I am loving it!! It feels so freeing and I love having excess disposable income! I do long for a few pieces but my birthday is in June so I’ll have a well curated list by then!! How was the year!?
This isn't just a no-buy challenge, it's a full-on style enlightenment! 🔥✨ Love how you turned what most see as ‘deprivation’ into a creative, liberating experience. The part about ‘full body yes’ vs. urgency hit hard - capitalism really knows how to disguise FOMO as intuition. And ‘desire isn’t the enemy, instant gratification is’?? ICONIC. Hats (and impeccably worn, well-loved outfits) off to you!
Wear your clothes until they’re dead. What a revolution! That used to be normal. As you mentioned, click culture really takes its toll on your perception of style and sustainability. Fantastic article Harry!
This is interesting. I'd like to try it but ultimately, I'm in the middle of an entire revamping of my closet. Maybe when I get to a spot where I am comfortable with what I have, I'll give it a shot.
Ok so I know you might not believe me, and this probably is. post on its own lol but I actually think that's one of the best times to do a no buy in order to build a wardrobe you love x
Your 'no buy' has been really inspiring to me, although I haven't begun my own journey yet. I did a no buy last January (in 2024) and I'm tempted to pick it back up again but there's something stopping me... I think maybe I'm just not clear enough on my "why". I want to do it to save money primarily, whereas I'm also really trying to find balance in allowing myself to enjoy my hard-earned money after years of shaming myself on my spending habits. But either way, you're an inspiration and these takeaways were really useful to read regardless of my own situation!
Hi Julia thanks so much for your lovely comment. I totally feel you on this as I also struggled in the past with wanting to save and enjoy spending the money I had earned. I believe the two can actually coexist. I found my no buy gave me some much needed space to view all my thoughts around not just my wardrobe, but also money and my relationship to spending. It was super eye opening and it felt like I could almost birdseye view all the thoughts I had from the past around money, where they were during the no buy and what I want to try moving forward. Seeing it all like an experiment really helped take the pressure off. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide is best for you Xx
I agree with so much of this, but especially that instant gratification is the true enemy. Online shopping has made everything too easy (going into a store at least requires you to stand up, leave the house, and have a human interaction) and we’re all paying the price in terms of overconsumption. The funny thing is, I tend to LOVE the items I buy in person; I think there’s something far more instinctual and nourishing (for lack of a better term) about the IRL experience. Long live brick-and-mortar!
so for example, not to name and shame, but Lydia Jane Tomlinson‘s “how NOT to wear” series really annoys me - because I think, that’s fine but how dare you dictate it to me? I also think it’s quite dangerous because it’s making women second-guess their choices…? And I don’t want people to feel bad about what they’re wearing because they like it, but then she deems that it’s “not right”? I had quite a visceral reaction I had to unfollow her 🤣
so for example, skinny jeans are apparently “out” - but I’m 5 foot and curvy and I love my skinny jeans and I shall not be giving them up!
Can I ask what you did when you needed a piece of clothing? So for example, I’ve just moved to Canada so I actually need to buy like ski gear to cope with the cold. Do you allow that to slip in?
I also wondered, are you on Indyx? And if so, can we have a look at your wardrobe? I’d be intrigued to have a look if you don’t mind.
I’m definitely more mindful about what I’m spending/buying and you and Andrea Cheong (who makes me check fabric composition) have really helped me with this - so thanks so much!
Hi Emily, thanks for your comment. yes those kinds of content in particular really get on my tits lol! So when I first started my no buy I made guidelines I felt really good about that worked for me, and 30 days before I started I did run through what was coming up that year should I need anything, which I didn't. In my guidelines I had said I could borrow from a friend or rent something if I had really needed to so if I had been in your position I might have done that. You could totally have guidelines that for instance allow clothing for snow, or something that feels clear to you and your specific lifestyle. In the no buy styling course I give examples of how to prepare for a no buy including all the steps I went through and how to make guidelines that feel exciting to you. I am on Indyx, I think if you search harrymakesitup you should be able to find me and my wardrobe but if it doesn't let me know and I can send you a link :)
I’m two months in, huge congrats on 365!
Amazing!!!!how are u finding it?x
I am loving it!! It feels so freeing and I love having excess disposable income! I do long for a few pieces but my birthday is in June so I’ll have a well curated list by then!! How was the year!?
This isn't just a no-buy challenge, it's a full-on style enlightenment! 🔥✨ Love how you turned what most see as ‘deprivation’ into a creative, liberating experience. The part about ‘full body yes’ vs. urgency hit hard - capitalism really knows how to disguise FOMO as intuition. And ‘desire isn’t the enemy, instant gratification is’?? ICONIC. Hats (and impeccably worn, well-loved outfits) off to you!
Awe thank you so much Dea x
Thank you for sharing your journey and for the inspiration to look within ourselves for gratification and validation!
Thanks for coming along for the journey!x
Wear your clothes until they’re dead. What a revolution! That used to be normal. As you mentioned, click culture really takes its toll on your perception of style and sustainability. Fantastic article Harry!
Thanks so much Rea x
Great summary to your experience! I am about to make my life smaller and I plan to do this on a month to month basis. I think I’ll be quite fine 😊
excited to hear more about your journey Michele! x
Such a huge achievement!!! Have loved watching you evolve on this journey ❤️ Thank you for sharing it with us! X
Thanks so much Anna, and thank you for so kindly sharing so many of my substacks Xx
This is interesting. I'd like to try it but ultimately, I'm in the middle of an entire revamping of my closet. Maybe when I get to a spot where I am comfortable with what I have, I'll give it a shot.
Ok so I know you might not believe me, and this probably is. post on its own lol but I actually think that's one of the best times to do a no buy in order to build a wardrobe you love x
What an accomplishment! Thank you for sharing your learning and tips!
Thanks Stephanie x
Your 'no buy' has been really inspiring to me, although I haven't begun my own journey yet. I did a no buy last January (in 2024) and I'm tempted to pick it back up again but there's something stopping me... I think maybe I'm just not clear enough on my "why". I want to do it to save money primarily, whereas I'm also really trying to find balance in allowing myself to enjoy my hard-earned money after years of shaming myself on my spending habits. But either way, you're an inspiration and these takeaways were really useful to read regardless of my own situation!
Hi Julia thanks so much for your lovely comment. I totally feel you on this as I also struggled in the past with wanting to save and enjoy spending the money I had earned. I believe the two can actually coexist. I found my no buy gave me some much needed space to view all my thoughts around not just my wardrobe, but also money and my relationship to spending. It was super eye opening and it felt like I could almost birdseye view all the thoughts I had from the past around money, where they were during the no buy and what I want to try moving forward. Seeing it all like an experiment really helped take the pressure off. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide is best for you Xx
Maybe I need to adopt the experimental way of looking at it!
I agree with so much of this, but especially that instant gratification is the true enemy. Online shopping has made everything too easy (going into a store at least requires you to stand up, leave the house, and have a human interaction) and we’re all paying the price in terms of overconsumption. The funny thing is, I tend to LOVE the items I buy in person; I think there’s something far more instinctual and nourishing (for lack of a better term) about the IRL experience. Long live brick-and-mortar!
💯🙌
Loved this, Harriet! I’m completely agree!
so for example, not to name and shame, but Lydia Jane Tomlinson‘s “how NOT to wear” series really annoys me - because I think, that’s fine but how dare you dictate it to me? I also think it’s quite dangerous because it’s making women second-guess their choices…? And I don’t want people to feel bad about what they’re wearing because they like it, but then she deems that it’s “not right”? I had quite a visceral reaction I had to unfollow her 🤣
so for example, skinny jeans are apparently “out” - but I’m 5 foot and curvy and I love my skinny jeans and I shall not be giving them up!
Can I ask what you did when you needed a piece of clothing? So for example, I’ve just moved to Canada so I actually need to buy like ski gear to cope with the cold. Do you allow that to slip in?
I also wondered, are you on Indyx? And if so, can we have a look at your wardrobe? I’d be intrigued to have a look if you don’t mind.
I’m definitely more mindful about what I’m spending/buying and you and Andrea Cheong (who makes me check fabric composition) have really helped me with this - so thanks so much!
Hi Emily, thanks for your comment. yes those kinds of content in particular really get on my tits lol! So when I first started my no buy I made guidelines I felt really good about that worked for me, and 30 days before I started I did run through what was coming up that year should I need anything, which I didn't. In my guidelines I had said I could borrow from a friend or rent something if I had really needed to so if I had been in your position I might have done that. You could totally have guidelines that for instance allow clothing for snow, or something that feels clear to you and your specific lifestyle. In the no buy styling course I give examples of how to prepare for a no buy including all the steps I went through and how to make guidelines that feel exciting to you. I am on Indyx, I think if you search harrymakesitup you should be able to find me and my wardrobe but if it doesn't let me know and I can send you a link :)
Glad it’s not just me 😂 bore off! Oooh ok thank you! Aha - I’ve just found you! There’s my Friday night sorted - a deep dive into your outfits 🤓
haha enjoy!x