For the third year running I'm taking part in A Buyer's Archive inspired by Elise, to keep track of my spending on clothes and accessories.

This crept up on me, I can not believe we're about to enter the second month of the year!

I purchased a few things this month and - spreadsheet nerds will like this - I added a column to my spreadsheet to state the reason for purchase.

Pack of 3 pants, needed, £14.00
Black long sleeve t-shirt, needed to replace an old one, £3.50
Vest top x 2, needed to replace old ones, buy one get on half price, £7.50
Blue night shirt, wanted it because it's a lovely material and looked really comfy, £8.00

Red floral skirt, my only January sale purchase. I wanted it because of it's prettiness. It was reduced to £18.00 from £40.00. I would not have paid full price for it. I knew I could slot it into my current capsule with ease, and I've worn it three times already.

Green Coast dress, my only charity shop purchase of the month, £4.49, and I bought it because I wanted it, it's such a lovely colour, and I'm still being drawn to colourful garments. It has a lovely waffle texture to the fabric and could only be improved with the addition of pockets.

So my need vs want purchases are about even this month. But if I'm going to buy more pre-loved than new this year I need to stay away from online shopping and get out into the charity shops instead. That said, I wouldn't normally buy nightwear second hand, and I'd never buy underwear second hand, so I can see why my new purchases are higher this month.


LAST YEAR

I bought myself a cardigan in the Sainsbury's sale, half price at £14.00. This gets worn most evenings at the moment. I pop it on over whatever I'm wearing for warmth - we don't turn the heating up in this house, we put on another layer instead.


The bra from Next (£22.00) was the first non wired bra I've owned since my teenage years and it's unbelievably comfy to wear. Unfortunately it's not easy to get on and off, it's an over-the-head affair and having wide shoulders makes it a bit of a wrestle to get it on and off. I've been known to sleep in it because I was too tired to put up that much of a fight. I noticed Next have something similar in their new range with a back fastening, so I might donate my current one and treat myself to this.

I also purchased a cute polka dot neckerchief from ebay for £4.99. I wore this a couple of times but I wasn't digging it so sold it at a carboot sale in the summer. I think I got £1 for it.

My final purchase was a denim jacket for £6.99. I'd been keeping a look out for one and this was perfect. I wore it a lot in the cooler months, it's a keeper, I love it.

Total for January £55.49

Total so far for 2018: £55.49

Total at this time last year: £47.98

Left of £600.00 budget: £544.51

What have you been buying this month?

Look out for the #buyersarchive hashtag to see others taking part.