Four and a half months into 2017 and I am out of the game. I have been dropped from the team, and things couldn’t be better. The game being consumerism and the team being shopping. After reading a book, watching a documentary at Christmas minimalism and how fast fashion is now one of the most accelerated industries, I decided there and then that I was not going to shop or buy anything new for 2017. Big talk right?
Right. I have an extensive wardrobe built up over the years, I found my signature style maybe post 25. My sister always slags me and says “oh Lisa she buys pieces” I do it’s true. I would always invest in my clothes. I know you have to pay for quality and I understand that a jumper for €12 simply cannot stand the test of time. The Penneys culture that has overtaken society and most peoples lives at large has actually gone un noticed, or well we chose to ignore it. Since I have been off the shopping scene, many things have become clear and so many people have presented stories to me that have further spurred on my quest to not to shop this year.
Last year after going through their personal accounts and just doing a reki for the craic (there was no craic once the spending patterns were revealed) a couple realised that they (she) had spent €3,000 in Penneys alone. €3,000. However on what and where the money was spent was not clear either in the wardrobe or in the home.
I think shopping for clothes has become part and parcel of our lives. Sure I’ll pop in here for a look, drop €70 on this essential * gingham, half crop, cut off, bell sleeved blouse, socks, 3 more pjs, a pump or 3 and a couple of accessories. Such great value sure….. next week the same scenario. These items are not needed and offer nothing to your life, it has been officially proven that a purchase gives you a high of just 7 seconds, then it’s gone. So that ‘needed’ dress or shoes buzz when you finally get them, well it wears off before you’ve even worn it out!
Our need for me is really getting out of hand, especially when it comes to runners. I am this person, I must have 11 pairs and still now I want more, I love them. I think they have become my single greatest fashion passion. Their functionality and the ranges now are well off the charts. But at €55 to €165 a pop this habit ain’t cheap. I am wearing all my runners this year, whereas last year I was only wearing 3 pairs and the lusting after about 7 more colours and styles. This year though it is not an option.
On Saturday I was in Dublin and for the first time in 4.5 months was cruising around the shops, I had an hour and what happened was so interesting. Firstly I felt nothing. I was disinterested and whilst everything looked and appeared glossy, shiny and bright on first glance, I looked at everything through different eyes.
I realised something really important, I am out of the rat race. I no longer feel the need for something ‘new’, literally that feeling you get when you have something new on and you are killing it, well that’s gone. I am enjoying reinventing my own looks from my existing wardrobe. I also noticed that fashions and trends this summer season are not for me, or maybe it’s the newness. I really wanted for nothing. The quality of clothes on our high streets has also depleted as we know on line stores are killing them with cheap clothing on offer at a fraction of the price and also the styles and trends are no longer seasonal they are weekly changing. Again Fast Fashion. Where will this end and at what cost?
So I am staying on my crusade and really am positive I will see the year out. Since beginning this as well, I have gotten more gifts of items that I really love and cherish. I am so grateful for these now whereas before I would have loved them but perhaps not fully given them a second thought.
I would encourage everyone to really think about their shopping and clothes habits, even questioning yourself and asking that question that I should of years ago “ do I really need another marl grey cotton jumper, on top of the 13 I already have”? That answer is no.
**All Runner Donations accepted!*
