It had been a long time coming, but the end of 2013 I finally mustered up the courage to take an indefinite blogging break. At the time, I didn’t fully know why I wanted to do it, but over the last few weeks I’ve gained a little bit of clarity and insight on the matter…

I realized that the reason I’d felt weary about continuing was because I’d grown to be very uncomfortable with seemingly contributing to a lifestyle that was all about consuming more, acquiring more, having more. While I’m not bashing style blogs by any means (side note: this will definitely still be a style blog!), I for one know that reading them often makes me want to shop!

On a whim, I posted the quote above on instagram several weeks ago and was quite amazed by the  unified response. It became quite clear that I’m not the only one who wants to make an effort to make wiser buying decisions, and to say that this realization has created renewed excitement and purpose would be an understatement.

Please don’t get me wrong: I don’t think that dressing yourself nicely or buying things is inherently a bad thing. However, I’ve personally come to realize that I need to make better choices in what I buy, and that an overflowing closet teemed with an “I have nothing to wear” mentality isn’t good for anyone. Also, our worth is not based on the price of our handbags, the amount of clothes hanging in our closet, or the number of followers we have on social media (and while that notion may sound ridiculous as we read it, how many of us find ourselves feeling like it is every once in a while?).

I’m excited to be approaching the blog in this way and writing through the lens of this idea from here on out. I’ll also be sharing some of what I’ve learned over my (albeit relatively short) years with you over the next while, with topics such as how to downsize your closet, to build it up with quality, to create your own personal style, and to shop more wisely. Regardless of your budget or closet space, I’d love for you to join me in the quest of learning what it means to Buy Less, Choose Well. And if you have any questions of your own or topics you’d want to see covered, please don’t hesitate to let me know either here or via email. Stay tuned!

Quote: Vivienne Westwood
bobbies Image via notetoselfblog

28 comments on “Buy Less, Choose Well

  1. Great post! I’m a big fan of style blogs but I do often wonder how they manage to keep up with the latest trends while fitting it all in their closets! I admire you for being truthful about your experience and I’m looking forward to seeing where you take your blog from here :)

  2. Good luck with the change in direction of your blog. I’m looking forward the next blog post :-)

    http://www.petitestyleonline.com

  3. Wonderfully said, Jen! One of my rules of shopping is “If you don’t LOVE it, don’t buy it.” and I often share that with others and even my customers I work with. Some people just feel the need to buy, buy, buy but it can be such a waist if you don’t even end up using it!

    Blessings to you :)

  4. Your post and new way of looking at your blog and your personal consumption really speaks to me. I had a similar revelation earlier last year and have reflected on this often through newer posts. I even changed the tagline of my blog to include “live purposefully”. Material possessions weigh us down mentally and physically, and I believe it’s important to pare down and surround us with what really matters. Like you alluded to– this doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style, it just means that we’re better off making conscious decisions and recognizing what’s worth the splurge. Well said!

  5. Hi Jen!! What a great perspective for your future blog posts…I am looking very forward to it!! As someone with a bit of a shopping “problem” – and limited closet space! – your tips will no doubt be very helpful!!
    In the meantime, I have to say that I am okay with my buying habits for a couple of reasons: I still manage to contribute a respectable amount to my RRSP’s every year; I pay off my entire credit card balance every month; and I donate all my no longer loved pieces to various charities. So it could be worse!! ;)

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  6. hi jen! stumbled upon your blog and love it. been a reader for awhile now. you might like reading http://into-mind.com. I started reading her blog when i got the exact closet full but nothing to wear feelings you’re talking about. look forward to your newly inspired content!

  7. Wonderful perspective! Can’t wait to read your posts on smart shopping xo

    http://www.glitterarygirl.blogspot.com

  8. Hi Jen,

    I just recently started following your blog and I have to say, I really admire your courage to step back, re-evaluate something that didn’t feel right, and come back with a renewed focus that feels more authentic for you. I also happen to love your new approach as it gives fashion more depth, and anyone can relate to that. As years and years of shopping and consuming go on, it begins to feel wasteful. I’m now more thoughtful about choosing pieces with longevity, that I can repurpose season to season, year after year; not the ones that are just on-trend for the moment, as those are always regretful purchases. Would love to hear your tips on that.

    Best,
    Sabrina

  9. Very well put Jen – as I was reflecting back on 2013, I caught myself realizing that having a style blog definitely does take a toll on your wallet because everything in sight practically makes me want to shop. One of the challenges for myself this year is to also live well and with less. Let’s get back to the basics! Looking forward to any tips and tricks you have up your sleeve ;)

  10. What a wonderful outlook for 2014, Jen!
    I started following your blog just before the New Year, and I’m so excited to keep following along as you take your blog in the direction of your passions.
    All the best to you, and I can’t wait to see what happens here on your space!
    -Carley
    xx
    http://www.littlebirdlee.ca

  11. I am very excited that you’re taking your blog in this direction. For the past couple of years, I have been trying to find ways to build a more quality wardrobe, as opposed to a quantity wardrobe. Reading blogs that focus on this goal are very inspiring to me. I look forward to seeing what you have to share!

  12. Hi Jen!

    Love this! I agree with you – we can often get caught up with that type of mentality, so it’s very nice to be refreshed by a different perspective. Thanks for sharing with us and very excited to see what you have in store. Also, please do share more on your personal inspirations as well :)

  13. Hi Jen!

    I love your sense of style and you’re really pretty!! I’m rather petite as well (also asian) and hmm.. not really on the skinny side. Can I know your height and weight so I can have a better idea how I can mix your fashion style with mine? Thanks!

  14. Hi Jen,

    It is really inspiring to see this from a style blogger. I love reading style blogs but they do encourage the idea of “I need that” and “I want that.”

    I’m finishing a documentary entitled TRACEABLE that addresses the idea of buying less, buying quality and buying garments where there is transparency in the production line. It will be on Bravo in Canada later this year.

    Lauren

  15. Love that idea!! I always have trouble to “choose well” – I either always end up buying the same style, or just buy pieces that are in the trend. I guess I am a little greedy and want to try every style! Looking forward to your new posts on how to “buy less and choose well” but with a personal style at the same time

  16. Thank you for this post. Just a couple of weeks ago I decided to stop shopping for a while. While I love to shop, and will always shop, I felt like I have been doing it in excess – buying every trend, every shoe, everything! The result was pieces I’d only wear once, and a closet that had me reaching for stuff I haven’t yet worn – instead of pieces I truly love. I was wearing new stuff all the time, and didn’t have the chance to rework my faves. I also feel like my style personality was lost a little bit, in keeping up with trends and shopping excessively. What you’ve written here is exactly how I have felt and I’m glad that I’m not alone – especially being a style blogger too. I look forward to the renewed perspective of your blog, and I’m glad that there’s external motivation for my personal challenge.
    http://www.mrsrogero.com

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  21. I happen to stumble upon your blog today through Alterations Needed blog links. I was in search for a fashion blog that would serve as an inspiration for both style and practicality. My blog feed used to be full blogs feeding on fast fashion and consumerism and I was fast getting tired of it. I’m happy to have found this gem in the blogosphere. Also, love your style and infectious smile :)

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  24. Hey Jen,

    I came across that beautiful photo of you on Instagram where you’re looking into the distance & your caption caught my attention. I mozied on over to your blog and that post linked me to this post. I have to say this is such a refreshing thing to hear, especially from a style blogger! Sometimes the nature of our consumption society creates more opportunities for comparison, negative headspace and a feeling of low self-worth (I know i’ve gone down that rabbit hole before). It’s so easy to get caught up in the cheap thrills and shiny new things, so thank you for taking a step back and sharing your ideas on actually building a quality wardrobe and expressing your personal style without adding to the culture of consumption. Looking forward to reading more!

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