This was not a conscious decision by any means, but a few days ago I first noticed I went through the entire fall and the better half of winter without doing any shopping whatsoever. I never tried any kind of an official break from shopping, as I mostly find it a fun treat, perfect “me time” and really do have relatively healthy shopping habits, but I was always super curious to read and hear about no shopping challenges, minimalistic living and wardrobe, and anything involving life changing style choices. 

I was really excited to learn I can go through all this time without even thinking about shopping. This was quite a big shocker for a girl like me, spending a decent amount of time on Pinterest and Instagram and surrounded by campaign ads pretty much wherever I look.

If I take a closer look on things, I guess I just lost my appetite. This happens to me every once in a while and this time hit harder and lasted longer than usual. 

Why? Well that’s the million dollar question. 

In this older post from last year’s winter, I wrote about healthy, smart shopping habits. It marked the beginning of a different era for me, with tips and tricks I still very much believe in and practice myself, and I think that post and the tools I used there really had a serious weight in my “no shopping winter”. I spent a good while last year to find those key items I need most, and suddenly found myself with all key essentials in hand. New needs do come every so often, but way less than ever before. This leaves me shopping mostly for my fun cravings, and at this point, I have very few of those. 

Another major reason (which I was planning to talk about on the blog on a much festive note but never got around to it), is Max and mine’s engagement! Yep, it happened and we’re both super excited. The wedding is a long way ahead but wedding planning is already in full swing and took a huge chunk of the attention I usually leave for window (or Asos) shopping. Making that party super fun, happy and in good taste is my greatest concern (and greatest fun too) at this time, I’m gaining some new planning skills (Was actually surprised to learn I’m pretty good at it) and giving a ton of energy to learn all I need to know to make our wedding day as special to us as can be.

I guess I don’t need to explain how planning a wedding doesn’t come cheap, so that’s another thing to keep in mind, both in keeping wedding expenses as sane as possible, and in keeping unnecessary expenses to minimum. 

Last and final, due to all of the above, but mostly due to my lack of appetite, I found a new glory in my existing wardrobe. I had some fun playing with it and see what I can come up with, we all know that the “nothing to wear” rant, is never really about not having anything to wear, so there’s that. I also got a few perfect (perfect!) winter clothing from Max’s mom (My soon to be mother in law, OMG!) that really carried me throughout the season. The black knit dress up here is one I literally have no idea how I ever lived without. 

I guess that’s the entire story of my quiet, “shoppingless” winter. I’m not making any statements yet, because who knows, maybe I’ll get my mojo back and I’m not really into forced shopping breaks, but meanwhile I’m loving life this way too. 

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Wearing: Black knit dress (Was a gift), Faith loafers.

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Photography by Max Bluestone.