neverhomemaker: Frugal Accomplishments // Buy Nothing New

At the start of the new year, I did set a quiet goal for myself to buy as few new things as possible. I say "Buy Nothing New" . . . and I know full well I'll end up buying new things. For example, despite attempts to find a second-hand ninja uniform for Ada's new gymnastics class, I ended up having to buy new. Stuff like that happens, and I think it's easy to get dragged down.

So, my approach is to just shop less and to frequent thrift shops or online establishments that allow me to live my best second-hand life. I've mentioned before that the bulk of my wardrobe is made of used clothing. Specifically, I'm fond of old FLAX that dates back even to the 1990s. I can't wait to pull those pieces out again in the spring. We just got another 8 inches of snow, so it'll still be a little while.

Regardless, here is a list of things I've purchased/received second-hand recently:

Woven baby wrap (long story, I had sold my Didymos)
Size 8 LL Bean winter coat for Ada
Size 10 Lands End winter coat for Ada
Several pairs of Stride Rite shoes for Eloise
Two gently used stainless steel fry-pans from my in-laws
A well loved, but still great wok from my in-laws
Toy vacuum cleaner for Eloise

This list isn't exhaustive. I simply can't remember where I left off sharing in my thrifting adventures. In general, I try my best to only buy used clothing for myself and the girls. Stephen doesn't seem to have as much luck finding sizes that work for him. He's a 29/32 pant, for example, and that is hard to come by at the thrift store. But I've found over the years I can get about 90 percent of our clothes used. I don't do underclothing, like underwear, bras, socks, etc. That's all new.

When it comes to anything baby/toddler gear or toys, I do try my best to either just say NO to needing more stuff. But if there is something I need or would make life easier, I head to Once Upon a Child, Thrifty Shopper, or Poshmark. I do browse around a babywearing buy/sell/trade group on Facebook, but I'm astounded at the prices. I'm not into the expensive stuff, though they sure are pretty!

For me, I suppose this goal is also more about not shopping as much. And when I feel the need to shop, trying to find something sturdy and inexpensive via thrift. And if that doesn't work, I try to live without whatever it is a bit longer. And if all else fails, I end up buying new.

What's your shopping philosophy? Do you want more updates like these? I'm thinking that sometime it might be fun for me to do a video of visiting the second-hand store with me. Or a photo post. Something to take you along for the ride! Let me know if that sounds interesting to you.