Monday 2 November 2009

Thought for the week - clothing allowance or budget

Beguiled as we are by the shows, the fashion magazines and fashion blogs, drawn to purchases of new items how often do we forget to budget or project for this occurrence? If you are a creature in need of a budget planner then this one is free to download at www.moneysavingexpert.com

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If you fancy strutting the streets next spring in Lanvin, then you need to start saving pronto. On my current budget I won't even be attempting to fake an interest in the forthcoming Jimmy Choo collaboration. But if you were to become budget obsessed then your clothes outgoings might run to a long list of options, imagine breaking it down to where you want to shop as well as a monthly allowance and things you want
  • The Outnet
  • High St designer collaborations
  • Bicester Village
  • Shoes
  • Accessories
  • monthly allowance
Seriously, I don't want to think about it in the context of consumption but the example above does mean you have to think about how, where and why you spend money on clothes, shoes, bags etc.

It is worth looking at it properly as you need to keep everything in perspective - we are lucky in the UK as is France with our truly national health systems. However the cautionary tale of Sister Wolf might make you rethink your shopping patterns and perhaps reflect on some of your pointless purchases. Set a realistic budget and actually it is okay not to buy new things if you can't afford it. Imagine you had no washing machine - that wardrobe stuffed of clothes isn't so appealing now...

27 comments:

  1. I have to admit my spending has got a bit erratic since I strated again after my shopping ban. A timely and relevant posr.

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  2. I totally agree, I think we are all guilty of wanting a bargain but as you say what id the point of a wardrobe full of clothes you hardly wear better to save for the one or two items you really want and build a quality wardrobe that doesn't date, so each purchase is a compliment to it.
    Speaking here with a wardrobe of lovely cocktail dresses with nowhere to go :)

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  3. Hi there-over half term I did another cull of the wardrobe and am so trying to leave all the purely loved items, I've still got over 10 jeans though! I don't buy for buyings sake at charity shops and boot sales anymore, it still has to have the wow factor or be something I feel is a wardrobe basic.

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  4. I have finally stopped buying multiples....by this I mean, not another black cardi to add to the 10 I have. I have really starting branching out into colour finally- wore a purple dress out Sat night for the first time ever instead of my usual black. Like SR said, trying to buy things for the wow factor and getting rid of things that don´t have it.

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  5. Truer words have never been said.

    I'm currently wasting my money on impulse winter accessories buys - of the high street hat, scarf and glove variety. I love them for a grand total of six seconds, then suddenly realise that they're molting all over my coat. Not good. xx

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  6. This is food for thought. However, as much as I like new clothes, I don't follow trends that closely and am never in desperate need of the latest it-thing, whatever it might be. I shop "me" clothes on consignment and splurge a little on the current season's accessories to look like I know what I'm doing!

    I do save for certain investment pieces, though... but that is an exception, rather than a rule. Maybe I could benefit from checking out that link...! :)

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  7. I thought you were working on your dissertation? Surely you don't have time to go out spending money anyway? What with that and the blogging, I'm surprised you have any time to leave your desk?

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  8. you are so right, we do have lots of purchases we dont need but buy on impulse. i tend to walk away first for a few days and then if i still want it then i buy it. this has helped to save me lots of $$$.

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  9. Fab post, darling!
    I love theOutnet!

    xoxox,
    CC

    P.S. Good luck with the dissertation :)

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  10. I am always saving for my next buying, I plan what to buy almost everything!
    There is no better way :)))

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  11. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  12. I'm pretty good at budgeting when it comes to clothes - its just the little things like bills that I forget about :(

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  13. I think I'm going to sit out the next couple of seasons. I'm not in the mood to spend.

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  14. Yes, you are *very* lucky with where you live!
    I've started to impose a rule that I will only buy something if it is on my "list" and completely fits the bill (both figuratively and literally.) I'm getting to the point where I have built up a sizeable wardrobe, and I don't need to worry about having enough "adult" or work-appropriate clothes like I did when I was a recent college graduate, so it's time to really limit what I choose to put in my closet.

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  15. Susan - lol, I am doing my dissertation but I'm easily distracted by blogosphere - only on edit and 4000 words to go. And no, no time for shopping!!

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  16. Enc - that is so you! you are good xx

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  17. I'm dying to go to Bicester Village. I hear there are some amazing labels there.

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  18. I have made sure that I only buy things that have the WOW factor, this season. I did not set a budget but i have only bought items that have multiple uses, eg work and play options. I have also bought less items but of better quality so they will last longer.

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  19. I am spending too much for what I got, but what can I do? When I see something awesome I just need it!

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  20. yes, you're right!! why we can't stop shopping???

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  21. I find I've scaled back a lot lately -- I'm really, really trying to buy only things that I've said multiple times to myself, "I could really use a ______ right now," as I was assembling an outfit, because that means I'll probably get a lot of use out of it. When I was young, my mom told me not to buy something unless you got all the way through the mall (yes, child of middle America here) and it was still tickling your brain. I'm trying to do that on a larger scale -- no impulse buys, put it back, think about it and if it's still working on me a week or more later, then I'll consider it.



    http://closetaltar.blogspot.com

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  22. We agree!, its hard to make the choice between buying loads of bargains or investing! We at sketchbook have just started a cupboard of key pieces sent to us by designers, we plan to re-work and re-use the pieces regardless of their style or credibility, this is something we could all do at home too!

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