Lessons from a Shopping Fast
Mid December, I decided to take a break from thrifting for a month and a half and focus on wearing all of my sweaters and winter clothes, as well as all of the things I had thrifted since November. I was aiming for a clothes shopping fast of 45 days, but I ended with it being 41 days. I really enjoyed the creativity it encouraged, the fun I had organizing my closet, and the peace it brought to my mind. I jumped back into thrifting with an inexpensive trip, spending $13 (a lined American Eagle denim bomber, a navy lace tee and a black zipper knit jacket).
Here are some lessons that were refreshed in my mind from taking a break from thrifting/shopping for clothes:
- I definitely have a lot of outfit options in my closet and a nice variety of pieces.
- I edited a few things out, but not a lot, I’ve learned what I like over the past few years.
- I created some new combos and wrote blog posts featuring pieces that have been in my closet for a while. I really enjoy writing posts on how to wear one item several ways or how to combine colors.
- I made a list of what to look for when I am thrifting (I’ve been on the lookout for 3 things for a while, a pair of light colored wide leg overalls, a pair of straight or flared black jeans, and a caramel maxi skirt, so far no luck except for the black jeans which I did find 2 weeks ago).
This shopping fast reminded me to watch out for these “impulse” shopping trips: I typically go thrifting at the following times:
- out of boredom
- when I have high anxiety
- for fun
- for the dopamine effect
In the past year, I have been more likely to thrift versus shop retail unless it is in a small boutique. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and finding something different (or something spectacular every so often), and since I really don’t “need” anything, it is way easier on the budget. I also enjoy thrifting with friends and helping them find things to fill gaps in their closet.
The outfit featured in this post is thrifted minus the shoes and earrings: the embroidered denim and cardigan were thrifted on my trip to Arizona spring 2024 and the lightweight hoodie was thrifted here in town a couple years ago. The necklace is 2nd hand from an antique booth.
While I enjoy thrifting I try to be very selective with what I buy: I typically do not come home with more than 3-5 items and I sometimes text a friend (typically Jodie) for an opinion if I am on the fence about something. I usually can come up with a yes or no quickly, but sometimes there is something (like the denim bomber mentioned above) that I don’t really need, but am tempted by.
Do you thrift? And if you do, do you have a list in mind for what to look for? Do you take shopping breaks? I usually take at least 2 a year, and they typically last between 30 days and 2 months.
A bientôt!
Please take a minute to subscribe to the blog to receive an email letting you know when a new post goes live. I usually post Monday, Wednesday and Friday but sometimes have a bonus post during the week. You can also follow me on Instagram @chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
22 Comments
Mary White
Mireille, I loved this installment on the blog! I will say that thanks to following you and your tips, that I do all of these things now. My breaks from thrifting are usually about a month but you inspired me to do them. I also keep a list in my phone. I still haven’t mastered the color combo’s that you’re so good at, but I’m working on it! My current list: a white denim jacket, a denim jacket to practice embellishing, wide leg black pants. Thanks for all that you share.
mimifce
Oh, those sound like some great things to look for! This month of March break will curtail any extra spending (especially that I did some non thrifting spending) and allow me to look at spring wardrobe “needs”.
jodie
I should take a break…I have on occasion but not by planning, it just happens.
I really need to reorganize my jewelry cabinet, and so I’m going to look for a frame while thrifting…and I doubt I’ll stay away from the clothes. But who knows, LOL
I love being your texting advisor!!
XOOX
Jodie
mimifce
It is fun to get a 2nd opinion! I am doing another break now for lent, just because I don’t want to be tempted by more jackets and also want to curtail any extra spending since I want to do a little planting this spring.
Marsha Banks
Congrats on a successful shopping fast. I fasted for many years as the kids were growing up. Now, I’m feasting! But, I’m feasting with intention! Love that bomber!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
mimifce
That is a fun way to put it Marsha! I think it is okay to do both!
nicole orriens
I really like the idea of a clothes fast. I did one for a year but then only allowing myself to shop on Vinted and not buy anything new. It’s been over a year and since then I’ve only bought a skirt new at JK Maxx.
mimifce
That is pretty amazing. I am doing another bout of no shopping and going to come up with some weekly themes to get creative. This week is bohemian looks with my maxi skirts.
Violetta
It is such a seduction to buy something new….but my wardrobe is completely full….and despite that fact I cannot resist to have some new things from time to time.
Nice outfits you are showing.
Have a good time and all the best
Violetta
mimifce
It’s hard to be content, but it’s a good practice for time to time to take a break.
Jennifer
This is how I am with my clothes! I rarely buy and I like to style what I have.
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
mimifce
I am having a little boho maxi skirt theme this week: it’s fun to come up with a certain vibe for something different.
Cat
I don’t thrift clothes because I don’t need many.
A shopping fast works for everything, though. For example, I have become a lot better in bead shopping and only buy if I need something for a specific project plus add some for my own fun.
Just as you have fun creating combos from your wardrobe, I enjoy creating combos from my bead stash!
mimifce
I really don’t need the clothes I thrift, but I do wear them which makes me feel better when I do thrift. You are right: it can work for hobby shopping or any other shopping. Love seeing your beading projects!
Di
Great tips Mireille! I usually have shopping fasts unintentionally when I just find the retail market uninspiring. Generally, late winter and late summer. I wish I had a good thrift shop near where I live, but there just aren’t any. Online is the only way. I would do well to use a list, but when I don’t find those specifics I tend to stray…Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week!
mimifce
Have a great week too, Di!
Kathrine Eldridge
What great lessons learned! I need to do a shopping fast. Lol! It’s really hard when you work at a clothing boutique.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
mimifce
Lol! Temptation is at your fingertips!
Suzy Turner
I have a bad habit of thrifting on Vinted when I’m bored, and that has resulted in me buying so much stuff that I don’t really need! In fact, I’m currently trying to sell a lot of what I bought that I never wore—some of it because the size isn’t right and some just because I shouldn’t have bought it in the first place!
As for thrifting in stores, I don’t do it very often because our stores aren’t really very good, sadly.
I do love those embroidered jeans though, I have been keeping an eye for a pair. I bought some last year but they’re too small and too short!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
mimifce
I really like buying things in person… I have a pair of overalls coming in today and I really hope I chose the right size!
Nsncy Andres
Interesting post about your shopping fast. What a good idea for those who impulse buy. I’m grateful I don’t like a crowded closet although i do keep some clothes for sentimental reasons. Springtime is a great time to regroup and sort through my closet. Thanks for the reminder. Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.
mimifce
Yes! I do a little of that as I swap out some of my closet.