A Buyer's Archive | December '19

Friday, December 27, 2019

I was certain that I wouldn't buy any clothing this month, but when my trusty black jumper moved from being 'smart enough to dress up' and into the realms of 'has seen better days', I decided to buy another one.

This is the kind of thing I look out for when rummaging in the charity shops but I find simple black jumpers in really good condition hard to come by, so, on this occasion, I decided to bypass the second hand option and go straight for new.



I don't know exactly how long I've had the old one, but I know it was purchased before 2016, before I started my Buyer's Archives. It's lasted well and will continue to be worn, just not for anything requiring me to look smart.

My old one came from Next so that was my first port of call to find a replacement, and of course they had something to fit the bill.



Then I nipped into a local charity shop with a friend, she wanted to peruse the rails, I had no intention of buying anything, but I picked up a blue long sleeved t-shirt to wear as a pyjama top (£2.00), having just demoted a few to the rag bag.

Then my friend picked up a jumper, handed it to me and said 'you have to get this, it couldn't be more you'. I looked at the soft green jumper (£3.75) and knew I wouldn't be leaving it behind.

As I stood at the counter to pay I wondered how I would manage my Just One shopping challenge next year...


LAST YEAR



Everything I bought last year was secondhand.

The pink scarf was picked up for £1.00, but didn't stay in my wardrobe as it made my neck itch. However the large and incredibly soft spotty scarf (£3.00) remains and has been worn a lot.

My bargain find of the month was a brand new ASOS coat, with the original tags still on for a mere £6.50. I'd been looking for something like this for a while, and it's been worn many times.

The next item was an H&M knitted top for £3.50. I sold this on ebay in the summer as it turned out to be a little on the snug side, but I did make a few quid.

My final purchase of 2018 was a mink bolero, originally from Nougat, for £3.00. It's been worn once or twice. It's the sort of thing that sits in the wardrobe untouched but every so often turns out to be just the thing I need.


Total for December: £20.75

Total for 2019: £400.10

Total at this time last year: £559.18

Left of £500.00 budget: £99.90

Items purchased: 66 (pre-loved: 58 / new: 8)
Buying three items this month does take me over my lowest number of items purchased in a year, but as my shopping challenge for next year will drastically reduce the number of items I buy, I'm not worried too much about these 'extra items', I see them as my last hurrah before my spending challenge starts next month.


For the fourth year running I'm keeping track of my spending on clothes and accessories with A Buyer's Archive.

You Might Also Like

10 comments

  1. Plain, classic garments in good nick are like charity gold dust. I'm still excited about my orange polo neck jumper, possibly the least exciting garment I own but so useful!
    Funny that your friend handed you that green jumper, I can totally see you wearing that.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The least exciting are the best, I have a black t-shirt that is simply perfect, and I love wearing it. I'll never stop hoping to find these classic items in charity shops, but sometimes you've just got to give in and buy new.
      I love my green jumper!
      xx

      Delete
  2. Congratulations on staying well under budget, Hazel! I'm sure you'll be wearing that black Next jumper until it falls apart. I'm loving both of your other buys as well. The long-sleeved t-shirt is such a lovely shade of blue, and obviously I fully approve of the green jumper recommended by your friend. Your Just One challenge sounds very challenging. I'll be looking forward to reading how you'll get on! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The original black jumper has certainly stood the test of time, so I'm not concerned about buying new in this instance, because you are right, it will be worn to death.
      The blue is so lovely, and goes with a particular pair of PJs bottoms I picked up during the year. The green sweater was a no brainer, even though I didn't really need it.
      I'm not sure how well the Just One challenge will go, but I'll enjoy trying.
      xx

      Delete
  3. How nice to have a friend that likes chazza shopping, mine dont and look at me as if I am mad if I mention my shopping haunts, yet they often admire my finds! Lucky you don't fight over the same things though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad to say that I have few charity shopping buddies, they do encourage me to buy more than I should though! Surprisingly I don't think we've ever wanted the same item though.
      xx

      Delete
  4. I've just had to buy 3 new cardis because I can never find plain ones in the charity shop that are nice condition - I chose black, blue and orange, which covers all bases and should last for a good few years, sometimes you just have to have something brand new!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's necessary sometimes, and it sounds like you bought a good selection of colours - it's amazing how versatile orange can be!
      xx

      Delete
  5. Well done for staying in budget! I dread to think what I've spent- even though I mainly buy second hand- there seems to be a lot of it! I've already spent £40.00 this year on a pair of Clara boots I am not even sure will fit me-ahhahahahah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pleased that I did, and now for a much harder challenge, to buy only one thing a month! Eek!
      I hope the boots fit, but if they don't, you can sell them on, as cosplay you'll probably make your money back, right? (fingers crossed)
      xx

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to comment x

Copyright

All content © Hazel's World of Joy except where noted

Disclaimer

All products that are featured on Hazel’s World of Joy have been purchased by me unless otherwise stated. Any PR samples, items that have been sent to me for review or similar will be declared as such at the end of the post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.