I've been very restrained this month. I had a charity shop rummage at the beginning of the month with Sophie and Kezzie and usually I buy rather a lot!



This time around I purchased this orange jumper for £2.50. That's it. (I say that's it. That's it on the clothes front, I did buy books, I can't go charity shopping and buy nothing at all, that's simply unheard of!)

It's originally from Tu, is soft, slouchy, and very comfy. I wore it almost immediately, and not just because it was getting chilly, but because I also was excited to wear it.

I left behind a navy polka dot shirt, a fine knit grey jumper, a skirt, and two Monsoon dresses. I hardly recognise myself.


LAST YEAR




I purchased most of these items whilst out with Sophie and Kezzie too!  Everything is second hand.

The boots were £12.00 and were exactly what I had been looking for. They were worn a lot last winter.

Striped short sleeve knitted top, £4.00, originally from Next. This sat weirdly around my hips so found itself on ebay. I wish I'd kept a record of how much it sold for...

Fatface sweatshirt, £5.00. This was always going to be a 'chuck on over anything as the evenings got cooler' kind of top. And it was, until I managed to get paint on it. Now it's a DIY top.

Tu dungarees, £10.00. These still had the tags on and ended up on ebay after I realised I had no desire to wear them.

Joules trousers, £3.00. I bought these for meetings, or occasions when I needed to be a bit smarter than usual. I haven't worn them yet, so they might go in to the ebay pile.

Oasis stripe top, £3.00. I really like this dual pattern top, it's only been worn 10 times but it'll stay in my wardrobe for a while yet.

Raglan sleeve stripe top, £2.49. This sat uncomfortably around my shoulders and ended up in the charity bag after one wear.

New Look shoes, £5.99. Only worn once so far, but lovely, comfy and a good staple to have.

Zara shirt with red detailing, £7.00. I haven't worn this, it's a bit boxy, and has been waiting to be listed on ebay for a ridiculous amount of time.

M&Co jumper, £1.87. This is a great little jumper, it has decent length sleeves (hurrah!), and has been worn a dozen times so far...

Full skirt, £3.50. Worn a few times this summer, I'm going to be layering it up so I can wear it now.


Total for November: £2.50

Total so far for 2019: £364.35

Total at this time last year: £559.18

Left of £500.00 budget: £135.65

Items purchased: 63 (pre-loved: 56 / new: 7)
I made a slight miscalculation last month and thought I'd purchased 1 item fewer than I actually had. My purchase this month means I am level with my lowest number of items purchased in a year since records began. So I need to stay away from the charity shops in December! Of course it won't really matter if I don't, but it's nice to have that magic number motivating me, and it's not as if I need anymore clothes.

Also, look at my yearly total, I'm well within budget!!


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

In April this year Glamour magazine wrote that on average we wear an item of clothing just 14 times in the UK (not that they quoted the source of the findings). In France it's higher at 30 wears.

30 wears is also the number that Livia Firth, Co-founder and Creative Director of Eco-Age, puts on a purchase, saying "The biggest message is every time you buy something, always think, “Will I wear it a minimum of 30 times?”. If the answer is yes, then buy it. But you’d be surprised how many times you say no. That should tell you something about how the current model in fashion is unsustainable - and needs urgent change." (source)

I started to keep a record of how many times I wore new and new-to-me items back in October 2017, so I could see the items that were worn 30 times or more, and how long it took me to do so. It'll come as no surprise when I say that I've become fascinated by the amount of times I wear an item of clothing.

As well as keeping a tally of the number of times I wear certain items, I also keep a tally of my spending on clothes, shoes, and accessories in A Buyer's Archive. This has made me aware of how much I buy, and spend, and how much either never gets worn or is worn only a handful of times.

I've been doing this since the beginning of 2016 and as a result I've changed my spending habits. The biggest, if somewhat gradual change, is that I buy fewer new items from the high street, preferring to choose used instead.

Not only that the way I shop has changed too. I'm much more aware of what's in my wardrobe, and what I'm most likely to wear time and time again. Give me a well fitting pair of jeans and I'll wear them until they fall apart. Give me a summer dress that has fussy sleeves, that I can't put a cardy over, and it'll languish in the back of my wardrobe for most of the year.

Before I'd never question how many times I might wear something, or how long I might hang onto it. When I hadn't worn an item for a while I'd donate it to charity or, on rare occasions, sell it on ebay. And there's nothing wrong with that, but I want to reduce my consumption as much as possible.

When I started this blog nine years ago, fashion was very much disposable to me, and it's not something that I questioned. But more recently I began to feel the need to question it, to make changes to limit my contribution to the damage the fashion industry has on the environment.

I'm pleased with how my attitude and spending habits have changed over the years, but there is always room for improvement. I still feel I buy too much, and don't wear what I have nearly enough.

Having completed a Wearing it All wardrobe challenge over the summer, I was made aware of exactly how many clothes I own, carrying on that challenge into Autumn highlights this further.

So, I'm pondering a limit of buying just one item a month for 2020, switching my focus to making the most of what I currently own, and getting more of my wardrobe up to 30 wears and beyond.

You know I like a challenge, and this would be my biggest yet.

Another plastic free swap I've made in recent months is toothpaste. Back in June I purchased Georganics Natural Toothpaste from Peace With The Wild.

I've always been a little skeptical about natural toothpastes but the increasing desire to reduce plastic in our household was the push I needed to give it a try.

It smells lovely, very minty. The flavour however leaves something to be desired. After forty odd years of that minty fresh feeling regular toothpaste gives, this took some getting used to.

The texture is harder and drier than normal toothpaste, and it's got a warm, bitter taste. It doesn't foam either, so you can see why it took some time to adjust.

I'm going to stick to non plastic packaged toothpastes but I'd like to try other alternatives, I miss the minty taste, and the fresh feeling the mint gave to my mouth after brushing.

Up next on my list to try are the Peace With The Wild Toothpaste Tablets. I'm hoping these will be a bit closer to the mark.

Any recommendations for plastic free toothpastes?

I purchased this H&M jumper in a charity shop in April last year, knowing that it'd fit into my wardrobe with ease. A simple light grey jumper has featured in my wardrobe for as long as I can remember, in fact I currently have three jumpers that fit this description. It would've been four if I hadn't exercised some restraint on my last charity shopping trip.



It's worn all year round. It's slouchy fit makes it easy to sling on over almost anything, often being chucked on over summer dresses in the evenings, it's warm enough to be worn alone in spring, and perfect for layering in autumn and winter.

I've worn this 50 times now and it's still in reasonable condition - not bad for £4.75. It was second hand so it might've even been worn a few times before it was donated, but it was in very good condition when I purchased it, so I doubt it had been worn a lot.

I'm unsure how many wears I should expect from a high street item, is 50 a lot? Or do you think we should expect to wear things more? I'm interested to see how many more times this'll be worn before it wears out completely.

I've rambled on about the #30Wears campaign in other posts, so I haven't really explained it, but you can read more about it here if you wish.

And to see other items that have earned the #30Wears Badge of Honour click here.

I didn't blog much in October, not for any particular reason, I was simply feeling uninspired, not just with blogging but in life in general. I'm pleased to say I'm feeling more upbeat, which might have something to do with the upcoming festivities (note how I didn't use the C word there?).

It's been a really nice week, here are some highlights.

On Saturday I met Sophie and Kezzie for a charity shop rummage in Ipswich. We generally have a successful day shopping, although we found fewer items than usual this time, we each returned home with a number of purchases.



I asked them both to stop me buying any wool, and twice Kezzie had to tell me 'step away'. And although I didn't need any books, I did have a mental list of five authors I was allowed to buy. I stuck to this except for a pristine copy of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. I'd read a short review by Betty the day before, and loved the sound of it. It seemed too serendipitous for me to leave it behind.

Of the five authors I found books by four of them, coming home with six books, which is pretty restrained for me!

I'll share what else I bought in my Buyer's Archive post at the end of the month.

To bookend our shopping we visited a cafe called Hullabaloo. It's a plant based cafe, and one we only visited because our usual cafe was standing room only. Sophie spied it from across the street, proving to me once again that I've stopped really looking at my surroundings I've become so accustomed to them.



I had a delicious chocolate and beetroot cake (so nice I had it on both visits), and earl grey poured from a cute little teapot. I'll be going back there for sure, I much prefer independent cafes such as this to the likes of Costa or Cafe Nero, which seem to be on every street corner.

Kezzie asked if we were wearing fully charity shopped outfits, which would've been apt for our shopping expedition, but I realised I wasn't. Whilst my coat and top were charity shopped, my jeans, shoes, and bag were bought new. My thinking is that I'll only buy new items when I know for certain they'll stand the test of time. That said, it's rare for me to go into high street clothes shops these days, now that I know what treasures can be found second hand, the charity shops are my first port of call.

I have to admit to feeling some serious hair envy, both Sophie and Kezzie have gorgeously long hair, and the week before last I had a terrible haircut. I asked for 2 inches to be cut off and for layers around the face (I took pictures with me), but what I got was 5 inches hacked off and not a layer in sight. I cut layers myself when I got home but will have to wait for it to grow in length. I felt conscious of the 3 inches I'd been robbed of. I don't think I've ever had a haircut that I've been truly pleased with, even when I've been really clear (and realistic) about what I want. Is it just me?



Anyway, hair woes aside, I've been making loads of pom poms with my ridiculously huge stash of wool to make wreaths for a craft fayre. The first one is finished and looking jolly festive, I'd forgotten how much I enjoy making them, it's very relaxing. The fayre is two weeks away and I still have so much I want to make, so I'm planning a weekend of crafting (sod the housework).

Andy and I have been plotting for Christmas. We know what we're doing on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and have turned our attention to buying gifts, we've even been out shopping. I think we've had some pretty inspired gift ideas. For my side of the family we keep things simple with a Secret Santa and have a £30 spending limit. We did it for the first time last year and it worked really well. Andy's sister would like to do it for their side of the family but is meeting some resistance... I doubt she'll give up trying though, and I secretly hope she succeeds.

I've had a night out with friends in a local steak house. I don't see these guys very often and it's great to catch up. Getting together is very much like stepping back in time to my 20s, it's reassuringly familiar, and always good fun.

Looking into the new year I booked tickets to see The Russian State Ballet of Siberia perform The Nutcracker in March. Earlier this year Mum and I went to the ballet for the first time, and vowed it wouldn't be the last. It's nice to have something in the diary for 2020.

What have you been up to this week?

Following on from Part 1, here are the remaining 30 Q&As.

31. What is something you're tired of?
Assumptions. Because they are usually based on the persons own feelings and experience, and have nothing to do with actual facts of the situation, meaning assumptions are usually wrong.

32. What is a city you want to visit?
Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Istanbul...

33. Heels or flats.
It's flats more and more these days, I've grown to love comfort more than pretty heels. I still have a few pairs of heels but they're rarely worn.

34. Where does one go on a perfect road trip?
It's got to be the States.

35. What do you do on a rainy day?
Stay inside. Work, read, knit, put the kettle on (although this sounds a lot like most days, no matter what the weather).

36. What is your favourite exercise?
Yoga and walking.

37. What was your worst subject at school?
I don't think I was particularly bad at anything but I struggled with maths more than more creative subjects. CDT Technology was my worse GCSE result, but that's because I didn't really pay attention, and just played with Lego in the lessons.

38. Which animal do you identify with most?
A cat. I like sleep, warmth and solitude. And I particularly like it when someone serves me my supper.

39. What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Porridge made with almond milk and sweetened with honey. 

40. What do you usually eat for dinner?
I try to cook lots of different things but pasta is a regular feature.

41. Cooking or baking?
I cook almost everyday. Sometimes I really enjoy it, other days it feels like a real chore. I don't bake very often and I have to be in the mood to do it, so both and neither.

42. Favourite Baked goods?
I like pecan and maple twists, donuts, the list is long and there's no one thing I always go for.

43. What is something you wish you could be good at?
Swimming and diving. I can swim, but not elegantly and I can't dive at all.

44. Skiing or surfing?
I'd like to try both before I answer that question.

45. First celebrity crush?
Shakin' Stevens

46. Most recent celebrity crush?
I'm not sure. I suppose Tom Hardy is appealing.

47. What colour was your prom dress?
It was called a Graduation Ball rather than a Prom, and I went to two. One dress was black, the other burgundy.

48. How do you manage stress?
Taking a break, doing something I enjoy - reading, knitting, or watching a film, with a cuppa, followed by a long hot bath, and possibly a glass of wine or a G&T.

49. What do you do to relax?
Same as the above. I believe managing stress is about taking time out, time to relax.

50. Shoes or bags?
Shoes. I have plenty of both but I probably get more excited about buying shoes.

51. How do you know if you’re in love?
I knew I was in love when I couldn't stop thinking about him, and I realised I felt completely at ease with him, and with him was the only place I wanted to be.

52. Who do you turn to when you’re sad?
My husband.



53. What are you most enchanted by?
Sunshine, swaying fields of wheat, the sea, stunning scenery. I guess that makes the short answer 'nature'.

54. What is your biggest strength?
I'm adaptable and resourceful. And recent years have taught me that I'm stronger and more resilient than I realised.

55. What is your biggest weakness?
I worry.

56. What are 3 words to describe living in your city?
I don't live in a city. I live in a small village. It's quiet, pretty, and open.



57. Cutest thing on planet Earth?
My cats of course.

58. Favourite colour?
It changes. At the time of writing, it's orange.

59. Favourite time of day?
Early morning. Pottering around in my PJs, drinking that first cup of tea, with an entire day ahead full of possibility.

60. Favourite band?
Currently it's Ward Thomas.


That's the end of Part 2.  Let me know if you answer these, I'd love to read your answers.

I've read a few these 60 Questions posts in recent months (Bev & Kezzie). I'm going to split my answers over two posts to keep it at a manageable length.

1. What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?
This month has hardly started but so far it's been that Andy was able to take an afternoon off, we had an impromptu lunch out, and attempted to start Christmas Shopping. Once home we lit the fire, watched a film, we had soup for supper and shared a bottle of wine whilst watching Strictly Come Dancing eliminations. We then watched The Wall for the first time and found it highly amusing, but probably not for the reasons it's meant to entertain. With the hours Andy works, this isn't something we get to do very often, so it might sound like an average day but for us it's a rare occurrence.

2. What’s your favourite game?
Top Trumps, we have dog and cat versions and make up our own rules.

3. When are you most inspired?
As a designer I should say all the time, but at the beginning of a project when ideas start to flow, that's the bit I really enjoy.

4. If you could teach one subject in school, what would it be?
Some form of craft, making things out of assorted items to spark the imagination.

5. What’s your favourite beverage?
Currently it's Whittards Peach Bellini loose leaf tea. It was a limited edition flavour so I stocked up when it went into the half price sale but I've just run out and am craving a cup!

6. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
That I'm a kind and thoughtful person.

7. What is your favourite birthday cake?
Fondant Fancies are something that should be mandatory for every birthday.

8. What is one thing you still have from your childhood?
I have a few things, I wrote a post about my keepsakes if you fancy a read. Short answer is I have a few soft toys, a handful of books, and a toy cot my Dad made me for my 2nd birthday.

9. What is your favourite film?
Impossible to answer. The ones I have in my possession and watch over and over are The Jane Austen Book Club, Housewife 49, Pride and Prejudice, The Holiday, and Eat Pray Love. But there are many, many films that I love.

10. What is something you can’t do?
Dive.

11. Window or aisle seat?
Window, I like to be nosy.

12. What is something that makes you laugh no matter what?
People falling over, walking into things. And those clips you see on Facebook of dogs wearing Ewoke outfits.

13. What are your favourite lyrics of all time?
You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot, Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God it's our last.

14. What is your favourite holiday?
Christmas. It's when the family comes together.

15. What’s heavily played on your music play list right now?
Freya Ridings and George Ezra, largely because I saw them both at Latitude in the summer.

16. If you could raid one woman’s closet, who would it be?
Rachel Bilson. I like her casual jeans outfits and her red carpet looks.

17. Must have purse item?
I'm guessing this is the US version of a handbag? Must haves for me are phone, keys, purse, handkerchief and lip balm.

18. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were 12?
A hairdresser. A mobile hairdresser that drove from one appointment to the next in a black mini (the car, not the skirt).

19. What is something you will not be doing in ten years?
Trying to talk my husband into a loft conversion, because I hope it'll be done by then.

20. What is an important life lesson for someone to learn?
That difficult conversations are the most important conversations to have.

21. How do you start your day?
Each day starts pretty much the same - feed cats, make tea, load washing machine, empty dishwasher, bath or shower, then breakfast. After this the routine falls apart and I make it up as I go along.

22. Would you ever live anywhere besides where you do now?
Probably not. I would like to live by the sea but it's very unlikely.

23. What is your favourite dessert?
Black Forest Gateau or Creme Brulee.

24. Is there a dessert you don’t like?
What's the coffee flavoured one? That one.

25. It’s brunch! What do you eat?
Pancakes, crispy bacon and maple syrup, with orange juice.

26. Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
The trip I took into the Sahara was pretty special. It was an organised trip by travel company Explore. I didn't know anyone else on the trip, so it felt pretty daunting. Everyone was lovely and I lived a longstanding dream of sleeping under the stars. We ate local cuisine, got caught in a sandstorm, climbed the dunes, rode camels. On the final day I woke early and watched the sunrise, having fallen asleep the night before looking at the most beautiful sky I've ever seen, littered with shooting stars.

27. Favourite Disney animal?
Dory from Finding Nemo, and Finding Dory is pretty likeable.

28. What is a book you are planning on reading?
I'm starting to feel festive so I have Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market, and Sleight Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair by Heidi Swain in my TBR pile. I'm hoping they'll be easy, feel good reads.

29. What did you read most recently?
I've recently finished Scar by Alice Broadway, the final book of the Ink Trilogy.

30. Favourite solo artist?
Currently Freya Ridings, and Jess Glynn