Happier Without Shopping (Unless It’s for You)

Why i'm doing another 'No Buy', and what's different this time round

Jul 23, 2025

It’s been less than six months since I finished a year long no buy, and I can’t seem to shake the fact that i’m just a happier, more present human being when i’m not shopping for myself. Some could argue it’s because I have less to spend on my wardrobe these days, but even when i’ve had less than I have now, if I wanted something, I always found a way (and more times than not, no matter the cost).

After studying my traffic light wishlist and spending some time reviewing where my closet stands now, the gaps have been added. Things that needed replacing due to damage have been. And what’s surprising is how much of it I have found second hand. Dave laughs at me so hard when I say ‘preloved’, he always corrects me and says ‘you mean second hand’? Yes Dave. (p.s. if you’re looking for my top tips on where to find Vintage items that outperform trends, read this)

Items I purchased second hand that were on my wishlist

1. Vintage Furla Bag (aka my Margaux) 2. Madewell Brown leather Bag 3. Thrifted Linen Blazer 4. A.Emery Kinto Sandals in walnut 5. Thrifted Ralph Lauren brown wool blazer 6. Ebay minimal silver brooch 7. Aeyde Renee Leather Thong Sandals 8. Very rare brown Bally ‘kelly’ bag

Post my year long no buy, I found myself scrolling through Net A Porter and the new in sections again just because I could, and using this newsletter as an excuse under the guise of ‘research’ which for the odd piece here and there i’m cool with. For example, this post about finding the best shorts under $100 on the high street. However, generally speaking, since doing my no buy I surprisingly find shopping new dare I say it…a bit tedious these days, and for the most part…. underwhelming. It just doesn’t hit like it used to, versus the dopamine hit I receive when I find something I want second hand (usually at a much better price, and often better quality) is infinitely greater! I’ve always loved shopping second hand, but it feels like I fell in love with it all over again coming out of my no buy.

Why now? & what’s different this time?

When it comes to shopping for myself & my own wardrobe, i’m back in a place where I feel good. Dare I say it, it feels complete for now. I miss the peace and creativity I had using what I have, and things are starting to verge on the edge of ‘having too much in my wardrobe. There’s no room left at the Inn! I also feel there’s a danger of diluting my own sense of style with the addition of more newness, and the same pieces everyone else is talking about; the trending ‘it’ bag, ‘it’ dress etc etc. And look if you like something, irrelevant of whether or not it’s trending or people are talking about it, wear it with pride. I just think it’s worth asking ourselves why we like/want something, especially when said item is doing the rounds on social media.

I had a goal after my no buy to shift the balance of items coming in to my wardrobe to be mostly second hand, whether that’s preloved, vintage or thrifted. And I feel like that’s a goal that’s been very easy (and fun) to work towards. Not only has there been so much joy in what I was able to find, within my budget and high quality items, but it also made me want to shout a little louder about the joys of second hand shopping. And I don’t just mean the high end pieces. Shopping second hand in my opinion gets you more bang for your buck and the ability to find something special. Something that feels like treasure to you. This is why i’m not shopping, unless it’s for you.

Did someone say Box leather? A sneak peak at one of the bags in the first drop. Shoes vintage Manolos. Trench by Toteme.

Coming this fall

As we approach fall i’m planning to have ready two very exciting offerings ready. One will be my very first vintage/second hand bag drop. A collection of BEAUTIFUL bags hand selected by myself at varying price points. (Pieces I have to be honest, a part of me doesn’t want to sell so I can keep them all!) But like I said, there’s no room at the inn and these pieces deserve to go to great homes. Some of them are VERY rare and very hard to find! Even making the moodboards for this drop has been so much fun and creatively very fulfilling.

I’m still looking into the logistics re where I will be able to ship to, and this is very much a one woman (self funded) show so i’m letting myself take my time with this, enjoy the process and see this as a fun experiment. If I love doing it, there may well be more drops in limited availability.

Second, I will be launching limited spots for what i’m calling my ‘second hand sourcing’ service, which will start with bags and potentially expand into other areas. I’m hoping this will be something I am able to offer worldwide as it will be an online service. So whether you have $50 or $5000, I will find you your dream bag second hand! More details to come.

Join Harriet Hadfield’s subscriber chat

Available in the Substack app and on web

Paid subscribers will receive updates first, and i’ve been sharing some teasers over in our subscriber chat. When the first bag edit goes live paid subscribers will also get access a day before everyone else. Like I said, this is a passion project, a love letter to second hand pieces and the personality they add to our wardrobes.

And in case you’re wandering….

My ‘No Buy’ Guidelines this time round

My no buy timeline will be from this post until Jan 1st 2026. I won’t be buying anything new unless:

My weight changes and an item no longer fits
An item is lost/damaged beyond repair
It’s for you!

I will also note that gifts are allowed and buying underwear is exempt from my no buy.

I feel lighter already!

If you’re interested in doing a no buy for any duration with guidelines that feel good for you, you can also check out my No Buy Styling Course and do it with me!