Firstly, I'm not trying to shame anyone who likes to shop, spends more than they earn etc. Everyone makes their own choices, and that's okay. Each to their own, always. I, however, decided to do my Low Buy Year for many reasons but one, of course, was to not spend a lot (especially on impulse items).
In some ways I did spectacularly, considering Australians buy an average of 56 new clothing items per year (that's more clothes per person than any other country) and I only bought 9 (with one returned). I'm extremely proud. Boots are my Achilles though, and I realise I struggled here. Art too, meaning I bought more than I should.
I am in no way perfect. I am learning. But I thought I'd focus on the positive of my top ten purchases this year:
10. Sandals ($56)
Just like I have explained before, I have been wearing these sandals since at least 2017. I have foot issues, and these make walking around for long periods so easy. I've replaced them many times and with the company closing, I knew I had to stock up. I ended up getting two pairs before they disappeared from the website. I currently own four pairs in total and will wear them until they literally fall off my feet.
9. Green Dress ($5)
I'd wanted a replacement dress for around the house during hot summer days. I previously had a dress that I bought for $5 but it was stained, ripped and the strap was broken. It would have cost more to fix then replace it, and I'd owned it for at least ten years, so had been looking for something new. This one was $15 but I had a $10 voucher, bringing it down to an amazing $5. I still think it was a serendipitous purchase.
The dress is from Dotti.
8. Ruffle Vase ($370)
I'd been on the hunt for a vase to replace another vase for many years, but nothing grabbed me enough to buy until this one. I have these gorgeous fake flowers, but they came in a vase that looked like a jug, and I always hated it. So, I smashed that jug and replaced it with this handmade gem. I had seen it about a month earlier and I decided to take a two-hour bus ride there and another two-hour bus ride back just to get it. It's so unique!
It's by Ivana Loves. Check out her Instagram or Etsy shop.
7. Red Jumper ($12)
I'd seen this jumper in store for a while and was always tempted. The red colour just pops and I had another red jumper I wanted to replace. The other fit was off and was more orange red. This jumper is lighter so different than anything else I own, Chicago is my favourite US city, and I got it for $12 so not bad at all.
The jumper was from Big W.
6. Killer Klowns From Outer Space Chibi Fleece Hoodie ($38)
I absolutely love this thing! No, I didn't need it, but it brings me so much joy. It's lighter than my two oodies so it's different enough. I waited SO long for it to go down to a price I was happy to pay and it was worth it!
It's from Middle of Beyond but on clearance and is no longer available.
5. Noel Fielding Artwork ($893)
I'm a fan of Noel Fielding and I always thought one day I would own one of his large artwork pieces, but they sell for over $10k and I think that money could be better spent for me personally. If I was loaded, sure, I would splurge, but sadly, it's not in my budget. But to get a framed Noel Fielding original drawing for under $1000 is incredible! And it's most likely an opportunity that won't come around again anytime soon, if at all.
It's from Jealous Gallery in the UK.
4. Replacement Heeled Boots ($24)
These were the first boots I bought this year and as a replacement to boots I used to live in that I was sad I had to pass on. The heel is manageable, and I have been able to wear them for hours on end while doing a lot of walking without much complaint (I say much as flat is always better, of course). They've once again become a staple in my wardrobe and I'm glad to own them once more. I got them on sale for an incredible price too.
They're from Big W.
3. "Non-Leather" Leather Boots ($50)
I spoke about these a little in my September wrap-up. I asked the shop keeper if the boots were leather and she said they weren't, but they have a leather sock which IS leather. As someone who doesn't buy/wear leather, I feel bad for owning them but they're so incredibly comfy. The first time I wore them though was unexpectedly at the beach and I got them wet. It took at least a month to dry that damn leather sock! I also put them in the dryer for about 10 minutes (which is NOT recommended!) and the stitching turned white, so I had to re-colour them black. Now the black colouring comes off on my hands and the boots still squeak. Is it too early to replace them? I'm not going to - again, the real leather thing - but I adore the large eyelets. It makes them so unique looking.
They're from iShoes.
2. Tom Moore Glass Bird ($1200)
Owning a Tom Moore has been on my wishlist for many years now. I went back and forth on which piece to get but I'm so happy with the one I got. The price was certainly generous for its size and the colours really pop.
1. Crystal Bird ($375)
Along those same lines, I have wanted a crystal bird for longer than I can remember. Even now that I own one, I still wander around our local crystal shop for hours looking at the birds. I find them so incredible. They're like art. However, I've always said that I was going to buy a large piece, but I ended up with something smaller. Even now when I look at what's for sale though, there's nothing I like more than the one that I own. Yes, I wish it was larger but the combination of the black and emerald green base (my colours) and clear quartz eagle is perfect for me! I have him sitting beside me on my desk and every day I look at him. He brings me so much joy!
Thoughts and feels:
The header image contains most* of the items I've bought this year, and I'm shocked by the amount! Like I've said before, I'm on a journey to be a better minimalist, but that's just way more stuff than I need in my life. No matter how I justify it, even nine items of clothing and nine pairs of shoes is just insane to me!
I wouldn't say that I regret anything I bought but if I could go back in time, there are certainly items that I wouldn't purchase. Unsurprisingly, the items that made my top 10 list are items that I either waited, agonized or thought about getting for a long time or were replacements for items I previously used.
I'm going to look back at that top photo next year whenever I get the urge to buy. That, combined with the Deliberation Station, should make it easier to say no to purchasing.
*Not pictured: everything purchased in December, Duke Kaboom and John Wick pop vinyl figures, toucan jug, Lego Jurassic Park ps3 game, Christmas ornaments (including baubles, elf and reindeer), smoothie cup, peach schnapps, Shadow cable guys original controller and phone holder, and Monopoly Cafe plate.
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