought. I still need to do a proper reflection but most items I actually wear, few items I hardly wear. I pay better attention that pieces need to be wearable. That's at least one good thing.
For 2025 I want to buy less and need to find an approach. Maybe the one-ish could work for me too. And budget restriction. But first let's get through the last weeks of December! Happy holidays!
You're right, I was hard on myself last year, but I honestly felt like a failure. I learned a lot but I still felt like I was treading water. But this year feels different, and I'm so glad.
Congratulations for having started the tracking process! It can be so eye-opening. The fact that you're noticing that you already pay more attention to wearability is a huge step forward, and you should be proud of that.
I second just getting through the last weeks of December! Ugh, this time of the year can be so stressful. Wishing you a happy holiday season, too!
I’ve retired and so my shopping has reflected being home more and looking for more comfortable clothing that I can also wear out. I’m wearing less jewelry and more tee shirt/chinos but miss some of my more fun clothes that sit in the closet because they feel more like an “outfit” and I feel less like I want to wear an outfit. I’ve made some mistakes this year but I do love the barrel pants I bought
It's so important to buy clothes that you actually wear in your everyday life! Sounds like your shopping year has been a pretty good one overall. We all make mistakes sometimes and that's just the way it is.
I know what you mean about some clothes feeling like an "outfit". After I left my office job ten years ago I let go of so many "office outfits" that I just didn't have any use for.
Really great to read about your year of shopping, Tiia! I always admire your transparency and thoughtfulness in how you write, share, and live. Because of you I started tracking my buys this year, something I had never done previously. I bought more items of clothing during the first half of the year by far, beginning with what is likely to be my last Tibi (sale) spree last January. I haven't purchased any Tibi items since then and feel like I somehow finally kicked that particular addiction. I was obsessed with Tibi in 2022 and 2023 but for various reasons my style has shifted to more casual (moved to southern California in 2023 and the style here is much more casual and coastal, plus having health problems and body pain this year made me not want to wear as many "fancy" clothes).
In any case, this year I bought 27 pieces of clothing, 6 pairs of shoes, 3 swimsuits, and 9 new pieces of jewelry (a first) as my jewelry style changed this year 45 in total. Clothing and shoe brands focused on Tibi, Zara, Mansur Gavriel, Everlane, Sezane, and Jamie Haller. Jewelry from Rachel Entwhistle and Etsy. Though I wear all of the jewelry regularly, I'm bummed that too many of the items of clothing and some of the shoes I already hardly wear. Three of the 6 pairs of shoes I've barely touched. Ack! About 8 of the clothing items I already wish I hadn't purchased. Ugh. That is upsetting and now I wish I had paused longer to see if I still really liked them a while later. I did too many impulsive buys both online and in store in the first half of the year. My goal for 2025 is fewer purchases—ideally 20 or fewer—and more time for contemplation to see if my "love" of something actually pans out over time. Thank you for all you share here in this space! You've been a refreshing place to land in this crazy world of consumerism.
By the way, you did REALLY well this year, Tiia! I'm envying you. And, since I'm not good at nor enjoy vintage or second-hand shopping, I admire that nearly every purchase of yours was pre-owned. Mine were all new...sigh.
It's always better to buy new clothes that you wear, than second hand clothes that you end up not wearing!
Thank you for sharing your shopping year with us, Lisa! It sounds like there were a lot of hits on your end, so don't feel too bad about the misses. They're bound to happen! Considering that this was your first year of tracking down your purchases, you did really well!
I still find that it's really challenging to figure out what I'll eventually end up wearing a lot, and what doesn't cut the mustard. I still struggle with that. The wearability of shoes is particularly challenging for me to predict.
Like you, I've gone through some changes in my jewelry style this year. I have a huge collection of vintage jewelry and after putting in some extra work, I'm finally beginning to understand where I land on jewelry and what makes sense for me.
Thank you for your reflections. I started keeping a shopping spreadsheet in 2022 after you suggested it and it has really helped me get a little better every year. I did the Rule of 5 this year with mixed results. It did force me to choose second hand before new, which was excellent, but I did exceed the 5 second hand items very easily. Small steps. I do count my changes as a success even if I wasn’t perfect.
I'm so glad to hear that tracking your shopping has been beneficial to you! I'm definitely in the small steps team, too. I don't think going cold turkey works for a lot of people. Slow and steady does it!
I loved this — and in addition to the honesty, acceptance and guidance. It felt like a reunion with a friend, which I need most of all right now.
❤️
Thank you, Rachel, I'm glad to see you here. I've thought about you a lot this week. Sending you hugs!
Thank you for this piece, as I was reading I thought to myself that I would have a difficult time facing my shopping habits for the past year. It feels like I don't own the vulnerability to come to terms with my shopping addictions. Your thoughtful analysis and categorized list will help me get pen to paper and face my own wins and misses. Bonne fête 🥳
The first step is to figure out if you have a problem with shopping, then to admit it, and that's the hardest one by far, because like you said, it requires a level of vulnerability. But once you know where you stand, it will be easier to start figuring things out. You will do great!
It sounds as though you added some beautiful pieces that are really you! I loved that Gilmore Girls clip, it rang so true.
Thanks Louise! It was a good year, for sure. I love that Gilmore Girls clip, too!
Love this! I’ve been struggling with many similar thoughts about my clothing consumption. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading! The process of figuring out one's clothing consumption is a lot of work but it's also so rewarding! (And sometimes it's awful if the year has been bad, but hey, that's life!)
I very much enjoyed this read, Tiia, thank you.
Thank you for reading, Sheila!