Thursday 6 January 2022

Wardrobe Additions And Yearly Fashion Spend For 2021! Fashion Resolutions for 2022

Since I had fun doing this post last year, I'm looking back on this year's fashion purchases too, seeing how I stuck to my 2021 budget, and setting some fashion goals / resolutions for the year ahead.


What I bought in 2021 annual fashion budget review and wardrobe additions awayfromblue blog


What I Bought & How Often I've Worn It


I was surprised to look back on what I bought in 2021 and see that I bought just 26 items, as I felt I shopped a lot! It does average out to nearly an item every 2 weeks so it's not such a low shopping year. I focused on accessories and more second hand shopping, and with continuing to work from home most of the time and dress casually, I added a lot of denim and tees to my wardrobe.

Opshop and Preloved Buys:

Things Bought New:



The most expensive buy was the Chloe small Ethel bag in light khaki, which was $120 preloved, and the cheapest item I bought was $1 - a lot of the thrifted things were just $1 each, even the jeans. 


There were some surprises with what I bought this year in terms of how frequently (or infrequently!) things got worn. I was on track to have everything worn at least twice, as I have the "wear things twice in the month I buy them" rule I put in place to make sure I'm actually buying things that work for my wardrobe and life right now. But then I went to the opshops in December with my son to check out their special sale and picked up a couple of things, including winter pieces!  There was no chance of me wearing everything before the end of the month. I figured for $1 each though I could break my wear twice when I buy it rule. As you can see above the winter pieces I bought in the middle of summer definitely have no wears, although after Christmas I did squeeze in some wears of the more summery pieces I thrifted in December.

Surprisingly the most expensive buy, the Chloe Ethel, is only the second most worn piece I bought this year, the Rebecca Minkoff Love Too bag was worn one time more for a total of 16 wears.


December Opshop Haul:




Fashion Spend For 2021 - Over Budget!


My spend in 2020 was the lowest it has ever been in the years I started tracking, $483.59. This year despite trying to spend as close to that figure as possible, I spent more than that. It means that for the first year since I've been tracking it, it's the first time I've increased my annual fashion spend on the year before. In 2021 I spent $580.36. That's $96.77 more than last year.

This total includes $235 of gift card spend. So $345.30 minus the gift card spend, but I always include gift card spend in my total each year.

Despite spending almost $100 more this year than last year, I bought fewer items. I think that the high number of bags I bought is the reason for that! While I bought less things, I spent a bit more on the bags I did buy.


Fashion Resolutions For 2022


Spend Less
Much like last year I'm a little unsure what to set my budget for in 2022. Again I'd like to have an under $1,000 fashion spend (which I achieved in 2021) but I'm not sure if I'd be able to spend less than the $580.36 I spent in 2021. It's a good goal to aim for though!

Shop Second Hand More
I really liked the sustainable fashion balance I had this year, with fewer things bought new in retail stores and more preloved finds from eBay and the opshops. I'd like to have a similar or even better balance in 2022, and continue to shop second hand more often. Second hand fashion is the most sustainable way to shop. It's also better for my budget goals, and for the environment!

Buy Less
In terms of items to add to my wardrobe wish list, I don't really have any! I think it will be a varied 2022 with what I buy, whenever I get lucky with preloved finds and make some impulse buys. I don't have a list of things my wardrobe really needs at the moment, so it will hopefully be another year of under $1,000 spending, and a year I buy less than 26 items. I haven't bought anything in the boxing day or January sales either, when I usually buy a lot, so starting off with no spending is a great way to start the year.


What was your spend like in 2021? Do you track your fashion spend and set fashion resolutions?




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75 comments:

  1. Great resolutions for start of the new year

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  2. This brand was founded last year in spring, so it's not that old =) Yeah it was really nice to have a discount code. And I love the packaging <3
    Yeah my first week is good, hope yours too =)

    Really colourful and nice wardrobe =) I like it. It's really interesting how often you wear all of those items =)

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  3. What colourful purchases for 2021. I hardly bought any clothes in 2021 as we were under movement control most of the time. I think second hand clothing or pre-love clothes is a brilliant idea - save the Earth

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    1. It's a shame you didn't get to get out much but I found that in 2020 - with lockdowns I didn't spend a lot on clothing and fashion, but I spent more this year as everything is open again!

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  4. It is important to be aware when we are going to buy, it is always important to think if we really need it.
    Glad that last year you only bought 26 items!
    Great post :)

    https://www.heyimwiththeband.com.br/

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    1. Yes I'm pleased I bought only 26 items even if I went over budget!

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  5. I absolutely love that you are so thoughtful about what you purchase - and you also make sure that you use everything you buy. I love what you added to your wardrobe last year! Lots of really beautiful pieces <3
    the creation of beauty is art.

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    1. Yes I'm really trying to be more thoughtful with my shopping and consume less!

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  6. I love reading your analysis of your shopping/spending for the year, Mica - you have a good grasp on your shopping. I don't track my spend, but I have a monthly budget of $400 for "me" stuff, which includes all of my clothes shopping (but also anything extra, like books, haircuts, meals out). I've been shopping far less frequently this year due to not going shopping every week after my grocery shop - our grocery store's delivery has become erratic, so I'm now doing a shop with L and there is no futzing around after!

    I do find that because I'm shopping more consignment - which tends to be better quality/designer/more expensive - I'm buying fewer items overall, but spending a bit more on them. It does help me be more discerning when an item costs more - it's much easier to buy a bunch of cheap items (as you know!).

    I giggled at the butt-lifter jeans - looking forward to seeing those and your other winter items! As for the year ahead, Always Be Upgrading! I am looking for better quality basics (like turtlenecks) to replace cheaper ones or pieces that are wearing out.

    Well done on your spend for the year!

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    1. My husband demanded I show him the magical "butt-lifter" jeans, he found the idea amusing too! I look forward to getting them out when the cooler weather arrives :) I think once I've been properly tracking for a few years I'll try have a budget - right now it's "anything under $1,000 for the year" which is a bit loose I think a formal budget like you have would really help!

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  7. 26 pieces isn't bad at all in my book, especially as the majority was second hand or thrifted. I've never set myself a budget, but I'm sure I'd be surprised if I kept a record and made my sums at the end of the year. I might buy almost exclusively second hand, but I do admit to buying a lot. xxx

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    1. It's easy to justify buying more with second hand shopping! I'll be really pleased if I can have a similar or greater % of second hand shopping this year too!

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  8. I also try to wear new pieces quickly after I buy them. It'a a good way get to get them incorporated into my wardrobe right away so I don't forget about them and they end up forgotten and languishing in my closet. My spending went down considerably on fashion and beauty last year as I spent way more time at home though our home buys did increase since we were in home improvement mode. I see this as being another year for saving.

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    1. Yes with the cases rising so much here I think this will be another low spend year as we end up staying home more!
      And wearing after I buy is certainly working for me to really consider what I'm buying, with the few exceptions I've listed here this year, so I'll definitely continue it next year!

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  9. Loving your 2022 resolutions, Mica! I'm the same- shop second hand more often and generally buy less!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  10. Hi
    I love the concept of this post! I'm surprised by the reduced number of items you've purchased! I wasn't able to do that oh!
    And I wish you a happy 2022!!
    xoxo

    marisasclosetblog.com

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    Replies
    1. I've really been focusing on reducing my shopping this year - it makes such a difference!

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  11. Wear the item twice in the calendar month you bought it or wear it twice within 30/31 days since you bought it? Because if you shop near the end of the month, it's kind of hard to wear it twice. But that's a good rule.

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    1. It started as wear it in the 4 weeks of buying it twice, but now I do "wear it twice in the month I buy it" - it's a good way for me to revaluate if I really need pieces or just want them near the end of the month, haha!

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  12. Totally agree with your fashion resolutions!
    HAPPY WEEKEND
    xoxo
    https://stylishpatterns.blogspot.com/

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  13. You did a great job with your budget and got some amazing items! I am really impressed with your total!

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  14. Uy geniales concejos. Te mando un beso

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  15. I am so impressed by your budget and purchases. I am making a commitment to be a better buyer this year and to keep track of all of my fashion purchases. I can't wait to see how it goes!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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    1. Good luck with your goals this year! I can't wait to see how you go with keeping track of everything!

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  16. I on't track my fashion expenses, but my most expensive buy was a (new) handbag.

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    Replies
    1. Bags were definitely my biggest splurges this year too, haha!

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  17. love how you keep track of what you are spending, I should do that!

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  18. I bought a lot of unnecessary fashion items in 2021, and this year, my goal is to stop the spontaneous buying and work towards a sizeable savings account.

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    Replies
    1. I find tracking my spending has really worked for me, as well as the wear twice rule! Good luck with your goal!

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  19. My daughter told me there as a study and it showed most articles in your wardrobe only get worn 7 times before you get rid of them, so I like how you are keeping track of the use per dollar amount to get the most bang for your buck. I'm too lazy to do that myself, but I admire your tenacity to keep track like that.

    Here's to finding more great deals on sale and at the thrift store this year to help keep you under budget!

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    1. It's surprising I find I'm consistently getting more than 7 wears on pieces but it's hard to hit 30 wears with them so that will continue to be my focus this year, get more wear from what I own and hit 30 wears with more pieces! :)

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  20. You did great. I love that you thrift a lot of things. I also love Cotton On and wish we had one closer to us.

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  21. I love everything sweetie!

    Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk

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  22. Love your purchases. And you always make a tee look tres chic!
    Excited for your outfits this year, carina!

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  23. Like that wardrobe stand, especially the one to hang the bags.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks it's from Ikea - it's just one we have in the laundry to hang things to dry, haha!

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  24. Nice post, I loved reading your fashion resolution.
    Kinda like mine too.
    Have a wonderful 2022.

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  25. Interesting! Do you keep track of this on a spread sheet? I think I’m going to try this. You did very well I think given that the majority of your items were second hand.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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    1. I just use the blog for keeping track of it all - I'm not organised enough for a spreadsheet, haha! I'd love to see if you do try tracking your fashion spend this year! :)

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  26. You seem to be very good at tracking your fashion wear and spend!
    As a rule, awareness to your fashion needs and purchases, is very important!
    I like your 2022 resolutions of buying less, spending less - especially that I believe 2022 is going to be a year of economic decline (rise in prices, inflation, etc...).

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    1. 2022 is certainly proving to be an interesting year so far with all the Covid cases here in Brisbane! We were Covid 0 for so long :(

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  27. Great post, wish you happy sunday

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  28. Great post 😊 have a nice day 😊

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  29. This is such a good idea to report how much wear you've got out of items. x


    Zoey | www.zoeyolivia.com

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  30. This is such an awesome post! Thrifting is such a great way to find some good quality items, I do that quite a lot these days. <3


    http://www.couture-case.com/

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  31. A great combination! This year I have to limit my purchases, because I had a lot of it ...

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  32. You really inspired me with this post. Every time your present new outfits and I was thought that you had huge walk in closet and when you show what you bought and how you style these pieces on different ways it is amazing.

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    1. I'm glad I could inspire you! I do have a large walk in wardrobe, haha! But I am really trying to make sure I only add well thought out purchases to it! :)

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  33. EXCELLENT project to keep track of your spending and wearing habits. We learn from looking backward and, as you note, are often surprised by what it reveals. Your spending last year, and especially the year before, is remarkably low; doubtless you were affected by the pandemic as we all were. I applaud your resolution to buy more second-hand clothing. I'm doing the same. Too much environmental waste and expense getting "fast fashion" that's in basically the same condition as what you can get at most thrift-stores. I like this post! I'm gonna check out last year's review of 2020.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I think second hand shopping is better for so many reasons! :) Luckily 2021 was mostly Covid 0 here in Brisbane so there wasn't a lot of lockdowns or restrictions, but we are certainly feeling that this year now the borders are open and cases are rising so I think this year might be a pandemic impacted low spend year like 2020 was!

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  34. What great goals! I am just awful at tracking my spending or even what I items I buy though I know I have been buying so much in the past two years as I had to completely replace my entire wardrobe after dropping 40+ lbs. It has been a good problem to have. Though I am getting to the point that if I buy anything else I am going to have to start getting rid of other pieces.

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    1. I wish I could be stricter and get rid of pieces when I buy new ones but I have such a hard time letting things go, haha!

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  35. Love your review as always ))

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  36. I think you do such an amazing job of tracking what you wear and shopping with purpose. I'm also impressed that you didn't buy too many new things--I really need to get back into thrifting!

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    1. Yes I was so pleased to see how many purchases were pre loved when I did this wrap up - I want to continue that this year also!

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  37. Wow 26 pieces! I want to track what I buy this year. Thanks for the idea :)
    -Nina
    http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2022/01/houndstooth-print.html

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  38. Mica, I just love how organized you are about your shopping. Not only do you keep track of your shopping and are very conscious about it, you have rules that make sure you make the most out of your closet. For example, the rule to wear something new you bought at least twice a month makes sense. As for your fashion NY decisions, they are wonderful. It's great you're making sustainable decisions about fashion.
    I didn't spend much on clothes in 2021, I wish I kept a track but I'm pretty sure I bought less than in 2020 and 2019. I think I spent around 150 euros on clothes this year. I was planning to do some shopping this January but I keep postponing it. I should probably invest in more classics this year. My problem with shopping is that there are not many good second hand stores here and I hate wearing what everyone wears so I never shop in malls. On the other hand, if we had great second hand stores with vintage clothes I would probably spend a lot more so it is possibly for the better.

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    1. Yes I'm really trying to be more thoughtful with my shopping - tracking it helps! Hopefully you can find some nice stores that have the styles you want - my problem is there are so many great opshops around that often have clothing for $1 or fill a bag for $5 sales and it's easy to go overboard and spend too much then, haha!

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  39. My fashion resolution is to spend less too this year. Especially because I'm not going as many places like I used to pre-pandemic! Hope you guys are having a great weekend!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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    1. I found in 2020 with the lockdowns I spent so little as we went so few places too! Good luck with your resolution!

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  40. Your 2022 resolutions sound great! Interesting goals!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself


    My Instagram

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  41. Wow, you include gift cards in your budget?? That's impressive because I wouldn't, haha!!
    I should evaluate my purchased more like this.
    Happy SUnday Mica,
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Yep I always include it as it's still fashion spend even if it was something I used a gift card on! :)

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  42. Happy New Year!
    I think it's really interesting to keep a track on what you are spending on clothes and how many times you wear them. It's not only about sustainability, but also about finanace. Why spend more when you have gorgeous clothes that you can wear again. I love this!! Well done.

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    1. So true - seeing how many ways I wear things helps me realise what works for me and also that I don't need to buy a lot to make up outfits and should be happier with what I have!

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  43. Hola bonita, me alegro que te ajustarás a tu presupuesto, yo estoy en ello, aunque es complicado, jajaj, muack

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  44. That Chloe bag is such a great find!! Though you always find the designer steals, Mica! :) I miss thrifting. However irrationally, I just haven't been feeling it in the pandemic era. Some of my favorite pieces over the years have come from thrifting, though, and of course I like the recycling aspect!

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    1. I think I've really been embracing opshopping more but you have to be prepared for it as sometimes it's a long browse with nothing to show for it, haha! Thrifting is always there when you feel the urge again!

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  45. Thanks all for your lovely comments! Glad you enjoyed seeing my fashion spend wrap up!

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