Whose spending less?

Is it just me? I started to question my consumerism way back a couple of years ago but it wasn't until I really became a student again that I've reigned my spending right in due to nothing to spend.

The reason I'm asking the question because tomorrow H&M will do record trading on their Comme De Garcons collaboration and I've yet to see evidence of people not shopping.
Firstly friends excitedly tell me about going to Westfield to do their Christmas shopping - it's the joy of not having to carry bags back on the tube or overground train apparently. Then I'm still doing personal shopping sessions and my clients are spending £1k plus in 4 hours! Unfortunately not on me.....

But bookings for personal styling are down but that's partly due to my studies and lack of availability. Commercial shoots are on the wane due to my availability, I'm in no position to undertake them due to my studies.
Everyday I see hordes of people on Oxford Street buying and carrying their goods.
If M&S and others are reporting downturns, doesn't this say more about what the customer wants?

Back to school

It's that time of year again and I'm in need of a satchel or bag for my books and papers. Queen Michelle of Kingdom of Style bagged a vintage satchel a few weeks ago for £4. Now I've been hunting but no joy to date.

I've sourced a few options one is rather masculine satchel from Amazon at £70.99, which then made me think about popping to Ted Baker to look at their boys selection of bags. But then do I want to spend much at all - which makes H&M look the best price option with their cheapie £15 holdalls.

Do I opt for the prof look and buy a leather item or do I really make do with a lesser number?

I need your views and suggestions!

Motivational tips

A number of bloggers have recently drawn attention to either ethichal clothes purchases, see post by Stylist Stuff or like Observationmode to a no spend rule for six months or more.

I'm in the midst of working on a new edition of my book as the so called credit crunch gets a grip on everyday living.

What do you do to stop yourself blowing the budget or resisting temptation for that must have item?

How important is ethical clothing to your lifestyle?