Let me de-influence you from unnecessary spending
I am that girl who used to buy an outfit for every event. Concert, party, even a dinner date, I would buy a new item of clothing. But over the years I’ve learned I can make new outfits by creatively styling what I have, lessening my impact on the environment and saving myself some money while I’m at it. That doesn’t mean I won’t buy a new item every now and then, but I do so with more intention now and search for higher quality items. So instead of buying a new outfit next time you have an event, raid a friend or family members closet, experiment with what you already have, and jazz it up with accessories. Your wallet and the planet will thank you later 😘
It's funny how quickly we can get caught up in the cycle of 'newer, better, must-have.' I used to be right there, constantly feeling the pressure to update my wardrobe for every single occasion. But taking a step back and truly learning to 'de-influence' myself has been a game-changer, not just for my closet, but for my entire outlook on spending. The first big step for me was recognizing my triggers. For an event, it was usually a quick scroll through social media, seeing influencers with perfect new outfits, or even just the internal pressure of wanting to look 'fresh.' Once I identified those moments, I started to consciously create a buffer. Instead of immediately browsing online stores, I'd challenge myself to look at what I already owned with fresh eyes. This is where the magic of 'shopping your own closet' truly comes in. You'd be surprised what gems are hiding in there! For instance, that black top I wore to a recent concert? It's been a staple for years. And those jeans? I’ve had them for what feels like forever – probably at least eight years now! Instead of thinking 'I need a new concert outfit,' I started thinking, 'How can I make this classic piece feel new?' This is where accessories become your best friend. A statement jewelry piece I've had for ages, a belt I bought two years ago, or even a vintage piece like my mom's corset – these can totally transform an outfit. My red bag, an amazing Christmas gift from years ago, always adds that perfect pop of color. It’s about leveraging the longevity of quality items you already possess. Another powerful de-influencing tactic I've adopted is the '30-day rule' for bigger purchases. See something you think you need? Put it on a wish list and revisit it in a month. More often than not, the urge passes, and you realize it wasn't a necessity after all. This pause helps you differentiate between a genuine need or desire and a fleeting impulse driven by clever marketing. I also made a conscious effort to curate my online environment. Unfollowing accounts that constantly promote consumerism and replacing them with content creators who focus on sustainability, mindful living, or creative re-styling has dramatically reduced my exposure to 'must-buy' messages. It’s like cleaning out your social media feed to clean out your spending habits. Beyond fashion, this mindset extends to other areas too. Before buying a new home decor item, I'll consider if I can upcycle something I already have or borrow from a friend. For books, I hit the library first. It’s all about shifting from a 'buy first' mentality to a 'utilize what’s available' approach. This not only saves money but also gives me a sense of accomplishment and creativity. Learning to truly appreciate and maximize what I already have has been incredibly liberating, and it’s a journey I genuinely recommend everyone embark on.
