What I'm not Buying in 2022

Want to save coin and consume less? Then buy less!

Below's a list of things I am not buying anymore in 2022:

• Ketchup/Catsup - I have so many free packets from various restaurants, so I won't be purchasing any bottles
• Salt/Pepper/Soy Sauce/Mustard - Similar to ketchup/catsup, these seasonings/condiments come free with takeout
  
• Napkins/Straws - (similar reasons above)
• Mugs/Cups - just wash and reuse to-go cups
• Toilet Paper - grab an extra roll if you're ever staying in a hotel or your parents place!
• Wrapping paper/tissue paper - recycle the gift bags/tissue paper from gifts you've received!
• Baseball hats/caps - I seriously have so many in different colors, so I should stop.
• Toner - I have 3 unopened bottles I need to focus on using before they expire.
• Cable television - you can stream anything you want right now, and I watch more Asian dramas than live TV
  

Sustainable Fashion Haul

Shopping is one of my hobbies! Even during COVID19, I can't stop buying 😣 But we call it supporting our economy and retail therapy, so it's fine, right?!  And if I shop secondhand it's more environmentally conscious, because it decreases the natural resources used to make new clothes (like water), and prevents fast fashion from filling our landfills!

One of my favorite thrift shops is Clothes Mentor. The shopping and buying concept mirrors Plato's Closet, but the merchandise quality is higher and aimed at a more mature crowd (there's no Forever 21 at Clothes Mentor!).

My local Clothes Mentor did their yearly $1 clearance sale, so of course I had to check out the goods!

 

  I snagged 3 pairs of black shoes and a J.Crew scarf for less than $5 after tax!

 

BEWARE: If you don't like stickers/labels that remove cleanly, shopping secondhand might drive you crazy!

 

Black Patent Vera Wang Lavender Flats - size 7

 

Black Matte Vera Wang Lavender Flats - size 7

 

Black T-Strap Nine West Kitten Heels - size 6.5

 

As with all thrifted items, I wash/clean before using! I usually put the items in my freezer to effectively kill any bacteria/virus. However, for this haul, the items froze outdoors for a couple nights during a deep cold spell (Thanks Midwest Winter!). Then, I washed the scarf and cleaned the shoes with disinfectant wipes before wearing.

Never Pay Retail!

Previously I did a post on my spending habits.

Here is how NOT to pay retail ever again!

1. SHOP ONLINE

Sign up for emails, or search online for promo codes. You can also sign-up for sites, like Ebates, that rebates you a percentage of what you pay at online retailers.

2. WAIT

Unless you've encountered a natural disaster, or major theft you probably have enough clothing and accessories. Clothes and accessories usually go on sale 4-6 weeks after it's introduced to the store. So wait before you buy! 

3. SIGN-UP

Sometimes I'll even sign up for the company's credit card to get extra % off of my purchase, then cancel the card later! It takes more work, but I save more. You can also sign-up for the store's emails to get more promo codes to use online or in-stores.

4. BUY OUT OF SEASON

Basics, like white tees, leggings and tights can be bought cheaply at the end of every season. So stock up during sales!

5. THRIFT

Thrifting is buying secondhand. As long as you wash or disinfect what you purchase, you shouldn't be afraid to thrift. You can purchase from vintage stores, donation stores (Salvation Army, Goodwill, Savers), or consignment stores (Plato's Closet, Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Co.).

6. CONSIGN

Consigning is selling your old clothes and accessories. Most stores give cash or store credit. So sell your old clothes for cash, or use the store credit at the secondhand store to not pay retail!

Being frugal, thrifty, and resourceful is positive, not  negative. There's no need to be in debt for fashion!

Gizmo's Spending Habits

Hello Blogosphere!

Here are my spending habits and ways you can also shop frugally!

1. PURCHASE LESS

On average I force myself to only buy 1 new article of clothing, or accessory (e.g. scarf, shoes etc.) a month. This keeps my closet fresh and curbs my spending, while I save money for larger shopping hauls during sale season (e.g. Black Friday etc.).

2. NEVER PAY RETAIL

All consumer products are overpriced, because the mark-up is at least 100% of the cost. Even when something's on sale with an extra % off, the company is still making money. These profits rarely trickle down to the person/machine who actually made it. So it's most satisfying to me when I buy something at what I believe is the rock-bottom-price.

3. SET A LIMIT

I set price limits for myself so I don't overspend. For example, the maximum I will pay for shoes is 40% of the retail price. This may seem high or low to you depending on where you live, and your income. Determine your price limit on your spending comfortability. I'm a graduate student, so I don't have tons of extra spending money.  So far I haven't paid more than $65 with tax on shoes!

4. BUY WHAT YOU LOVE

My sister, Yoshi, taught me this lesson. We both only buy what we love. Not what is cheapest, or trendiest. We wear clothes we love, so don't buy something other people would compliment you on. Buying what you love always helps with the "nothing to wear syndrome", because your closet is full of what you love!

5. KEEP RECEIPTS

If you keep your receipts, then you can return or exchange clothes you bought that you never wore. With an original receipt, some stores will give price adjustments on items you paid for that later went on sale. 

I hope these tips helped!

Plato's Closet

I've made it a mission to visit my favorite stores while here, and my first stop yesterday was to an Antique Mall, then straight to Plato's Closet. I was lucky enough to have a friend drive, and even luckier that on Game Day Plato's gives 15% off school gear.

But in even better news, with a valid student ID you get 15% off all items. Here's a moment where being a student is wonderful!

I spent most of the day sweating my face off, which is fine considering that was my exercise. 

For the whole week.

Even now I think about these vintage Chinese Laundrys! The heel shape and Mary-Jane style is so charming, I can't believe they didn't immediately leave with me. Perfect fit and so 'Clueless' I'm looking for a chance to go back and snatch them up!

Made it to Plato's Closet and tried on a million things. The selection was relatively large, and this dress made it amongst my favorites. However I couldn't make up my mind about it... so instead I bought:

All the detail and SCALLOPED BOTTOM I couldn't NOT take this back with me... !

Cynthia Rowley top, Victoria's Secret PINK leggings, University of Kansas t-shirt

Each item was less than $6, what was I supposed to do? I think it a rarity I only left with these three items!

KC Haul

Ohh boy, this is long overdue, but I finally have everything sorted. Including the receipts (which I conveniently threw into one bag and plan to tackle in a few with some tissues and ice-cream).

As most pictures end up, the colors on some items are off. However do take my word on them!

Top Row (left to right): Victoria's Secret PJs, Gap Jeans, American Eagle Midi shorts, Abercrombie&Fitch Navy shorts, Polo Ralph Lauren shirt, Gap shorts

Bottom Row: Abercrombie&Fitch plaid sleeping shorts, Victoria's Secret Lace underwear, Old Navy Gingham sleeping shorts, 'Live While We're Young' ONE DIRECTION CONCERT tank, Forever21 dress

The water bottle, dog, and bag came with my Victoria's Secret purchase. The dog's not as useful as the bottle though, haha! I had to get cute pajama stuff though, I'm not comfortable enough to wear holes around the dorm..

The anchor belt is Gap and the black, buttery, 'Made in Italy' belt is thrifted.

Gold Circle Ring (thrifted), American Eagle heart bangle, Sterling Silver cuff (thrifted), Gap Neon Crystal Bracelet

I am completely aware that the size on the shorts is for the world to see, is it so wrong of me? I figured it's no big deal, it's clear I'm no model and I admit, I love food. 

This dress is too cute. I had to show the deep V back! Currently my horizontal stripes collection is growing exponentially. I understand I must stop. I cannot. Man, I need to stop.

Recent Shopping Scores

I scored some great stuff over my spring break!

Read more to see my actual purchases!

Thrift Finds

What I recently thrifted at my local Goodwill:

The shirt was less than $5. The teal tights were $0.50!

PSA!

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA):

Online (midnight tonight) and in-stores tomorrow (Dec. 1) is the Target/Neiman Marcus collaboration!

Read this previous post for my favorite items.

I'm excited!! Hopefully the websites don't crash tonight! Happy Shopping!

XOXO, Gizmo

Happy Labor Day!

I stayed up late last night watching 'Iron Man' on t.v. before my eyelids decided to fail on me...

Unfair.

But hey, BACKSTREET'S BACK, ALRIGHT! @GMA #YESYESYES

And the good news just keeps roooollllllin' in, because... 

FOREVER 21 IS HAVING AN ONLINE PROMOTION.

Enter the code 'LABORDAY15' fo' FREE SHIPPING (no minimum) & 15% off orders $100+ for TODAY ONLY!

I'm mostly vying for the free shipping deal.. mmmhm.

Enameled Heart Studs 

1. Metal Spike Headband 2. Island Getaway Skirt 3. Fuzzy Pompom Hair Tie

1. Varsity Letter Jacket 2. Coated Raglan Sleeve Varsity Jacket 3. Classic Varsity Jacket

It's been decided, I need need need a varsity jacket. Preferably, the middle one above but hey, I'd settle for #1 too~

Lately.

What I've yet to get around to posting...

Curse my sudden appearance of summer reading homework.

®&©
for all pictures

Hauled from the Oak Park

I took the chance to go shopping with my ever so lovely sister...

IN KANSAS CITY!

KC is a huge area for good eats, fun shopping, and all over travel; there's a lot to see! 

It's a bit sad that where I live is a small city/big town, but this trip was massive in helping me pick up pieces of clothing I've been crrrraaaving for foreeeever i.e. something lacy...

Baseball Tee: Alternative Earth via Plato's Closet//Red Shorts: Abercrombie&Fitch//White V-Lace Dress: Monteau via TJ Maxx//Blue Scarf: Christopher & Banks//Bra: Victoria's Secret//Sweater and Peter Pan Collar Dress: XXI//Foldable Flats: BCBGeneration

Completely satisfied and more than excited to wear them all!

'Cept the sweater. Looking at it makes me sweat... BUT IT'S SO PERFECT.

Cheers to ever expanding wardrobes!