Why I'm Quitting Shopping For An Entire Year | My No-buy Year

Starting on the 1st October, I began my year long no-buy challenge. I filmed this video a couple of weeks before that, to share my thoughts on why I want to do this. I hope you enjoy. If it resonates with you at all, drop me a comment, we can support each other ❤️

[@fulanitatita7190]

I am 100% in this ‘caught in-between’ space, plus loving each piece but so over the volume. So… this year was supposed to be my no buy year: I made it 3 months and then I flipped. Hard. I don’t think I’ve ever bought as much as I have this year. I can’t help but wonder if the sense of forbidding shopping might make desire worse. It makes me think I might do another no buy, but for way less time, like maybe a month, just to reset. Good luck with what you decide! I’ll be rooting for you :)

[@Talymaya]

Hi Gemma! I just found your channel and I'm excited to define my no-buy/low-buy year and follow your journey. From what I've seen, a successful no/low buy has definitive rules and limits, since it's impossible to really buy nothing. Looks like your year is no-buy clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry. Have a great day!

[@gemmaamclean]

Hey Taly! Awh excited to have you along on the journey. Yes I think it’s important to have set guidelines, even if their just tailored to your own no-buy/low-buy. Yes my no-buy is mainly on fashion related items, but trying to reduce my consumption in other areas too xx

[@gerigaskill785]

I'm soooo overwhelmed with way too many "things" especially clothing. This was so inspiring, thank you!

[@gemmaamclean]

I’m glad you enjoyed it, hopefully we can both become a little less overwhelmed with time 😊

[@justonemorestitch]

The last few months I've been feeling like this. I subscribed right after you said you wanted to work for yourself 😀 looking forward to seeing how you get on...

[@gemmaamclean]

Awh thanks lovely! YES that’s the ultimate goal, one to work on more in the new year!x

[@LyubomiraGerova97]

Lately I've been thinking of doing a no-buy and you have inspired me to do it! I am excited to watch your future content about how the no-buy is going :)

[@gemmaamclean]

Awh I’m glad! I’ve been wanting to do this for so long but sometimes it need to be the right time. Best of luck if you do it xx

[@m.draganovska]

I honestly don't know how you're channel isn't blowing up. You're IT! and btw: totally feel the same way!

[@gemmaamclean]

Thank you so much, that’s so kind! ❤️

[@ivaneteroark710]

Love your channel, what you are experiencing is normal, I joke that I am the material girl, yet when fall comes I switch into this state of gratitude and I think of my fellow humans who don’t have as much, I am grateful that I donate 10% of my net income, but I don’t feel guilty anymore for shopping, I just want to be selective and only own things that I truly cherish, whatever you decide to do, best wishes always

[@gemmaamclean]

Thank you so much! Yeh I know I’m so lucky to even have this problem of buying too much when some don’t even have enough. It’s not even really a problem, but something I ‘m totally in control of, as long as I’m aware and actually chose to make my own decisions instead of letting advertisers sway me x

[@alig8691]

Hi Gemma. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. I will be doing a no buy in the New Year for 2024. Like you ,I have done various things along the way but not managed to complete my original intentions. Last year ,one thing that really helped me massively was to join "Dress Your Truth" . It is run by a lady named Carol Tuttle (in the USA) and its emphasis is upon your energy and shapes & details of your face. It has really made a positive difference and as a result all the grey, black, beige , sludgy colours have been eliminated from my wardrobe and I feel happier, lighter, and more me even though at first I was sceptical. I still made a few errors afterwards with regard to the fit, shape and texture of garments but now I can easily identify what suits me and I feel good in. Most of the articles and books I have been reading about planning a no buy challenge/year all seem to agree on the "Why" and the end goal. You already have identified why you are going to do this challenge so you are already in a good place to begin from.

[@gemmaamclean]

Hey Ali, I’ll share my first update soon! That sounds a really interesting concept to get to know your style. Sounds similar to the kibbe system. I definitely believe our style comes more from our energy and our own personality than just how we look and how clothing fits us. It’s so great that it’s made you happier in your style, as that should always be the end goal. Yes I have a strong ‘why’ now so I feel like this will keep me going xx

[@user-jx9uv1mx6s]

With you here, lady! I want to par down but don't want to fail, it makes me anxious thinking of doing and failing however the reward from being successful. Hope you have a successful journey.

[@gemmaamclean]

I also hate the idea of failing, which is why I put it off for so long. But trying something is not failing, it’s the never trying that feels more like a failure sometimes. ❤️

[@invisible__design657]

thanks for making this video, very helpful!!

[@gemmaamclean]

Im glad you enjoyed it x

[@user-ts2yd8pj7c]

I did a sort of low buy with clothing this past year - I allowed myself 2-3 items per season if I really felt I needed something It helped so I think I will do the same again in 2024 I purged and donated way more than I brought in

[@gemmaamclean]

Yes that sounds like a great tactic! I had been allowing myself one a month in 2022 but from mid-year I got a little spender. I find it easier to have an all-or-nothing approach for now to kickstart better habits, then ideally continue in a low-buy way x

[@floralwisdom]

I completely relate to this, Gemma... I've got so many clothes and the additional problem of constant shopping plus not being able to let go... I really don't know how to get out of it as fashion for me has filled emotional voids throughout my life (32 yo going 33 next month)... I appreciate your thoughts and hope we can come to the other side 😊

[@gemmaamclean]

Yeh I feel that emotional void thing! Also been doing it for 32 years! We can definitely come out the other side ❤️ happy early birthday. 33 is a transformative age!x

[@siobhansnell9632]

Best of luck Gemma!! Really interested too.. I’ve done no buy jan & july this year! But love how your starting the full thing! I’m going to pull back a lot too 😊

[@marshaho8789]

I'm starting a no buy year soon for the exact same reasons!! Just followed your channel for inspo, we can do it!!

[@gemmaamclean]

Yes we can 🙌 best of luck!x

[@kathrynbythelake9638]

I am finally at the point (after many mistakes) when I can look at something I want to buy and think about my wardrobe "would I wear this new thing or would I rather wear what I have?"

[@melligolightly]

Same! It feels great. I still replace things or sprinkle in some new items here and there.

[@gemmaamclean]

That’s amazing! I guess most things come through trial and error, but not everybody learns from mistakes so well done you 😊

[@MaryAlvarez-ou9pn]

HIGHLY recommend the book “essentialism”. It helps put things in perspective. Also, there is a minimalism chic wardrobe/ would advise to look for pieces that are very versatile but chic at same time- try a capsule wardrobe!

[@gemmaamclean]

Yea I’ve heard of that book but haven’t read it yet! Thanks for the reminder 😊 I have a capsule wardrobe, although I don’t strictly stop shopping each season, I just shop in line with my style but even then I get tempted to buy more than necessary. Xx

[@pattykake7195]

I purchased all the “needed” items for the next year on sale at Black Friday. I am going to embark on a no spend for 6 months, January 1. I hope to extend it to 12 months as I am saving for an island holiday. I have done this successfully before and so can highly recommend it. It teaches discipline and produces way less stress in our lives. I will really also enjoy the holiday it helps to provide…good luck on your journey…🏝.

[@gemmaamclean]

Best of luck, you sound super prepared and ready to take this on! I hope you have a fabulous holiday 😊

[@pattykake7195]

@@gemmaamclean Thank you…and hoping you have success too…👍🏽

[@gemmaamclean]

@@pattykake7195 thanks lovely x

[@sonjabrowatzki8295]

I feel 100 % the same I always think, i am just this one purchase away from the perfect "complete" wardrobe. But there always pops up something new

[@gemmaamclean]

It’s a never ending cycle! It’s fun to add new things from time to time, but not with the idea that they’ll “complete” anything 😊

[@andree7303]

I’ll do it with you! lol in the exact same mindset

[@gemmaamclean]

Amazing!!! X

[@invisible__design657]

the sel expression chapter is so deep

[@lolmakeup5786]

What’s your skincare products and routines and foundation? How do you keep your skin so clear (:

[@gemmaamclean]

That’s so kind of you to say, I’ve always had quite clear skin but I try to keep it that way with a simple enough routine, mainly I try to never sleep in makeup and also don’t wear too much day to day either. I think cleansing my skin and keeping it hydrated is key for me. Foundation I’m wearing here is Il Makiage, I found it pretty cool as they match you to your right shade online, and was very happy with my match. It’s a buildable coverage I would say. X

[@FrugalFunMum]

I'm doing a no buy in some areas and a low buy in others - I have just too much stuff and a lot I got for free so I'm not going to bringing in more things to the house ... it's going to be a long year - I've done it before - I can do it again ! I'm already in panic mode of 'what have I done' .... LOL

[@gemmaamclean]

Haha I know the feeling! But I’m glad I’m in it now and not still waiting to be ready to do it. Already 25% through. You can definitely do it again!!x

[@tinapasic2013]

I would love to do a year no buy. I am getting closer, every month I say I'm going to do a 30 day ban but never make it 30 days. I am happy to say that I get closer and closer to the 30 days each month and for me that is a win.

[@gemmaamclean]

That’s great! 🙌 That’s sort of how I got to a full year, by doing a month every so often, or by trying a low buy, although I never found low-buys work for me that well.

[@_inflection3209]

I'm with you gf. I find I'm shopping to fill a void. And no clothing will fill it. I love fashion, and all but I'll get new in and then I'm to the next thing.

[@_inflection3209]

My suggestion is to go for it and use this platform as a way to keep yourself accountable! Vlog it, the trial's and tribulations etc .

[@gemmaamclean]

I absolutely will! I’m looking forward to keeping everyone updated, if they care to follow along 😊 it’s so true though, void can’t be filled by clothing, unless it’s a genuine gap in your wardrobe, but not in the self xx

[@lizseville1]

Please don’t get fakes and knock offs! Why not just allow yourself 5 beautiful purchases!

[@gemmaamclean]

I totally get it - don’t love the idea of knocks off, especially when they’re just a total copy! Really not ethical! But I’m also not sure if I care about them being “designer” anymore. After my no buy I think I’ll be ready for a couple of beautiful purchases xx