Each month, I’ve enjoyed discovering what Janet and Elise have bought in their monthly series, The Buyer’s Archive. In a bid to buy only what they need and spend wisely, they each chronicle every item bought. I’m curious to compare that with what I buy and of course, our total spends. Whilst I’m in no doubt that I can buy excessively, I like to think that I buy what I need, what will last and invest in quality pieces (even if I have started my winter shopping!) As June marked my last month of living on a teacher’s wage, I’ve decided to join in and begin my own Buyer’s Archive. Partly out of morbid curiosity, but mainly to prove the conviction that style can be affordable.
Lotta from Stockholm Black Highwood Clogs
With a small amount of the money I made, I chose to buy invest in a pair of black leather, dark soled clogs from a seller I found on eBay, Jules. Mistakenly sending me the wrong pair, Jules compensated me for the effort taken to return the incorrect pair. Including post and packaging, these leather shoes cost £32.
Before you think it, I’ll start by saying I found this highly coveted dress in a Manchester charity shop one Friday after work. I couldn’t believe my luck when I spotted the trademark heart embroidered collar nor the label depicting, ‘Coco Fennell’. Weeks previous, I’d been practically drooling looking at the website. At £6.99, it’s probably one of the most expensive charity shop dresses I’ve ever bought, but probably my biggest bargain yet*.
I spent an entire Sunday trawling The Arndale centre looking for a chambray knee length skirt. I grew frustrated after hours of searching and gave up when the closest I could find was £40 and still not right for me. The following week, I stumbled across this skirt in a St Helens charity shop for £3.99. It was only when I got it home I realised it was Tommy Hilfiger.
Who doesn’t love polka dots? With this warmer weather, I’ve been living in midi skirts as they’re just so comfortable. This F&F midi skirt has been perfect for wearing with a t-shirt for those hotter days. It was reduced. £16 to £4.
Total spend: £64.16
How did I compare?
Janet spent £39.98 and Elise spent £10.60. Whilst I’m in no doubt that I found bargains for my £64.16, I’m also left with no doubt that I bought things that will last and that I love.