LOW BUY Q+A | PR & BRAND COLLABS, CONTROLLING IMPULSES, HOW TO GET STARTED, SUSTAINABILITY (2020) 🛍

Hello my Low Buy Beauties ! I asked you guys a while ago to ask me anything Low Buy, No Buy, Debt, Shopping related, and I've finally been able to take some time to answer your questions. I answered the questions/themes that seems to come up most frequently so I hope I was able to address those for you.
I spoke what came into my heart and into my mind at the moment. If you have any more questions, leave them below for me and I'll get to them in down in the comments and/or in another AMA (ask me anything).
#stopshopping #lowbuy #nobuy
THANK-YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING! ❤️
LOOKING FOR SUPPORT IN YOU LOW BUY/NO BUY? JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP "LOW BUY BEAUTIES" bit.ly/2R3AHxC 🙏🏻
TIME STAMPS:⏱
INTRO & HOUSEKEEPING 0:00 to 3:00
CLOTHING BUDGET: 3:01
MY UNHEALTHY SHOPPING HABIT REALIZATION: 7:57
LOW BUY ON EVERYDAY ITEMS 12:08
DEALING WITH SHOPPING IMPULSES 13:12
GETTING STARTED ON THE DAVE RAMSEY PLAN: 15:57
BEING SOCIAL AND HAVING FUN ON A LOW BUY: 18:21
SUSTAINABILITY & LOW WASTE: 19:53
GIFTING, PR, BRAND COLLABORATIONS: 21:36
PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE ME 🙏🏻
DAVE RAMSEY bit.ly/2Hw7zwJ
MATT D'AVELLA bit.ly/2SAbqh2
GARY VEE bit.ly/2Q3GEeA
THE MINIMALISTS bit.ly/2ZvKyjH
MY PREVIOUS VIDEOS ON HOW TO STOP SHOPPING/LOW BUY 🛍
HOW TO STOP SHOPPING: bit.ly/2EYwwxz
LOW BUY RULES: bit.ly/364e1DO
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU BUY: bit.ly/2Q7zBkY
HOW TO GET PAST SALES + TEMPTATIONS TO SHOP: bit.ly/2t8wsIO
HOW MY LOW BUY CHANGED MY LIFE: bit.ly/2T3x39I
MONEY TOOLS & RESOURCES 💸
HOW TO BUDGET, SAVE MONEY & PAY OFF DEBT bit.ly/2Sv6slA
EVERY DOLLAR APP www.everydollar.com/
HOW TO MAKE A ZERO-BASED BUDGET bit.ly/2SBOsWC
MINT APP (alternative money-tracking/budgeting app) www.mint.com/
OTHER LOW BUY/CAPSULE WARDROBE BEAUTIES ✨
USE LESS (SIGNE HANSEN) bit.ly/2MDzs6L
HANNAH LOUISE POSTON bit.ly/2HsWmgh
AUDREY COYNE bit.ly/2QreDN8
ALYSSA BELTEMPO bit.ly/2F2FwBD
MADEMOISELLE JAMIE bit.ly/2EY4e6a
COME SAY HI 👋🏻
INSTAGRAM / styleapotheca - tag me @styleapotheca when you have a Low Buy win, struggle, learning, anything to share! Every Friday I'm rounding up my #LowBuyBeauties so we can learn from each other along the way!
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]

I hope I was able to answer some questions you might be curious about! Happy Sunday! xx

[@Susanb89]

Tomorrow will be one whole month since I have bought any clothes, shoes, purses, makeup and jewelry. This is big for me, I used to shop AT LEAST 3-4 times a week. I was able to pay off my credit card. Now onto building on my emergency fund!

[@Christinamychas]

Susan B. YES! this is AMAZING!

[@kathleenbarron7654]

Way to go! I’m doing a low buy also, I am surprised how the impulse to buy clothes can hit me out of the blue. But I’m doing good, so far.

[@angielou4951]

Great! Well done!

[@Tanya-rr8gz]

It’s really refreshing to know I’m not crazy and alone in the struggle 🥰❤️

[@Christinamychas]

Never!

[@marissamazon5908]

When you talk about your process of thinking through buying an item, it’s helpful to hear. I think and feel close to how you’re feeling when it comes to wanting something and it’s nice to know that someone else is pushing through those emotions. It really encourages me to push through my low/no buy. Your honesty is everything and I appreciate it!

[@Christinamychas]

Marissa Mazon I’m so glad it helps in some way Marissa! You got this!

[@krentu]

I like how honest you are with yourself and with us. I feel that when you are talking about the spectrum of feelings that come with buying too much - the joy and disgust at the same time, you are like talking about me. I feel that my belly is always knowing if I should or shouldn't make a purchase of any kind. I can talk myself into buying anything, but my bellyfeeling is not negotiable :) And one thing more - it is wierd to say, but I somehow feel grief when I think about how happy a new clothing used to make me and how I now have about 60% happiness, 20% of shame and 20% of disgust over a purchase. Maybe if I manage to make a low buy year (it din't started that way as I had a city break in the beginning of year and shops in the other country are always sooooo tempting, especially when sales are going on), I will buy that one thing and be 100% happy about it again. And one more thing - budgeting worked for me as long as I got the overall understanding how much money is left after fixed costs. After that I totally lost steam to note down my purchases. I used the app YNAB and it was great, especially because if you made a clothing budget and din't use it, the money was automatically transferred to next month clothing budget, so you could save up the money that way for desired purchase. Anyway, thank you for the thought provoking video!!!

[@DMSLifestyle]

I’ve allowed myself an apparel budget of $50 with the purpose of using that money for tailoring or repairing my clothing and shoes that I already have and the ability to replace a staple ie white tee. This way I am repurposing what I have and getting that good feeling not from a new item but feeling great in what I have.

[@Christinamychas]

Deanna Murphy Sanabria I absolutely love that!!

[@kathleenbarron7654]

Great plan!

[@sarahbannon4752]

‘These boots are more important than your future’, I think asking myself if ‘x’ item that I want to buy, is more important than my future would be a really good deterrent from spending on something I don’t need!

[@sin...5982]

Well said

[@heatherp7836]

I needed this! Ive been coveting a pair of boots but im not getting a good feeling about them. My gut is screaming NO! I needed to hear this message very badly. Thank you!

[@virginiarodriguez72]

You’ve inspired me to go low spend this year.

[@fionaH101]

I for one appreciate how you talk about your feelings around being a shopping addict and the steps you are taking to address the issue. I find it very helpful so please don't apologise for "rambling" or talking about your feelings. It's all good and I'm sure most people here feel the same x

[@Christinamychas]

F Horne thank you so much ❤️

[@MicahRion]

+

[@Ruby508707]

Discovering your channel has been a game changer for me! Started my low buy/no buy January 1. Had a similar experience as you between Back Friday through the end of the year and I’m ready.

[@Christinamychas]

Ruby508707 yes ruby!!! I love it. Sometimes it takes some darkness to get yourself back into light - you got this!

[@betterlifebroadcasting7186]

Please, please don't apologize for not being "concise". Your only semi edited realness is valuable, just as it flows. I'm so so tired of the prescriptive 12 minute sound bite, bullet point video. This is lovely content, and I for one appreciate it.

[@terepk]

I love the style of your videos it's like catching up with a wise friend :)

[@TimbleM]

Really loved this Q&A. I’ve had the same feelings gosh. So real 🙁. I’m enjoying the fb group a lot. Tons of supportive women love it!

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

That Chloe boot story changes lives. This is the impact statement that counsellors search for with young ppl in credit card debt programs. Saying ‘stuff your future for those boots’, is just a massive light bulb statement. Your courage and generosity of spirit is a major catalyst for many to shift direction or be transformed. Thank you.

[@samibrown3309]

I love your rambling answers because it shows introspection. Understanding the reason behind an answer is worth as much, if not more, than the basic answer when people are looking for motivation. Your channel is very motivating, and I appreciate the time and effort you put into each video!

[@gracekay24]

I always appreciate your videos. Great content and advice. It’s also inspiring because you have such beauty style, regardless of doing a low buy.

[@Christinamychas]

Grace R thank you so much, grace!

[@indiabilly]

Thank you for starting the low buy beauties FB page, it’s honestly the best support I have found as I try to change my spending habits, it’s been a lifesaver xxxxxx

[@magdalena4153]

you're so beautiful person . thank u for your honesty

[@marypereira8573]

Thank you sooo much. Just recently discovered your channel and Facebook group.... I’ve had the « Chloé boots » moment in my life and really feel I’ve been searching ways to change and add more value in my life other than the thrill to shop! Thank you for coming out and being to honest 😊

[@missblackwood]

I’m doing a no buy for the next eight months and beyond. August is my birthday month so I might buy something then if I see a need. Your videos have been so helpful to me! One thing that is helping me so far is when I get an idea to buy a clothing item I go look at my closet and clothes racks. I ALWAYS realize that I already have something that fills that need or is very close to what I was eyeing. Shopping for me became stress management (2019 was the worst year of my life😢) and I’m trying to break the habit. I want to save money not spend it!!

[@williamkazak]

Thank you for your video and sharing your thoughts and experiences about shopping and spending. It occurred to me that instead of thinking about my "credit card", I can start thinking of it as "my loan" or my "current debt". It makes it more serious to me.

[@kayyykay]

I was just having withdrawals and BAM you posted 🙌🏾😂

[@gracekay24]

Kyaira Benoit Same here! I just watched a beauty video raving about luxury products... I should keep my videos like this in my subscription box.

[@Christinamychas]

Grace R thanks guys!

[@Christinamychas]

Kyaira Benoit 🥰🥰🥰

[@hijismeus]

I need a huge declutter in my life. I battle with anxiety and is so difficult to put in order all the chaos that surrounds me. Thanks for your videos! Kisses from Barcelona 😚

[@Christinamychas]

hijismeus me too - minimizing really helps for sure ❤️

[@kathleenbarron7654]

Go for it!

[@hijismeus]

@@kathleenbarron7654 thanks 😍

[@klewinhicks]

Sounds like you’re setting yourself up for success! Good on you. Let each of us use your example to personalise our own journey.

[@alexishsu3020]

Thank you for expiring me into low buy lifestyle! Love your wardrobe style!

[@Whc615]

That second question hit me hard, I felt the same way which is what sparked this change for me as well!

[@annebrown3538]

A super video, really helpful, really glad that your subscribers are increasing so that shows you are giving a positive message x

[@Christinamychas]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@olga26100]

Oh my dear, you are like a voice of reason in my head. EVERYTHING YOU SAID IS JUST EXACTLY WHAT I FEEL 😢😢😢😢

[@marypylyp1636]

doing low buy, you partly inspired that. thank you!

[@Christinamychas]

Mary Pylyp amazing!

[@nadareyene]

a video on your jewelry and most favorite pieces would be awesome!

[@Christinamychas]

Okay!!

[@HelibearWomble]

You've inspired me to start a Low Buy this year. I've also downloaded and finished Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover audio book, so thank you for the recommendation! I'm very glad I found your channel ❤️

[@Christinamychas]

Helibear yes! Let me know how you like the audiobook. I listen to it a lot while walking and stuff to get fired up haha

[@ivaneteroark710]

Today being day 12, I haven’t felt tempted yet, what I think is that instead of going into shops on my lunch break at the mall and buy things, I will wait for a special item, such as that collarless leather jacket I have been wanting for years and never found exactly as it should be, or a pair of high waisted faux or leather cropped pants discounted obviously, I am looking forward to this journey xo

[@heatherp7836]

Side note: i need to just stop watching you from the sidelines...i need Style Apotheca in my life. Subscribed!!

[@lindsayobrien7950]

Listening to your gut reaction is the best advice!

[@CurlyTabby]

So excited to be a part of the Facebook group. Thank you for creating a safe space for others. ❤️

[@Christinamychas]

Tabitha Rodriguez I wish I thought of it sooner ❤️ the group is awesome! Welcome! Xo

[@karenellis1031]

Hello from Australia 🇦🇺. I am doing a no buy Jan and a low buy year to clear several smallish debts so at the end of this year we can focus on our mortgage. About 3 years ago I discovered the luxury YT community and in that time and an obsession in a world I didn’t know existed. I have quite a collection of luxury (albeit preloved) handbags now and have had that sick feeling when purchasing the last few. I would justify my purchases by saying I shopped for clothes at Op Shops so I was “ saving” money. Seeing as though I was going 3 - 4 times a week I’m not sure how I convinced myself of that. Roll on 2020 where our finances will be vastly different by December. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@dawnbe_well7626]

Crap. I cannot believe I forgot I was going to start a a low buy year after watching your videos last month!! 😩😩😩 I saw your new vid in my inbox and I was instantly reminded of the two t-shirts I bought for $70 last week, and the necklace bought on sale online today for $20. I’m totally failing already. 😣 So thank you for being so honest and open about your process. This is going to be a HUGE lifestyle change for me. But I’m $30k in credit card debt and I👏🏻HAVE👏🏻GOT👏🏻TO👏🏻STOP👏🏻SPENDING👏🏻!!

[@Christinamychas]

D B_Well it will be as it was and continues to be for me but it can be done and you CAN do it! Get that debt gone and be free ❤️❤️

[@wendybrookes1878]

You are courageous.. I did wonder what the spark to change was..thanks for sharing that.

[@Christinamychas]

wendy brookes thank you ❤️

[@melligolightly]

Fellow 'grandma' / introvert here. 🙋‍♀️ Technically, I don't spend too much. I don't have debt and I only spend money I actually have (although the actual amount of money I have been spending on clothes or the number of items I have been bringing into my life might seem crazy to some people and even myself - but I'm pretty frugal in other areas). I'm not a shopping addict either. BUT still I have kind of mental problems related to shopping. So my goal is to reduce my unhealthy behaviours of anxiety and obsessing about the stuff I 'need' and want. I really related with the 'yucky' feeling you talked about. I often found myself buying things (sometimes going overboard) out of a scarcity mentality and not even liking them in the long run. Which led to the need to restrict myself afterwards. But of course this made me unhappy and grumpy because then the feelings of not being entitled to feeling good about myself and not deserving anything kicked in, which again fuelled the scarcity mindset again. It's a vicious cycle. So, for me it is truly important to allow myself a reasonable budget, to trust my gut and allow myself to feel joy with the 'fewer nicer things' (as Hannah puts it). Thank you so much, Christina! You help so many people!

[@ruthacuna4385]

Thank you fir your honesty, I have that same problem, I will deep into my acct in order to get that item.

[@sophiaz.1083]

This felt healing for me. I feel seen in my strange behaviour around money.

[@nikolascopeland1234]

We wanna see your wardrobe tour!

[@PourYourArtOut]

I just joined the group

[@biancas.6283]

I'm doing a no buy January and trying out this low buy year. No facebook for a while also, but started following you on instagram. I'm optimistic. Let's do this!🤗🤘

[@nikolascopeland1234]

Very valuable video, thanks for sharing the story of you buying expensive aka self sabotaging.

[@starhr7248]

You influenced me! So I'd say yes and also... Thank you.

[@veejo9535]

I found with a lot of my must have, impulsive clothes buying that after a very short while the thrill I got when I bought them and wore them for the first time wore off very quickly. Or I found them in my wardrobe months later with the price tags still on - I had forgotten I had bought them. Like many addictions, the desire to have is irrational but very difficult to overcome. But knowing you have the addiction is the first step to weaning yourself off of it.

[@robynwells8249]

I appreciate your honesty and I do find your videos helpful. When I see KZbinrs promote brands it encourages the want in me. Triggering the thought, I need that too. Because of this I am limiting who I watch and I remind myself that this person did not pay for this but I will have to.

[@Christinamychas]

Robyn Wells they should be disclosing that as well - I can understand how the want is sparked in this though regardless 😔

[@marciagarcia8486]

I did the same with a boot I bought on sale last winter . Not so expensive as yours but, I must confess that till today it is kept out of sight . I am ashamed. I used to buy if I was happy, if I was sad , if I was anxious , and so on. No more .

[@AndeAndrea]

Just found your channel & am loving it SO much!

[@Christinamychas]

Thank you!

[@jessie9653]

One thing I tend to tell myself to remember is everything that is New will soon become Old. It really helps with purchases of clothing for me

[@Christinamychas]

I love that!

[@cathyh6218]

Love your video getting to the nitty gritty of why we shop. I would also love your thoughts on the fact that I work in retail. Its my job to create an environment where my clients want to buy.i work in a big retail centre everyday so staying away from shops is not practical for me. Im trying hard and making some good changes in how much i shop so far. all in the mind I guess. any tips ? Thanks for your honesty ❤

[@dazzelpebbels1207]

such good tips. thanks. btw you look so pretty in this vid .

[@Christinamychas]

Dazzel Pebbels 😭 thank you!

[@patysanchez6334]

1st off I love your videos, they are so inspiring for me. I started a low buy on 2019 and intent to keep at it this year. But I have to ask, where did you get that awesome horn necklace? I've been looking for one to complete my wardrobe

[@Christinamychas]

paty sanchez it’s from Ana Luisa! I worked with them on a video last year - my “how to look chic” video 🥰

[@ABCDEFGH-bi5tk]

love your vids!!

[@Christinamychas]

J. M. Thank you so much!

[@coleenmay2107]

I am doing a no buy/low buy year 2020

[@adeleturner1255]

Thank you for sharing this video, I'm a new subscriber so I feel this has helped me get to know you! I have no debt. I came to low buying 2 years ago when I became ill with a chronic illness, and had to reduce my work hours from full time to part-time, and knew I needed to reduce my spending. At the same time I became aware of the sustainability issues around fast fashion. I feel low buying has improved my attitude to spending, fashion and health for ever. 👍😍❤️

[@Christinamychas]

Adele Turner Low buy definitely becomes about so much more than just not shopping ❤️ take care, Adele

[@adeleturner1255]

@@Christinamychas absolutely. Last year I decided to spend the time I used to spend shopping, on taking up a new hobby. I discovered yoga and hiking. In doing so, I've spent time on self-care and made new friends. The net result is that I'm happier and my health is improving slowly. Baby steps as they say. 👍👍👍

[@nadareyene]

hey! i noticed i've been spending a lot lately so i decided to stop buying some categories (skincare) and use what i have + set a budget this month but i feel like i never respect it fully so a video on it would be awesome

[@bronteg2250]

nada reyene if you’re really struggling to stick to the budget maybe switching to cash only (or if you buy online getting pre paid Visa cards in the amount of your budget) and only use those for skincare.

[@112streetinglewood]

Do you do your own nails or do you budget that in?

[@annie-sc]

"Broke person with really nice things" Reminded me of some co-workers and college batchmates who always travelled, always in Starbucks, had the nicest clothes and gadgets, but they still borrowed money from me. 😑

[@sweetpeace5]

So the big question..did you keep the Chloe boots??😜

[@mariebaker375]

Just curious how you were able to download the "every dollar" app. I click the link but it says it is "not available in your country" (that country also being Canada)....

[@Christinamychas]

Marie Baker omg really?! I’m gonna email them. I just downloaded it and made an account, but it was a year ago so I’m not sure what updates were made, if any. I enter everything manually so I wonder if they just mean it won’t connect to the banks?

[@mariebaker375]

@@Christinamychas it might be available for IOS but it's not available for android. Its weird it actually comes up but then there is a red notice saying it's not available in your country. Usually when something isn't available on android it just doesn't exist, you can search it but you don't get a hit. Makes me think it was available but was removed for some reason. I actually like the idea of manually imputing my info. Otherwise it just ends up being a spending tracker not a budget 🤷‍♀️

[@MicahRion]

Marie Baker it looks like Mint is available in Canada! Both in android and Apple stores. And it’ll link to major Canadian banks.

[@ktrudy1]

I'm doing lowbuy and soon a no buy. 😀

[@elizabethfard2182]

What documentaries have you watched/recommend?

[@suzifrancophone]

I'm wondering how you incorporate your KZbin 'side hustle' income with your regular pharmacist income. I myself have a side hustle, teaching spin classes. I have that paycheque deposited into a separate, no fee account, completely separate from my regular banking - my regular banking for mortgage, life expenses etc is at a separate financial institution. When I want something, like clothing, it comes from my side hustle account and if I want something big - I wait until I've made enough. My side hustle isn't huge, I make about $200-$300 a month, but it gives me the flexibility to teach more if there is something I want or a trip I want to take. Wondering if something like that would help you balance your debt repayment with some spending once in a while.

[@Christinamychas]

Stephanie Schweitzer they are separate but aside from taxes most of it for now goes to my student loan when I can put it down - but I love your approach! And I love spin! I was thinking of looking into becoming an instructor myself one day ❤️❤️

[@ktrudy1]

I lovvvve #daveramsey !!! I am debt free, but want to stop wasting money and collecting things I don't need. Ugh

[@palomagranados1646]

Hi can you make a video of high quality closet staples? For example best quality jeans tops shoes that are cute versatile and great quality? To help with buying unnecessary unethical clothes?

[@palomagranados1646]

( for necessities & not impulse purchases)

[@Christinamychas]

paloma granados totally! It’s on my list!

[@faqu529]

Did u return the boots?

[@Christinamychas]

faqu529 I kept them

[@kathleenbarron7654]

I don’t have the energy to listen to Dave Ramsey, but I know his philosophy, I took his church course about 10 years ago. Our struggle is that our INCOME VARIES, my husband is a salesman and I’m retired. Do you have any suggestions for fluctuations in income. January I’ve been so GOOD, but we had to take money out of savings for bills.

[@Christinamychas]

Kathleen Barron Dave has insight on this as well, mainly I see him suggest to ensure fixed expenses are always covered and have the emergency fund with variable income households 🙏🏻

[@madeleinbronner3943]

Wow I am a Pharmacist too. Everything you say, I can relate too, do you still practice?

[@Christinamychas]

Yep!

[@madeleinbronner3943]

@@Christinamychas that’s why we have become shopaholics! The stress!!!! Great job with your debt. Every time I feel I got my plans covered to clean a card, something screws me up

[@adrianacutino9862]

😘

[@donwanderley7156]

A true emergency fund covers 6 months of expenses. You can’t buy much with $1000.

[@Christinamychas]

I agree with you - the $1000 is the starter fund