Questions we ask ourselves before we buy | Episode 31 | Sustain This Podcast

[@sheianascarlett3087]

I liked the question Christina asked how can we turn shopping 🛍️ from toxic and hurtful to abundant and joyful and that has stuck with me all day 🌺💖

[@sherrygaley4675]

Once I have all the clothing I need - which is the case now - when I see something I like, I have a word that represents something that is more important to me than clothes and requires money too. I say it to myself. Right now it’s “big trip”. Every non purchase will make that trip more possible and more sustainable. It really works for me as a stopper.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Love this!! Thank you for sharing!

[@CourtneyyMorriss]

So good!!

[@muaythaigirl1612]

What a great idea - this is something I'm going to try out in 2024 😊

[@blueskyvan4118]

I have always been a viewer of your individual channels, and have always deeply appreciated each of your perspectives. When you first started this podcast together I liked it very much but lately I have been blown away by how good these conversations have become! Your content and your level of comfort with each other has gotten better and better! Really, really appreciate your podcast!

[@mariawelling4194]

You ladies look so good together. I now call you Charlie's Angeles 😊

[@lamochilademary1969]

Space is an important factor for me. If I don’t have space I would have to get rid of something, am I willing to let go of something for that item?

[@marvawiebe4364]

This is a message I could hear over and over. Question every purchase, especially if I'm on the fence. Uncertainty is probably a "no" that I don't want to accept, and I am trying to justify. Thank you all!

[@bethany9477]

Can you link the flow chart you were discussing please? Starting by asking yourself how you are feeling is so powerful! 💙

[@KnittyMatcha]

Can the three of you do an extreme minimalist wardrobe experiment where you pick 3-4 outfits (like 10-15ish items) and wear only those all month, and then report back on your experience in a podcast episode? I would loooove to hear how it goes and your observations!!

[@bethforencich623]

When Christina brought up having a "better relationship with shopping" it got me thinking. It took me back to shopping with my mother as a child. The earliest memory being eating animal crackers while riding in the grocery cart. The excitement of back- to- school shopping for school supplies and new clothes. Shopping wasn't something that was done often; it was a special occasion. Maybe shopping for me at times is looking for that love, care, and comfort that I received from my mom. Whew! That said, if I'm not shopping for a specific wardrobe need, I make myself do the one thing new, out with one thing old. That's enough to make me stop and consider my purchase.

[@marciagarcia8486]

Wow, this surely hit me. Made me remember the same feeling!!! Preparing back to school with free pass for shopping for colored pencils , the smell of new books and wrapping plastic meant loving. It was almost like Christmas . Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@Lavaluz1]

Can you do a podcast on how a brand’s name and reputation influences your purchase? Does it override other things like fabric quality, fit or style?

[@CelticKnot4me]

“Would I wear it in five years?” I just watched another video in which the presenter suggested asking “Would I have worn this five years ago?” as a way of helping to determine if you would likely wear the garment five years from now. I thought this was brilliant.

[@MorningClarity]

I think of this as much like food choices, in that you can't just stop forever 😂, so you need rules so you don't go off the rails and regret it later. When I was changing my diet I learned to determine if something was "food" (nourishment) or "not food" (edible entertainment). Labeling something "not food" gave me the objectivity I needed to pass. I'm still trying to fill gaps in my new way of dressing, so "fills a gap" vs "extra" might work...

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

This is an interesting persepctive thank you for sharing!

[@Margriet811]

I’m not that much of a shopper when it comes to clothes, but when I come across an item that seems to call my name color-, style- and shapewise, then I’ll go for it! Because I’m sure I will wear it a lot! Knowing my colors, shapes and style saves me a lot of time and money. It’s so worth it!

[@tholm4307]

Love the podcast ladies! Huge fan! Some podcast suggestions… 1. Would love an in depth discussion on caring for your forever “investment” pieces. What are your methods and products for washing, depilling, steaming, storing etc. 2. Would love an in depth look in to your preferred sustainable brands for fashion and accessories. Thanks so much for your consideration of these ideas and for the great work that you do! Cheers!!

[@P0SHED]

I agree!!! Would absolutely looove both number one and two.. !!

[@debbiew7496]

Christina’s “guilt free” account was key for me and my husband when we had a really tight budget. We each had a certain amount each month that we called “fun money” that we could spend however wanted without having to justify it to ourselves or each other. We could save it up as well if we wanted a bigger item. This kept us from feeling like we could never have any of the little things that make us happy. We still do this, but we have increased the amount a bit as our careers advanced.

[@Pigeon-44]

This was one of my favourite episodes to date! You ladies have such great perspectives, and great ideas honed from your personal life experiences. I love that shopping, when done for the right reasons, can be joyful and special. Lots of food for though. You ladies rock!

[@lonenugget4301]

If I know a piece is something that I would bring on a trip (packs small, easy to clean, comfortable, and work day to night or casual to formal), I don't hesitate to buy it. I usually stick to all black looks, and change up the proportions/silhouette and textures (along with accessories) to make different looks.

[@charlottetrujillo2207]

I love white shirts/blouses. I have all manner of shapes and styles. I find myself still drawn to them and wanting more, but have put on the brakes…two years with no new ones! Difficult but necessary.

[@annie-sc]

This is me but with black clothing! 😂

[@Surreal452]

Perfect podcast to listen to while my nails are drying before getting ready for a holiday party 🤍

[@pajamamama5965]

Such a good talk! I especially like the question of when to say yes because I find it's easier for myself to say no and put something out of my mind. 90% of my clothing comes from the second hand, and I like it that way. Recently my teen daughters were at 5 Below and bought matching Christmas graphic t-shirts. I held one up to myself jokingly and the graphic fell across my body in a way I don't normally find flattering on myself. Later I regretted not buying it when I saw my girls wearing them together. We went back a couple weeks later and they had it again in my size. I snatched it up. I had never stopped thinking about it. Now the 3 of us can match. The reasons I bought it had nothing to do with why I normally buy clothes. But that's life, it's not as predictable as we wish. But I'm so glad I have that shirt now😊

[@kimkirksey562]

If I can not wear the items to work.. then they are items that I plan on wearing to these fabulous places I have in my mind...those are the clothes I definitely need to not pick up...

[@meilinchiang6951]

Young Ladies all of you look fantastic! Merry Christmas 🎄🎆🎊🎁

[@taramarie17]

Wonderful podcast as always! Would really love an episode about fabrics! When bringing in new pieces what are things to avoid? Are there fabrics that are truly bad for your health when you wear them (ex. acrylic)?

[@rachelbrewin5618]

Could you do an episode on pieces you've walked away from and then regret- the one that got away. I think this is a fairly common experience when you're a thrifter.

[@rosej9686]

In my younger years, I would buy something that caught my eye, whether I needed it or not, fit with my existing wardrobe, etc. I would just buy it because I liked it and I thought it was a good idea at the time. When I ended up with a closet full of clothes that didn't work together, I started the "one in, one out" rule, just to keep the quantity down, but that still didn't help make my wardrobe cohesive. Now I'm much more mindful about my purchases, but there are still times when asking myself if I need it doesn't work because, if you WANT something badly enough, it becomes a NEED! Love your podcasts, ladies! ❤

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

Oh, Christina, I giggled with you when Alyssa posed that first question! It was me, too! Thanks to you all for slowing me down ❤

[@marciagarcia8486]

Cristina your workout routine is very inspiring when trying to find something to replace shopping impulses. I am also trying to adopt this habit

[@Christinamychas]

Yay! Enjoy it! 💪

[@unmaskingu]

When I looked around the shops while I was in a bad mood... I stopped buying anything because I didn't want to connect that new item with remembering that bad emotion when I bought it. The story of that garment is already cursed. So, I may end up decluttering it later because of that memory.

[@MzShonuff123]

Watching this before I buy a pair of boots 😂

[@autumnellingham5712]

Loved hearing about how you purchase especially the buying consumption from Cristina as I can totally relate and and am always trying to self improve on this. Finding my triggers and coping mechanisms is a constant struggle and It's great to here this is not just me. I've been looking into my neurodiversity (Dyslexia and maybe ADHD) as that can also trigger me and currently I'm doing a low/no spend Jan and maybe Feb too only allowing my planned essential spends. Allowing for some flex (I'e' last minute work travel needs), but not allowing myself to purchase items ad hock or impulse, I writ a list and try to focus on the bigger picture (I want to travel more). Love hearing how everyone manages there purchasing/ consumption. Thank you lady's for your constant inspiration.

[@annie-sc]

More than half of my stuff is in black because that has been part of my personal style for almost two decades now! I track everything using a virtual closet app so I would know what I already have. So if I have this urge to buy another black piece I just consider the *silhouette* that it will give. And like you guys, I always ask if I could still see myself wearing this piece in the *next 5, or even 10 years* for certain items. Also if I'm in a mood to buy something of color, I typically would *avoid the trendy stuff* since it's most likely to collect dust and eventually be given away. 😂 I'm doing a no-buy til Nov 2024 though. Since I lost so much weight I've bought several items (mostly trousers) this year and last year to replace the ones that are way too big already. Literally my last purchase this year was a black button down. 😂

[@janitapanos240]

I definitely ask myself if the item follows my 3 personal style words. The “can I wait?” is the best question! Thank you for another insightful segment ladies!!

[@altacostura3512]

Terrific episode, thank you.

[@cate20000]

Thank you so much for discussing challenging subjects like shopping psychology and debt and being so open and honest - its extremely powerful and you probably have no idea how much you are helping tackle these challenges by making things real and honest. I followed all three of you before this and this podcast just makes it all even better. Thank you so much for making these human stories 🙏 How much does the 'its the last one in stock' affect your thoughts on purchasing??

[@leelewis22]

Thank you. 😊x

[@easyblink123]

So good - always love listening here just a conversation reminding me to present & mindful. Thank you ladies😊

[@Hakumokuren]

You discussed all the points similar to the criteria I had set for myself when I decluttered and curated a wardrobe that I love and use repeatedly.

[@kathyffarney-keck8593]

You always give me a push to know myself better

[@MoiraPannell-k1f]

Excellent episode ❤

[@MoiraPannell-k1f]

2 of my questions before purchasing is when (weather is always a consideration in Canada) and where am I going to wear it? Do I need another dress to go out when I rarely go out ? Just examples of what help my decision making and it really helps me to decide.

[@TheDebster44]

Love your podcast ladies! I find it particularly challenging that my financial situation has improved over the last few years to the extend that the reason to stop myself from shopping because of ‘not having the budget’ is not really there anymore. That is what usually stopped me before. It’s a luxury, but it does have its downsides. You can only own so much stuff before abundance becomes clutter, even if it’s fancy clutter 😂. When is it enough? 🤔

[@bloregurl]

Yay new video!

[@windymedrano-oc9ds]

5:25 i love your podcast! Thank you for all the great info? I cant find the shopping flow chart in the notes. Did it get linked or is it just me?

[@33Jenesis]

What do I think about when I want to buy something? I have a $12k new roof due in 2 weeks. I need one tooth implant (front tooth, critical) this year. I have 2 big trips this year ($6k budget). I plan to replace two sheds in the yard to be insulated and look like tiny homes ($15k budget). If I don’t buy anything I don’t need, I can replenish my bank account by end of 2026. It is a long time no buy. I hope these big expenses can change me.

[@kimkirksey562]

I'm currently shopping in my closet...I have just started my 1st no buy for a year... but I usually ask, can I wear the item to work...

[@drc4168]

Nutella???? Isn't that palm oil and Nestle???

[@anbreenvali8157]

SPEAK ABOUT PALESTINE! USE YOUR PLATFORM! 🇵🇸