It’s because we’re all being hit by cost of living. While it’s difficult, it’s a good lesson for us as millennials and younger are spoiled and used to instant gratification.
I’ve always wondered what influencers do with all the stuff they receive/buy. It would drive me crazy having that much stuff because it ends up being clutter.
Wow! You are an influencer for good! I applaud you Caitlin. I think a lot of people (myself included) buy stuff as a reward for working hard for our money. We don’t realise buying stuff (that makes us feel good momentarily) keeps us working harder for longer. If people saved and invested instead of buying said stuff we could be financially independent in around 10 - 15 years. The greatest luxury of all is getting your time back, period.
Time is definitely luxury and not having money stress especially in turbulent times. I’ve massively cut down on spending and I’m so glad I did before the cost of living crisis as I don’t know where I’d be today if I hadn’t. I’m not rich by any means, but now I can comfortably afford my bills without staring at a scary credit card bill. Debt free is amazing! (Except mortgage)
I was going through that buying addiction in the 90s, from a wealthy family, studying in best universities in different countries. Then working hard in a well paid job, but as GenX Boomers were still in charge and it was hard to exist between them. Fighting all the time, using elbows and after a few yrs I was exhausted and burned out. As I was used to high quality designer items, but grew up with a sense of having classics and quality I bought a capsule wardrobe of classic designer wear and accessories and the rest was invested. We don't have any problem to finance our lifestyle now, even the travels or going out for dinner every night won't give us headaches...
Loving your new outlook, I'm sick of influencers pushing unhealthy obsession over unrealistic luxury items. I'm focusing more of mid luxury or buy from small businesses and things I do actually like and use
I have sold a large sum of my bags, also only making about 50% what I paid. I have gutted my clothing and shoes and started a capsule wardrobe. I could never go back. I love the less is more… I’d love to see a tour of your collection once you get it downsized, I think a lot of us are scared to let go of things. I had so many big ticket items and ready to wear that I only wore once or twice, what a waste.
This really resonated with me! I went down a luxury dive for 2 years and realize how outlandish I was for spending that kind of money that could have been put other places like retirement or memorable vacations.
It’s so nice to see people expressing how they feel openly. I’m seeing/feeling this way too. Once the quality started to slip, I really had to question WHY I was buying these items! I now try to focus on natural fabrics, and quality cool looking pieces rather than the “designer” things.
From 1 hand you are right completely, from another hand, following you for a long time it feels like you replace 1 mental obsession with another one. Like you got the idea of minimalism and more important things in life and now you are pushing too hard this idea as before you were pushing shopping and consumption. We all change and have our own phases, but you should not constantly shame yourself for your previous passions and money spent, it is ok, no need to go from one end to another, it is always better to move forward, keeping memories of the past with smile rather than regrets.
My husband and I moved last week into our first home. I couldn’t believe how much junk we had! I got rid of so many things and I feel so much better and lighter! I realized I don’t need much to be happy. Quality over quantity!
I think I have 12 bags in my collection in total so I can’t imagine buy that many a year would cause me so much anxiety 😅 it’s so cool to see others realizing how much we overspend without realizing it
I totally can relate to the "pain" associated with shopping during the pandemic. I wasted too much money over things during that time; I told my sister if I didn't spend a lot I could have traveled to my dream destination by now. But of course I don't want to fall into regret because everything is water under the bridge now, the only thing I can do is learn from that experience instead of wallowing from self-pity and regret (because regret is the best way to be bitter and depressed). Sometimes things happen and we just need to charge it to experience.
You're becoming my favorite channel. Working on my triggers big time. I'm really proud, but hit a random perchase yesterday. I'm less into luxury and more into small creators. Regardless, the shopping addition is very real. Removing alcohol from my life has helped my inner talk and thus, my inner strength with things like the "why" to my shopping. Thank you for these topics
@@CaitlinPawlowski the zero proof life has been beyond rewarding. I highly recommend Quit Like A Woman by Holy Whitaker. She narrates the auto book, too. Game changer!
Hello Caitlin...Im an OG and have been watching your channel for years. When you shared purchases, I was happy and envious all in one. I thought I wasn't good enough because I couldn't afford a Chanel mini, Lady Dior, or the LV trunk handbag. I was like, this woman is young and wealthy. I wish I could be like her. I was depressed for months. Thinking what am I doing wrong. I had to get over the fact that I can't afford 6 luxury handbags at a time. If I want a specific handbag, I have to save. I purchased all my handbags when I had the cash to do so. I realized that I love my handbags and don't regret any of my purchases. Tfs! I loved this video!❤
Absolutely resonates with me! I’ve even gone to the extent of not watching many luxury UA-camrs anymore because some of their content is too out of touch for me-especially in this economy. I’ve gone from living comfortably before and being able to afford a bag or two a year, to now living paycheck to paycheck and just barely getting by. Thank you for your video!
I stopped buying luxury bags and started buying high quality contemporary bags. They seemed like such a good value compared to the ridiculous luxury prices...so I bought more. New situation, same old problem of just too much consumption. Now I am selling the majority of my bags, it's a pain, it's so time consuming, and it's a financial loss, but I'm actually glad to be going through it because the craziness has stopped. I realize I actually only carry about 5 different bags over the course of a year. I feel so much better being intentional about things now with wardrobe items and in other areas of my life. So yes, 100% can relate to your lessons. Great video.
I feel this so much. I was spending a lot money the past couple years and i knew it needed to stop so i did a no-buy on anything fashion/accessories related from Jan to May. I was originally going to do to it for 3 months but i kept extending it. It was an eye-opening experience. My desire to shop plummeted & I'm on a low-buy as a result. I finally realized what I was actually missing from my wardrobe and what I really wore on a day-to-day basis. I'll probably do another fashion no-buy again next year too.
Thanks for Sharing! I can totally relate...I'm in my early 60s and considered myself a handbag collector with about 40 something designer bags. I'm starting to downsize and realize I've been a bit irresponsible. Best wishes on your new Journey! 😊
I am 64 this year, and have downsized my handbags collection the last 2 years. I am very glad I did. I did love them all, and they were gorgeous, but don’t regret it.
I just discovered your channel and so much of what you say resonates. I'm much older and have never had a shopping addiction yet your words ring true. It takes a conscious effort to pause and think about what's behind purchasing outrageously over priced goods. I think the message you're sending is so healthy and necessary for all ages. I think I'm fiscally conservative by nature and yet, I don't deny myself beautiful things or expensive trips. The more disposable income I have, the less interested I am in buying these "luxury" goods. I think the psychology of money is fascinating and I love your philosophy. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable side.
I have to admit I am enjoying your videos and content so much more than before🤭 with all the shopping and unboxings ....these conversations are so much more realistic and normal... I do enjoy just watching unboxing and review videos but these conversations speak to me 🙌🏽
Struggling with impulsive spending? I created a free 14 day journal with prompts to help you start the process towards mindful spending, heres the link! fourteendayjournal.myflodesk.com/2553181e-34cc-4be8-9fe4-599721e98ddd Happy journalling!
Personally many things when shopping do not appeal enough to my personal taste to give me impulse issues. But I would say that is a perfectionist’s take on things. I find with everything from tea to clothing that people buy less when they let themselves be truly picky and only buy their perfect fit favorites. Also, in style issues I have found an odd reason I have struggled with it. I struggle with it because most fabrics either don’t breathe enough and I overheat or breathe too much and leave me cold. I found my solution by accident via fashion history. I discovered that most cultures with seasonal cold climates wore layers of thin breathable fabric to allow for easy temperature regulation. When I say layers historically I mean potentially 6+ like in hanfu. Typically it was linen against the skin because it was durable and easy to wash with layers of silk or wool on top. So I am looking at linen or a cotton against the skin with silk or cashmere on top because they breathe. And yet when these materials are used it is usually not with very many layers in mind. Layers like this usually look very bulky and are a pain as pants, but not a dress, which now makes so many cultures wearing robes very logical. So back to the drawing board for me and my wardrobe plans. Side note: Winter historical hanfu is the most jealousy inducing thing. It is essentially silk fabric clothing with fur trim that is silk filled, which means you are wearing a fur trimmed silk thin squishy comforter as clothing. Fur trimmed silk pillow clothing. Just….really taking comfort up about 12 notches particularly as you would not overheat because silk fill is breathable. Investing is a good thing, but investing should be done cautiously these days. (Making sure to insure things too) Personally I think it safest to do so in physical things you have possession of because inflation is taking things through the roof and bombing businesses in it’s wake. Things that gain value with time like art, tea cakes (blocks of compressed tea), wine, gold, antiques and so on…..
I can't believe how much I resonate with this! It's nice to hear someone on social media being vocal about the pain of reselling luxury goods (or any item for that matter) and the almost certain loss you have on these "investment bags". It feels so good to have that power back, to be able to just not buy things anymore but no longer feel like I'm missing out or "behind in the fashion world" anymore.
Caitlin, I love this change in content. I met my wonderful boyfriend in Jan 2022 as well and I’ve never been in a happier relationship. It’s actually be so beneficial to changing my spending because I’m not filling a void. Your change in content was so timely; I feel like we’re experiencing the same thing in parallel when you talk about decluttering, stopping the luxury shopping, investing. So great to hear someone talking about the same things I’m doing. Very, very refreshing content and happy you’ve found this balance in your life. 😊
You have grown so much Cait...love it. You are great motivation to us (including myself) luxury handbags addicts or lovers. I have been watching y-tubers with similar concept which is helpful. Yep luxury handbags are waste of money, not an investment. Great video.
So timely as I just deleted IG. I’ve been needing a break from people pushing product in my face and I’m trying to enjoy what I have. More of this content please!! And- thank you for this
Hi Caitlin. For the money you think it’s loss but when you sold lesser amount, just think that you have paid the experience you had when you dreamt and got the bag that you couldn’t remove it from your life! It’s like you pay the theme park or cinema tickets that you paid the experience and memories, you didn’t own the roller coaster or the cinema seat!
I resonate with your points. I also love clothes bags handbags jewelry hats scarves. I have acquired a lot of these items over the years. Even though I don’t use or wear them, the beauty of these items still has a hold on me. However not using an item is waste of its beauty. There may be someone who would use it often. Besides, when I die I can’t take anything with me.
You know, here’s the thing. More expensive doesn’t equal more quality 99% of the time. It might have ‘Once apon a time’ not anymore. More expensive means greater profit margin.
This is so helpful. I am in so much unnecessary debt. I can clear it I mean I have a good job and stuff but its so unnecessary. It is not even designer stuff. Its the small small things. I have so much makeup almost like an influencer. I don't even need it. I needed a dress for a Christmas dinner now and I literally got 3 dresses and a skirt just cause I couldn't decide which one to buy and I bought all the options. I realized how ridiculous that sounds. I was always a very mindful spender but it all started in 2020 and now 3 years and I have spent so much money. Thee videos really are a wake up call.
I have had this struggle for some time now. My achilles heel is FOMO - being terrified something is going to sell out quickly and then I feel the regret of not jumping on it quicker, so I snap it up and then regret that I was impulsive. I definitely notice that I'm much more inclined to do this when I'm not in a good headspace. I feel like a fool as I have a walk in wardrobe of items still with the tags on, and a lifestyle that doesn't even give me the opportunity to wear most of it. Like you say - it's the everyday, ordinary items that are the workhorses.
Two things u should have mentioned 1. How many "high end brands" such as Doir & LouieV are owned by the conglomerate LVMH and/or they are essentially now mass producing the cloths in Italy (regardless of the brand's orginal country) where there is no mimimun wage and the workers are likely from Asian/ Eastern European countries. 2. The biggest difference between cars & cloths/handbags as investments is that the car makers will only or can only produce a certain number of a particular model which is really a huge deciding factor in how well a car holds or increases in value. Whereas most cloths & bags, even high end brands, are essenially mass produced and widely released eventually.
I found your channel via another video. And it’s very pleasant to see and hear that you actually have been there too. You’re not lecturing and you story feels very authentic to me. especially since I was in the same place as you thank you😊
I'm in a very similar headspace. I came into money in my late 30s, after a lifetime of being completely broke. I moved to a new home & suddenly all the other mothers @ school events had designer handbags & clothes, drove luxury cars, got Botox, fillers & light plastic surgery, etc. I felt very intimidated & my way of trying to work around that was to buy an SUV that costs 3x what my next most expensive car was, & probably ~$35‐40k worth of handbags, jewelry & clothing that I never had access to. The car & jewelry never felt "wrong" to me for whatever reason, but the designer clothing, shoes & handbags always made me feel like a little girl playing dress-up. So I'm slowly but surely selling off the things that don't feel like "me", & I've made a firm decision to only buy high-quality items that I REALLY want- not designer labels for the sake of the label. I do still carry a few designer handbags, but I have 4 (one for each season, & I will have them until they fall apart, before buying anything new). I tend to gravitate more to quiet luxury so anything boldly branded is now gone & I feel so much more authentically "me".
I live in a neighborhood like that. I cannot even count the number of folks living high that have had to sell their homes or walk away from their mortgages. You did very well with your inheritance.
Thanks for talking about this Caitlin! I can relate a lot to this, I got rid of basically every single designer bags because they were just sitting on the shelf aswell. I have the same outlook as you, just money sitting there why keep it? I ended up selling them and just buying 1 "holy grail" bag, but even I have only used it for like 2-3 times over the past year and im wondering if I should sell that one at this point. I don't even reach for it and I am worried that I will ruin it because its lambskin... I prefer putting my money into other investments now then I did before in previous years. Thank you for sharing this video and being so genuine about everything 💕
Don’t be too strict to yourself! If you can get good money- sell, if you like that thing-wear it, if you don’t know-keep it. There’s no need for a rash and cruelty to yourself. Once you bought those thing you were in love with them. ❤
Loved this video, it was great to hear your feelings on the matter. But it is important to remember that we all make mistakes and it’s not the end of the world. It’s okay to buy something, enjoy it for a while and realize it no longer serves us. It helps us to learn and grown when we can see what benefits us and what doesn’t. Not every purchase needs to be a profitable investment. And if you’re able to sell it, you still got some money back. Cheers from Florida, 🇺🇸♥️
I spent many years-date I say decades-wrapped up in designer gear. And I always justified it because I was commuting into Manhattan and worked in the industry. One day I realized I hadn’t worn the majority of my wardrobe. And I vowed to change that. It never happened. Then, when I moved into a new place closer to the city I only had two sport coats that weren’t packed up. I wore one for a week straight and realized that the buyers I met with wouldn’t see me again for months. And that I could probably get away with wearing this one sport coat a lot. Somehow, that shift moved me away from constant buying and more towards lifetime and timeless garments; something you’ve cited here as well. It’s been years and I’m down to 5 sport coats and 3 suits. Endless garbage quartz designer watches down to 4 heirloom pieces. Etc. A wonderful place to be but an expensive and prolonged lesson for sure.
Great video! Would be fun to see what’s left in your closet (what and why you kept those items). 😃 And I’m still in the drooling over your purple fendi mode, she’s a beauty💜 But we’re saving for both a wedding and renovation of our garden, so need to prioritise that🤓🍀
I am so glad that you now realised the need to sell off the stuff and wardrobe that you no longer gravitate to and get back some of your money. Yes you were holding on to things that you no longer care about and feel liberated once you have offloaded them. I am semi retired and I totally resonate with you. I do not have tons of stuff like you but I only wished that I realised it when I was as young as you are. Seeing influencers shopping and buying almost every week put me off and I kept telling myself there are more to life than shopping. I am so happy for you that you are in this head space. Intentional living and building relationships with people you truly care about. Good for you and you go girl. Caitlyn!!❤❤
12:05 even when the purchase is well thought through, it doesn’t protect you from unlucky buying. There still be disappointments, because you can’t predict the future.
Caitlyn, I have downsized myself. I sold off thousands of my luxury collection this year. I was standing in my closet and realized so many of my purses, I didn’t even carry. They were purchased just to say I own it. I had 40 high end luxury handbags and I now have 30. I can honestly say the 30 handbags I own now, I carry. I rotate between them all regularly. I have no plans to buy anymore. What I have is more than enough. But I, too, realized I was spending way too much on material things. That money should be invested or saved up.
I never bought a designer bag until I could buy it and have 50K leftover. I bought my one and only dream bag I wanted forever - a Kelly 25. I use it all the time and it is my favorite bag and I will have it forever and it is a classic made so so well.
There is so much value in having an HG… a holy grail… that makes it easy to say no to everything thing else. I swear there’s crack in the air conditioning in some of these stores 😂 it’s so hard not to get swept up the the glamour and the rush! Your doing so well! And I love your videos ❤
It’s so easy to get caught up thinking we need so much when you see influencers doing it 😅 but then you realize it’s their job 😂 like me a normal person doesn’t need such an excess of new things every month now to live my regular life 🥰 I’m not for example going to the south of France every other month 🥰 it helps to shop specifically for my lifestyle. :)
In all fairness, even they don't need all their stuff. Nobody, not even an influencer, needs a new wardrobe for every vacation. If you're going to lose friends because you re wear clothing or don't get new shit all the time to show off, these people aren't your friends.
Love it, Caitlin! I’ve been on a similar parallel journey (just on a lot smaller scale and with mostly Chanel bags), and it’s been interesting realizing that I don’t really wear these bags I worked so hard to get. I started to look at them as loads of cash just sitting there and also thought to myself, do I love this or would I rather have the cash (even if it’s not as much as what I paid for it)? The answer was usually, I would rather have the cash. I also look at the new launches and mostly think “nah, no thanks.” I’m onto Hermès and fine jewelry now, but buying at a much slower pace. It’s all a journey!
I remember when the handbag collecting boom happened and people were saying bags are a batterninvestment than anything else. I feel that 2020 really did change our mindset, and we are also poorer
Hi Caitlin, I have to admit I was an earlier subscriber, but had to unsubscribe due to too much consumerism, it was overwhelming. UA-cam suggested this video to me and I have to say, I am proud of you! I‘ve also been there, but my guilty pleasure were perfumes and clothes. I am in the process of a major declutter, not just my wardrobe, but my entire home. I am resubscribing and looking forward to your new videos! Love from Germany ❤
Yep, we all get influenced 😮💨 I love watching the unboxings and seeing the fancy collections but I don’t buy. What works for me is limits. I go on no buys, set budgets, cap myself at 1 bag a year, etc.
I think much of it has to do with filling underlining voids. I think when we see that other people love us and value time spent with us the less likely we need to buy. We all peacock once in a while, but you have to ask yourself whose validation are you craving? I believe I am leaning more towards individuality and less "trend" and I find myself more irritated when influencers show me things they've bought. I think we just go through different stages in which we develop through experiences and often times those experiences shed light on what is valuable. We are allowed to be imperfect, how else would we learn and improve. Sidenote: What is luxury anymore? I feel like there are many brands that have far better quality items than some of the big luxury houses, but because they do not have a flex or clout attached to it somehow they are left on the sidelines. Luxury does not mean 10K and I think people need to understand that. If you are a person who struggles with style often times trend pieces perpetuate a sense of insecure that you are consistently masking. No amount of luxury influencer products are going to give you style and you will be consistently spending your money on items that do not suit you, your lifestyle, or your sense of comfort. You wear the clothes not the other way around. It doesn't mean minimalism it simply means you need to sit with your wardrobe and have a genuine conversation each season.
I used to justify it's my money I buy or do whatever I want because shopping was my hobby. I want new outfit every week. I had over 100 hundred pairs of shoes and alot of clothes and bags. I donated alot but I buy more I try to buy more organization bins to keep it organized...one day, I just realized I have too much stuff it's not my space 😢. I don't have credit card debt, but I still have a student debt and a car loan, and when I decided to quit my job, I realized I didn't have much savings 😢. With new job I was making less money so I started learning about personal finance, minimalist and decluttering. Even though I was making less but I was able to save more paid off all debt and started investing. Took me 6 months to break bad habits. Now I can go without shopping up to 5 months 😊. Wish I can tell my younger self what not to do but I probably won't listen 😂
I can honestly say that the more items i have, the more desicion fatigue i get. I want life simple and not to break my head in the morning thinking about 10k possible clothing combinations
I have a quite small wardrobe, but I still notice, that there are things that I re-wear over and over, and others I wear once a year or do not wear at all. Recently I found out on youtube about Project 333: when you choose 33 pieces in your wardrobe (including bags and shoes) and wear only them for 3 months. It can be interesting to do it even for 1 month. Maybe it will be difficult and challenging to do it during season transitioning with only 33 pieces of clothes. I think attachment to things is not necessarily a bad thing, but of course it can not be for many things, it can be one or two things from time to time. I still remember one pair of jeans, that I had more than 10 years ago, they were so unique and I felt so good in them, but of course with time they got ripped and I threw them away, but still remember this pair=)
I have been seeing you on my YT feed for months and I’ve watched your videos here and there but this video is what made me subscribe to your channel. I can totally relate. I have tried to sell my impulse buys and have experienced the same difficulty selling them even at a loss. And the loss is extremely disappointing. It has helped curb my spending tendencies and has pushed me to really think about my purchases. I am also now on my way to consuming less and being more intentional and mindful of my purchases. I totally agree with how they are not investments, at least not in my experience. I will admit that I never bought my pieces for investment purposes but like you, they are just sitting in my closet collecting dust when they could be money I could invest somewhere more financially sound. I also started my channel about luxury handbags cause I do love them but I don’t know, it just doesn’t give me the same amount of joy it used to. I read an article related to a psychological effect to a child where if a child has way too many toys, it diminishes their focus and development as opposed to giving them few but highly stimulating and educational toys. That made me think about how it may have the same effect on adults. The excess in my “collection” which is a dot compared to yours and all the other influencers I follow, has robbed the joy of the pieces I’ve collected because now when I see them knowing that I haven’t used them as much as I should for the money that I spent on them, they make me feel guilty instead. I am now in the phase of decluttering and practicing mindfulness in my purchases. I still stumble here and there but I am a work in progress. :) This is basically a long winded way of saying, this video is a beautiful affirmation of what I have been thinking about for months, lol. Great video, will check out your other videos for more of these topics. I find that if I am careful with what I watch (avoiding unboxings and all that) it helps to keep me on track with my goal to spend less. Great insights, thank you. :)
I recognized the shopping problem when i was barely living paycheck to paycheck. Now, i value my time more than stuff, and plan to pay off my credit cards for good.
Love this video! My fave so far because I went through every single lesson myself! And, yes, people will not understand until they are in this headspace! 💖
For me was realising I don't need something because I like it. Its about enjoying clothes and not just having them sat in a drawer. I regret buying stuff for what I assumed would be my poat pandemic life. I don't use a lot of bags, I make sure i circulate my bags for use. I know i don't want to get rid of stuff because i would miss it.
People don’t realize until they try to resell their designer items how unbelievably oversaturated the designer resale market is. To make it worth your while you have must something that’s is a fashion staple (like a black Chanel classic flap) or truly unique (limited edition or was an “it” item featured in promotion or worn by celeb) and in PERFECT condition. If your item doesn’t meet these requirements you will be lucky if someone even makes a reasonable offer after several weeks of posting. Resell is not a side hustle when it’s your own items, it’s a store closing sale. There’s also a lot of scamming happening: buying your item, opening a return and then sending back a fake or sending back the item with damage that wasn’t there prior to shipping.
Thank goodness you came up in my feed. You’re the channel I needed. My husband is getting ready to retire. I need to change my thinking on what makes me happy.
Excellent video. Handbags aren’t an investment IMO. Same as you, I’ve most often taken a loss. I’m just keeping what I have for now due to lowball market.
I’m so proud of you! It takes a lot of introspection, courage, strength and HARD WORK to accomplish this!!! I’d love to learn HOW to sell my stuff online! What platforms are best? Tips and tricks!! Thank you Caitlin
I have never liked to spend money. Especially on things that don’t go up in value. I have a very small luxury collection and do not plan on growing that collection, today. I do love other non-luxury brands and ONLY purchase when they have a 50% or more off sale. I haven’t made any luxury purchases since this whole pandemic started (late 2019). I much rather save for my retirement one day and savings is a must for me.
I totally get this and am in the processing massively decluttering and down sizing my wardrobe. It’s really hard getting rid of things due to the memories, cost etc… we need to give each other counselling.. lol
Bless you for speaking so truthfully. I appreciate you sharing your journey. I have a huge amount of stuff collected over the last decade. 80% of which ive never worn. Like your analogy to would we leave $ sitting on our shelves...and the stories we rell ourselves about collecting. I too have used the one about people collecting cars. I am slowing down but not as fast as I'd like...but take inspiration from your experience. Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing. A lot of us must have been going through the same waves since the pandemic. It’s good to feel a bit more grounded about things. It’s a good space to be in.
I was just saying the other day that the more stuff we have, the more we have to take care of all of it. Then we're spending our time taking care of our stuff...instead of ourselves. I'm currently going through a similar journey, it's hard to get out of that headspace and just go live your life vs. spending time trying to get the next thing.
I appreciate you sharing your shopping reduction journey with us. I too, love to shop but I was never a trend follower, I just love owning beautiful items because they genuinely bring me joy. It feels like my wishlist is never ending but I spend months thinking about a purchase before making it, but I’d love to get to a place where I don’t desire anything.
50% of $ back is about what I recoup as well. I am very happy to have let them all go. As for luxury item, I find that I appreciate them more when I don’t have too many of them.
Just proves that the bags are overpriced. I lost so much money buying designer bags and then selling them. Rethought my whole process and attitude to shopping. Only high quality but very well thought out purchases and things that are timeless
I always hear youtubers say "I sold for a loss". How can you sell for a loss when you used them? I mean anything that is already used devalues itself naturally. The only two "investment brands" are Channel and Hermes, that's it. Any other brands that you use and then sell for 30-40% of what it costsl, you will have made money and not lost money and be thankful for it. See, the time that you have been using the bag and enjoyed it also costs. It's the 60-70% of the price that you think you lost. You didn't lose it coz you used it. Remember the term "cost per wear". So the next time you sell a luxury bag for less than what you bought it for, be grateful coz you earned a little bit of something from a used bag that not a lot of people are interested in anymore. I myself always buy new. I used it to the point where I can no longer even donate it coz it's beaten up bad.
So many great points raised in this video! Lots of us have a "problem" and some of us are aware of it and some of us are totally oblivious to it however whether we acknowledge it or not, the problem is still there
I wanted to buy your multicolour baguette, too bad someone beat me to it. However i also recently sold a chanel clutch and lv alma. To my surprise, i dont miss those things. I've now added thay money to our family travel fund which we are going to in a week ❤ money better spent! I'm still after a baguette tho 😅
that was really helpful information to keep in mind because I also kind of have a shopping problem too but I am working on it. Would you mind making a vid on what ur closet looks like now? or do a decluttering vid on what u got rid of and the thought process ?
I absolutely get it, I went crazy comfort shopping a couple of years ago. Looking at all the stuff I bought now I feel like banging my head against the wall because it seems so dumb now.
I may have commented this before, but I’m really happy with the way you’re going with your life journey. ❤ Just to share what helped me in managing my purchases - is this old but often forgotten concept of ROI (return on investment). For example, if I see this $1000 bag, would I be able to, and want to, use it AT LEAST 100x so that it’s equivalent to $10 per wear? If yes, then buy. If no, then pass. If the product is sturdy and timeless and usable* enough, then i know i’m making the right choice. *by usable i always think about the opposite of those Jacquemus minibags which could only hold your lipstick some coins and fresh mints 😂. I almost bought one of those coz they’re cute, but yeah, no ROI.
i wish this video goes more viral ... this is a nice lesson for women/girls who are addicted to shopping .... you are very smart and logical young lady
Am happy how ppl are finally realising we are all overspending on unnecessary things bc of influence. Time to know ourselves better! Xoxo
The shopping is cluttering my mind and house and they’re holding me back. I think we’re all realizing we cannot keep going like this
Couldn’t agree more! 😘
It’s because we’re all being hit by cost of living. While it’s difficult, it’s a good lesson for us as millennials and younger are spoiled and used to instant gratification.
YES! ❤
I’ve always wondered what influencers do with all the stuff they receive/buy. It would drive me crazy having that much stuff because it ends up being clutter.
Wow! You are an influencer for good! I applaud you Caitlin. I think a lot of people (myself included) buy stuff as a reward for working hard for our money. We don’t realise buying stuff (that makes us feel good momentarily) keeps us working harder for longer. If people saved and invested instead of buying said stuff we could be financially independent in around 10 - 15 years. The greatest luxury of all is getting your time back, period.
Thankyou so much for being here ☺️❤️
Time is definitely luxury and not having money stress especially in turbulent times. I’ve massively cut down on spending and I’m so glad I did before the cost of living crisis as I don’t know where I’d be today if I hadn’t. I’m not rich by any means, but now I can comfortably afford my bills without staring at a scary credit card bill. Debt free is amazing! (Except mortgage)
I was going through that buying addiction in the 90s, from a wealthy family, studying in best universities in different countries.
Then working hard in a well paid job, but as GenX Boomers were still in charge and it was hard to exist between them. Fighting all the time, using elbows and after a few yrs I was exhausted and burned out.
As I was used to high quality designer items, but grew up with a sense of having classics and quality I bought a capsule wardrobe of classic designer wear and accessories and the rest was invested.
We don't have any problem to finance our lifestyle now, even the travels or going out for dinner every night won't give us headaches...
Loving your new outlook, I'm sick of influencers pushing unhealthy obsession over unrealistic luxury items. I'm focusing more of mid luxury or buy from small businesses and things I do actually like and use
I have sold a large sum of my bags, also only making about 50% what I paid. I have gutted my clothing and shoes and started a capsule wardrobe. I could never go back. I love the less is more… I’d love to see a tour of your collection once you get it downsized, I think a lot of us are scared to let go of things. I had so many big ticket items and ready to wear that I only wore once or twice, what a waste.
Thankyou for sharing your experience I might do that
I still feel like I’m a long way off from where I want to be but slowly I’ll get there 🥰
This really resonated with me! I went down a luxury dive for 2 years and realize how outlandish I was for spending that kind of money that could have been put other places like retirement or memorable vacations.
It’s so nice to see people expressing how they feel openly. I’m seeing/feeling this way too. Once the quality started to slip, I really had to question WHY I was buying these items! I now try to focus on natural fabrics, and quality cool looking pieces rather than the “designer” things.
Thanks for watching 😘
From 1 hand you are right completely, from another hand, following you for a long time it feels like you replace 1 mental obsession with another one. Like you got the idea of minimalism and more important things in life and now you are pushing too hard this idea as before you were pushing shopping and consumption. We all change and have our own phases, but you should not constantly shame yourself for your previous passions and money spent, it is ok, no need to go from one end to another, it is always better to move forward, keeping memories of the past with smile rather than regrets.
You hit the nail on the head! Well said👏👏 Totally agree!
My husband and I moved last week into our first home. I couldn’t believe how much junk we had! I got rid of so many things and I feel so much better and lighter! I realized I don’t need much to be happy. Quality over quantity!
I think I have 12 bags in my collection in total so I can’t imagine buy that many a year would cause me so much anxiety 😅 it’s so cool to see others realizing how much we overspend without realizing it
I totally can relate to the "pain" associated with shopping during the pandemic. I wasted too much money over things during that time; I told my sister if I didn't spend a lot I could have traveled to my dream destination by now. But of course I don't want to fall into regret because everything is water under the bridge now, the only thing I can do is learn from that experience instead of wallowing from self-pity and regret (because regret is the best way to be bitter and depressed). Sometimes things happen and we just need to charge it to experience.
You're becoming my favorite channel. Working on my triggers big time. I'm really proud, but hit a random perchase yesterday. I'm less into luxury and more into small creators. Regardless, the shopping addition is very real. Removing alcohol from my life has helped my inner talk and thus, my inner strength with things like the "why" to my shopping. Thank you for these topics
Thankyou so much for being here it means a lot
I am currently trying to cut down my alcohol consumption ❤️
@@CaitlinPawlowski the zero proof life has been beyond rewarding. I highly recommend Quit Like A Woman by Holy Whitaker. She narrates the auto book, too. Game changer!
Hello Caitlin...Im an OG and have been watching your channel for years. When you shared purchases, I was happy and envious all in one. I thought I wasn't good enough because I couldn't afford a Chanel mini, Lady Dior, or the LV trunk handbag. I was like, this woman is young and wealthy. I wish I could be like her. I was depressed for months. Thinking what am I doing wrong. I had to get over the fact that I can't afford 6 luxury handbags at a time. If I want a specific handbag, I have to save. I purchased all my handbags when I had the cash to do so. I realized that I love my handbags and don't regret any of my purchases. Tfs! I loved this video!❤
Thankyou so much for watching and being here ❤️
Absolutely resonates with me! I’ve even gone to the extent of not watching many luxury UA-camrs anymore because some of their content is too out of touch for me-especially in this economy. I’ve gone from living comfortably before and being able to afford a bag or two a year, to now living paycheck to paycheck and just barely getting by. Thank you for your video!
I stopped buying luxury bags and started buying high quality contemporary bags. They seemed like such a good value compared to the ridiculous luxury prices...so I bought more. New situation, same old problem of just too much consumption. Now I am selling the majority of my bags, it's a pain, it's so time consuming, and it's a financial loss, but I'm actually glad to be going through it because the craziness has stopped. I realize I actually only carry about 5 different bags over the course of a year. I feel so much better being intentional about things now with wardrobe items and in other areas of my life. So yes, 100% can relate to your lessons. Great video.
That’s so good to hear! Thanks for watching xx
That’s great. I want to follow the same path. Could you please share which contemporary designers bags are you purchasing now?
I feel this so much.
I was spending a lot money the past couple years and i knew it needed to stop so i did a no-buy on anything fashion/accessories related from Jan to May. I was originally going to do to it for 3 months but i kept extending it. It was an eye-opening experience. My desire to shop plummeted & I'm on a low-buy as a result. I finally realized what I was actually missing from my wardrobe and what I really wore on a day-to-day basis.
I'll probably do another fashion no-buy again next year too.
Thanks for Sharing! I can totally relate...I'm in my early 60s and considered myself a handbag collector with about 40 something designer bags. I'm starting to downsize and realize I've been a bit irresponsible. Best wishes on your new Journey! 😊
Best wishes on yours too 🥳💕
I am 64 this year, and have downsized my handbags collection the last 2 years. I am very glad I did. I did love them all, and they were gorgeous, but don’t regret it.
I just discovered your channel and so much of what you say resonates. I'm much older and have never had a shopping addiction yet your words ring true. It takes a conscious effort to pause and think about what's behind purchasing outrageously over priced goods. I think the message you're sending is so healthy and necessary for all ages. I think I'm fiscally conservative by nature and yet, I don't deny myself beautiful things or expensive trips. The more disposable income I have, the less interested I am in buying these "luxury" goods. I think the psychology of money is fascinating and I love your philosophy. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable side.
Once again girl we are on the same life track and discovering the same stuff as we grow older. Loving your new direction ❤
Yay! Thank you! ❤️
I have to admit I am enjoying your videos and content so much more than before🤭 with all the shopping and unboxings ....these conversations are so much more realistic and normal... I do enjoy just watching unboxing and review videos but these conversations speak to me 🙌🏽
Glad you like them!
Struggling with impulsive spending? I created a free 14 day journal with prompts to help you start the process towards mindful spending, heres the link!
fourteendayjournal.myflodesk.com/2553181e-34cc-4be8-9fe4-599721e98ddd
Happy journalling!
Every friggin one😪
Thank you for saying it. I need to wake up and stop buying stuff i don't really need i.e 12 new bag. Help me 😥
I don't know ❤😢
Personally many things when shopping do not appeal enough to my personal taste to give me impulse issues. But I would say that is a perfectionist’s take on things. I find with everything from tea to clothing that people buy less when they let themselves be truly picky and only buy their perfect fit favorites.
Also, in style issues I have found an odd reason I have struggled with it. I struggle with it because most fabrics either don’t breathe enough and I overheat or breathe too much and leave me cold. I found my solution by accident via fashion history. I discovered that most cultures with seasonal cold climates wore layers of thin breathable fabric to allow for easy temperature regulation. When I say layers historically I mean potentially 6+ like in hanfu. Typically it was linen against the skin because it was durable and easy to wash with layers of silk or wool on top. So I am looking at linen or a cotton against the skin with silk or cashmere on top because they breathe. And yet when these materials are used it is usually not with very many layers in mind. Layers like this usually look very bulky and are a pain as pants, but not a dress, which now makes so many cultures wearing robes very logical. So back to the drawing board for me and my wardrobe plans.
Side note: Winter historical hanfu is the most jealousy inducing thing. It is essentially silk fabric clothing with fur trim that is silk filled, which means you are wearing a fur trimmed silk thin squishy comforter as clothing. Fur trimmed silk pillow clothing. Just….really taking comfort up about 12 notches particularly as you would not overheat because silk fill is breathable.
Investing is a good thing, but investing should be done cautiously these days. (Making sure to insure things too) Personally I think it safest to do so in physical things you have possession of because inflation is taking things through the roof and bombing businesses in it’s wake. Things that gain value with time like art, tea cakes (blocks of compressed tea), wine, gold, antiques and so on…..
I can't believe how much I resonate with this! It's nice to hear someone on social media being vocal about the pain of reselling luxury goods (or any item for that matter) and the almost certain loss you have on these "investment bags". It feels so good to have that power back, to be able to just not buy things anymore but no longer feel like I'm missing out or "behind in the fashion world" anymore.
At 45, I’ve learned we all go through phases and it’s all about finding balance.😊🌸
Becoming a minimalist I’ve down sized my luxury handbag collection to only 5. Haven’t online shopped in months 🎉❤
Caitlin, I love this change in content. I met my wonderful boyfriend in Jan 2022 as well and I’ve never been in a happier relationship. It’s actually be so beneficial to changing my spending because I’m not filling a void. Your change in content was so timely; I feel like we’re experiencing the same thing in parallel when you talk about decluttering, stopping the luxury shopping, investing. So great to hear someone talking about the same things I’m doing. Very, very refreshing content and happy you’ve found this balance in your life. 😊
You have grown so much Cait...love it. You are great motivation to us (including myself) luxury handbags addicts or lovers. I have been watching y-tubers with similar concept which is helpful. Yep luxury handbags are waste of money, not an investment. Great video.
So timely as I just deleted IG. I’ve been needing a break from people pushing product in my face and I’m trying to enjoy what I have. More of this content please!! And- thank you for this
I deleted TikTok for this reason lol. Spent way too much time there and feeling miserable!
Hi Caitlin. For the money you think it’s loss but when you sold lesser amount, just think that you have paid the experience you had when you dreamt and got the bag that you couldn’t remove it from your life! It’s like you pay the theme park or cinema tickets that you paid the experience and memories, you didn’t own the roller coaster or the cinema seat!
I resonate with your points. I also love clothes bags handbags jewelry hats scarves. I have acquired a lot of these items over the years. Even though I don’t use or wear them, the beauty of these items still has a hold on me.
However not using an item is waste of its beauty. There may be someone who would use it often. Besides, when I die I can’t take anything with me.
You know, here’s the thing. More expensive doesn’t equal more quality 99% of the time. It might have ‘Once apon a time’ not anymore. More expensive means greater profit margin.
👏
This is so helpful. I am in so much unnecessary debt. I can clear it I mean I have a good job and stuff but its so unnecessary. It is not even designer stuff. Its the small small things. I have so much makeup almost like an influencer. I don't even need it. I needed a dress for a Christmas dinner now and I literally got 3 dresses and a skirt just cause I couldn't decide which one to buy and I bought all the options. I realized how ridiculous that sounds. I was always a very mindful spender but it all started in 2020 and now 3 years and I have spent so much money. Thee videos really are a wake up call.
Your channel is a blessing. I’ve been forwarding your videos to my girl, and now she hates my guts 😂😂😂 love it!!!
🤗🤗😂
I have had this struggle for some time now. My achilles heel is FOMO - being terrified something is going to sell out quickly and then I feel the regret of not jumping on it quicker, so I snap it up and then regret that I was impulsive. I definitely notice that I'm much more inclined to do this when I'm not in a good headspace. I feel like a fool as I have a walk in wardrobe of items still with the tags on, and a lifestyle that doesn't even give me the opportunity to wear most of it. Like you say - it's the everyday, ordinary items that are the workhorses.
Two things u should have mentioned 1. How many "high end brands" such as Doir & LouieV are owned by the conglomerate LVMH and/or they are essentially now mass producing the cloths in Italy (regardless of the brand's orginal country) where there is no mimimun wage and the workers are likely from
Asian/ Eastern European countries.
2. The biggest difference between cars & cloths/handbags as investments is that the car makers will only or can only produce a certain number of a particular model which is really a huge deciding factor in how well a car holds or increases in value. Whereas most cloths & bags, even high end brands, are essenially mass produced and widely released eventually.
"Even if I do miss it, i know i'm going to be okay". thank you for this realization.
I found your channel via another video. And it’s very pleasant to see and hear that you actually have been there too. You’re not lecturing and you story feels very authentic to me. especially since I was in the same place as you thank you😊
I'm in a very similar headspace. I came into money in my late 30s, after a lifetime of being completely broke. I moved to a new home & suddenly all the other mothers @ school events had designer handbags & clothes, drove luxury cars, got Botox, fillers & light plastic surgery, etc. I felt very intimidated & my way of trying to work around that was to buy an SUV that costs 3x what my next most expensive car was, & probably ~$35‐40k worth of handbags, jewelry & clothing that I never had access to. The car & jewelry never felt "wrong" to me for whatever reason, but the designer clothing, shoes & handbags always made me feel like a little girl playing dress-up. So I'm slowly but surely selling off the things that don't feel like "me", & I've made a firm decision to only buy high-quality items that I REALLY want- not designer labels for the sake of the label. I do still carry a few designer handbags, but I have 4 (one for each season, & I will have them until they fall apart, before buying anything new). I tend to gravitate more to quiet luxury so anything boldly branded is now gone & I feel so much more authentically "me".
I’m doing the same. Cheers to quiet luxury! Less but high quality timeless items is what I’m doing these days.
I live in a neighborhood like that. I cannot even count the number of folks living high that have had to sell their homes or walk away from their mortgages. You did very well with your inheritance.
This is my new favorite channel. I am in my de-cluttering, down sizing, less is more phase of my life.
Thanks for talking about this Caitlin! I can relate a lot to this, I got rid of basically every single designer bags because they were just sitting on the shelf aswell. I have the same outlook as you, just money sitting there why keep it? I ended up selling them and just buying 1 "holy grail" bag, but even I have only used it for like 2-3 times over the past year and im wondering if I should sell that one at this point. I don't even reach for it and I am worried that I will ruin it because its lambskin... I prefer putting my money into other investments now then I did before in previous years. Thank you for sharing this video and being so genuine about everything 💕
Don’t be too strict to yourself! If you can get good money- sell, if you like that thing-wear it, if you don’t know-keep it. There’s no need for a rash and cruelty to yourself. Once you bought those thing you were in love with them. ❤
Loved this video, it was great to hear your feelings on the matter. But it is important to remember that we all make mistakes and it’s not the end of the world. It’s okay to buy something, enjoy it for a while and realize it no longer serves us. It helps us to learn and grown when we can see what benefits us and what doesn’t. Not every purchase needs to be a profitable investment. And if you’re able to sell it, you still got some money back. Cheers from Florida, 🇺🇸♥️
I spent many years-date I say decades-wrapped up in designer gear. And I always justified it because I was commuting into Manhattan and worked in the industry. One day I realized I hadn’t worn the majority of my wardrobe. And I vowed to change that. It never happened. Then, when I moved into a new place closer to the city I only had two sport coats that weren’t packed up. I wore one for a week straight and realized that the buyers I met with wouldn’t see me again for months. And that I could probably get away with wearing this one sport coat a lot. Somehow, that shift moved me away from constant buying and more towards lifetime and timeless garments; something you’ve cited here as well. It’s been years and I’m down to 5 sport coats and 3 suits. Endless garbage quartz designer watches down to 4 heirloom pieces. Etc. A wonderful place to be but an expensive and prolonged lesson for sure.
Great video! Would be fun to see what’s left in your closet (what and why you kept those items). 😃 And I’m still in the drooling over your purple fendi mode, she’s a beauty💜 But we’re saving for both a wedding and renovation of our garden, so need to prioritise that🤓🍀
So interesting to see your journey. Hope whatever the money goes towards, brings you joy!
Thank you so much!
I am so glad that you now realised the need to sell off the stuff and wardrobe that you no longer gravitate to and get back some of your money.
Yes you were holding on to things that you no longer care about and feel liberated once you have offloaded them.
I am semi retired and I totally resonate with you. I do not have tons of stuff like you but I only wished that I realised it when I was as young as you are.
Seeing influencers shopping and buying almost every week put me off and I kept telling myself there are more to life than shopping.
I am so happy for you that you are in this head space. Intentional living and building relationships with people you truly care about.
Good for you and you go girl. Caitlyn!!❤❤
Thankyou for watching 💕
There is also this thing of wanting what others have, the continuous dissatisfaction and inadequacy. It's built into the consumer society.
12:05 even when the purchase is well thought through, it doesn’t protect you from unlucky buying. There still be disappointments, because you can’t predict the future.
Caitlyn, I have downsized myself. I sold off thousands of my luxury collection this year. I was standing in my closet and realized so many of my purses, I didn’t even carry. They were purchased just to say I own it. I had 40 high end luxury handbags and I now have 30. I can honestly say the 30 handbags I own now, I carry. I rotate between them all regularly. I have no plans to buy anymore. What I have is more than enough. But I, too, realized I was spending way too much on material things. That money should be invested or saved up.
I never bought a designer bag until I could buy it and have 50K leftover. I bought my one and only dream bag I wanted forever - a Kelly 25.
I use it all the time and it is my favorite bag and I will have it forever and it is a classic made so so well.
This is your best video ever … thank you so much…
There is so much value in having an HG… a holy grail… that makes it easy to say no to everything thing else. I swear there’s crack in the air conditioning in some of these stores 😂 it’s so hard not to get swept up the the glamour and the rush! Your doing so well! And I love your videos ❤
It’s so easy to get caught up thinking we need so much when you see influencers doing it 😅 but then you realize it’s their job 😂 like me a normal person doesn’t need such an excess of new things every month now to live my regular life 🥰 I’m not for example going to the south of France every other month 🥰 it helps to shop specifically for my lifestyle. :)
Absolutely!!
In all fairness, even they don't need all their stuff. Nobody, not even an influencer, needs a new wardrobe for every vacation. If you're going to lose friends because you re wear clothing or don't get new shit all the time to show off, these people aren't your friends.
Love it, Caitlin! I’ve been on a similar parallel journey (just on a lot smaller scale and with mostly Chanel bags), and it’s been interesting realizing that I don’t really wear these bags I worked so hard to get. I started to look at them as loads of cash just sitting there and also thought to myself, do I love this or would I rather have the cash (even if it’s not as much as what I paid for it)? The answer was usually, I would rather have the cash. I also look at the new launches and mostly think “nah, no thanks.” I’m onto Hermès and fine jewelry now, but buying at a much slower pace. It’s all a journey!
I remember when the handbag collecting boom happened and people were saying bags are a batterninvestment than anything else. I feel that 2020 really did change our mindset, and we are also poorer
Yay! This is so refreshing to hear. Over the past couple of years I have stopped shopping so much and decided to invest in properties for my family
I'm so glad!
Hi Caitlin, I have to admit I was an earlier subscriber, but had to unsubscribe due to too much consumerism, it was overwhelming. UA-cam suggested this video to me and I have to say, I am proud of you! I‘ve also been there, but my guilty pleasure were perfumes and clothes. I am in the process of a major declutter, not just my wardrobe, but my entire home.
I am resubscribing and looking forward to your new videos! Love from Germany ❤
Yep, we all get influenced 😮💨 I love watching the unboxings and seeing the fancy collections but I don’t buy. What works for me is limits. I go on no buys, set budgets, cap myself at 1 bag a year, etc.
This is the video I needed! I’m also selling off some items and you are right it is painful indeed
Thank you for sharing this. I've spent a lot on pricey dresses and I'm selling some and it is really hard!
I think much of it has to do with filling underlining voids. I think when we see that other people love us and value time spent with us the less likely we need to buy. We all peacock once in a while, but you have to ask yourself whose validation are you craving? I believe I am leaning more towards individuality and less "trend" and I find myself more irritated when influencers show me things they've bought. I think we just go through different stages in which we develop through experiences and often times those experiences shed light on what is valuable. We are allowed to be imperfect, how else would we learn and improve.
Sidenote: What is luxury anymore? I feel like there are many brands that have far better quality items than some of the big luxury houses, but because they do not have a flex or clout attached to it somehow they are left on the sidelines. Luxury does not mean 10K and I think people need to understand that. If you are a person who struggles with style often times trend pieces perpetuate a sense of insecure that you are consistently masking. No amount of luxury influencer products are going to give you style and you will be consistently spending your money on items that do not suit you, your lifestyle, or your sense of comfort. You wear the clothes not the other way around. It doesn't mean minimalism it simply means you need to sit with your wardrobe and have a genuine conversation each season.
Couldn’t have said it better myself 💕
Can you please show us your current collection? Would be nice to know what you keep after a purge!
I think yellow with neutrals is a no brainer - greys, whites, black, but even with color! I think a yellow bag would pop with a pink outfit or pastels
I used to justify it's my money I buy or do whatever I want because shopping was my hobby. I want new outfit every week. I had over 100 hundred pairs of shoes and alot of clothes and bags. I donated alot but I buy more I try to buy more organization bins to keep it organized...one day, I just realized I have too much stuff it's not my space 😢. I don't have credit card debt, but I still have a student debt and a car loan, and when I decided to quit my job, I realized I didn't have much savings 😢. With new job I was making less money so I started learning about personal finance, minimalist and decluttering. Even though I was making less but I was able to save more paid off all debt and started investing. Took me 6 months to break bad habits. Now I can go without shopping up to 5 months 😊. Wish I can tell my younger self what not to do but I probably won't listen 😂
I can honestly say that the more items i have, the more desicion fatigue i get. I want life simple and not to break my head in the morning thinking about 10k possible clothing combinations
I have a quite small wardrobe, but I still notice, that there are things that I re-wear over and over, and others I wear once a year or do not wear at all.
Recently I found out on youtube about Project 333: when you choose 33 pieces in your wardrobe (including bags and shoes) and wear only them for 3 months. It can be interesting to do it even for 1 month. Maybe it will be difficult and challenging to do it during season transitioning with only 33 pieces of clothes.
I think attachment to things is not necessarily a bad thing, but of course it can not be for many things, it can be one or two things from time to time. I still remember one pair of jeans, that I had more than 10 years ago, they were so unique and I felt so good in them, but of course with time they got ripped and I threw them away, but still remember this pair=)
Project 333 is indeed eye-opening.
I have been seeing you on my YT feed for months and I’ve watched your videos here and there but this video is what made me subscribe to your channel. I can totally relate. I have tried to sell my impulse buys and have experienced the same difficulty selling them even at a loss. And the loss is extremely disappointing. It has helped curb my spending tendencies and has pushed me to really think about my purchases. I am also now on my way to consuming less and being more intentional and mindful of my purchases. I totally agree with how they are not investments, at least not in my experience. I will admit that I never bought my pieces for investment purposes but like you, they are just sitting in my closet collecting dust when they could be money I could invest somewhere more financially sound. I also started my channel about luxury handbags cause I do love them but I don’t know, it just doesn’t give me the same amount of joy it used to. I read an article related to a psychological effect to a child where if a child has way too many toys, it diminishes their focus and development as opposed to giving them few but highly stimulating and educational toys. That made me think about how it may have the same effect on adults. The excess in my “collection” which is a dot compared to yours and all the other influencers I follow, has robbed the joy of the pieces I’ve collected because now when I see them knowing that I haven’t used them as much as I should for the money that I spent on them, they make me feel guilty instead. I am now in the phase of decluttering and practicing mindfulness in my purchases. I still stumble here and there but I am a work in progress. :) This is basically a long winded way of saying, this video is a beautiful affirmation of what I have been thinking about for months, lol. Great video, will check out your other videos for more of these topics. I find that if I am careful with what I watch (avoiding unboxings and all that) it helps to keep me on track with my goal to spend less. Great insights, thank you. :)
I recognized the shopping problem when i was barely living paycheck to paycheck. Now, i value my time more than stuff, and plan to pay off my credit cards for good.
Love this video! My fave so far because I went through every single lesson myself! And, yes, people will not understand until they are in this headspace! 💖
For me was realising I don't need something because I like it. Its about enjoying clothes and not just having them sat in a drawer. I regret buying stuff for what I assumed would be my poat pandemic life. I don't use a lot of bags, I make sure i circulate my bags for use. I know i don't want to get rid of stuff because i would miss it.
People don’t realize until they try to resell their designer items how unbelievably oversaturated the designer resale market is. To make it worth your while you have must something that’s is a fashion staple (like a black Chanel classic flap) or truly unique (limited edition or was an “it” item featured in promotion or worn by celeb) and in PERFECT condition. If your item doesn’t meet these requirements you will be lucky if someone even makes a reasonable offer after several weeks of posting. Resell is not a side hustle when it’s your own items, it’s a store closing sale.
There’s also a lot of scamming happening: buying your item, opening a return and then sending back a fake or sending back the item with damage that wasn’t there prior to shipping.
Thank goodness you came up in my feed. You’re the channel I needed. My husband is getting ready to retire. I need to change my thinking on what makes me happy.
Good video! ❤😊
Excellent video. Handbags aren’t an investment IMO. Same as you, I’ve most often taken a loss. I’m just keeping what I have for now due to lowball market.
I’m so proud of you! It takes a lot of introspection, courage, strength and HARD WORK to accomplish this!!! I’d love to learn HOW to sell my stuff online! What platforms are best? Tips and tricks!! Thank you Caitlin
I have never liked to spend money. Especially on things that don’t go up in value. I have a very small luxury collection and do not plan on growing that collection, today. I do love other non-luxury brands and ONLY purchase when they have a 50% or more off sale. I haven’t made any luxury purchases since this whole pandemic started (late 2019). I much rather save for my retirement one day and savings is a must for me.
I totally get this and am in the processing massively decluttering and down sizing my wardrobe. It’s really hard getting rid of things due to the memories, cost etc… we need to give each other counselling.. lol
Bless you for speaking so truthfully. I appreciate you sharing your journey. I have a huge amount of stuff collected over the last decade. 80% of which ive never worn. Like your analogy to would we leave $ sitting on our shelves...and the stories we rell ourselves about collecting. I too have used the one about people collecting cars. I am slowing down but not as fast as I'd like...but take inspiration from your experience. Thanks again!
Thank you for sharing. A lot of us must have been going through the same waves since the pandemic. It’s good to feel a bit more grounded about things. It’s a good space to be in.
I so much appreciate what you are saying to us. I have been a shop a holic most of my life.
I was just saying the other day that the more stuff we have, the more we have to take care of all of it. Then we're spending our time taking care of our stuff...instead of ourselves. I'm currently going through a similar journey, it's hard to get out of that headspace and just go live your life vs. spending time trying to get the next thing.
This has been the most useful video on this topic that I have seen. Thank you for the thoughtful and practical advice.
I appreciate you sharing your shopping reduction journey with us. I too, love to shop but I was never a trend follower, I just love owning beautiful items because they genuinely bring me joy. It feels like my wishlist is never ending but I spend months thinking about a purchase before making it, but I’d love to get to a place where I don’t desire anything.
50% of $ back is about what I recoup as well. I am very happy to have let them all go.
As for luxury item, I find that I appreciate them more when I don’t have too many of them.
Just proves that the bags are overpriced. I lost so much money buying designer bags and then selling them. Rethought my whole process and attitude to shopping. Only high quality but very well thought out purchases and things that are timeless
I always hear youtubers say "I sold for a loss". How can you sell for a loss when you used them? I mean anything that is already used devalues itself naturally. The only two "investment brands" are Channel and Hermes, that's it. Any other brands that you use and then sell for 30-40% of what it costsl, you will have made money and not lost money and be thankful for it. See, the time that you have been using the bag and enjoyed it also costs. It's the 60-70% of the price that you think you lost. You didn't lose it coz you used it. Remember the term "cost per wear". So the next time you sell a luxury bag for less than what you bought it for, be grateful coz you earned a little bit of something from a used bag that not a lot of people are interested in anymore. I myself always buy new. I used it to the point where I can no longer even donate it coz it's beaten up bad.
Been there, done that!! Never again!! I kept my absolute favorite pieces and take very good care of thing so they’ll last as long as possible.
So many great points raised in this video! Lots of us have a "problem" and some of us are aware of it and some of us are totally oblivious to it however whether we acknowledge it or not, the problem is still there
I wanted to buy your multicolour baguette, too bad someone beat me to it. However i also recently sold a chanel clutch and lv alma. To my surprise, i dont miss those things. I've now added thay money to our family travel fund which we are going to in a week ❤ money better spent!
I'm still after a baguette tho 😅
that was really helpful information to keep in mind because I also kind of have a shopping problem too but I am working on it. Would you mind making a vid on what ur closet looks like now? or do a decluttering vid on what u got rid of and the thought process ?
I love this! It is so helpful to know someone also feels this way. Thank you! I am interested to hear where you sold many of your pieces?
Spot on! I’d love to see a video on how to start an investment portfolio! xx
Wonderful video!
Thank you for your honesty!
It's such a joy following your journey.
Thankyou so much for coming along 🥰
i'm so proud of you❤
I absolutely get it, I went crazy comfort shopping a couple of years ago. Looking at all the stuff I bought now I feel like banging my head against the wall because it seems so dumb now.
Thank you for encouraging me to get rid of more stuff. I gotta do better.
So brave of you to come forward ! Congrats. Problem is people are relying too much on credit. Only buy what one can actually afford.
I may have commented this before, but I’m really happy with the way you’re going with your life journey. ❤
Just to share what helped me in managing my purchases - is this old but often forgotten concept of ROI (return on investment). For example, if I see this $1000 bag, would I be able to, and want to, use it AT LEAST 100x so that it’s equivalent to $10 per wear? If yes, then buy. If no, then pass. If the product is sturdy and timeless and usable* enough, then i know i’m making the right choice.
*by usable i always think about the opposite of those Jacquemus minibags which could only hold your lipstick some coins and fresh mints 😂. I almost bought one of those coz they’re cute, but yeah, no ROI.
I needed to hear this, as I’m at the beginning of this exact journey. Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤ You have a new subscriber 😊
I’ve bought 10 bags this year but I sold 7 that I wasn’t using! I’d love to know which bags you sold and which bags you kept ❤
That’s why it’s best to stick to classic and timeless pieces and colours
i wish this video goes more viral ... this is a nice lesson for women/girls who are addicted to shopping .... you are very smart and logical young lady
Wow ,young lady I love love watching your videos more ❤❤❤❤❤ because that s reality❤❤❤