Some things I've learned in the past couple months of frugal living.
1. If you buy a piece of clothing and don't wear it within 24 hours, you're not inspired enough. Take the item back immediately and have no remorse.
2. Don't ever buy anything that doesn't fit your body in that moment. If it's too big or too small, easy decision, don't buy it and don't regret it.
3. Never buy anything that an old version of yourself would've loved. I recently found the perfect hat for Sonja of two years ago--she would have worn that hat into the ground. But Sonja today doesn't wear hats and because I didn't wear it within 24 hrs, I followed my own advice from tip numero uno. It was painful; that hat was truly beautiful, but it's just not right to buy things and not use them.
4. Conversely, if you're ever at a store, find something, decide to wait, and are still thinking about said item a week later, get your ass back to the store and just buy it and love it forever.
5. If you don't feel like yourself in what you're wearing, take it back or donate it immediately. Whether you're dressed up or dressed down, the most important component of personal style is the "personal" part. Every time I buy something, I ask myself if it's the most "Sonja" thing I've ever worn in my life. If the answer is yes and the price is close to zero dollars, I go for it.
6. A white shirt can work wonders. This tip is really just all about basics. The perfect white tee can work with anything. Jeans, fancy pants, scarves, necklaces, dressed up, dressed down, unlimited silhouettes and guaranteed swagger from being sooo-o-o-ooo comfortable. Which leads me to...
7. Comfort rules all. If your new garment is itchy or digs into your skin at the wrong angle, (however beautiful!), it's not worth it and should be returned immediately. This also goes for any sort of outfit or garment that needs consistent adjustments while wearing. Do you have to constantly tug at the hem, or fix the fit? NO, don't do that to yourself. Life is just too fucking short, my people.
8. Don't buy fake leather shoes or shitty quality anything. I have a tough time keeping track of where my clothing comes from or if anything is "ethical" to buy anymore, but I have learned how to recognize quality fabrics and leathers, both at the thrift store and in stores. Paying attention to quality and exclusively buying these items ensures that everything you own will last almost forever and you won't end up spending a fortune on stupid things you don't need.
9. Which leads me to...take care of the things you have. Just like with your hair, you don't need to wash that pair of pants every day you wear them. Just don't and see what happens. Nothing happens, you just wear the pants again and everything is great. Don't throw your clothes in a pile on the ground at the end of the night. Have some respect and appreciation for the beautiful thing you just bought for gods sake. You're lucky to even be able to buy anything at all.
10. If you do choose to buy something, make absolute certain that it is either functional or fills your life with so much joy that you can justify that decision.
Being more intentional with what I buy and don't buy makes me feel like a better and more clear minded person. I still struggle with donating items I don't use. I still struggle with impulse or straight up dumb shopping decisions. But I am doing my best to live more simply without clutter and all the extra baggage of S-T-U-F-F.
BONUS TIP!
GIVE GIFTS!!!! Do you own something that you know someone else would love? Are you not so inspired by said item anymore? Give it away! It feels awesome to give thoughtful gifts and I always feel better knowing a friend is benefiting from my "what were you thinking" pile.
1. If you buy a piece of clothing and don't wear it within 24 hours, you're not inspired enough. Take the item back immediately and have no remorse.
2. Don't ever buy anything that doesn't fit your body in that moment. If it's too big or too small, easy decision, don't buy it and don't regret it.
3. Never buy anything that an old version of yourself would've loved. I recently found the perfect hat for Sonja of two years ago--she would have worn that hat into the ground. But Sonja today doesn't wear hats and because I didn't wear it within 24 hrs, I followed my own advice from tip numero uno. It was painful; that hat was truly beautiful, but it's just not right to buy things and not use them.
4. Conversely, if you're ever at a store, find something, decide to wait, and are still thinking about said item a week later, get your ass back to the store and just buy it and love it forever.
5. If you don't feel like yourself in what you're wearing, take it back or donate it immediately. Whether you're dressed up or dressed down, the most important component of personal style is the "personal" part. Every time I buy something, I ask myself if it's the most "Sonja" thing I've ever worn in my life. If the answer is yes and the price is close to zero dollars, I go for it.
6. A white shirt can work wonders. This tip is really just all about basics. The perfect white tee can work with anything. Jeans, fancy pants, scarves, necklaces, dressed up, dressed down, unlimited silhouettes and guaranteed swagger from being sooo-o-o-ooo comfortable. Which leads me to...
7. Comfort rules all. If your new garment is itchy or digs into your skin at the wrong angle, (however beautiful!), it's not worth it and should be returned immediately. This also goes for any sort of outfit or garment that needs consistent adjustments while wearing. Do you have to constantly tug at the hem, or fix the fit? NO, don't do that to yourself. Life is just too fucking short, my people.
8. Don't buy fake leather shoes or shitty quality anything. I have a tough time keeping track of where my clothing comes from or if anything is "ethical" to buy anymore, but I have learned how to recognize quality fabrics and leathers, both at the thrift store and in stores. Paying attention to quality and exclusively buying these items ensures that everything you own will last almost forever and you won't end up spending a fortune on stupid things you don't need.
9. Which leads me to...take care of the things you have. Just like with your hair, you don't need to wash that pair of pants every day you wear them. Just don't and see what happens. Nothing happens, you just wear the pants again and everything is great. Don't throw your clothes in a pile on the ground at the end of the night. Have some respect and appreciation for the beautiful thing you just bought for gods sake. You're lucky to even be able to buy anything at all.
10. If you do choose to buy something, make absolute certain that it is either functional or fills your life with so much joy that you can justify that decision.
Being more intentional with what I buy and don't buy makes me feel like a better and more clear minded person. I still struggle with donating items I don't use. I still struggle with impulse or straight up dumb shopping decisions. But I am doing my best to live more simply without clutter and all the extra baggage of S-T-U-F-F.
BONUS TIP!
GIVE GIFTS!!!! Do you own something that you know someone else would love? Are you not so inspired by said item anymore? Give it away! It feels awesome to give thoughtful gifts and I always feel better knowing a friend is benefiting from my "what were you thinking" pile.
