Maybe it’s because the holidays are so extravagant or maybe it’s that we paid for our honeymoon last month, but right now feels like a really good time to reign in my spending.  And I know I’m not alone!  Not only can it be wasteful to keep buying so many new things each month, but it just doesn’t feel worth it anymore.

So, that’s why I’m instituting my own personal No Buy February.  Basically, I’m challenging myself to go one full month without buying something I don’t absolutely need.  That means groceries and every day beauty and household necessities are in, but clothing, accessories, home décor items, and makeup and beauty non-necessities are out.

I’ve tried to force myself to do this before but have always found a way to cave.  That’s why this time I’m putting it in writing so all of you can help hold me accountable.  It’s also to encourage anyone else who might want to tighten up their budget or cut down on needless spending to give this same challenge a try.

Why am I doing this?  Not only would I like to save a little money, but I also want to be forced to shop my own closet.  I have so many items in there already and if I stop adding things for a few weeks it will encourage me to look at everything I do have in a new and fresh way.

A challenge like this will also help me see what classic items I continue to be drawn to, and which pieces might be put to better use in someone else’s closet.  In this new Marie Kondo world of organization and feelings of joy, a little decluttering can go a long way.

I’ll update my progress each week and let you know what I’ve been wearing and the different ways I’ve styled items from my closet.  This month will also be a good time to talk about the key pieces every wardrobe should have, as well as when it’s appropriate to splurge on an item.  These are just some of the ways to optimize your wardrobe.

And, yes, February also means Fashion Week in New York.  And while I have made my feelings about this time of year pretty clear before, whatever NYFW events I do attend (won’t be many) all of my outfits will be put together based on what is already in my closet.

It might not seem like a big deal, but the next 28 days will help me become more mindful of the consumer decisions I make each month.  And that is a very good thing.

Okay, what do you think about a No Buy February?  Anyone want to join the challenge?

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