38 Comments

I loved and have saved this post! I’m not a fashion content creator BUT I have a few i love following and 1) i rarely notice if they repeat items 2) when I do notice, I love seeing the different ways creative dressers style the same item over and over again. I think there’s this assumption that followers only want to be inspired by new clothing, when really I think most people are inspired by an aesthetic (at least I am!) I can’t afford to buy new clothes all the time, but if I do take the plunge and buy something based off an influencer’s recommendation, I love being taught all the different ways to wear it!

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Thanks for reading and for sharing your perspective, Gabby! Totally agree. I love knowing/noticing what my actual friends own and (re)wear, so why not also for our favorite creators? I come from a journalism background where "new" just intrinsically seems to hold more value and interest... and am practicing unlearning that ;)

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Thank you for the sound and fiscally responsible voice that I needed.

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My pleasure ;) Thanks for reading and glad it resonated.

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Thank you for sharing these! I've noticed that spending less time on Instagram/social media helps quell my desire to shop. I force myself to read Substacks with a really discerning eye too - and try to recognize what similar pieces already exist in my closet.

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For sure! Those efforts all play into slower shopping :)

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These are such excellent pieces of advice! Love the idea of embracing fomo. I think for me, documenting outfits could be helpful (even if just privately - my friend and I currently have a shared album) to keep me accountable for getting dressed and remembering what outfits I like so that I don't feel like I have nothing to wear.

Will definitely be including these tips into my day to day as I try to keep up "streaks" (an experiment I'm trying this year) of no buying for 2024

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So glad you found this helpful :) Love the idea of a shared album with friends. Is that literally just a collaborative album in the photos app?

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yes! just a shared album of outfits

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Called out by the title alone!! Yowch!

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😆 It's tough out there!

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Literally just asked all my Instagram followers for their tips on reining in their shopping and then Substack serves me this! Excellent mix of actionable & philosophical steps!

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Ha, 'tis the season to shop... and try not to shop 😅 glad you enjoyed!

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I love the idea of writing the amount on paper instead of maintaining a clothing budget! I recently shared everything I purchased this year and it was enlightening to see everything listed in one place. Really makes it clear what I needed to purchase and what I didn’t. Excited to follow you for more ideas!

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Thanks Effie! Your reflection was great — I loved the Hobbywear section since that part is so specific to your life :)

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Thank you! Overthinking what you really need for a new hobby is a hobby in and of itself lol

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Love this and the way you thread the needle between enjoying clothing for utility, comfort, and beauty while also considering the impact of your (and our) choices on our wallets, those who make our clothing, and the planet!

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Thanks so much! There really is a lot happening at once... it was therapeutic to try to map things out haha

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Such great advice and delivered in such a non judgmental way! Thank you

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We're all trying! I appreciate the very honest perspective you've been sharing as well :)

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This is excellent, thank you. I’m sharing this with my 23 y/o daughter.

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Thanks so much 🙏

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Hi! This popped up on my notes page and I loved it! Instant subscribe. Thank you for a thoughtful well written piece.

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Hey Lisa, really glad to hear that and thanks for the support!

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This is so helpful! Also I need that notebook now lol

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Glad to hear that! And yes, it's got everything 🥰

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So many fantastic points here! I especially love accepting that you don't need every pretty piece that comes your way.

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Thank you! Yes that's a really helpful one...especially now that I'm also coming across a lot of cute kid clothes 🙈😆

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Love this- great takeaways!

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Thanks so much! Glad it resonated :)

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Saved to read later 👏🏾

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🙏 🙏

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Documenting my transactions is really helpful for me, too. I also think about stylish people and their signature pieces; it reinforces that repetition is not a bad thing!

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For sure! “Signature piece” is an inspired way to think about repeating ✨

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