If my birthday was in January or February and I was given an item (or two, or three) that I didn’t ask for, then I would potentially be out of buying action for the rest of the year!
It would be different if I had specifically asked for a coat or maybe a new pair of jeans, but if the gift was out of the blue it seems a bit unfair.
Fortunately, my birthday is in September. But what if I have “spent” my five items and am given a new dress? My mum has bookmarked my favourite Wool&Co website so this is not impossible!
I guess you could factor it in?! But don't beat yourself up. This is a loose guide to buying (and acquiring) consciously. If someone gives you a gift it is really hard (and a bit rude) to give it back.
Ah! Ella… your excitement for each new piece has so obviously been heightened by the scarcity / rarity of purchasing less….keep going👍. Explore all other options to reuse, repair, remake, upcycle and reset styling. ( & Toot, Toot .. maybe try Sew-It-Youself😁👏)!
I also ran into a dilemma during the challenge recently- I had major surgery last year and was wearing a larger size due to swelling and weight gain. Most of the swelling is gone now and the weight gain is slowly melting off, meaning I will drop a dress size soon. I have a few skirts, and leggings, which will fit even with a smaller size.
But, my trousers are less forgiving overall. I have 1 pair that I can take in. I feel I can make it through s/s without a problem, but f/w is another matter. It is simply too cold in winter here to go without warm trousers. So I have been deliberating, do I give myself a pass and buy 1 pair of trousers, new or used, in order to make it through winter? Or do I attempt to layer skirts over my leggings with a slip layer as well, to make it through winter?
I have enough jackets, tops and jumpers to last next year, and I don't wear skirts that often, so I probably won't need to buy much next year at all. Can I "borrow" from next year's allotment to make it through this winter? Am I cheating if I do so? How much of this challenge is to inspire us to be thoughtful about consumption and how much is about being creative, and learning to face adversity with grace?
Its both! But honestly I think you should get the trousers as a reward for making it out the other side of the surgery. Dont forget you have five new things you CAN buy and a few more second hand too. Just choose wisely and with joy
Agree! I recently injured my foot and now need to move to orthopedic shoes as per doctor’s orders. Some pairs of my current shoes work with an orthotic insert, but I have to resell or donate almost all my summer shoes and sandals. Do “medically necessary” replacements count?
I think I agree with Ella.
If my birthday was in January or February and I was given an item (or two, or three) that I didn’t ask for, then I would potentially be out of buying action for the rest of the year!
It would be different if I had specifically asked for a coat or maybe a new pair of jeans, but if the gift was out of the blue it seems a bit unfair.
Fortunately, my birthday is in September. But what if I have “spent” my five items and am given a new dress? My mum has bookmarked my favourite Wool&Co website so this is not impossible!
I guess you could factor it in?! But don't beat yourself up. This is a loose guide to buying (and acquiring) consciously. If someone gives you a gift it is really hard (and a bit rude) to give it back.
Ella's story is an inspiration – as are the reminders about why I need to change my buying habits. Great post.
Ah! Ella… your excitement for each new piece has so obviously been heightened by the scarcity / rarity of purchasing less….keep going👍. Explore all other options to reuse, repair, remake, upcycle and reset styling. ( & Toot, Toot .. maybe try Sew-It-Youself😁👏)!
That is a great blazer that will stand the test of time.
I also ran into a dilemma during the challenge recently- I had major surgery last year and was wearing a larger size due to swelling and weight gain. Most of the swelling is gone now and the weight gain is slowly melting off, meaning I will drop a dress size soon. I have a few skirts, and leggings, which will fit even with a smaller size.
But, my trousers are less forgiving overall. I have 1 pair that I can take in. I feel I can make it through s/s without a problem, but f/w is another matter. It is simply too cold in winter here to go without warm trousers. So I have been deliberating, do I give myself a pass and buy 1 pair of trousers, new or used, in order to make it through winter? Or do I attempt to layer skirts over my leggings with a slip layer as well, to make it through winter?
I have enough jackets, tops and jumpers to last next year, and I don't wear skirts that often, so I probably won't need to buy much next year at all. Can I "borrow" from next year's allotment to make it through this winter? Am I cheating if I do so? How much of this challenge is to inspire us to be thoughtful about consumption and how much is about being creative, and learning to face adversity with grace?
Its both! But honestly I think you should get the trousers as a reward for making it out the other side of the surgery. Dont forget you have five new things you CAN buy and a few more second hand too. Just choose wisely and with joy
Agree! I recently injured my foot and now need to move to orthopedic shoes as per doctor’s orders. Some pairs of my current shoes work with an orthotic insert, but I have to resell or donate almost all my summer shoes and sandals. Do “medically necessary” replacements count?
No, they really dont