As my plan was to buy less this year, I decided to write my Buyer's Archive posts every three months, now I realise that it makes them a bit lengthy, so I might go back to monthly posts. Please let me know what you think (if you ever make it to the end of this!).



My challenge to buy just one item per month this year got off to an interesting start.

Because I purchased two items in January. Two items sold as a pair, I can get away with that, right?

I don't usually set out to buy something specific, but I wanted to wear my navy jumpsuit more often. I was limited by a lack of warm(ish) items that I could comfortably wear beneath it in the cooler months.

To avoid the uncomfortable and unflattering bunching up around the waist that sometimes happens with longer fitted tops, I decided I needed a crop top (not something I ever thought I'd say in my 40s), with long sleeves, in either white or blue and white stripes.

I typed 'long sleeve crop top' into the ebay search function, filtering it to UK sellers, and used items, and these tops appeared with a Buy It Now price of £4.00. Job done. I just need the sun to come out again so that I can wear them more.

I love this jumpsuit, but it lacks pockets. Pockets would've been lovely.



In February my one item was a not very interesting, but slouchy, comfy, and warm grey funnel neck sweatshirt for £4.49. It's a good throw-on-over-anything top that comes in handy at this time of year. It'll be worn with PJs just as much as daytime clothes I'm sure.



Early in March I found a pair of skinny jeans in a charity shop for £4.50. I'm always looking out for jeans so I decided that these would be my purchase for the month. You can never have too many pairs of jeans.



Having decided to buy only one item per month has obviously had an impact on my shopping. When I see something that last year I probably would've bought without too much hesitation, I've been asking myself 'do I like this enough for it to be my one purchase?'. Often the answer has been no, and the item goes back on the rail. It's a great way of identifying the items that I really like, as opposed to the ones that are just OK.



Then, after meeting friends, I took a shortcut to the car park through TK Maxx. I had no intention of browsing but a small leather rucksack caught my eye as I walked passed.

I've been looking for one for a few years, and I'd been hoping to find one second hand but had had no luck. I instantly loved this but I put it back on the shelf, only to return the next day to purchase it. I figured if I was willing to pay £70.00 for it, and willing to break my one item rule, I must really like it, and when I really like something it gets used a lot. It'll last for years and I'm not at all sorry for buying it. It's just a shame that during lockdown I have no need to carry a bag!

LAST YEAR

January 2019

I purchased just one item last January, a green cable jumper originally from Tu for just £2.00. It's been worn 18 times over the year. I love it worn over my blue shirt.



February 2019

I purchased three items last February. The yellow jumper (£3.50) has only been worn three times, but the gorgeous leather bag (£8.75) has been in near constant use. The ASOS boots cost me just £9.50 in the sale. I have to be honest and say they haven't been worn as much as I thought, but they're still in circulation, they haven't been forgotten.



March 2019

The cream jumper (£1.99) was only worn a few times before going back to the charity shop, as did a navy tote bag (£4.99, not pictured). The black jumper (£2.00), and camouflage t-shirt (£3.00) have both only been worn a few times.



Total so far for 2020: £82.99

Total at this time last year: just £35.73

As I'd planned to only buy one item a month I was hoping to spend no more than £200 on clothing, shoes and accessories this year. Obviously buying a £70 rucksack puts a bit of a dent in that budget!

But if I divide what remains by the number of remaining months, it leaves £13.00 per month, which is doable, even without being on lockdown, as I mostly buy second hand. With the non essential shops shut I won't be doing any charity shop rummaging anytime soon, I'm sure I can remain within budget.

Left of £200.00 budget: £117.01

Items purchased: 5 (pre-loved: 4) (new: 1)


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

Did you make it to the end? Is this too long?