It’s actually going okay, this not-spending thing. As I keep, keep, keep going on about – I buy too much and for the wrong reasons. I have in fact got everything that I need and new things aren’t going to make me thinner or prettier.
It’s not like the bad old days when I genuinely had nothing to wear because all I owned were shitty vests from H&M, cardigans and then bright green mini-cocktail dresses, unsuitable for all and any occasion.
I now have sensible smart daywear, I have loungewear, I have mum-wear. I own these amazing pineapple print pyjamas, which are absolutely light-as-a-feather and so comfortable it fills my heart with cosiness every time I put them on. (I also think that the top might double up as daywear.)
Before the financial axe came down I also snuck in three merino wool sweaters from Uniqlo and a Rixo dress. I feel like Indiana Jones grabbing his hat from the other side of the rolling-down stone wall. Phew! Got it.
I’m sure my husband didn’t mean stop buying things completely – he’s not that much of a meanie, but in fact I was a bit stung by the fact that he noticed how much I spend at all and now feel defensive and a bit proud about the whole thing and so I have stopped completely. I will wear things down to the stub!
So instead I have been exercising – swimming, spinning (£11 per class, bargain) and hilarious mum’s bootcamp on a playing field (£8 for 1 hour and I get to see my friends). I have also been cooking a lot and reading. It’s kind of amazing what you can achieve when you’re not just buying things on the internet and waiting for them to arrive.
BUT… but, but, but… a game I like to play is: what would I buy now if I could buy some things? Not a gold Mercedes, you understand, or a diamond necklace. But if I was on my normal spending jag, what would I get?
This dress has been following me around quite a lot recently – £99 from Traffic People via Lux Fix.
I think it would look so insanely cute with clogs and a little denim jacket.
This long black jacket from Hush would be useful with absolutely everything. I have something similar, but it’s shorter and it is literally coming apart at the seams. BUT I’M GOING TO KEEP WEARING IT DAMN IT. £79.
Adorable “Salut” t-shirt from J Crew (just wrote “Slut” then in a moment of Freudian thingummy but corrected myself) £32.50.
This block stripe T-Shirt from MiH £59.50:
Fucking mental yellow tassel earrings from Anthropologie £48:
Smart new white trainers from Seven Feet Apart, £125
I could go on.
Now you’ve got me looking up spin classes instead of frocks.
You’ve changed.
do a few spin classes and the frocks will look EVEN BETTER
I am a hush covert except for their jumpers!!!
When you are next off the wagon but that Hush jacket as I have one and it is divine.
I have these pyjamas in two other prints from last season and absolutely LOVE them. However, I have noticed the fabric round he top buttons on each has torn away as so delicate and made little ripped holes. Am so upset because they are my favourite things and feel less slob like than normal pj bottoms. Also I am utterly flat chested so no question of material straining over me. Still want your pineapple ones though…
Hello Esther! I really enjoy reading your thoughts on shopping, books, cooking etc. I wonder if you have some time to write a post about your favourite things, rather than the things which you are most into right now. You know – the books you have loved for years, the clothes that you are always happy to wear. Cutting back on spending can sometimes help us return to our trusty favourites (in my experience at least).
Also, this is my first comment and I think I have been reading this blog and the Recipe one for a few years. So I’m a bit pleased at leaving a comment. Yours is my favourite blog, and I always enjoy reading the replies as well.
Thanks Melinda, that is a really good idea, I will do this x
Just ordered the Hush jacket. Goddammit! Must. Not. Order. STUFF.
no no no I am well jealous. total investment!!!!!