Sunday 24 March 2013

Frugal living part II

We had about 1 1/2" of snow yesterday so consider ourselves lucky and hope that is the end of it. Elaine over here talks about Earth Hour which to be honest, I hadn't heard about. I was however working in the 70's during the 3 day week when we had to use hurricane lamps in the building society. It was hard work and often scary but it became normal and we got through it.

Anyway, to carry on from yesterday. My wardrobe falls into two parts, winter and summer – sounds grand doesn't it – but it isn't. 
 
Winter - which is worn for around 8 months of the year, consists of one long coat for 'best' - visiting, funerals and weddings!, one fleece and one hooded cheap thing for everyday use. I have 3 pairs of trousers, 2 jeans (after buying them this week), 3 cardigans, 4 jumpers, 5 tee shirts and 2 long sleeved shirts.For my feet I have one pair of ankle boots and a pair of longer boots.

Walking clothing consists of a windproof coat and outer trousers, one of the pair of jeans above, hat, gloves, walking boots and socks. Other than underwear that is it.

When summer eventually arrives, most of the winter clothing goes back into a suitcase and is replaced by summer clothing as I only have one main wardrobe and share another which holds everyday items. 
 
Can't remember off the top of my head what I have for summer, as it is all still in the attic, awaiting the return of warmer weather. Number wise though, it won't be much different. The tee shirts and shirts stay in my summer wardrobe as do the ankle boots which are joined by 2 pairs of sandals. I'm sure I have 3 cotton tops such as jumper's and cardigan's. Then a couple of blouses and 2 pairs of lightweight trousers. The jeans will stay in here as well.

Most of my clothes are at least 4 or 5 years old, some older, one or two younger. Some only get worn when I am going out (not often) and will last many more years yet. Oh yes, just remembered, I have two cotton short coats similar to a blazer.

DB has slightly more shirts and trousers but doesn't put his away, choosing to use whatever the weather dictates. Neither of us follow fashion, choosing comfort every time over looking fantastic.

We have one set of clothes suitable for wearing to a funeral and very little for a wedding – although DB does have a suit. If something were to be bought for a wedding, it would have to have more than the one use for me to buy it.

When we finish with an item of clothing and it is not fit to donate, it goes into my rag bag for future projects such as rag rugs, bags, pan mats or dusters or other cleaning related tasks.

So there you have it, a little trawl around my frugal clothing store.

10 comments:

  1. I do a clothes swap twice a year [around April 1st and Oct 1st] when I put away winter clothes and get out summer ones. But looking at the snow here in the Midlands [and planning to be in Norfolk March 31st to April 7th] I suspect the swap may be later than usual this year!!

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  2. I too keep my next seasons clothes packed away in the loft. I can never remember what I have so it's like getting a whole new lot of clothes when I get them out. I am like you, I go for comfort. I have got loads of high heels but I just can't face them as they really hurt now. Not used to them anymore. I am trying to look after my clothes as not buying any new ones is part of my quest to save money.
    X

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  3. I enjoyed reading your two recent posts on frugal living :)
    I shop for clothes only when I need to, and I have a small wardrobe. I try to look after my clothes, and I mend when needed and sew on new buttons. Don't usually buy second hand clothes, but I sometimes swap clothes with my friends, which is a agreat way to extend the wardrobe for free :)

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    1. Swapping with friends is great if you are all the same size, but it would be a good idea if they were. I've recently cut all the arms of my nightdresses as they were digging in during the night - I now look like an urchin but who cares, at least now, I am comfortable.

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  4. Now our children are all married we dont need wedding clothes much. Here in the States people never wear hats for weddings and summer weddings are becoming more and more casual, sundresses for women, hawiian shirts for the men. For funerals and travel anytime except summer, black trousers are a life saver. Bit of junk jewelery or a scarf to liven things up.
    I take great care of the few clothes I have, I dont mind old, I just dont like creased and crumpled and grubby.
    I have one dress and one pair of black heels, classic pumps I have had for 24 years.
    I do buy a new pair of athletic/walking shoes about every 18 months as I walk everyday, in the gym if it is sub-zero and on a paved walking trail in the good weather.
    Dont get me started on underwear, just hope I m not in an accident then other people will see the sorry state of it........

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    1. My underwear (pants here in the UK), end up in my rag rug bin or else used for finer polishing. At uni, one male tutor remarked he didn't understand why women chose to wear ugly pants - we all said "because they are comfortable". His idea of nice pants was a thong or something nice and lacey! It was on open discussion on fabric!

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  5. It's great to realise I'm not alone on finding my aged wardrobe starting to look tired. I've just changed jobs and am struggling for suitable work items as I've been used to a uniform for the last 20 years. Got plenty that don't fit though :(

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    1. I also had that problem a few years back. I sorted out a couple of pairs of trousers and a few tops, then bought two good quality second hand jackets. That did me.

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  6. I have quite a lot of clothes but nearly every item is secondhand - most are cast-offs from KL and my Mum ( all barely worn) some are from the carboot and the odd piece is from the charity shop. I very rarely buy brand new so am always shocked by the price of things- my Mum finds my reactions very amusing! I bought J a lovely pure linen shirt at the carboot this morning - it cost 1.00 and looks unworn. It's been washed and line dried this afternoon and will be great for our trip to the DR.

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    1. As I rarely buy new, except when needed, I am always shocked by the prices, even the cost of knickers is rising!

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