Why 30 Wears?
This all came about after watching a documentary on netflix: 'The True Cost'. If you haven't seen it yet I recommend it. It's a really interesting look at fast fashion. While I watched the movie last year it got me thinking more about my shopping habits.With #30wears, before you buy anything, you ask yourself "would I wear it 30 times?". I already have my "if I buy it I need to wear it twice that month" rule to ensure I wear new purchases immediately and that they will be versatile in my wardrobe. I browsed my blog archives and was surprised that even pieces I thought I'd worn frequently hadn't been worn 30 times. In 2017, I'm going to focus more on wearing and enjoying what I already own and try hit 30 wears on as much as I can. This new 30 Wears series will initially be a monthly series. I will review as I go and post more frequently if I make faster progress on my goals.
#6MonthsWithoutShopping Challenge
It's no secret that I have a lot of clothes. Probably more than average. To get anywhere near 30 wears for everything have to stop buying new things and just focus on wearing and enjoying what I already own. So I set myself the #6monthsWithoutShopping challenge. The rules:- No clothing or accessory purchases in the first 6 months of 2017.
- Gifts (or products provided through blog partnerships) will be allowed and disclosed.
- Attempt to achieve #30wears with as many clothing pieces as possible over the 6 months.
- Any clothing that's donated, sold or falls apart can't be replaced until the 6 months is over.
- Food, makeup, skincare, undies, kids clothes and gifts for others is allowed. The ban is only on clothes and accessories for myself.
I asked for and received a lot of gift cards for Christmas. At the end of the 6 months there will probably be a massive shopping trip celebrating the completion and using the gift cards, as I will not be spending them during the challenge. Hopefully I'll be shopping with an updated clothing wishlist and just buying what I need.
30 Wears: Black Jersey Maxi Skirt
Kicking off One Item, #30Wears is my beautiful Jeanswest black jersey maxi skirt. My sister bought this for me at the end of 2013, and I've worn it 39 times over the past 3 years. It works out to an average of at least once a month. It was actually difficult picking just 30 times I've worn this skirt to share, I really like it. I'ts starting to get quite worn now (not surprising given the number of wears) and so I picked up a replacement in the boxing day sales.
10 Ways to Wear a Black Maxi Skirt in Pregnancy
From the first trimester all the way through to 39 weeks, this comfortable elastic waist maxi skirt has seen me through two pregnancies. Elastic waist skirts are my favourite. So forgiving in the postpartum days too.
10 Ways to Wear a Black Maxi Skirt in Winter
I wear my maxi-skirts year round. Here are some outfit ideas for layering with a maxi skirt in winter weather. Scarves and leather jackets are perfect with a skirt.
10 More Ways to Wear Black Maxi Skirt
Maxi skirts work year-round for so many different occasions, they are one of my must-have wardrobe items.
I've done No Buy July and No Spender September before, but never tried 6 months without shopping. Have you achieved it or considered it? Any advice?
If you enjoyed this 30 Wears post as well I'd love your suggestion for what clothing or accessory item to feature next!
Linking up with What I Wore, Fashion Files, Thursday Moda, Fabulous Friday, Fun Fashion, Flashback Fashion, Friday Faves, Passion for Fashion, Modest Monday.
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Wow, 6 months of not shopping? That is a lot. I dont really have many clothes, and I hit the 30 wears on most of my clothing, special occassion wear excluded. But no shopping for six months? I wish you the best of luck, that sounds pretty hard to me.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
For someone who loves shopping as much as I do it will be tricky, haha! But hopefully I can pull it off :)
DeleteWow! I won't last a week with the shopping challenge. I already tried but failed miserably. I wish I can because it helps you save and it saves the environment. But I can't do it! When I see something pretty I couldn't stop thinking about it. I really admire people like you who can do this challenge.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and may you be blessed more this year! :)
Jenn
❄The Pink Lemonade Girl
❄YouTube
❄Bloglovin
Took me a while to decide to start this challenge! I've been reducing my spending gradually until I felt I could do it! Don't feel bad for spending your own money on things you like :)
DeleteI really enjoyed this post and really am interested in the 30 wears theory. Might have to look up that film. Man 6 months without shopping tho... It's going to be hard but I'm looking forward to read about your journey. Gemma x
ReplyDeletewww.jacquardflower.uk
It is a great challenge and documentary, I recommend it :) I'm hoping I am successful with my 6 months of no shopping! :)
DeleteMan! Six months without shopping?! I totally know you can do it, as I've followed your style journey for a few years now. I'm actually really excited to see you accomplish this. My biggest issue not too many clothes, it's too many things I cannot mix and match with. That's my big focus for this year. Trying to make as many outfits as I can by mixing and matching my wardrobe pieces. There's already a lot of things I know need to go. One of these weekends, everything is coming out of the closet.
ReplyDeleteAww thank you Kiki! I thnk taking everything out of your wardrobe really does help! :) Good luck with it! :)
DeleteI am always needing more basics too, I want things that are so easy to wear together. I think stopping my spending will help me find out what I have that works and what doesn't work.
Mica, I love both concepts! We should all do that! We don't realize how much stuff we have. HaHaHa I've tailored down my wardrobe. Maxi skirts are so versatile. I need to get some more, because I wore the few I had to death. They can be worn with so many things. Good luck with your challenges. You can do it. Cheering you on.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
Thanks Kim! I do have so many things in my wardrobe, it's a bit embarrassing how little I've worn many of them!
DeleteHow amazing, keep going and great style. :)
ReplyDeletewww.thequirkyminimal.com
Wow this certainly requires a lot of dedication, what a shopping spree you'll be able to have with the gift cards once you get through it. Seriously though, it sounds like a great thing to do. I can't name many pieces I would get 30 wears from and that concept really makes you think differently about it. I need to sort out my spending this year. Will be doing a proper budget soon. Basically feel like I should have been able to purchase property by now but haven't because I've wasted too much money. This is the year for change. I look forward to reading about your journey here.
ReplyDeleteYes when I think about buying things I remember the gift cards I'm going to get to spend at the end, hehe! It's tricky saving for a house, but definitely possible! Good luck!
DeleteOH my gosh this is awesome so so so so many ways to wear this maxi!
ReplyDeleteLife is just Rosie
Instagram
You can make so many different looks with the same clothes! Even though your wardrobe looks huge!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
xx
Karolina
https://ezerskyte.blogspot.co.uk/
The True Cost was definitely eye opening. I love the idea of 30 wears! Good luck with your shopping ban!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
What a great post, Mica:) I blogged about The True Cost awhile back, coz that documentary is really such an eye-opener. Both these challenges you are doing are truly admirable and something more of us should do. Since doing Marie Kondo's method, I've really pared down a lot and have shopped less for clothes. Hopefully, this is a life-time change for me. And your maxi outfits really make me want to sew one. I've had a sewing pattern in mind for the longest time but have yet to do it!
ReplyDeleteI got the Marie Kondo book but I can't start with my clothes, it's too difficult for me, haha! I'm hoping that stopping shopping all together helps me figure out what I don't want any more, when I don't have new things coming in all the time.
DeleteA maxi skirt is a wonderful piece, you should make one! :)
That's amazing! I'm currently throwing away approx half of my clothes (eeeeek) with more to go, in preparation for moving. I plan to buy a bit in Bangkok and then I'll be done for the forseeable - I'm not sure how long but probably in the region of 6 months plus. I actually found it very freeing to chuck away all that stuff and I realised that nobody really notices what I wear anyway. So, good luck with your challenge, I think it might turn out easier than you think! And I will be joining you soon enough for some solidarity!
ReplyDeleteYey I look forward to having you on the ban with me! It's so exciting you're getting to move here! I need to downsize my wardrobe too, hopefully this challenge helps.
DeleteDid you just day 6 months of not shopping? WOW!
ReplyDeletehaha yep! Hoping I can achieve it!
DeleteI've also seen that documentary. Congrats on 6 months without shopping! One of my goals for this year is to shop less, so fingers crossed.
ReplyDeletexo
www.carinavardie.com
Good luck with your goals! :)
DeleteI like the idea of a six months no-shopping challenge, but personally, I don't think I could manage it myself! I am a firm believer in treating yourself, especially when it's with hard-earned money I don't like to deny myself anything... For better or worse, because my makeup and perfume stash is pretty ridiculous! I like the idea of 'would you wear it for 30 days', though... I should start doing the same thing with the makeup I buy! Thanks for sharing, lovely. <3 xoxo
ReplyDeleteKay
http://www.shoesandglitter.com/
Very true! Never feel bad about spending your own money and treating yourself! I was just finding my wardrobe was overflowing but I still wanted more, I need to stop and use what I already own for a bit :)
DeleteOh I love this challenge and I really admire your dedication! As soon as I read this, I thought of doing a shortened version of your challenge - maybe not shopping for 3 months instead of 6? 15 wears instead of 30? This is such a great way to be more mindful when it comes to shopping!
ReplyDeletexo Deborah
Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes
Oh yes a shorter version would be awesome too! Good luck with it if you start it! :)
DeleteOh wow, 6 months without shopping--that is a challenge!! You can do it though, and I love the thought behind it. The 30 wears series is such a good idea too, it's making me think about my own closet and if I truly get 30 wears out of most of my things. I love all the ways you wore that classic black maxi!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that even my favourite pieces didn't have 30 wears, it's an interesting challenge for sure! :)
DeleteI'm starting off my year with a three month shopping ban, with the intent that if I think I want to keep going I will. Like you I know i've got too many clothes and buy things too freely without thinking of how they will benefit my wardrobe. I like that you've got a solid plan laid out, and are really keeping tabs on your cost per wear. Good luck with your shopping ban!
ReplyDeletehttp://iamchiconthecheap.com
Thanks Lydia! Good luck with your shopping ban too! :) It's going to be tricky but we can do it - sounds like we have the same motivations too!
DeleteGirl this is serious dedication to not shopping right here but I have a feeling you will totally own this challenge :) I love the idea of really looking at what I own and making some hard decisions on what I should really buy this year. I'm totally going to check out that movie too!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mylittlenest.org
Definitely check out the movie!
DeleteThe only time I've gone 6 months without shopping was when I straight up couldn't afford to. I look forward to seeing how this goes for you! I'm restricting my purchases this year as well, but not quite as much.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that maxi skirt had only 39 wears in three years. It's such a versatile piece!
Ah not having money in the budget for shopping certainly makes it less of a challenge! Even something like this I think I wear a lot I was surprised how little it was worn, it's an interesting challenge and has really made me think about what I actually wear vs what I think I wear, ha!
DeleteSo inspirational! You are so creative to wear this skirt in so many ways. I am most impressed, both by the accomplishment and the idea behind it. We all ( mostly) have more than we need. Happy 2017, what a great way to start this year!
ReplyDeleteI have many jeans and jean skirts than I have gotten 30 -50 wears from, and also a black tee lengthy skirt, and a few dresses!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
I don't think I've hit 30 wears on any of my dresses, which is pretty sad. Hopefully I hit more over the next 6 months.
Deletelove how many ways you wore this - so creative!
ReplyDeleteI love how your keep to your style. I think anyone who reads your blog could definitely pick your outfit out of a lineup because it’s so you. You’re doing so well with the challenge too. I think it gets easier as you go along unless you need an outfit for a special occasion. Then it gets tricky! Happy new year! x
ReplyDeleteTFM BLOG
THanks for the encouragement! :) We don't have any special events planned for the next 6 months so I should hopefully get through it - unless there are any surprise engagements or baby showers coming up, haha!
DeleteThis is awesome! I love that you've found so many different and unique ways to restyle the same base piece. Definite inspiration.
ReplyDeleteKathryn • simplykk.com
Love your style! Hope you had a great new year :) http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2017/01/oscar-de-la-renta-monochrome.html
ReplyDelete30 wears and 6 months no spending are very creative and helpful, I wish I can apply it for me too and be gentle to my budget. I really enjoyed reading this post.
ReplyDeletewww.busyandfab.com
You could always try a modified version of the challenge as was suggested above? :)
DeleteI love your shopping rule. I'm definitely guilty of the buy and wear once or twice only move. I'm going to start keeping track! Fab outfits with a maxi skirt by the way!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday & I hope your 2017 is off to a wonderful start!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.com
Yes it's been so good having the blog to actually keep track as it's surprising how few things I've hit 30 wears on!
DeleteI would never survive 6 months without shopping - but could maybe avoid High Street clothes stores as most of my clothes come from charity shops!
ReplyDeleteI expect you would feel that is cheating! - I enjoyed reading your post
You could always set your own challenge with your own rules! :) I do a bit of opshopping but I won't be doing that for 6 months.
DeleteWow love how you pulled this off! 6 months without shopping wow, don't know how you did it.
ReplyDeletewww.sincerelymissj.com/
Haven't done it yet! Hopefully I can achieve it! :)
DeleteIn my cost tracker spreadsheet this year, I've added a times worn column so I can track cost per wear as well so I'll get to see how that pans out!
ReplyDeleteOh that's a great idea! I'm looking forward to seeing how you go month by month! :)
DeleteI have heard about that movie and wanted see it, but haven't gotten around to it. This challenge is really a challenge! At the end of it, I think you really appreciate everything you buy. I'm shooting for not buying anything this month. Can't wait to see your progress!
ReplyDeletexo Adri
www.adrilately.blogspot.com
Hope you managed to achieve your no buy January! I recommend the movie, worth watching! :)
DeleteI love a good thought provoking movie - I also watched The True Cost and one thing that stuck with me is that if its cheap it had to be at the expense of someone or something.. How amazing that you've gotten so much wear of that black maxi skirt.
ReplyDeleteYes it really makes you think that movie! I'm glad I watched it! Good luck with the rest of your shopping ban! :D
DeleteOh I forgot to add that I am on day 19 of my 3 month shopping ban... so far so good.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your encouraging comments as I start the challenge! :)
ReplyDelete