Here we go again... I'm ashamed.
> What I Bought:
*1. Work Dress $55
This was actually a dress that I meant to buy in July but just didn't get around to it. It is a replacement, so it was technically allowed. I had a similar dress years and years and years ago and I wore it until it literally was coming apart at the seams, so I finally found one to replace it. I bought one from Target years ago as a potential replacement, but the fabric was wrong, it had no stretch (all polyester), and I just didn't like it. I got this one brand new with tags from the Salvos Online. It's originally by Saba and retailed for $279.
Note, I wore the dress the day it arrived (to Harry Potter trivia, we came 4th but got 100% of the questions correct) so another example of me trusting my instincts. It was listed as a mini dress but is definitely more of a midi length, so I am going to get it taken up. No idea how much that'll cost but I'm willing to pay it for this dress.
2. Artwork $100
I bought a second art print from the Incognito Art Show. I meant to in July, but I emailed asking if I could add a second to my order, and they said they couldn't. I then got through to their Instagram, and they were able to add it so not to pay for delivery twice. The money does go to charity so I'm okay with buying a second. In reality, had I seen the second one first, I probably would have only bought that one anyway, so I got a bonus :)
3. Dress $4.95
I once again found myself at a thrift store - this time looking for photo frames. I didn't find any so had to buy retail (I think I spent about $25) but while there, I tried on a dress. I always browse the dress section usually for anything black and/or tartan. And they just so happened to have a tartan dress in black, purple and white. It looked amazing on, but it was a touch too big and was $20. Had it been cheaper I probably would have bought it, but I bought one second hand on eBay instead in a smaller size. I'm gonna wear the heck out of it!
4. More Art $2000ish
I'm so hesitant to talk about this because I went a little crazy... in my mind I thought if I was buying art that would go up in value then it was okay... even if I have to keep it in storage. How silly of me. So, I put something on layby - a dream come true piece if you will - that I will pay off when I can. The second was a glass bird that sells for $395 retail, but it was more than half price that weekend only, so I bought one. One day I'd like a flock of maybe three or four in total... The third piece was a collectable teapot... you read that right. The fourth was a ceramic cat person thing... I had space for something new so that's what I picked to fill that space.
*5. Cat Ceramic $33.13approx
This is actually a HUGE win! I got a cat ceramic when I was a kid. Around 2020, I was doing a big clean out while there was hard rubbish in the area. Everyone was putting things on their front lawn for people to take, so I decided to put the cat there. I instantly regretted it, and in the minute that I was thinking of going back and getting it, a lady took it. I thought about going after her and asking for it back, but I didn't, and I regret it.
So, all these years later, I thought I'd go on our local Facebook group and ask about getting it back. I knew it was a long shot, but I'd been occasionally checking eBay and Etsy to see if anyone was selling one with no luck. So, I put up the Facebook message and then thought I'd recheck eBay just for fun - and what do I see? The ceramic! It's not mine as mine had a crack on the base and this one is coming from the USA, but considering it's now considered vintage and a rarity, I was shocked. It was like 2am and I instantly bought it. I have zero regrets. It feels like that part of me that was missing is now whole, and I can't wait to have her in my collection again.
*6. Killer Klowns From Outer Space - Slim Tiki Mug $30
I've always wanted a character tiki mug but hadn't found one I really loved enough to get. I'm in the process of selling my Killer Klowns pop vinyls and, in that process, I discovered the Slim tiki mug and knew it was perfect. It was originally from a loot crate, and they sell online for a lot more, so I'll consider this a win lol.
Total spent: $2523.08 (*or $2104.95 for items removed within the rules)
I went to the cinema twice - Trap ($25) and Alien: Romulus ($0).
I went to the theatre once to see SIX. The tickets were free as well as the programme =D
I also topped up my drmtlgy products (save 30% off your first order here) during their Labor Day sale. I got $70 off so I essentially got one product free. I'm running low on Needle-less Serum and I went through the Peptide Night Cream way too quickly, so I'm going to try out the Water Crème Moisturizer instead. You get more product, and it's better suited for oily skin. I did consider repurchasing go-to's Very Useful Face Cream, but it was $1 more for less product. However, if I don't like the Water Crème Moisturizer, I'll go with go-to again.
I also sold some more stuff online for extra $$ and am planning more. My tax return will also be used to pay off my lay-by so I can pick it up next month instead of waiting until November when it's due.
> Temptations
I did consider buying some vinyl records - two in fact. Both were/are on sale for cheap but I'm very picky with vinyl records because I don't think all music is suited to vinyl. I've only ever heard two separate albums and thought, "these would sound better on vinyl" so that helped me decide. I have been listening to the heavier album on my computer and it's a vibe... just not a vinyl one =P
While at the thrift store looking for frames, I considered a UK art piece. It was large with about 100 different images on it of different textures. It was only $12.99 so clearly a bargain. I was going to come back to it after I looked around the rest of the store - but by the time that happened it was already gone, so I never got the chance. Not sure if I would have bought it or not but it was a good piece. I also thought about getting some red boots. If you remember from previous months, I've had to get rid of some boots so I thought these could have been a good replacement for my beloved (and missed) red boots. I decided to leave them behind though.
There was a cute pair of shoes on the Salvos, originally from Boohoo, as well as a turtle planter (which you'll see in an upcoming singular post and admittedly, I'm still tempted to buy it). The Salvos also had a tonne of cute clothes on one particular day, and I thought about placing a bulk order. There was also a pretty cool kitsch teapot on someone's Instagram, so I googled and found it. They're vintage from the 90s. It's not at all my style but it didn't stop me thinking about getting it anyway... even though I also have no use for a stove teapot. There were also two more teapots - one speckled ceramic from a small business and another a pig teapot with pig matching cups (vintage and from Japan maybe?) - not sure why I'm so into teapots lately lol.
I went to Ballarat for the day and as well as the Art Gallery of Ballarat, I went to the Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market, and I wish I could say that I wasn't tempted by multiple things in both places. Included were some boots, ceramics, mugs, homewares, and all the Coca-Cola merchandise of my dreams!
I also want/ed a vase. It looks like a flower and is amazing. I was going back and forth on colours but it sold out before I made a decision. I'm equally sad and relieved. This remains a maybe one day purchase.
I'm also still tempted to get one of the peaches & cream Allen's lollies sprays from Dusk...
> What I Learnt:
I really just came to the conclusion that I was buying items to fill a personal avoid. That is me getting down to the root cause of my spending. No number of items will fill that void. I actually feel like I have no desire to buy anything next month -- I know that I've probably said that before but if I can round out the rest of the year without a purchase it will be a miracle. I've now seen how easy it is to get influenced to purchase things.
I also feel like I'm going through a major life change so probably not the best time to do this challenge yet here we are. The second week of September I'm planning on doing a big clean out - not just clothes this time but everything - and getting rid of childish things. That'll also give me a better idea of how much I own. It's also called clutter shifting but some items I have that I need to keep but like to store better.
I'm also in the process of selling some of my collectables because I want less stuff. Definitely most of my pop vinyls and some others so that'll free up some space too (space NOT for new stuff).
> Impulsive v Considered:
I wanted to look back at last month's spending (where I did awfully!) and see if my purchases swayed more impulsive or considered, and which were good purchases and which were bad. Here goes nothing...
Impulsive:
- Savers Finds $10ish
- Ceramics $50
- Savers Earrings $3.99
- Candle $75
- Merch Jumper $30
- Savers Cardigan $11.96
- Big W Haul $60
- Pants $39.99
Total: $280.94
Considered:
- Cotton On Skirt $49.99
- Boots $49
- Bird Earrings $80
- Merch T-shirt $36
- Jumper $30
- Artwork $100
Total: $344.99
I'm not really sure what that means. I guess it's more evenly split than I expected, especially when you take the Big W Haul, for example, where $35 of that was on my wish list so really only a fraction of it wasn't really impulsive at all - in the moment, yes, but in the long term, no.
But let's look at that same list on what was a good buy and what wasn't...
Impulsive:
Good Buys
- Savers Finds $10ish
- Savers Earrings $3.99
- Big W Haul $60
Total: $73.99 (*$50 of this was using vouchers)
Bad Buys
- Ceramics $50
- Candle $75
- Merch Jumper $30
- Savers Cardigan $11.96
- Pants $39.99
Total: $206.95
Considered:
Good Buys
- Cotton On Skirt $49.99
- Boots $49
- Jumper $30
- Artwork $100
- Merch T-shirt $36
Total: $264.99
Bad Buy
Total: $80
So, when we look at these statistics, it shows that I make better decisions when I think through purchases. This should be obvious. The bird earrings, even, I thought could be a good or bad buy as I don't know if I'll get the wear out of them to justify the price but it's too early to call. We also have the merch t-shirt which, all things considered, I don't need another t-shirt, but I wanted to support her.
Then looking at the bad buys in the impulsive categories, there's grey area too. I put the merch jumper in there as I don't need it but I'm also happy to show my support. Regarding the cardigan and pants, I don't necessarily need them either, but I will/would wear both so could be taken either way.
I based my decisions on if I need it (especially now), wearability/usability and price per wear/use.
In conclusion, not all impulsive purchases are bad, but statistically they're more likely to be.
> And What Happened To Previous Items?
I thought in the same vein, seeing what happened with previous buys. I've put asterixis next to items not used/worn or sold/selling since I purchased. I left off makeup/skincare, plates, doona, presents etc.
January
1. Black &me/Big W Dress (worn, and will again – although I have since bought a replacement)
2. Blue's Clues Earrings (worn a couple of times, and will again)
3. Peter Alexander PJ Shorts (worn, and will again)
4. Lenni Romper (worn, and will again)
*5. Black Dress (still haven’t worn)
*6. Dusk Lobster (currently in storage)
*7. White Fox Loungewear (sold both pieces)
*8. Noel Fielding T-shirt (tried to sell)
February
1. Novo Shoes (worn, and will again)
2. Scorpio Necklace (worn, and will again)
3. ASOS Dress (worn, and will again – although not my favourite piece)
4. Video Game (played, and will again)
*5. Jumper (currently in storage)
March
*1. Jumper (currently in a donation bag)
April
*1. Decorative Plate (currently in storage)
May
1. Planet Lamp (currently on display)
2. Dinosaur (currently on display)
3. Sherpa Jacket (worn, and will again)
June
*1. CMA T-shirt (currently in storage)
*2. Three mugs (currently in storage)
*3. Blanket (currently in storage)
4. Texan Boots (worn, and will again)
5. Earrings (hurt my ears, but will wear again on special occasions)
6. PJ Pants (worn, and will again)
July
1. Boots (wear almost every day)
*2. Savers Finds (haven’t had an occasion to wear either yet)
3. Cotton On Skirt (worn, and will again)
4. Ceramics (both on display – considering donating the larger one)
5. Bird Earrings (worn twice, both times it didn’t feel like me)
*6. Savers Earrings (haven’t had an occasion to wear yet, but will)
*7. Candle (currently in storage)
*8. Merch T-shirt (haven’t worn yet, but will)
*9. Merch Jumper (haven’t worn yet, considering putting it in storage)
10. Savers Cardigan (worn, and will again)
11. Big W Haul (worn 3/3 pieces, and will again)
12. Jumper (worn, and will again)
13. Artwork (currently framed and on display)
*14. Pants (needs tailoring)
August
1. Work Dress (worn, and will again - needs tailoring)
2. Artwork (currently framed and on display)
3. Dress (worn, and will again)
*4. More Art (1 on lay-by, 1 still being made, and 2 on display)
*5. Cat Ceramic (in transit to me)
*6. Tiki Mug (haven't had a chance to use yet)
I find it interesting that most months are split 50/50 between good purchases and seemingly bad. While in storage isn't necessarily a bad thing, it does go against buying things I need right now in my life. Statistically my best month was May even though I consider 2 out of 3 of those things a bad buy, so I'd say April was my best month as, although in storage, it will have a future purpose. February was also a good month.
I'm also shocked at the clear amount of clothing I've bought this year. A 2024 survey revealed that on average Australians buy 56 new pieces of clothing per year, so, while I'm at less than half of that (with only 26 pieces), it is still too much for me personally, especially seeing as 15 of those pieces are currently in storage or sold/donated/selling (with one exception needing to be tailored) and majority I clearly don't currently need.
On a positive note, though, 10 of those items were bought second hand. 21 of those items were bought with some kind of discount (including second hand and vouchers). It shows that sales are indeed tempting. The items I paid full price for are my most worn pieces or artist/festival merchandise.
> Impulsive v Considered:
Now we know what was done with every piece so keeping items asterix-ed (meaning not used/worn or sold/selling since I purchased) but delving in to which were impulsive or considered buys, and if that changes anything. Any impulsive buys I've highlighted in red. Considered/thought out are in black.
January
1. Black &me/Big W Dress
2. Blue's Clues Earrings
3. Peter Alexander PJ Shorts
4. Lenni Romper
*5. Black Dress
*6. Dusk Lobster
*7. White Fox Loungewear
*8. Noel Fielding T-shirt
February
1. Novo Shoes
2. Scorpio Necklace
3. ASOS Dress
4. Video Game
*5. Jumper
March
*1. Jumper
April
*1. Decorative Plate
May
1. Planet Lamp
2. Dinosaur
3. Sherpa Jacket
June
*1. CMA T-shirt
*2. Three mugs
*3. Blanket
4. Texan Boots
5. Earrings
6. PJ Pants
July
1. Boots
*2. Savers Finds
3. Cotton On Skirt
4. Ceramics
5. Bird Earrings
*6. Savers Earrings
*7. Candle
*8. Merch T-shirt
*9. Merch Jumper
10. Savers Cardigan
11. Big W Haul
12. Jumper
13. Artwork
*14. Pants
August
1. Work Dress
2. Artwork
3. Dress
*4. More Art
*5. Cat Ceramic
*6. Tiki Mug
Again, it's about 50/50 between both impulsive/considered and used/unused purchases. I watched a video on YouTube where a woman was talking about her No Buy Year failings and what she was influenced to buy. The interesting take away for me (and her too) was that some of these impulsive buys actually turned out to be her best purchases. I remember specifically a pair of pants that became her most worn but, like she said, she didn't know they would become that when she bought them.
Again, it makes me think that not all impulsive purchases are bad. But again, there's some grey area. I considered April to be my best month, but the plate is still in storage. While I did think about needing a plate beforehand, I impulsively bought this one when I saw it. I could have waited for when I actually needed the plate or done some research on what my options are. But I didn't. I think there's just always going to be some grey area, and you can talk yourself into any kind of justification for spending. And all I can do is try better.
Statistics like this help me a LOT! I remain hopeful in September :)
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