LOW BUY Q+A | ANSWERING YOUR LOW BUY QUESTIONS + TIPS TO STOP SHOPPING

Hello beautiful Low Buy family! A few weeks ago, I asked you guys to send me some questions you had about my Low Buy year on Instagram and KZbin. I was able to sit down and answer some of them today. I wasn't able to get to all of them, but will do my best to answer as many as I can today and moving forward.
Let me know if you have any further questions in the comments below, or feel free to @ me on Instagram!
By the way, thank you SO much for all your condolences about Chaika in my previous vlog. He was so special, and I am reminded of that in your words about him and our fur babies. 🐶❤️
Next I will likely be talking about my relationship being a "blogger" and minimizing shopping/being in student debt in the context of taking sponsorships, PR, doing styling videos etc as I have been grappling with this as my social channels grow. Let me know if you have questions or thoughts about this in the meantime! xx
MY LAST VIDEO WITH CHAIKA 🐶❤️🙏🏻 👼www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpxJA...
#lowbuy #minimalism #howtostopshopping
MY PREVIOUS VIDEOS ON HOW TO STOP SHOPPING:
• HOW TO STOP SHOPPING |...
PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE & MOTIVATE ME:
HANNAH LOUISE POSTON - NO BUY and BEAUTY BUDGET bit.ly/2HsWmgh
AJA DANG bit.ly/2HuKx9m
DAVE RAMSEY bit.ly/2Hw7zwJ
MATT D'AVELLA bit.ly/2LMGyGF
THANK-YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING! ❤️
COME SAY HI 👋🏻
INSTAGRAM / styleapotheca
BLOG www.styleapotheca.com/
PINTEREST www.pinterest.ca/styleapotheca1/
FACEBOOK / styleapotheca
For business inquiries, please email [e-mail]
FTC: This video is NOT sponsored.
ABOUT ME:🌿
Hi, I'm Christina - I'm a blogger slash vlogger slash human on the internet slash pharmacist sometimes, hence the "apothecary" theme in my name. I'm currently living in Toronto, Canada and on my channel you'll find fashion and styling videos, lifestyle content and check-in's on my LOW BUY YEAR. I'm happy to take any requests, too! Your girl is flexible (not physically). Feel free to leave me a comment below - I always make sure to read and respond, and I love chatting with you guys. Be sure to follow me on Instagram too - that's where I post my daily outfits and photography, and where I interact with you guys the most. Thank you SO much for watching and taking the time out of your day to support my teeny little channel. Love xx, Christina.

[@Christinamychas]

Thank you for sending your questions over, friends 🙏🏻 What was your Low Buy Win this week? xo

[@notjustirene4302]

style apotheca I haven’t bought any makeup in 3,5 months! And I ironed all my clothes which kind of doubled my wardrobe 😂 no need to go shopping!

[@Christinamychas]

Stiglitz and Glam that’s awesome!

[@elskerbuller]

when you said "shopping is not a hobby" i really felt that, thank you ❤️

[@Christinamychas]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jenntruong6023]

I think it can be considered a hobby if you have self control. Only go shopping with a budget, plan, and list of items looking for. Shop with intention and then shopping can be fun and exciting and not seen as this evil thing to do. It is only perceived as a bad thing when people take it too far!

[@marynorton6068]

I liked what you said about a “no buy” being like a crash diet. I’ve heard phrases like “I’ve failed my no buy so I gave up”. Why are we so hard on ourselves? If you slip up, fine, put it behind you and try again. I’ve been more conscious about my spending for about four years. Sometimes I buy a few things, but nowhere near what I used to! Overall I think I’m doing well.

[@TanzaniteHayley]

I went into TK maxx and could have spent £100 in 5 mins but didn’t buy anything! I was looking at: A puma sweatshirt A Ralph Lauren evening bag The urban decay born to run palette And the urban decay naked basics Didn’t buy anything.. I don’t know whether I feel good or bad about it. Mixed emotions really. Actually seeing it written down I do feel ok about it lol!

[@Yahnellie]

I also love and recommend Dave Ramsey and Total Money Makeover. I read it a couple of years ago and have listened to his radio show ever since. That’s what keeps me motivated to stay on track, but I’m still a major work in progress. Don’t think I’ve had my “I’ve had it” moment yet, but I’m trying. Your videos definitely help too.

[@frednoel93]

One tip that has been helping me a lot has been to keep a large box in my living area and declutter as I go. I then keep the box there for about a week after it's full just to remind myself of how much stuff I have that I don't even want. It's kind of shocking to have visual representation of my shopping addiction. Thanks for the book recommendation! I love your videos because I can relate so much to what you're going through. It makes me feel better to know someone else in is the same boat!

[@Christinamychas]

frednoel93 that’s a great tip! I love a good visual to bring things back to perspective

[@melligolightly]

I tend to obsess over things very quickly. So it has been helpful to avoid the triggers that might initiate obsessing. You mentioned newsletters for example. For me, I have been observing that it is certain KZbin channels that trigger me. If I only watch hauls and perfect wardrobes I'm not content anymore and also want new things. The content we surround ourselves with matters. That's why I love channels like yours or Hannah Louise Poston's. It helps slowly changing your mindset. And if you stay away from negative influences for some time the intense feelings might reduce, as you mentioned with your experience browsing the sales.

[@fionaH101]

I totally agree with your comments, especially about slowly changing your mindset by watching people like style apotheca rather than KZbinrs who are constantly doing hauls. It is not going to happen overnight, it's definitely a process and people like style apotheca are really helping me understand that I do have a shopping addiction and changing the way I think when I feel like buying something.

[@polinaracheeva9163]

13:44 In Russia we have a saying: "New is well-forgotten old". Actually, a few days ago I "renewed" my wardrobe with items that I wore 10 years ago and forgot they existed, until I came to my parents' home

[@Future-zx9ts]

Exactly what I needed to watch in my attempt to buy less. I have a TON of items in my closet that I need to put on Poshmark, most of them barely worn. I’m trying to be more mindful of purchases, and also to not impulse buy, which is a big issue with my shopping habits. I 100% agree on the boredom. I’m going to try to keep a book or my kindle with me, and if I get bored and want to shop, try to read, instead. Which is also something I’m trying to do more in my life, so I’m kind of killing two birds with one stone there. Just wanted to add one last thing: don’t be too hard on yourself about buying something after your pup passed. I am a dog mom, and I understand viewing your pet as a family member. I certainly view ours that way! Grief and sadness can make you do things you might not normally do, and your guard is also down as your mind is trying to process a lot. So it’s totally understandable that that point in time would be the one in which you’d break your no buy. Anyway, I’m really sorry for your loss. I appreciate your videos so much, and I love how insightful, honest and helpful they are! Looking forward to more!

[@Christinamychas]

Future SLP thank you so much 🥰🥰 🐶

[@katarinaax]

I'd love to see what pieces in your closet 'excite' you :)

[@SimpleWhiteSpace]

Every time I watch one of your videos it keeps me in check. I can now go to thrift stores and not buy stuff just because it’s inexpensive. Thank you 🙂

[@Christinamychas]

Emma Hamilton that’s AMAZING progress Emma!

[@adelah]

FML totally messed up my low buy month BUT today I'll start again! 🎉

[@Christinamychas]

adelah totally ok. It’s all in the attitude and you have the right one. Xl!

[@Christinamychas]

adelah *xo

[@angelycaviolet]

I love your videos! Whenever I would get my refund checks from college, I would clear my credit card debt because of shopping i have done. Then it felt like immediately after I would go max out the card again on clothes and shoes that I would never wear. I would go broke and then sell it all online or at the local Plato’s closet. I graduated in May and now I am working towards paying off credit card debt. I am also working on a low buy too. I am focusing on only shopping on one particular goal at a time. Like right now I am trying to find better displays for my plants! I find it easier to focus on one thing I want to by and wanting to be perfect rather than trying to buy a bunch of random things that I think will satisfy me. Whenever I shop, the items I have to get have to scream me or be exactly as I imagined. It’s actually ironic because I’m watching your video while waiting for my Plato‘s closet drop off to be ready. I also find since I graduated college and have to dress more mature for work, I realize how much my clothes I actually don’t wear. Because of this I am completely minimizing how much and what I have in my closet because I know these items will never get usage because of the style/lifestyle change and because I don’t have time to wear clothes i bought on a whim that i will only wear once and will just sit in my closet to collect dust.

[@Christinamychas]

Angelyca Violet yupppp I was the same way with my college bursaries - spent on shopping, not on my school. You can slay that credit card debt!! Dooooo it! Xo

[@Christinamychas]

Angelyca Violet also I love Plato’s!

[@jenniferh3858]

I just found your channel searching for “how to stop shopping “. What a blessing this video series is to me! Thank you😊 I’m glad I’m not alone in this struggle. This group support helps. I’ve never heard of a “low buy” challenge. This is a game changer for me and one I think I can stick with👍

[@shanelle2089]

I like to watch your videos because I admire how brave you are on deciding that you should start this journey. I wish you all the best 💕

[@Christinamychas]

Shanelle Lynch thank you so much, Shanelle! 😭🥰🥰

[@shanelle2089]

style apotheca you’re most welcome! 💕💕

[@jailynvlogs1432]

I'd love to see tech and capsule type of stuff in a video. These tips are great. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@Christinamychas]

Jailyn Vlogs will def be doing more of that! Yay! Thank you Jailyn!

[@wyrdwitch13]

Yes to other types of videos such as KZbin, tech & other! I have the same response to no buy (tend to binge after a period of restraint) & now trying low buy with rules. So far so good. Thanks so much for your posts!

[@Christinamychas]

Oona Voluspa awesome! Happy to start creating more diverse content on here! Xo - the binge factor is real and I’ve definitely been there - it happens; I think just something to learn from and keep moving forward.

[@wyrdwitch13]

I also tend to buy the same items over & over again. Hoodies, draped tunics & dresses, leggings & boots. All in black, my whole closet has been black my whole life & I have had virtually the same variation on a theme style since the 1980's. So it's been useful to realize all of this in addition to what fuels my new purchases. I believe it to be untapped creativity, so that is the direction I will be putting this effort, time & money into instead of buying the umpteenth hoodie or pair of boots! I have a whole closet full already....

[@Christinamychas]

Oona Voluspa i feel very much the same way! Xo

[@heatherp7836]

Im a new subbie going through your archive and i needed this video and it solidified why youre the best at this. Ive watched other low/no buy 'tubers n no one resonates with me like you do. And Im beyond sorry for your loss. I too lost my princess 3mos ago n im still a mess about it. So thank you. THANK YOU!

[@tigrezz0852]

👏🏼 bravo Very well said.. I actually enjoy it when you get philosophical 😊✌🏼 thanks for being honest and real.

[@lindaree1987]

Your content is so helpful and inspiring... Just wanted to thank you... You are proof that you can be on a continuous low buy and still look pulled together and fresh.. God bless!!!

[@Christinamychas]

Melinda Thornton thank you so much!

[@KatieM786]

Don't feel ashamed of your student loan. Education is an investment in yourself.

[@Christinamychas]

Katie M that’s true! It’s more the lack of motivation or understanding of the importance of paying it off quickly and responsibly that I’m ashamed of. And how I now delayed paying it off in exchange for fuelling my shopping addiction if that makes sense!

[@MicahRion]

I would love to see videos around using items you already have. Maybe you can showcase styling old pieces in new ways!

[@Christinamychas]

Healing Touch with Julia for sure!!

[@myrnaj4502]

Notification Squad!!🙋🏾‍♀️💞 Love it!! Definitely going to start Journaling.

[@Christinamychas]

Myrna Joseph omg the squad! Thank you babe! Yay! I need to journal more myself 🥰

[@jasu5142]

love your videos and honesty

[@dooham1383]

I’m the same way! I buy the same type of clothing...I find what helps a lot is after buying the things I want, I’ll leave them in the shopping bags and if I don’t reach for them, I end up getting a refund. Stores have amazing return policies, so I take full advantage of them. By holding onto the items, within a few days I realize I don’t really need them and return them. It also feels good seeing money go back into my account!

[@fionaH101]

I do that too!

[@33Jenesis]

I do have triggers. Shopping is my way to deal with stress. It soothes my nerves whenever I have low grade stress or above the line worries. Id get itchy fingers to browse the sites where I shop. Sometimes I get obsessed about some idea and then I’d start buying. It felt like a frenzy really. I am going to be super vigilant about not buy on impulse and on ideas. I will try my best to identify tiggers and substitutes in 2020 to make it a no buy year. I want to enjoy what I have already and to actually use my art/craft material, instead of just dreaming about what I’d do with them.

[@angesoie]

i needed this today

[@stefaniewei2541]

Thanks for answering my question and thank you so much for your videos. They were the first ones that really chanced my mind!!! I would love to see an updated beauty collection video. Have you used up stuff or did you buy more? Another big thank you for helping me so much! Glad I found you.... Greetings from germany.

[@Christinamychas]

Stefanie Weiß my makeup collection is massive for no reason. Still nothing much used up. I’m overdue for a declutter and I’ll be filming it for sure! I need to visit Germany!

[@dorisrisner809]

I love your videos!!! Your low buy series is soo inspirational! And yes please do a KZbin video recording set up video 🙏🙏.

[@cyberbrujx]

may I suggest a light coming from basically where a laptop sitting in front of you would go. a fill light to balance the bold light you have coming from the top might be super flattering. also, how about a video on what you have on your phone? like a little phone tour. or a purse tour. I love seeing what people carry around!

[@Christinamychas]

Claudia Miranda thank you! I’m still learning about my lighting set up for sure! I have a reflector but forgot to use it under my chin here haha ; cute ideas! I can def do that! Xo

[@ivajekova7747]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips for low buy! Im in the beginning of no buy month and...its hard. The only way to save myself is no to get any closer to the shops...and I live behind a mall🙄 Tell me there is a hope!☺☺☺Have a beautiful day!

[@Christinamychas]

Iva Jekova there IS Hope! You’ve got this. The temptation might be more, but you are strong enough xo

[@sydneyhoward5434]

I appreciate your content and I need it in my life. I love the little mental health awareness thing you said about my therapist and i think it does help destigmatize getting help it actually made me smile ( I know that weird). I do have a suggestion for you though to improve your KZbin work and I know a lot of youtubers do this and it annoys me and it’s “as I’ve said before in one of my other videos”. You don’t need to justify repeating yourself here and there to make your content cohesive. I think it’s great it you touch on a topic and have the video you are referencing in the corner of the video if it is all about that topic or a snapshot of the video for a sec if it’s important, You know what I mean? Much love

[@katieblair7960]

Would love to see a video on your favorite lipsticks! You said in a previous video that you own like a million lipsticks and don’t need any more but I wanna know what they are! Or just a general makeup essentials video if that’s something you’re into.

[@Christinamychas]

Katie Blair that is a cute idea! It would basically be a lot of variations of “red” and maybe one nude! 😂 but I love it! I’ll def put that on the list! 🥰🥰

[@crystalcat67]

If you haven't already done your KZbin setup video, I'd love to see it! I just found you today. Thanks for the content!!

[@vanessaivec2818]

Thanks for all your low buy content, it helps to keep me motivated. For more video ideas, I'd be interested if you talked a bit more about your past, your journey to becoming a pharmacist, and your debt journey if you're willing to talk more about it (I've been really into Aja Dang's content lately).

[@Christinamychas]

Vanessa Ivec yes! I’d be happy to! Xo

[@carolsailer1395]

I have a problem with shopping...not just clothes but, planner stuff, stock up on household, etc... I started a no buy on 2 items last month... Jewelry & makeup... I decluttered quite a few pairs of earrings...but, I still bought 2 pairs...one was actually a replacement because I had lost one of my earrings & I really liked them...they are cheap earrings, but doesn’t matter, I still bought them... I’m back on track... I’m working on 2 items no buy for 3 mos & after that to replace...I need to declutter too...I have too much stuff!! I add 2 items no buy each month for 3 mos...especially the things I have a problem buying with... I grew up in a house that we “stocked up”. My mom grew up in the depression... I hope that made sense... I am keeping a tracker... Really like your videos...

[@kathyesargent9088]

Sorry for your loss

[@AstridTuesday]

Thank you for your thoughts. It has been helpful. I completed my first no buy last month and it was difficult. I’m on a low buy month and worry, I will fall off the wagon and go crazy. I think a lot about buying things for my home (updating decor, etc.) but have been able to hold back. Shopping is no fun since I’m sticking to the necessities. I’ve noticed I’ve been channeling my wants to groceries (since that’s an allowed item). I want to buy more then I normally do. It’s kind of worrisome. Did that happen to you? I hope this journey will re-wire my brain in how I see money.

[@Christinamychas]

Coffee & Film it actually did - I found some of my money was directed into yes, groceries, and the other was workout classes. I figure if I am eating the food and nourishing my body, AND as long as I’ve budgeted for it, I don’t feel so guilty. I would still apply my questions and rules to these items/classes as I would a piece of clothing. Food I would just also narrow down if it will really feed my body in a positive way, or will it be a snack I feel crappy about after eating? Try to ask questions in a similar vein as you would clothing, but amend as needed to suit the category of that makes sense!! Xo

[@AstridTuesday]

style apotheca thanks for the input. Glad to know this channeling of groceries is common. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question!

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Let’s never judge anything we do when a beloved is dying or has died. 💔

[@LukeTheMani]

your hair looks amazing here !

[@Christinamychas]

Haha omg should I go short again?!

[@LukeTheMani]

yes this wavy look is adorable on u very trendy

[@CapMIam]

Thank you for tapping into our motivators. Love the Dave Ramsay recommendation - he can be much on his podcast but there is no doubt that he drives the point home. Have you followed the YT channel Use Less from Denmark? Signe, the creator, dupes the vibes of fashion icons she admires. You rock the same vibe of Anne Bing. Stay the course, those lifelong habits are within reach.

[@Christinamychas]

Cap MIam yes! I love signe! I agree about Dave - he can be much but a the end of the day is passionate and is really rooting for all of us.

[@MollyPorter]

What's your favorite Ramones song? They're my fave!

[@eternelretour9]

Great video! Since you asked for what we would like to see, here's my suggestion : Alyssa Beltempo and Signe from Use Less both make videos where they try to copy/channel a certain look with things they already have, I think it would be interesting to see you do something like that, plus it could help you get excited with your clothes and get creative? Another question : you mentioned having too many clothes, are you going to declutter or are you not ready yet, and if so will you film it? Btw i sold the excess clothing i had and made quite a lot of money, highly recommend :) edit: forgot to say i'm really sorry about your dog :(

[@Christinamychas]

eternelretour9 yes! I love Use Less - I will check out Alyssa. I would love to do styling videos like Signe does. I will be decluttering for sure! Xo

[@Christinamychas]

eternelretour9 and thank you for your lovely words about Chaika ❤️❤️

[@eternelretour9]

@@Christinamychas thanks for the reply, i'll be looking forward to all of this :)

[@polinaracheeva9163]

I realized that I myself do not buy so much, but I end up with lots of stuff because the relatives of my boyfriend have this annoying habit of gifting clothes for any ocasion. How do you convince your friends to not give you lots of stuff without getting them offended?

[@TamaraK93]

Just got here now, and watched your videos! I want to stop buying but im really really wondering what this lipstick is? 🤣

[@twinklybones8952]

I’m going to Disney world to visit a friend that works there and we’re going to one of the Halloween parties!! I’m trying to think so carefully about how I buy the pieces for my costume carefully, so that they’re ones I’ll wear again/I am trying to integrate stuff I already have. It’s been tricky 😂 Edit: I meant to include that I am finding all of the pieces secondhand, which has also been tricky, but very worth it 🙌

[@carriegabbert5645]

Giọng anh rất hay, cảm xúc nữa ạ.

[@arioctober7867]

Me too sweatpants daily lol

[@ootipoo]

My dog is currently sick and dying of cancer and I did the exact same thing!

[@Christinamychas]

Andrea C I’m so sorry, Andrea. Honestly I have never experienced anything more heartbreaking than losing our family dog. Wishing you strength and cherished moments with your baby. They are something so much more powerful than just pets. Xo ❤️😔

[@ootipoo]

style apotheca it is completely heartbreaking and I am so sorry for your loss. We hope to start fostering to honor her and help other homeless pets find a loving home. Keep up the great videos!

[@dainahakes5748]

I’m so sorry for you. Pets are family for sure!

[@KatieM786]

Sending you hugs and good wishes. I'm sorry about your poorly pet.

[@ootipoo]

Katie M thank you

[@KALIVireshwara]

What do you do for work?

[@Christinamychas]

Kelsey I’m a pharmacist! 🤗

[@vicmar4852]

You have such a beautiful way about you. You make me want to listen..... and shop less! X

[@Jenn4rmblk]

How did you realize that you have a shopping addiction?

[@nataliatkachenko363]

Hi! All the best for you and Chaika. By the way, why Chaika? You have Ukrainian roots or any other Slavonic roots?

[@Christinamychas]

Natalia Tkachenko Ukrainian! 🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@nataliatkachenko363]

@@Christinamychas )) nice to meet you. Me too and living in Ukraine :) you are producing very interesting and useful videos. Thanks for all you that you are doing