Isn’t ironic that we follow all these “minimalist” influencers and then waste so much money on their recommendations? you’re not the only victim of this 🙃
Yes! I think HLP would be low-key mortified, especially since she got her start as a no-buy channel. I mean, mortified all the way to the bank, but mortified just the same.
I'm actually doing a dedicated chat about this next week! The many times "conscious consumerism" channels got me to buy stuff or made it seem like a "good" decision...
Right - I think in her specific case, I followed for her no buy content and grew to enjoy her company, and therefore did not have my guard up when she pivoted to being more of a product "influencer". Not her fault and I don't blame her at all but it took doing a "no buy" myself for me to see, and become able to enjoy content more responsibly.
@@Alexas.nobuyyearoh yeah, there are 2-3 I actually unfollowed because they started to have Amazon affiliate links under every post and recommended stuff in every second. For me Shelbi is OK. She mostly marks her sponsorship videos clearly and you don’t have to look her recommendations. She also is very transparent about her sponsors and who she chooses to support. But certainly this case wasn’t the right one for your needs. I am mostly not the target group neither because most of these brands aren’t available in Germany. But I understand how you think you actually NEED the stuff if you trust the creator.
@@Siures I do still follow Shelbi, and while she has occasional sponsors I do find her sponsored content "worth the ads." Even though I didn't need to buy this phone case I find it interesting to know companies "can" make "compostable" products - but now I have a better understanding that if I don't really need it I don't need to buy to support!
Your courage in posting this video is an inspiration . Being a senior citizen, I worry about leaving behind my foolish & wasteful purchases, for my children (both male) to see and be responsible for disposing of. Therefore I am making a concerted effort to greatly reduce my belongings and significantly reduce future consumption. But it’s certainly an uphill battle. Thank you for making content that inspires me to do better.
Thank you so much for sharing. You are so kind to think about your kids dealing with what you leave behind because obviously at that point it's not really your problem anymore - but I'm sure our families appreciate less of a burden when that time does come.
Other people can use your purchases - there are women's shelters for clothing (they need nice clothing for jobs). There are organizations helping people going into permanent housing - they need housewares of all kinds (kitchen, bedding, etc). Just think of them as charity to the world.
You're doing such a good and kind thing for your children. I'm going through this now and it is an uphill battle but I'm seeing progress. A little bit at a time. I'm nearly 60 and I don't want to leave a ton of clutter for my children to go through after I'm gone. I know I could live for another 10, 20, 30 years, who knows, but the decluttering and keeping things in check is to do now, really it should be done all through one's life. And before we get too old, sick or unable to do it. There's a thing called "Swedish Death Cleaning" it is a philosophy started in Sweden and it's becoming popular here too. There are YT videos on it. And information online. It's basically what you and I doing. Reducing our belongings so as not to burden loved ones who are left behind after we have died. It saves them having to make difficult decisions of what to do with items. And it makes things much easier for them when they are going through an already emotionally difficult time, grieving. They don't need to be dealing with a mountain of stuff while grieving. I have read stories and it's very hard on loved ones. Some are still clearing out parent's or relative's homes for months and months as it takes so long.
Your thoughtfulness and care for your kids is so heartwarming. I’m in my twenties and also trying my best to reduce my impulsive purchases. I’ve been focused on reducing waste for the here and now, but your comment has really reminded me that all this stuff will really outlive me and that is very inspiring to keep up with resisting the impulse purchases. Anyways! Thank you for your nice comment :)
Isn’t it funny how we pay for streaming services so we don’t have to watch commercials and then we voluntarily watch UA-cam, Tik Tok and Instagram that are full of people selling you stuff. lol
Trying to remember why certain things were bought is a really important step in decluttering that gets skipped too often. Too often I "upgrade" products I don't even use.
Yes! Some brands and companies are so good at selling an upgrade, something "improved/better," or a more "sustainable/ethical" version, whatever it might be, that makes buying it feel like a "good" decision somehow!
Do not feel embarassed. This is so healing to me, I thought I was the same and I think there are many of us. Humans in general are just easily influenced, it's not just you!
I feel like I’m watching myself. Same channels watched, same products purchased. Oh goodness. I’m going through the same journey and realizations. Fascinating.
Thank you for de-influencing us on so many of these trendy items - many of which don’t even look that nice when they’re not styled in an „aesthetic“ shoot and brand new the way influencers show them! Great reminder for me that actually living with these items isn’t somehow magically going to change everything. They just become items lying around the house like so many others! Thanks for being so open ❤
This is the most refreshing video I've seen on UA-cam in a long time. I've been seeing a lot of underconsumption (AKA normal consumption) videos on TikTok, which make me feel both inspired but also guilty for how much I consume. The premise of your video is SO relatable and makes me think critically about the things I buy and what prompted me to buy them. Especially now as a new mom, I feel like I'm being fed a ton of "Baby Essentials" content - which I feel preys on the fact that I'm a new mom wanting to do right by my daughter (even if the creator is simply trying to be helpful). Thank you so much for this thoughtful video
Ooh I like to hear that "underconsumption" is becoming a thing on TikTok! Thank you for sharing! And nooo not the "baby essentials" - it's SO predatory to new moms who want nothing other than the best for their kids, and may also be severely sleep deprived and recovering from the birth experience...I also bought a bunch of "kids stuff" influenced too but I try not to make kid content the focus here as I know it's not relatable to everyone. I now know that any "baby essential" is literally only going to be used for a few months, so "essential" is definitely not the right word in this case 😅
I've often imagined myself doing a spoof video of UA-cam content creators. I would be wearing the Lilysilk striped blue and white silk button up, drinking Athletic Greens from a Stanley Cup (or we could do old school with a mason jar and glass straw), wearing a Nord Green Watch, the Bottega dupe earrings and Of course be wearing Invisalign while talking; and my hair would be wrapped in a bathrobe belt (if you know, you know). I think comparatively, your pile of errors is dwarfed by mine, especially considering how far you are going back in time. So, so many regrets and a sinking feeling at all of the wasted money. This video is a great visual at just how much we are duped and influenced into buying useless stuff. The vast majority we could have easily and happily done without. That being said, I do love your navy Dragon Diffusion dupe and your jewellery rock :)
Haha LOVE that - but the problem is - would people even realize that it was a spoof these days?? Seems like even that level of "sponsored products" might be too "normal" and we already do see people using a Stanley, dyson airwrap, greens powder, and more all in the same video! 😅
This was really relatable and badass. Your memory for where you first saw something is really impressive. Unfortunately HLP and Alyssa Beltempo/Christina Mychas have a similar effect on me as you describe. I lose a bit of perspective when it's coming from someone who seems thoughtful (which I do believe they are, but that doesn't excuse me from doing any thinking myself).
Thank you! Finally using powers of memory and attention to detail for forces of GOOD rather than obsessive shopping, haha And yes I also do believe those creators are genuinely thoughtful, it's just one of the pitfalls of doing the work they have chosen. I don't think they'd want anyone to fall into spending/buying traps! I've also found this year after taking a step back that I've felt less of a need for "style" focused content, because my focus REALLY is on expressing myself using what I have since removing the option of buying anything new. Which is what they teach us - especially Alyssa, I think, but somehow for me the allure of the brands she occasionally worked with would override her very good advice. I don't blame them at all, but I am happier/feel more like "me" now in my wardrobe after taking in less influence in general. And I know that as long as they're creating videos I can always check back in (I guess it's kind of like celebrity gossip?) if I'm curious to see what they're up to these days.
Alexa this is really making me stop to think about what I've purchased the past several years and if the item had been a UA-cam recommendation. Many are! When you said that the item didn't come to you organically and that the idea of it had been because someone placed the item in front of you, that really hit home. I'm realizing how susceptible we all are to these influencers. I hope my 26 year old daughter starts watching you.
Aw thank you! I feel like in this day and age we almost need a "crash course" on the "influences we might see online"....or maybe that it should be part of a required "personal finance" class in high school or something 👀 Maybe it's different for people who grew up with touchscreen tech and social media as kids but I know for me it's kind of taken all of my 20s to figure out that seeing this stuff was making me buy stuff and ultimately that's not what I want to be doing!
Agree! You’re so brave and honest! I mean…. I’m sure I have more than you I was influenced to buy! And thinking about putting online “bare” before the world! Appreciate that you did the hard work for us! We are all you! And I want to be more like you and stop the inflow! Might need to try a no buy year!
You’re so powerful for seeing pattern and enacting change! It’s not your fault marketing uses psychology tactics to trick us into buy things we don’t need. But you are aware now so you can make those necessary changes. Congratulations 🎉
Thank you for being vulnerable to help others. There is no shame in the past, only in continuing the behavior. You live, you learn, you do things differently. Sending support!
the good thing about being poor is being focused on need first then want. Im fairly influence proof. Also taking a long time to decide on an item I have developed a strong sense of personal style and taste. Im glad you are freeing yourself from influencing.
Thank you! I have experienced that type of "influence-proofing" before, when I worked at a Panera restaurant as a student (with no outside support or access to loans at the time), and struggled to make enough to pay the rent for my room in a shared house and bought groceries using food stamps. (And before that I didn't have much either, that was just a particularly bad time). I was very careful back then, didn't shop at all and couldn't afford any extras - that was almost 10 years ago now, and my circumstances have changed a lot. So I guess my habits of buying things also changed slowly over time to get out of hand and I lost sight of needs vs. wants - but it's definitely time to fix it in my life!
@@Alexas.nobuyyear go Alexas. I totally support you on construction of influence-proof wall. Just theorizing here. A converse of being poor. You feel deprived of nice things, and as your income situation improves you compensate for those hard years struggling. I sympathize with the complicated angst of unhappy consumption.
Am about to start my first job and earn my first big girl pay check. Watching this made me more aware of the choices I will be making as a working adult (and 1st gen immigrant lol 😂), thank you for the video!
I’m sure I may have more comments! But just on the cookware alone - go stainless steel 100%. Stainless steel will stick a bit and takes a slight technique to learn how to get it to not stick, but as we say in the kitchen supply store I work at - non stick is non forever. No matter what the makers promise they will not last because it’s not designed to. All clad or Henkel’s stainless steel, and if you want a non stick pan (I use mine for eggs!) I would suggest ballerini or staub. Staub will outlive us all and is higher quality than a lot of le cruset is now!
This was the best UA-cam video I’ve seen in a long time. You came up in my feed and now I follow you! Sooo many creators who claim to be minimalists or low-buy are not. I finally realized that the “mindless content” I thought I was watching while I cooked or cleaned was definitely reflected in my Amazon shopping and makeup choices - almost to the point where it was/is ridiculous. I’ve had to unfollow people for this reason. They don’t have capsule wardrobes or paired-down collections of makeup or skincare …. At all. At the end of the day, they need to push products to make money. I get it but it’s not good for me. Thanks for this video- it’s awesome and brave.
Aw, thank you and welcome! It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize that minimal and low-buy creators often turned into straight-up "influencers" and sell products just like regular "lifestyle" creators who are more open about the stuff they show their audience and don't claim to have a "curated" wardrobe or minimal ideals. And usually the "minimal" people influenced me MORE! I also look forward to listening to people on UA-cam while I cook and clean - and this year I have really tried to replace my "old favorites" with others who talk about the issues with consumerism (or totally unrelated topics, like music) and actually help shape my mind the way I want it to be!
Funnily enough, I follow a lot of thrifters and I still feel the desire to get the same items even thought it’s practically imposible. 😅 The main factor for me personally to feel the desire to keep shopping (especially for clothes) is the discontentment with my body and how I want to be perceived. And no amount of clothes can change that.
Yes! I think the older I get the more I see how perception is an attitude thing...and we can't buy that "cool-person" attitude (or whatever it is that we want to be perceived as). We can change our attitudes to some extent but also embrace how we currently are too - and actually, seeing myself in these videos on camera has helped me in this acceptance of my own personality in all of its good, bad, and ugly, or perhaps "good, bad, and sometimes weird/cringey" glory. I wasted so much time being insecure about how tall I am or other stuff like that, and it would have been nice to fast-forward emotionally to this point of not really caring anymore!
The “discontentment with my body and how I want to be perceived” really hits the nail on the head for me! It’s exactly why I keep browsing and looking because you can’t buy your way into contentment with body and self
Omg I totally get that! Sometimes you can keep buying clothes because you don't feel like you look good and you want to look better, but it doesn't matter how many tank tops you buy because buying clothes is not going to change your body! I've so fallen into this trap.
You’re a brave person to share your journey and just being straight up honest. Watching you is making me realize that I have been influenced in the past to buy things that I don’t need and will never use.
Thank you!! I do notice a trend that even "minimalist" influencers convince you to buy so many things. Quite ironic, but thats life. You live and you learn :) Good luck wish you No Buy Year!!
Incredible transparency from you here. The stash really shows how much this new social media network of purchase promotions ultimately functions the same as grandma’s home shopping network. I’m not above it, I’m just reluctant to drop a lot of money on any one piece, so if I’m seduced by a promoted product, I’ll look for it secondhand at a low price, thrift a dupe or make it myself. Any later regrets are tempered at least by less money spent and not indulging an affiliate link. It is astonishing (and unlike you I do judge them) how much product sanctimonious minimalists end up promoting. Partly it’s that they haven’t resolved their own shopping issues. But I think there’s also a perverse incentive to make a channel 'minimalist' or 'elevated' because it throws an ethical wash over the whole thing while making their recommendations that much more valuable because they are supposedly rarer. “Even as a minimalist, I recommend this item.” “Even as someone who buys fewer expensive things, I think this item is totally worth it.” Probably allows them to charge more for sponsored videos and opens the door to receiving pricier higher-end gifts. I recently watched some of the Financial Confessions episodes of The Financial Diet with a couple of the characters you mentioned. It surprised me that some actually vocalized problematic thought patterns and purchasing habits (e.g. progressively talking themselves into coveting ever more expensive brands and objects), but have enthusiastically fallen back into them. To be more charitable, a “less than” feeling as a kid really seems to be a throughline. At some point, I wish we could just accept that we’re adults now and our kindergarten buddies’ opinion is irrelevant. The older I get, the more I realize that so much of 'personal style' is not clothes but confidence, posture and maintaining your nerve about your sense of self. It’s why people as disparate as Jane Birkin and Iris Apfel are style icons: because they wore what they wanted & were comfortable in and got on with life even if people looked at them funny. Incidentally, it’s so emblematic that one of the world’s most impractical expensive bags is named after Birkin, when her most iconic bag that she actually used was a plain farmer’s market basket: how brands commodify and mark up genuine style aka someone living their own darn life.
YES! Next week I am going to share some "last straw" moments I've had recently from minimalism-oriented channels that seem to have endless sponsors and/or affiliate-linked "stuff", which is just in principle totally not minimalist. And I actually just watched the latest Financial Diet video about influencing being like an MLM (unfortunately I didn't see this before I filmed my chats! But it's ok, as obviously perspectives are always going to be unique even on the same topics). And I ALMOST said this in my rant about it but didn't know if I felt good about taking it as far as the MLM....because I do believe that these people are just fallible humans too, and that for these particular creators at this particular time, the allure of thousands-of-dollar sponsorships is enough for them to kind of throw away their brand credibility for but because they're in it too deep, they don't see it that way. I've definitely stopped watching more and more, and the creators will still be fine obviously, but I do wonder if they realize how hypocritical it is for them to have gained a following through the "responsible journeys" of debt payoff and no buys, to then turn around and sell to their followers. And then to have the audacity to do "declutters" complaining of being overwhelmed by their stuff when it's their own acceptance of PR, sponsorships, etc. that caused this result. They got PAID to be overwhelmed by "stuff"...and I think they've not just fallen back into the consuming habits they used to vocalize awareness of and try to overcome, but have done it in a way that they can justify to themselves because now it's "work" and not them "consuming" or "shopping". It's so dangerous. I also love that you mention Jane Birkin and Iris Apfel. I'm definitely going to be thinking more about those two as examples, because people were drawn to them because of their sense of self and willingness to display that regardless of opinions - and, I have seen Iris Apfel have sponsored collaborations with brands like Ruggable (and Google tells me now, many other brands!) but all of her collabs clearly seem to have the essence of HER, where the brands sought to express and capitalize on HER iconic style, rather than her spreading the non-authentic-essences of bigger brands and companies for her own monetary gain. And the Birkin bag arguably doesn't have the essence of Jane Birkin either - I am not personally educated on her or the bag so this may be totally off-base, but surface-level googling unearthed an article where she apparently said she sketched a bag that would be "suitable for young mothers" and I'd argue that a "designer bag" of that price and "status" is NOT in fact suitable or practical in any way for young mothers 🙃
This was an amazing video. The end, where you talked about how even if you use it all, in the end it will all be trash in landfills was so powerful. I try not to consume too much, but I'm definitely prone to updating items that don't need to be updated because the one I have works fine. Especially when it's an item I 'need'. And I've definitely both stuff I wouldn't have known existed if not for influencers and content creators.
Also Patricia from "A small wardrobe'' ditched the whole " I only wear earthy tones" boho art teacher vibe and is now a black wearing designer bag diva lol. With beautiful artsy shots she can sell you anything HLP is very eloquent. I never liked her style, I find it a little dated honestly, but the way she beautifully describes them makes the clothes desirable Chirstina and UseLess girl aren't my style, theyre too basic looking but they're pushing a lot now. It's very sad because you almost believe they would never push anything that they wouldn't buy themselves. I'm sorry, I'm not a rude person but this whole narrative is hypocritical. Also, Alexa, you're very creative and intelligent, you're an orchestral musician for crying out loud! You don't have to copy those people.
Yes with Patricia it was the beautiful artsy shots, as well as the nature, beaches, dunes...I think THAT was more of the aspiration I wanted when I bought what she recommended! I wish I lived closer to the ocean! HLP is WAY more into makeup than I ever have been, but when she talks about clothing I have tended to "want to try" what she talks about. And I think I'd agree that Christina and Signe are only partially "my style", like their outfits are "fine" but I couldn't follow their formulas without something a little more unique or personal to me - but I think their messages of financial responsibility and wardrobe sustainability (which may have been stronger before so much sponsored content!) and I've actually had to unfollow both (which I actually am talking about this weeK!). HLP is the only one left for me probably because 90% of the time the things she talks about are not temptations, and I hope with my increased awareness this year I can get through the other 10% of the time where she might show something tantalizing that I don't need. And finally - yes I am an orchestral musician! But, I don't have a full-time orchestral job, despite having done probably 30-40 auditions, possibly even more. While I now consider myself lucky to have a part time version of my dream job, it still feels like I've failed time and time again, and a lot of it due to my own inability to get my act together and prepare seriously. So it's hard to appreciate my "identity" when it's been peppered with being told I'm "not good enough" to be chosen and I know that it's not even necessarily due to a lack of ability because I haven't been organized enough to put forth my best. And the other scary thing is...what if I do get organized and put forth my best, and still don't get chosen? Clearly I have more to work through here but I'm not sure how much of the super specific details will feature on this channel haha. Sorry for the long response but I appreciate the opportunity to think through things even further - so thank you!
As soon as I saw Patricia dye her hair, I knew that was it! (Nothing wrong with dyeing your hair obviously, but she used to be so against it as a “frivolous” expense. And obviously people can change but like, you have receipts saying this is too much and then you do it? I had to step away from her content haha)
I bought an exfoliating face mask HLP said she used regularly… it over-exfoliated me, my skincare burned, and my face broke out. I normally have clear skin and a minimal routine - tretinoin from my derm, sunscreen, and wash mostly with water. A few weeks later she mentioned having ongoing acne problems, with 50+ bottles of opened, comped skincare behind her. It was a good realization that despite all her videos and thoughts on skincare, she is actually not a trained expert or professional. Shes a person who is incentivized to use and recommend as many products as possible.
Yes! I think for me the danger was that she started from no buy content and therefore I thought she was truly careful in her recommendations - and I'm sure she does try to be careful! But it's just the nature of the game where being sent so much stuff and trying more products means more recommendations than she would have done otherwise...and I'm finally stopping to think if I even need ANY recommendations right now 😅
@@Alexas.nobuyyear 100% ! Very few products have "changed my life", compared to actions, therapy, and information, but the products/services that I use and love regularly all came from friends/family who paid for it themselves. Honestly, I don't think life-changing stuff can ever come with an affiliate link.
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I loved her No Buy Year - she was so creative at finding workarounds, and good at exploring the emotions underneath the wanting stuff. It was truly interesting and new work in the YT space!
I learned this with the “blank step korean skincare routine” I tried nearly everything to get rid of my acne and have perfect skin. Guess what, my skin only got worse. Wasted so so much money. Now I use three products, a gentle face wash, my retinol (for acne), and a good gentle moisturizer all personal that work for my skin. People compliment my skin? Is it perfect? Absolutely not but I’m doing the best I can for my body and skin and thats fine. Why must everything be perfect to matter. Life lessons 😂
Nothing but respect and admiration for this kind of self-reflection and vulnerability! Your observation of "I consider myself to be savvy and not easily influenced, but these purchases would suggest otherwise," is not an easy thing to admit to oneself, much less to an audience. However, I would say that statement is evidence that you are in fact, a critical thinker, as many people won't have that realization at all. Don't be too hard on yourself. None of us are completely immune to influence, as much as we'd like to be! Thank you for sharing this learning experience and inviting the rest of us to consider our own consumption habits
When you mentioned Justine Leconte I finally realized who you reminded me of! You both are absolutely gorgeous girls! 💛 As for Mulberry Alexa bag - I personally had some kind of dupe - seeing it sparked a real joy. Nowadays when I see something I want I feel some kind of negative emotion, like regret of not having it right now. But with that bag I remember feeling “in love” and I was using it for years and years and loving it.
Aw thank you! I'm flattered by the comparison. I also started with a dupe of the Mulberry Alexa - and I also loved it and wore it to shreds, which is how I decided that buying a pre-loved "real" one would be a good idea. Interestingly now I don't wear the real one as often but I still do really like it and I think I would probably enjoy it if I made a point to actually wear it more, the problem these days is just that I have too many bags in general 🥲
I suspect You're going to influence me out of my planned purcheses of things I've been seeing online. And that's good. Thank You. A new subscriber ❤🔥🙏
GIRL this was such a good video! Congratulations on your journey and channel growth 🎉 I hope that you can have some gentleness and compassion for yourself re: the capacity to be influenced. The role of influencers IS to influence. That's the job and many are well practiced and professionals at doing just that. The fact that they were effective in influencing is at least, in part, a reflection of their effectiveness at doing their jobs. There is also the element of personal responsibility that you are also addressing. But please don't be too hard on yourself that you took an action that someone created an entire campaign to encourage you to take.
Omg thank you!!! I'm definitely seeing the "job of influencing" differently this year, through newly opened eyes and with new opinions 🤔😅 And BIG CONGRATS to you too for 20k!! Love to see it 🎉🎉🎉
Oh, I want to give you a big hug! I’m currently decluttering because otherwise I’m worried that I’ll end up in a documentary about hoarding. I had a lightbulb moment. As a vegan I don’t buy silk - otherwise I’d be head to foot in Lily Silk. :) You are very refreshing and for me inspirational.
thank you so much sharing and naming names- i have struggled so much with some level of guilt re: the amount of stuff i’ve been influenced by hannah louise poston to buy. because i know in my heart of hearts that her intent is not to encourage over-spending, but she is still, nonetheless- an influencer. i know she didn’t begin that way. i just like her so much and have found that i trust her taste/interests to match mine. much like you’ve said in another video, i’ve found that my parasocial attachment to certain influencers and feeing so interested in them as people has fueled my drive to shop for the things they like, talk about and sometimes straight up recommend. i know she wouldn’t want to see that she’s had this effect on people, but i don’t blame her. it’s on me- i know it, but i still wouldn’t have seen or bought all this stuff without continuously exposing myself to influencers’ content.
Yes! I have a hard time with her in particular because I kind of "wanted to be like her" for the longest time, and would even say she inspired me starting this video series for accountability. But more recently I realized that I don't actually "want to be like her" anymore in that I don't want to have to bring new stuff in for my job/source of income (even if it's "free" PR, stuff from a "review budget"...) and constantly talk about trends or new things in a way where I'm deciding whether or not to "buy things" or help viewers decide this. And I really mean that with no dislike or hate or anything like that, I wish her all the very best, I'm not saying she has to change or anything! I will even probably still watch some of her content. It was just kind of a jarring realization for me because as someone who looked up to her, I never thought that would happen or that I would feel that way.
Being influenced is so human. You are smart AND able to be influenced. Humans want to connect, we want to belong and as we figure out the online influencing space we will be able to fortify ourselves better from being influenced to impulse purchases. Your series has been very inspiring and helped to influence me to declutter and engage in a no buy, day, week end, week, month, year to see if I can make better decisions. Thank you! Sharing in your feelings. I see you.
If I can influence you to make one more purchase....Scrub Mommy Power Paste will take the stains off ceramic coated pots without damaging the finish. Great vid. Thank you for your honesty. We've all done it to some degree. I'm weaning off social media bc the heavy marketing is giving me the ick.
It’s OK to learn from your mistakes you have no idea of the amount of overconsumption that most people have you are not alone in this. I too am going through some regret and purging in order console myself.I also see that the shopping was partially a form of entertainment as well.we live and learn. Thank you for sharing.❤
i wonder if you have come upon Swedish Death Cleaning in your declutter journey? your last comment about the stuff we leave behind being trash almost 99.5% of it reminded me of that
Yes I have! And while I love the point behind it, I'm going to consider the "not buying new trash" good enough for right now because I hope I have a good bit of time left, before REALLY having to consider when I'm no longer here 🫣 avoiding existential crisis haha
Great video! I forgot who said this online, but it really helped me temper my spending habits. She said every time an influencer buys something she is MAKING money. Every time you or I buy something we’re SPENDING money. Also, anytime someone recommends an Amazon item, especially clothing, I just read some one star reviews and that’s usually enough to discourage me. Lack of quality is a big issue. I now check return policies BEFORE I make a purchase. I’ve made costly errors when I assumed free return shipping. I discovered too late some items are not returnable at all or the return postage is a lot. And I don’t hesitate to return items which don’t work out.
YES! This is an amazing way to summarize the feelings I've been having about how the "job of influencing" is problematic - it's such a weird paradox where buying means totally different things to and has totally different motivations for different people. Thank you for sharing.
I feel that your subject matter will expand. Not that it is narrow now but the many other branches of careful living ( climate change, sustainability, happiness with less, future of our kids!) all seem within your area of benefit!
@@bthomson Funny you should mention this...I DO have a lot of ideas kind of "loosely journaled" about all of those topics! And plans to weave them into some future chats for sure, so your intuition is very sound!
agree on the the stasher bags. saw them from the same person but at a time when i was moving out of my parents for college so i never had any food storage containers and the stasher bags became all my food storage. i dont have any glass or plastic tupperware and only ever use the stasher bags for and food storage. they are so much better to store then glass containers
Presently scanning my surroundings and recognising what I have been influenced to buy. Came upon this vid at the right time as needing to cut my spending and recognise my triggers for shopping will certainly be making some changes.
Lily Silk does not make high quality products. Additionally silk charmeuse is easily damaged. I saw NUMEROUS influencers talking about how high quality their stuff is, and I have many very very nice silk pieces, and knew there was absolutely no way you can get high quality silk for such a low price.
Good to know - I'm definitely not an expert on fabrics etc. and that possibly makes it even easier to be duped into thinking something is a "good" purchase just because it's not polyester 😅
Do you have any recommendations for silk pillowcases? I actually bot a LilySilk one in Jan 2022 based on Wirecutter recommendation, which I trust more than influencers. I haven’t had a problem with the durability of it, but I don’t have anything to compare it to….
Uh yeah, I get so annoyed when somebody started talking about how great lilysilk is, I’d stop watching the video (not our Alexa of course)! So irritating
I thrifted a Lilysilk blouse a few months ago. I’m not sure whether it was a pajama blouse or a regular blouse. It wasn’t on the site, so I’m sure it was a few years old. It wasn’t very thick, but not too thin, and no real texture to speak of. By comparison, I thrifted an Equipment silk blouse that is to die for, heavy, with a delightful texture to the material . The LS was blouse was a little slippery, which is why I thought it was probably a pajama top. It was an off-white color that glowed like pearls. It wasn’t my size, but it was $7 at the thrift store after tax, and I knew my sister would love and use it, so I bought it, created some outfits, ,and sent photos to my sister. The blouse said hand-wash, or I wouldn’t have bothered her with it. Would I have bought this new off the Lilysilk website? No. I have a lot of beautiful clothes that I’ve bought secondhand, and I’m all set in that regard. Do I still follow influencer links to the LS site and sigh over some of the things that I see there? Of course I do. But I would venture to say that if every country on this planet stopped producing new clothes for a year, you could still outfit every human being comfortably and beautifully with what’s out there already.
Felt that to my core, listening to you while decluttering my closet (and throwing half of it into donation by the end). You've gained yourself a subscriber. 😊
This is so interesting because I only started watching Hannah Louise because of her Buy Nothing year!! So it’s wild to hear about the older content about consumerism. Thank you for sharing your own journey it is so relatable n
I think she started doing the consumerist content mostly after her no buy year - I also started with her no buy content (which I still love!), and then the following projects - beauty budget, fewer nicer things...and honestly I didn't really notice how consumerist it started leaning until I realized how much I had bought from her recommendations! 😬
That was very eye opening. I watch / used to watch the same channels, and after watching your other video about unsubscribing from UA-cam creators, I cleaned my subscriptions as well, because I noticed that I started buying things they mention in videos. I was actually shocked to see how much stuff was bought from HLP recommendations - I love her videos, and I support her on Patreon, but I didn’t realize how much stuff other people buy based on her subtle recommendations. Thanks for all the work you do!
I also think HLP is a master at providing a para-social friendship with her viewers - and I think she does genuinely care about the people who watch her too, so I don't think it's fake by any means, but because we feel like she's a friend giving a recommendation I think we often WANT to try the things she talks about (at least that's how it was for me). I used to watch all her videos no matter what the topic even though I'm not really into trying new makeup products, just to feel like I could "catch up" with her - now I've realized that perhaps I don't need to do that. Or if I do, I can be more prepared to NOT buy 😅
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I watched a lot of your videos recently, and I decided to unsubscribe from HLP both on UA-cam and Patreon. I watched her last video on Patreon, and I realized that her recent content is of no interest to me. Over the last year or two, her content became more product-focused, and I really enjoy more analytical and thought-provoking videos that she used to make in the past. Again, thanks for all your work on YT! In case you decide to start a Patreon, I would be happy to support you!
The absolute best advice Alexa ❤. I would have never ever thought that I was easily influenced but after watching this video I confess I have been lately. My eyes have been opened and today I vow that I will not allow myself to be in that place again. Going to clear up my debt and only buy what I need and not just want. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Aw thank you - I'll continue to share *hopefully* helpful tidbits to support you in this journey, and I would love to hear your updates on how it's going for you!
This takes courage! Thank you for being honest! I think we would all be shocked to find how much stuff we have been influenced to buy if we actually went around our own homes. This video was very sobering and so good at de-influencing.
Thank you! Working on becoming better at de-influencing except on purpose (rather than by showing people examples of the mistakes I made in a non-conscious way, although there are still even more mistakes to share before this year is over 😅)
Thank you for making this video. I love watching Hannah because she has improved my speaking and writing simply by listening to the vocabulary and sentence structure she uses when she articulates her thoughts. So even though I started watching for the no-buy content, she has been the one channel that I continue to watch consistently… but I’ve also been influenced to buy more by watching her videos, so I think I need to pick and choose which videos to tune into. I had already started doing that before watching this, but this solidified things for me, and is a good reminder of why I really need to stay away from certain kinds of content.
Same - I find myself thinking sometimes that I wish I could watch all of her videos just because I like "hanging out with her", which is ridiculous on many levels. Obviously we are not really "hanging out", and it is not her job to stay relatable to me and my preference for what kind of topics she covers! It's of course up to me to click or not click on a video, but I'm usually someone who's knee-jerk reaction used to be watching everything someone made regardless of the topic. Now it's a question of whether or not to stay subscribed to someone, if more of their videos are outside my area of interest than not.
what an amazing video! this is my first video of yours and i subbed right away. your honesty is refreshing and i love your self-reflection! you inspired me to declutter with you as i was watching the video. thank you!
I started my own no-buy year in August. The first month went by surprisingly well, but I'm already feeling the urge to shop again. I'm a compulsive thrifter, and followed a TON of alt. clothing style accounts (as in cottage core, witchy, goth stuff). Seeing your video somehow calmed me down. I needed to hear about someone else's struggles, so thank you. A pet peeve I have from the accounts I used to follow, is when I see the Gifted hashtag. I understand the creator was not paid for the stuff, but there's no way this isn't still advertising, because the people 'gifting' you the stuff would never do it unless they knew it would give themselves visibility. I would only follow small businesses and I don't begrudge them for the practice, but it's completely misleading to use the gifted euphemism, and still preach about conscientious and ''sustainable'' living.
Yes! Also I think it totally destroys the original spirit of the idea of "gifts" - as we approach holiday season (or at least, holiday marketing is ALREADY happening) I've been thinking about the idea of gifts more and more, and how consumerism has kind of destroyed the beauty and intention of this experience. I'll save the rest of that train of thought for a future video though 😅
Great idea to share how we get influenced to purchase with the belief that the item will greatly improve our quality of life. Keep these videos coming because they are a great help to viewers. Thank you.
Such a refreshing video! Props to you for being so open. This is the first time I have come across your channel, and I'm really glad I did. I can really relate with being sucked in and equally wanting to do better. Thanks for sharing ❤
Wow, you were so influenced. I am new to your channel, so this is one of the first I've viewed. I'm honestly shocked. The only thing I have been influenced to buy from YT (I have no other social media) was a Lilysilk cashmere turtle neck jumper, which I have never worn 😐 It's ivory and not in my colour palette, it makes me look a tad ill . The one item that I really noticed being pushed really hard was Vivaia shoes! So many influencers were singing their praise, "so comfortable, so versatile," etc. Then I never saw them wear them ever again! It left a bad taste in my mouth regarding that specific influencer. I started a no buy month back in January, which has rolled into months now. I'm not trying. I just don't need or want anything. But if I did buy something (doubtful), it won't be the end of the world. Thank you for your honesty. Great video.
Yes! I was! And finally I decided that enough is enough. That's amazing that your no buy is working so well and has been easy thus far! I've had a few "failures," (as documented on this channel😅) but ultimately I think I've learned a lot in order to be better going forward, and am trying to have a "clean record" for the last 6 months of this year 😁
Just wanted to leave a comment here for the algorithm! But also to say I really appreciate your content and this video you put out. It’s bringing a lot of awareness to us consumers. Thank you and keep up the good work!
This was an interesting exercise to emulate. I have bought more direct influenced products from channels over the last 7 years than I first thought. But I am actually rather content with my shorter list. I didn't realise how many products I chose because of Hannah Louise Poston as well (her book, Poema, Salt NY, patreon, Erins Faces, Chantecallie). I'm happy with them though. I realised that I'm more influenced to buy from the store, due to no shipping costs and less over edited unreliable sensory perception. ❤Thanks for the video. ❤
This was so good! Thank you for being so raw and real with this. It helps to see it all accumulated, really makes me realize how much we are influenced.
I truly love your content. I own way fewer things and I am not so susceptible to influencer marketing but I feel that your videos, especially this type of videos, help me to be more mindful of what I buy and what I desire.
Oh man your statement about liking to buy jewelry more than wear it really hits home. I think I did the same thing. I had a whole big jewelry armoire full plus more at one point. Have gotten rid of probably 2/3 but still have a lot that I don’t wear 🧐
I think this is true of jewelry AND makeup for me! And I'm not even totally sure those are the ONLY two categories. There are even possibly some groceries I've purchased because I liked the "idea" of using sundried tomatoes for example, but have never actually had recipes that asked for those before I bought them...😅
Yes :) I really love it... especially earrings... but in reality my ears are sensitive and I tend to have problems with my holes if I do anything other than wearing the same sleepers most of the time. It's nice for a fun thing occasionally.... but I have a bigger than "fun thing occasionally" collection :)
Thank you for sharing all of this! I love the transparency, hearing your thoughts etc. And agreed on the eye masks, I also prefer onse that put a little bit of pressure on my eyes for the same reason as you :)
I've been working on finding balance by checking in with my higher self before purchases or taking actions. It's amazing how much doesn't actually matter and can be skipped, and the rare things that do matter. I've enjoyed the process and discovery in it.
I agree so much about how the desire at the time was so intense... Only for many purchases to no longer spark that joy or never fill that need that I expected it to... Because it wasn't an organic want. I am also so embarrassed by how many influenced items in my possession that I hardly ever use (and many times use bc I feel guilty when I see it lol). I follow/ed many of the same content creators that you do/ did and resonate so much w some of the brands that sucked you in ! *Subscribed*
I just want to say think you for this video and your content in general. I have been on a low buy this year and your talks have helped me identify more problem areas, especially this video. I have the opposite problem. I am rarely influenced to buy something. When I am, it is something that i have intentionally been looking for, and they all have been major successes. I think because it is harder to return, I put more thought and effort into the purchase. However, take me to a mall and a good sale, oh that is a different story. I actually just quit my part-time retail job because the employee discount and constant exposure was too much.
That's so interesting to hear about having the opposite problem. I do think the "convenience" and "personal recommendation" of online influencing is my downfall but it sounds like it does actually work as it "should" for you, where you can use recommendations to find the best product for you! I've actually never worked retail (I was in hospitality 😅 so, discounted food instead of clothes/other stuff) but I can also totally get how that can be a double-edged sword of making money while being exposed to tempting stuff and I think I would very likely not do well in that environment with my shopping habits either!
This is an excellent video and very practical. I can totally relate to being influenced to buy what I really don't need. Your video will certainly make me more mindful of my purchases. ❤Thank you!
I just found your channel and have really been enjoying your content. I wonder though if we ever truly find anything organically in today's society where consumerism is everywhere we go? Just a thought, I had whilst watching this video, and perhaps you have already done a dive into this topic and I just haven't come upon that yet. Looking forward to watching more of your journey.
Thank you! I've kind of danced around this idea in my explorations of how "influencer marketing" doesn't play by the same rules as conventional advertising (where it's more clear that it's an ad, no parasocial element) as well as how when recommendations are paid, it immediately changes the game. Whereas if a friend tells you about something it's not for any personal gain. But I do think there'll be a more dedicated video on these ideas especially as the "sale season" draws nearer....
Such a journey down influence memory lane. I remember when loads of this stuff was being influenced. I consume way too much youtube than is healthy. Giving up watching some of these creators makes so much sense. Its scary how powerful influencer marketing is. Its so true tho when we’re no longer here its just becomes junk. Ive got a few of the same things you have or had some near misses with them. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you! I'm finding that this year as well as working on "no buy" it's turning into working on "cutting down how much youtube and other online content I watch" as well! Seems like they go together for me at least😅
I actually decluttered everything i was influenced to buy. I looked around in my space last night and tried think about things inwas influenced to buy, but i got almost nothing left. Thats a freeing feeling. The things i have left are things that i picked out in the physical store, that i really liked and found usage of. I have a vase with bubbles on, that was super popular at a time, and every store was full of them but i did not like most of them. The one i have was purchased because i really lived the rainbow the white speckled bubbles made within it. I dont need more bubble vases, but at that time of purshase i needed a vase and i chose it because i liked that specific one. I do have one necklace pendant i was influenced to wish for once tho. I just said i wished for it because i didn’t need anything else. (I wished for donations for a cat shelter too but well they chose give me an item). I am however looking for a necklace in influenced to buy tho. But it needs to be dainty, silver and perfect. In three years i have still not found the perfect one… -.- edit: neither have i bought a temporary one.
Thank you SO much for sharing been doing a low buy and clearing out slowly. I just feel so much better I am not the only person who has been so influenced over the years. I didn't even realise that's what was happening! But happy to say I am now more aware and critical! xx
I’ve tried greens powder and also fell for juice plus. Not worth it girl- just eat the veggies or throw some greens in your smoothie. Great video- can’t wait to binge more of your no buy year!
Thank you for your thoughtful, nonjudgmental and honest content. I’m new in my shopping addiction recovery, and have yet to de-clutter (to be honest, I’m afraid to face the material proof of the financial mess I’ve made). You’re giving me the courage to dive in. For me, cute workout clothing, cosmetics and contemporary clothing are my drugs of choice. Thank you again.
I have honestly found the process of going through the material proof to be extremely helpful. Not because I'm trying to guilt myself or feel bad about how I used to consume, but mainly because now I am FULLY aware of how much I have compared to how much I actually feel that I need, and how I actually would prefer to use my favorite stuff more often, than have so many options to rotate through. Especially with clothing but even with makeup - I would love to be able to say I have a signature lipstick that I love and actually use up entirely than to have 10 options that are all good, but none of them get finished. Good luck and welcome to the journey 😊
Great video! I stopped watching most of these channels because I started to feel that urge to spend. It went against what I was working towards and I started to realize I wasn’t even that into their style 😅
Same! The question of style is another realization I had recently too, where I now think that being "influenced" in anything to do with style is actually more harmful than helpful in expressing one's personal tastes anyway!
Over the past months I have actively stopped watching anyone who pushes any product at all I only watch de influencing content and therefore pushed more channels (like yours)like that, it’s amazing how little I want to buy now, been two months and haven’t bought anything that I don’t need and don’t feel a need to buy anything either, just goes to show how choosing who you watch can really change your mind set I’m not on TT I hear that’s terrible for pushing product on you! Very much into using, wearing what I have because I have lovely things and need to use what I have not keep looking for the ‘next best thing’ because it doesn’t exist x
you are so right about this, even for me having had this level of problem I'd say it only took 6 months of "no buy" to reach several major turning points and now I'm not very "influence-able" at all, at least in regards to buying stuff!
THANK YOU for this video! It really made me think about the stuff i might have bought because i was influenced. I am happy to say i often wasnt influenced to buy the exact same product and i am fairly good at not buying because i was influenced. It does happen sometimes though. What I would like to add: We started out a new hobby and of course we needed to buy a few things. It is okay to look for videos to get recommendations. Look for the videos where they tell you what the smalles amount of tools/things you need to buy to get started and then only buy these few items and start out. If by any means it is a hobby that sticks, its okay to add to your collection. Dont overdo it though. I have probably 100 washi tapes in my drawer. I will try to use them up now before i buy new ones... but then probably only a hand full, though they are nice and easy to collect😅
Yes! Your comment about hobbies reminded me about when I was super into paper-crafting - I do still hope to get back into that! I think the sign of a TRUE hobby is that you spend more time DOING the activity than shopping for it. Like if fashion is a hobby that means you spend more time styling what you have, than shopping for or buying new trends.
This video was so eye opening to me. So many things I buy are great but for what???? It’s too much. The mental energy is crazy too. Like you, I remember why I bought each and every item. I could be doing other stuff with that brain space 🤦🏿♀️
Yes! What's crazy to me is that without the shopping/buying, I'm suddenly full of "ideas" to share here on this channel related to consumer culture, shopping, style, and it's actually about to get philosophical too. My brain is doing other things now! 🤯
Great video with a thoughtful honest message. I generally don't buy the exact same products I see in advertisements of influencers or of the product company itself, but the ads lay seeds in my head to make me consider that I could use this type of product, which I would not had thought of otherwise. I'm currently overconsuming perfumes. I don't buy the exact perfumes I see fragrance youtubers talk about, but they influenced me to go in perfume boutiques and dive into the world of perfumes, buying many more perfumes I have ever bought before in my life. I'm currently at 16 different fragrance bottles, too much really. I used to work in marketing for a big tour operator. Two aspects of my work made me change my field of profession. First the thought of advertising mass tourism, which is not sustainable and is harming the environment. Second the nature of marketing itself with choosing visual tools like stilted texts, perfect angled photos and harmonized videos to show only the best side of a vaycay destination or hotel. We did not state any untrue facts about the product we sold but we were not completely honest either. That is how marketing for the most part works of course, which every adult knows. But there was a moment in time where I could not keep on earning my money in influencing people with white lies. Since then I'm more conscious in consuming in general, but I'm still not immune to advertisements, as mentioned above with my bought perfumes.
Wow I applaud you for changing your field when you realized it didn't line up with your values! That's a big step that not everyone would be willing to take. I'm lucky to have recently become immune to perfumes, or rather, my nose has become too sensitive and I can't spray them anymore! So that's one way to not be interested in buying something I guess 😅
The only subscription box I liked was actually fab fit fun or whatever that one is. Because I you could actually pick out the items. I only did it for a year tho. Just didn’t need all that stuff. It was nice for the time I did though and I was able to keep it gift everything I picked. This is a really interesting thought though to think about everything I have bought after seeing someone talk about it.
You asked about a greens product. I use Amazing Grass and it’s like $21. I can’t feel a difference, I’m just going off my brother’s recommendation that somehow it’s making me healthier. I can’t say that I’m not influenced, but your video really highlights how short form content is so much more influencing than UA-cam, which is influencing enough. I’m not a paragon of restraint, so I’m glad I don’t use those apps.
Yes I've stopped using them as well and it's been great. So I tried a greens powder and will never be doing that again, I realized it's definitely not something I need in my life. You live and you learn... 🫣
Eye opening! Thank you for saying this out loud. I also watched much of the same “sustainable” channels & I’ve had a feeling about them, being not great for me. I had already unfollowed some and I want to do another check on my influence inventory now for sure.
Yes! Another thing I do now is to actually "think before I click" for even those I do follow...if it seems like a "product focused" video I have realized that I probably don't need to watch it even if I really like the creator.
I get the Christina Mychas and A Small Wardrobe influences so much. Christina always makes me want to buy jeans. I don't wear jeans, they're extremely uncomfortable to me. Patricia is too in-your-face with the product placement for me to watch anymore. I used eat it all up but now I'm just like... nah, none of this would work for me, but I do appreciate the nature shots. She did influence me to get nice cups and plates, though. I wonder how she moves with those as well, those are heaaaavy. I got a completely different brand, though, which apparently is also very famous with influencers, but I didn't know that at a time. Seeing the OG UK influencer pieces was a blast from the past. Love how you can honestly reflect on all of this stuff so well!
Thank you! And yes Christina and Patricia are masters at making certain things look really nice or cool or aesthetic - I'm only just now being able to appreciate that no matter how something looks in a video, I don't have to want or buy these things for myself😅
I see so much of myself in this video. You are not alone! Thank you for sharing. I agree-this is not a responsible way to live. We need to normalize questioning all of it: the production, the purchasing, the influencing. The economy around this is not healthy for us or the earth.
Oooh the Mason Pearson brush, I have coveted that brush since I was a teenager 😂 but I can never justify the price. Also, I know I will not clean that MP brush in order to maintain the quality of it so it doesn’t fit my lifestyle. I remember the mulberry bag when they collaborated with Target but unfortunately mine didn’t last, the quality was not as good as the designer one.. I miss that bag. I do however love my uniqlo crescent for traveling, I take it on every trip lol and as for the baggu bag, I bought a dupe from Amazon and I use it as my everyday bag so while I was influenced, I am glad I have them. And I’m proud that I have resisted the need for more colors! I find myself browsing different colors but then I remember I already have the bag so I don’t need to buy it again 😂 You’re not alone with the “after dental work purchase to make me feel better.” I have been victim to that and even did it recently. I was triggered and immediately made an order on Muji but I didn’t spend a lot and they were practical purchases for my house which I am allowing myself to buy for the next few months. So I did better than before, progress over perfection. After that, the no buy will become more strict because of the said expensive dental work! Dental products are from my own teeth insecurity as well but one thing that helps is that I try to only buy things that have the ADA seal of approval so that cuts out ALOT of dental products. But I’m a sucker too and also bought that Gurunanda pulling oil even though it’s not ADA approved 😅 side note, the Gurunanda toothbrushes are the best!
Here's to dental recovery, both from the work and from the cost😬but also yay for us being responsible and actually getting it taken care of - I know people who either never go to the dentist or put off getting work done because it's so expensive and hard to pay off (which I totally do understand as well).
This video was really helpful. I recently bought a ridge wallet bc I was influenced. While I am using it, it was $95 and I’m sure I could have found something similar for a much lower price. I also bought a few things on Amazon bc some of my favorite creators made videos about the best deals on prime day. This video helped me reflect on my spending habits and how easily I’m influenced.
I love that special kind of irony about spending more money than we need to on a wallet, which is designed to carry the money we might not have so much of anymore because we spent it on a wallet 😆I too am guilty of this!
This video has been immensely helpful! I stopped watching Patricia from A Small Wardrobe and Audrey Coyne because they both started really pushing these extremely lux and expensive items and of course seeing everyone and their mother pushing Lilysilk was a real turn off. Before that happened though, I found myself wanting everything they had. So many of the influencers start out with ordinary or thrifted clothes but they all seem to ramp it up over time and become super commercial. It’s a shame because I enjoy hearing people talk about their clothing choices but it has to be honest and not for profit.
Same with Patricia and Audrey - I also realized that while they made everything look beautiful, their style is extremely far from MY style and I was just muddying the waters every time I was tempted by something they recommended or talked highly about! And exactly like you said it didn't help that everything they recommended became something commercially available rather than truly unique to them and their style.
I find it interesting that, while I've only been influenced to purchase about five items from this video, I've bought many other items due to similar influences. It's fascinating to see how people are persuaded to buy different products, even when influencers are sharing similar content. Out of all of my influenced purchases I think I only have repurchased maybe 3 because I actually enjoyed them. I found your channel at the perfect time! I am glad an "influencer" (yourself) is influencing me to NOT buy and to be more mindful of my money and purchases. #NoBuyYear
Haha I still cringe a little at the "influencer" label but I suppose it's inevitable if I'm going to share ideas online - have to remind myself that not all influence is bad! And it is so interesting! We are all different but I guess it just goes to show different stuff will tickle our personal insecurities/goals/values in different ways but I think many of us are susceptible to the false promises of "buying stuff", one way or another!
Isn’t ironic that we follow all these “minimalist” influencers and then waste so much money on their recommendations? you’re not the only victim of this 🙃
Yes! I think HLP would be low-key mortified, especially since she got her start as a no-buy channel. I mean, mortified all the way to the bank, but mortified just the same.
I'm actually doing a dedicated chat about this next week! The many times "conscious consumerism" channels got me to buy stuff or made it seem like a "good" decision...
Right - I think in her specific case, I followed for her no buy content and grew to enjoy her company, and therefore did not have my guard up when she pivoted to being more of a product "influencer". Not her fault and I don't blame her at all but it took doing a "no buy" myself for me to see, and become able to enjoy content more responsibly.
@@Alexas.nobuyyearoh yeah, there are 2-3 I actually unfollowed because they started to have Amazon affiliate links under every post and recommended stuff in every second. For me Shelbi is OK. She mostly marks her sponsorship videos clearly and you don’t have to look her recommendations. She also is very transparent about her sponsors and who she chooses to support. But certainly this case wasn’t the right one for your needs. I am mostly not the target group neither because most of these brands aren’t available in Germany. But I understand how you think you actually NEED the stuff if you trust the creator.
@@Siures I do still follow Shelbi, and while she has occasional sponsors I do find her sponsored content "worth the ads." Even though I didn't need to buy this phone case I find it interesting to know companies "can" make "compostable" products - but now I have a better understanding that if I don't really need it I don't need to buy to support!
Your courage in posting this video is an inspiration . Being a senior citizen, I worry about leaving behind my foolish & wasteful purchases, for my children (both male) to see and be responsible for disposing of. Therefore I am making a concerted effort to greatly reduce my belongings and significantly reduce future consumption. But it’s certainly an uphill battle. Thank you for making content that inspires me to do better.
It is an up hill battle!
Thank you so much for sharing. You are so kind to think about your kids dealing with what you leave behind because obviously at that point it's not really your problem anymore - but I'm sure our families appreciate less of a burden when that time does come.
Other people can use your purchases - there are women's shelters for clothing (they need nice clothing for jobs). There are organizations helping people going into permanent housing - they need housewares of all kinds (kitchen, bedding, etc). Just think of them as charity to the world.
You're doing such a good and kind thing for your children.
I'm going through this now and it is an uphill battle but I'm seeing progress. A little bit at a time. I'm nearly 60 and I don't want to leave a ton of clutter for my children to go through after I'm gone. I know I could live for another 10, 20, 30 years, who knows, but the decluttering and keeping things in check is to do now, really it should be done all through one's life. And before we get too old, sick or unable to do it.
There's a thing called "Swedish Death Cleaning" it is a philosophy started in Sweden and it's becoming popular here too. There are YT videos on it. And information online. It's basically what you and I doing. Reducing our belongings so as not to burden loved ones who are left behind after we have died. It saves them having to make difficult decisions of what to do with items. And it makes things much easier for them when they are going through an already emotionally difficult time, grieving. They don't need to be dealing with a mountain of stuff while grieving.
I have read stories and it's very hard on loved ones. Some are still clearing out parent's or relative's homes for months and months as it takes so long.
Your thoughtfulness and care for your kids is so heartwarming. I’m in my twenties and also trying my best to reduce my impulsive purchases. I’ve been focused on reducing waste for the here and now, but your comment has really reminded me that all this stuff will really outlive me and that is very inspiring to keep up with resisting the impulse purchases. Anyways! Thank you for your nice comment :)
Isn’t it funny how we pay for streaming services so we don’t have to watch commercials and then we voluntarily watch UA-cam, Tik Tok and Instagram that are full of people selling you stuff. lol
Right? And for some reason I don't want to pay for UA-cam Premium...😅
Such a good point!
There are multiple ways to monetize these videos. It's sales in video format.
Netflix is often so full of product placement and social engineering I just want to vomit. Selling is everywhere at the moment
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I’m watching your videos with YT premium 😆
I’m so impressed that you remember which influencer influenced each piece…
Haha impressive...or slightly horrifying 😅
Trying to remember why certain things were bought is a really important step in decluttering that gets skipped too often. Too often I "upgrade" products I don't even use.
Yes! Some brands and companies are so good at selling an upgrade, something "improved/better," or a more "sustainable/ethical" version, whatever it might be, that makes buying it feel like a "good" decision somehow!
Do not feel embarassed. This is so healing to me, I thought I was the same and I think there are many of us. Humans in general are just easily influenced, it's not just you!
‘When I’m gone all this will be trash’ hit hard ❤
Yes! And even sometimes, before I'm gone things turn into trash unless I can commit to using them for the rest of my life 👀
I feel like I’m watching myself. Same channels watched, same products purchased. Oh goodness.
I’m going through the same journey and realizations. Fascinating.
Haha welcome to the club 😅
Me too!
Thank you for de-influencing us on so many of these trendy items - many of which don’t even look that nice when they’re not styled in an „aesthetic“ shoot and brand new the way influencers show them! Great reminder for me that actually living with these items isn’t somehow magically going to change everything. They just become items lying around the house like so many others! Thanks for being so open ❤
Yes! Glad to be of service and present the reality 😅
This has really made me consider what youtube channels I watch and influencers I follow
I went through my UA-cam and unsubscribed from dozens of dozens of channels!
It's crazy how much we DONT need. Anyone who tells me I need something or posts a bunch of links or lists of products gets hit with the unfollow
You real af for this! Don’t feel ashamed. I’m happy you are deciding to reduce your consumption. Videos like this are very helpful.
This is the most refreshing video I've seen on UA-cam in a long time. I've been seeing a lot of underconsumption (AKA normal consumption) videos on TikTok, which make me feel both inspired but also guilty for how much I consume. The premise of your video is SO relatable and makes me think critically about the things I buy and what prompted me to buy them. Especially now as a new mom, I feel like I'm being fed a ton of "Baby Essentials" content - which I feel preys on the fact that I'm a new mom wanting to do right by my daughter (even if the creator is simply trying to be helpful). Thank you so much for this thoughtful video
Ooh I like to hear that "underconsumption" is becoming a thing on TikTok! Thank you for sharing!
And nooo not the "baby essentials" - it's SO predatory to new moms who want nothing other than the best for their kids, and may also be severely sleep deprived and recovering from the birth experience...I also bought a bunch of "kids stuff" influenced too but I try not to make kid content the focus here as I know it's not relatable to everyone. I now know that any "baby essential" is literally only going to be used for a few months, so "essential" is definitely not the right word in this case 😅
I've often imagined myself doing a spoof video of UA-cam content creators. I would be wearing the Lilysilk striped blue and white silk button up, drinking Athletic Greens from a Stanley Cup (or we could do old school with a mason jar and glass straw), wearing a Nord Green Watch, the Bottega dupe earrings and Of course be wearing Invisalign while talking; and my hair would be wrapped in a bathrobe belt (if you know, you know).
I think comparatively, your pile of errors is dwarfed by mine, especially considering how far you are going back in time. So, so many regrets and a sinking feeling at all of the wasted money. This video is a great visual at just how much we are duped and influenced into buying useless stuff. The vast majority we could have easily and happily done without. That being said, I do love your navy Dragon Diffusion dupe and your jewellery rock :)
Now I have to ask if ANOTHER person likes the jewelry rock!!! Why??? That is the only item I REALLY don't get?🤔
Haha LOVE that - but the problem is - would people even realize that it was a spoof these days?? Seems like even that level of "sponsored products" might be too "normal" and we already do see people using a Stanley, dyson airwrap, greens powder, and more all in the same video! 😅
There's just something about it hahaha
We'll let it go.😇😎
I would watch this video, upvote, and share like wildfire.
More people need to see this.
Haha maybe, or maybe not, since that'd just be more embarrassing for me 😆
This was really relatable and badass. Your memory for where you first saw something is really impressive.
Unfortunately HLP and Alyssa Beltempo/Christina Mychas have a similar effect on me as you describe. I lose a bit of perspective when it's coming from someone who seems thoughtful (which I do believe they are, but that doesn't excuse me from doing any thinking myself).
Thank you! Finally using powers of memory and attention to detail for forces of GOOD rather than obsessive shopping, haha
And yes I also do believe those creators are genuinely thoughtful, it's just one of the pitfalls of doing the work they have chosen. I don't think they'd want anyone to fall into spending/buying traps!
I've also found this year after taking a step back that I've felt less of a need for "style" focused content, because my focus REALLY is on expressing myself using what I have since removing the option of buying anything new. Which is what they teach us - especially Alyssa, I think, but somehow for me the allure of the brands she occasionally worked with would override her very good advice. I don't blame them at all, but I am happier/feel more like "me" now in my wardrobe after taking in less influence in general.
And I know that as long as they're creating videos I can always check back in (I guess it's kind of like celebrity gossip?) if I'm curious to see what they're up to these days.
Alexa this is really making me stop to think about what I've purchased the past several years and if the item had been a UA-cam recommendation. Many are! When you said that the item didn't come to you organically and that the idea of it had been because someone placed the item in front of you, that really hit home. I'm realizing how susceptible we all are to these influencers. I hope my 26 year old daughter starts watching you.
Aw thank you! I feel like in this day and age we almost need a "crash course" on the "influences we might see online"....or maybe that it should be part of a required "personal finance" class in high school or something 👀
Maybe it's different for people who grew up with touchscreen tech and social media as kids but I know for me it's kind of taken all of my 20s to figure out that seeing this stuff was making me buy stuff and ultimately that's not what I want to be doing!
Agree! You’re so brave and honest! I mean…. I’m sure I have more than you I was influenced to buy! And thinking about putting online “bare” before the world! Appreciate that you did the hard work for us! We are all you! And I want to be more like you and stop the inflow! Might need to try a no buy year!
@@carrieschnug9830 🥹
You’re so powerful for seeing pattern and enacting change! It’s not your fault marketing uses psychology tactics to trick us into buy things we don’t need. But you are aware now so you can make those necessary changes. Congratulations 🎉
Thank you!
Thank you for being vulnerable to help others. There is no shame in the past, only in continuing the behavior. You live, you learn, you do things differently. Sending support!
I have a huge aversion to Caraway and so glad I stuck with stainless steel and cast iron. They'll last forever.
Thank you! And yeah after the Caraway bites the dust I'm definitely going with something that'll last forever 🫣
I love your phrase DaysAfter, I think it can be applied to lots of areas of our lives where we sometimes hold onto shame.
I wonder if UA-cam recommended me your channel because we watch the same UA-camrs 😅 I’m glad it did!
Same, happy to connect with you and others who can relate, it's honestly helping ME so much on this journey. 😊
the good thing about being poor is being focused on need first then want. Im fairly influence proof. Also taking a long time to decide on an item I have developed a strong sense of personal style and taste.
Im glad you are freeing yourself from influencing.
Thank you!
I have experienced that type of "influence-proofing" before, when I worked at a Panera restaurant as a student (with no outside support or access to loans at the time), and struggled to make enough to pay the rent for my room in a shared house and bought groceries using food stamps. (And before that I didn't have much either, that was just a particularly bad time).
I was very careful back then, didn't shop at all and couldn't afford any extras - that was almost 10 years ago now, and my circumstances have changed a lot. So I guess my habits of buying things also changed slowly over time to get out of hand and I lost sight of needs vs. wants - but it's definitely time to fix it in my life!
@@Alexas.nobuyyear go Alexas. I totally support you on construction of influence-proof wall.
Just theorizing here. A converse of being poor. You feel deprived of nice things, and as your income situation improves you compensate for those hard years struggling.
I sympathize with the complicated angst of unhappy consumption.
Am about to start my first job and earn my first big girl pay check. Watching this made me more aware of the choices I will be making as a working adult (and 1st gen immigrant lol 😂), thank you for the video!
Ooh glad to catch you at a time before you might have gotten sucked in (not saying you would have, but welcome to my cautionary tale 😅)
I’m sure I may have more comments! But just on the cookware alone - go stainless steel 100%. Stainless steel will stick a bit and takes a slight technique to learn how to get it to not stick, but as we say in the kitchen supply store I work at - non stick is non forever. No matter what the makers promise they will not last because it’s not designed to. All clad or Henkel’s stainless steel, and if you want a non stick pan (I use mine for eggs!) I would suggest ballerini or staub. Staub will outlive us all and is higher quality than a lot of le cruset is now!
Thank you! Never heard of Staub so I might look into those when the time is right!
I can’t believe I just watched this and it’s over an hour long. This is the first of your videos I’ve seen. I loved it. You’re hilarious too !
Omg thanks for sharing this time with me, and glad someone gets my subtle humor 😅
@@Alexas.nobuyyear hahaha I love how honest you are too it’s refreshing !
You are so not alone girl. This got me spirling thinking about all the things i was influenced to buy. This is so good to be aware of.
It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one 🫣
This was the best UA-cam video I’ve seen in a long time. You came up in my feed and now I follow you! Sooo many creators who claim to be minimalists or low-buy are not. I finally realized that the “mindless content” I thought I was watching while I cooked or cleaned was definitely reflected in my Amazon shopping and makeup choices - almost to the point where it was/is ridiculous. I’ve had to unfollow people for this reason. They don’t have capsule wardrobes or paired-down collections of makeup or skincare …. At all. At the end of the day, they need to push products to make money. I get it but it’s not good for me. Thanks for this video- it’s awesome and brave.
Aw, thank you and welcome!
It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize that minimal and low-buy creators often turned into straight-up "influencers" and sell products just like regular "lifestyle" creators who are more open about the stuff they show their audience and don't claim to have a "curated" wardrobe or minimal ideals. And usually the "minimal" people influenced me MORE!
I also look forward to listening to people on UA-cam while I cook and clean - and this year I have really tried to replace my "old favorites" with others who talk about the issues with consumerism (or totally unrelated topics, like music) and actually help shape my mind the way I want it to be!
Funnily enough, I follow a lot of thrifters and I still feel the desire to get the same items even thought it’s practically imposible. 😅
The main factor for me personally to feel the desire to keep shopping (especially for clothes) is the discontentment with my body and how I want to be perceived. And no amount of clothes can change that.
Yes! I think the older I get the more I see how perception is an attitude thing...and we can't buy that "cool-person" attitude (or whatever it is that we want to be perceived as). We can change our attitudes to some extent but also embrace how we currently are too - and actually, seeing myself in these videos on camera has helped me in this acceptance of my own personality in all of its good, bad, and ugly, or perhaps "good, bad, and sometimes weird/cringey" glory.
I wasted so much time being insecure about how tall I am or other stuff like that, and it would have been nice to fast-forward emotionally to this point of not really caring anymore!
Validation helps! There is real interest in this channel!
The “discontentment with my body and how I want to be perceived” really hits the nail on the head for me! It’s exactly why I keep browsing and looking because you can’t buy your way into contentment with body and self
@@aamie2389 I hope for both of us that we can overcome those feelings and find value outside of just the body 💚
Omg I totally get that! Sometimes you can keep buying clothes because you don't feel like you look good and you want to look better, but it doesn't matter how many tank tops you buy because buying clothes is not going to change your body! I've so fallen into this trap.
You’re a brave person to share your journey and just being straight up honest. Watching you is making me realize that I have been influenced in the past to buy things that I don’t need and will never use.
Thank you - just trying to be better!
Thank you!! I do notice a trend that even "minimalist" influencers convince you to buy so many things. Quite ironic, but thats life. You live and you learn :) Good luck wish you No Buy Year!!
Thank you!
Incredible transparency from you here. The stash really shows how much this new social media network of purchase promotions ultimately functions the same as grandma’s home shopping network. I’m not above it, I’m just reluctant to drop a lot of money on any one piece, so if I’m seduced by a promoted product, I’ll look for it secondhand at a low price, thrift a dupe or make it myself. Any later regrets are tempered at least by less money spent and not indulging an affiliate link.
It is astonishing (and unlike you I do judge them) how much product sanctimonious minimalists end up promoting. Partly it’s that they haven’t resolved their own shopping issues. But I think there’s also a perverse incentive to make a channel 'minimalist' or 'elevated' because it throws an ethical wash over the whole thing while making their recommendations that much more valuable because they are supposedly rarer. “Even as a minimalist, I recommend this item.” “Even as someone who buys fewer expensive things, I think this item is totally worth it.” Probably allows them to charge more for sponsored videos and opens the door to receiving pricier higher-end gifts.
I recently watched some of the Financial Confessions episodes of The Financial Diet with a couple of the characters you mentioned. It surprised me that some actually vocalized problematic thought patterns and purchasing habits (e.g. progressively talking themselves into coveting ever more expensive brands and objects), but have enthusiastically fallen back into them.
To be more charitable, a “less than” feeling as a kid really seems to be a throughline. At some point, I wish we could just accept that we’re adults now and our kindergarten buddies’ opinion is irrelevant. The older I get, the more I realize that so much of 'personal style' is not clothes but confidence, posture and maintaining your nerve about your sense of self. It’s why people as disparate as Jane Birkin and Iris Apfel are style icons: because they wore what they wanted & were comfortable in and got on with life even if people looked at them funny. Incidentally, it’s so emblematic that one of the world’s most impractical expensive bags is named after Birkin, when her most iconic bag that she actually used was a plain farmer’s market basket: how brands commodify and mark up genuine style aka someone living their own darn life.
This comment was an experience!
BRAVO 👏
YES!
Next week I am going to share some "last straw" moments I've had recently from minimalism-oriented channels that seem to have endless sponsors and/or affiliate-linked "stuff", which is just in principle totally not minimalist. And I actually just watched the latest Financial Diet video about influencing being like an MLM (unfortunately I didn't see this before I filmed my chats! But it's ok, as obviously perspectives are always going to be unique even on the same topics). And I ALMOST said this in my rant about it but didn't know if I felt good about taking it as far as the MLM....because I do believe that these people are just fallible humans too, and that for these particular creators at this particular time, the allure of thousands-of-dollar sponsorships is enough for them to kind of throw away their brand credibility for but because they're in it too deep, they don't see it that way.
I've definitely stopped watching more and more, and the creators will still be fine obviously, but I do wonder if they realize how hypocritical it is for them to have gained a following through the "responsible journeys" of debt payoff and no buys, to then turn around and sell to their followers. And then to have the audacity to do "declutters" complaining of being overwhelmed by their stuff when it's their own acceptance of PR, sponsorships, etc. that caused this result. They got PAID to be overwhelmed by "stuff"...and I think they've not just fallen back into the consuming habits they used to vocalize awareness of and try to overcome, but have done it in a way that they can justify to themselves because now it's "work" and not them "consuming" or "shopping". It's so dangerous.
I also love that you mention Jane Birkin and Iris Apfel. I'm definitely going to be thinking more about those two as examples, because people were drawn to them because of their sense of self and willingness to display that regardless of opinions - and, I have seen Iris Apfel have sponsored collaborations with brands like Ruggable (and Google tells me now, many other brands!) but all of her collabs clearly seem to have the essence of HER, where the brands sought to express and capitalize on HER iconic style, rather than her spreading the non-authentic-essences of bigger brands and companies for her own monetary gain.
And the Birkin bag arguably doesn't have the essence of Jane Birkin either - I am not personally educated on her or the bag so this may be totally off-base, but surface-level googling unearthed an article where she apparently said she sketched a bag that would be "suitable for young mothers" and I'd argue that a "designer bag" of that price and "status" is NOT in fact suitable or practical in any way for young mothers 🙃
@emmy8526 I feel like I know exactly who you’re talking about without you naming them 😂
@@rachelbrewin5618Same
This was an amazing video. The end, where you talked about how even if you use it all, in the end it will all be trash in landfills was so powerful. I try not to consume too much, but I'm definitely prone to updating items that don't need to be updated because the one I have works fine. Especially when it's an item I 'need'.
And I've definitely both stuff I wouldn't have known existed if not for influencers and content creators.
Also Patricia from "A small wardrobe'' ditched the whole " I only wear earthy tones" boho art teacher vibe and is now a black wearing designer bag diva lol. With beautiful artsy shots she can sell you anything
HLP is very eloquent. I never liked her style, I find it a little dated honestly, but the way she beautifully describes them makes the clothes desirable
Chirstina and UseLess girl aren't my style, theyre too basic looking but they're pushing a lot now. It's very sad because you almost believe they would never push anything that they wouldn't buy themselves.
I'm sorry, I'm not a rude person but this whole narrative is hypocritical.
Also, Alexa, you're very creative and intelligent, you're an orchestral musician for crying out loud! You don't have to copy those people.
Yes with Patricia it was the beautiful artsy shots, as well as the nature, beaches, dunes...I think THAT was more of the aspiration I wanted when I bought what she recommended! I wish I lived closer to the ocean!
HLP is WAY more into makeup than I ever have been, but when she talks about clothing I have tended to "want to try" what she talks about.
And I think I'd agree that Christina and Signe are only partially "my style", like their outfits are "fine" but I couldn't follow their formulas without something a little more unique or personal to me - but I think their messages of financial responsibility and wardrobe sustainability (which may have been stronger before so much sponsored content!) and I've actually had to unfollow both (which I actually am talking about this weeK!).
HLP is the only one left for me probably because 90% of the time the things she talks about are not temptations, and I hope with my increased awareness this year I can get through the other 10% of the time where she might show something tantalizing that I don't need.
And finally - yes I am an orchestral musician! But, I don't have a full-time orchestral job, despite having done probably 30-40 auditions, possibly even more. While I now consider myself lucky to have a part time version of my dream job, it still feels like I've failed time and time again, and a lot of it due to my own inability to get my act together and prepare seriously. So it's hard to appreciate my "identity" when it's been peppered with being told I'm "not good enough" to be chosen and I know that it's not even necessarily due to a lack of ability because I haven't been organized enough to put forth my best. And the other scary thing is...what if I do get organized and put forth my best, and still don't get chosen? Clearly I have more to work through here but I'm not sure how much of the super specific details will feature on this channel haha. Sorry for the long response but I appreciate the opportunity to think through things even further - so thank you!
I also was very disapointed to find out Patricia is “turning” to brands and wearing more wearing luxury items 🙁 it just means she was bought…
As soon as I saw Patricia dye her hair, I knew that was it! (Nothing wrong with dyeing your hair obviously, but she used to be so against it as a “frivolous” expense. And obviously people can change but like, you have receipts saying this is too much and then you do it? I had to step away from her content haha)
Whoaaaa the cat flats. That brought back memories of the early days. I really appreciate both your vulnerability and your confidence.
Haha a very specific era
I bought an exfoliating face mask HLP said she used regularly… it over-exfoliated me, my skincare burned, and my face broke out. I normally have clear skin and a minimal routine - tretinoin from my derm, sunscreen, and wash mostly with water.
A few weeks later she mentioned having ongoing acne problems, with 50+ bottles of opened, comped skincare behind her. It was a good realization that despite all her videos and thoughts on skincare, she is actually not a trained expert or professional. Shes a person who is incentivized to use and recommend as many products as possible.
Yes! I think for me the danger was that she started from no buy content and therefore I thought she was truly careful in her recommendations - and I'm sure she does try to be careful! But it's just the nature of the game where being sent so much stuff and trying more products means more recommendations than she would have done otherwise...and I'm finally stopping to think if I even need ANY recommendations right now 😅
@@Alexas.nobuyyear 100% ! Very few products have "changed my life", compared to actions, therapy, and information, but the products/services that I use and love regularly all came from friends/family who paid for it themselves. Honestly, I don't think life-changing stuff can ever come with an affiliate link.
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I loved her No Buy Year - she was so creative at finding workarounds, and good at exploring the emotions underneath the wanting stuff. It was truly interesting and new work in the YT space!
I learned this with the “blank step korean skincare routine” I tried nearly everything to get rid of my acne and have perfect skin. Guess what, my skin only got worse. Wasted so so much money. Now I use three products, a gentle face wash, my retinol (for acne), and a good gentle moisturizer all personal that work for my skin. People compliment my skin? Is it perfect? Absolutely not but I’m doing the best I can for my body and skin and thats fine. Why must everything be perfect to matter. Life lessons 😂
Nothing but respect and admiration for this kind of self-reflection and vulnerability! Your observation of "I consider myself to be savvy and not easily influenced, but these purchases would suggest otherwise," is not an easy thing to admit to oneself, much less to an audience. However, I would say that statement is evidence that you are in fact, a critical thinker, as many people won't have that realization at all. Don't be too hard on yourself. None of us are completely immune to influence, as much as we'd like to be! Thank you for sharing this learning experience and inviting the rest of us to consider our own consumption habits
When you mentioned Justine Leconte I finally realized who you reminded me of! You both are absolutely gorgeous girls! 💛
As for Mulberry Alexa bag - I personally had some kind of dupe - seeing it sparked a real joy. Nowadays when I see something I want I feel some kind of negative emotion, like regret of not having it right now. But with that bag I remember feeling “in love” and I was using it for years and years and loving it.
Aw thank you! I'm flattered by the comparison.
I also started with a dupe of the Mulberry Alexa - and I also loved it and wore it to shreds, which is how I decided that buying a pre-loved "real" one would be a good idea. Interestingly now I don't wear the real one as often but I still do really like it and I think I would probably enjoy it if I made a point to actually wear it more, the problem these days is just that I have too many bags in general 🥲
Great introduction to your channel, looking forward to following you on your journey. I know I will learn for your hard core honesty !! Love this
I suspect You're going to influence me out of my planned purcheses of things I've been seeing online. And that's good. Thank You. A new subscriber ❤🔥🙏
Haha I hope so! Welcome!
GIRL this was such a good video! Congratulations on your journey and channel growth 🎉 I hope that you can have some gentleness and compassion for yourself re: the capacity to be influenced. The role of influencers IS to influence. That's the job and many are well practiced and professionals at doing just that. The fact that they were effective in influencing is at least, in part, a reflection of their effectiveness at doing their jobs. There is also the element of personal responsibility that you are also addressing. But please don't be too hard on yourself that you took an action that someone created an entire campaign to encourage you to take.
Omg thank you!!! I'm definitely seeing the "job of influencing" differently this year, through newly opened eyes and with new opinions 🤔😅
And BIG CONGRATS to you too for 20k!! Love to see it 🎉🎉🎉
Oh, I want to give you a big hug! I’m currently decluttering because otherwise I’m worried that I’ll end up in a documentary about hoarding. I had a lightbulb moment. As a vegan I don’t buy silk - otherwise I’d be head to foot in Lily Silk. :)
You are very refreshing and for me inspirational.
Oh the cat flats… bought a version, wore them once, they hurt my feet, I donated them. Such a waste!
I'm happy to report that I do enjoy and use mine, so at least there's that 😅
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I'm very pleased to hear that!
thank you so much sharing and naming names- i have struggled so much with some level of guilt re: the amount of stuff i’ve been influenced by hannah louise poston to buy. because i know in my heart of hearts that her intent is not to encourage over-spending, but she is still, nonetheless- an influencer. i know she didn’t begin that way. i just like her so much and have found that i trust her taste/interests to match mine. much like you’ve said in another video, i’ve found that my parasocial attachment to certain influencers and feeing so interested in them as people has fueled my drive to shop for the things they like, talk about and sometimes straight up recommend. i know she wouldn’t want to see that she’s had this effect on people, but i don’t blame her. it’s on me- i know it, but i still wouldn’t have seen or bought all this stuff without continuously exposing myself to influencers’ content.
Yes! I have a hard time with her in particular because I kind of "wanted to be like her" for the longest time, and would even say she inspired me starting this video series for accountability. But more recently I realized that I don't actually "want to be like her" anymore in that I don't want to have to bring new stuff in for my job/source of income (even if it's "free" PR, stuff from a "review budget"...) and constantly talk about trends or new things in a way where I'm deciding whether or not to "buy things" or help viewers decide this. And I really mean that with no dislike or hate or anything like that, I wish her all the very best, I'm not saying she has to change or anything! I will even probably still watch some of her content. It was just kind of a jarring realization for me because as someone who looked up to her, I never thought that would happen or that I would feel that way.
Being influenced is so human. You are smart AND able to be influenced. Humans want to connect, we want to belong and as we figure out the online influencing space we will be able to fortify ourselves better from being influenced to impulse purchases. Your series has been very inspiring and helped to influence me to declutter and engage in a no buy, day, week end, week, month, year to see if I can make better decisions. Thank you! Sharing in your feelings. I see you.
If I can influence you to make one more purchase....Scrub Mommy Power Paste will take the stains off ceramic coated pots without damaging the finish. Great vid. Thank you for your honesty. We've all done it to some degree. I'm weaning off social media bc the heavy marketing is giving me the ick.
It’s OK to learn from your mistakes you have no idea of the amount of overconsumption that most people have you are not alone in this. I too am going through some regret and purging in order console myself.I also see that the shopping was partially a form of entertainment as well.we live and learn. Thank you for sharing.❤
Thank you for sharing too! Yes, we live and learn!
You are doing a great job. Watching all of the stuff together is shocking.
i wonder if you have come upon Swedish Death Cleaning in your declutter journey? your last comment about the stuff we leave behind being trash almost 99.5% of it reminded me of that
Yes I have! And while I love the point behind it, I'm going to consider the "not buying new trash" good enough for right now because I hope I have a good bit of time left, before REALLY having to consider when I'm no longer here 🫣 avoiding existential crisis haha
i appreciate and thank you for taking the time to talk about your journey and what you have learned.
Great video!
I forgot who said this online, but it really helped me temper my spending habits. She said every time an influencer buys something she is MAKING money. Every time you or I buy something we’re SPENDING money.
Also, anytime someone recommends an Amazon item, especially clothing, I just read some one star reviews and that’s usually enough to discourage me. Lack of quality is a big issue.
I now check return policies BEFORE I make a purchase. I’ve made costly errors when I assumed free return shipping. I discovered too late some items are not returnable at all or the return postage is a lot. And I don’t hesitate to return items which don’t work out.
YES! This is an amazing way to summarize the feelings I've been having about how the "job of influencing" is problematic - it's such a weird paradox where buying means totally different things to and has totally different motivations for different people. Thank you for sharing.
I so appreciate your candor. Thank you!
Me too!
Yea ❤
Thank you!!!
Wow this video hits home for me. Thank you for creating such eye opening content!
I continue to love this channel even though I have absolutely no connection to the subject! The honesty and openness and fearlessness so appeals!
Haha I'm happy we can share a connection even if it's not through the subject 😊
I feel that your subject matter will expand. Not that it is narrow now but the many other branches of careful living ( climate change, sustainability, happiness with less, future of our kids!) all seem within your area of benefit!
@@bthomson Funny you should mention this...I DO have a lot of ideas kind of "loosely journaled" about all of those topics! And plans to weave them into some future chats for sure, so your intuition is very sound!
Can't wait!
agree on the the stasher bags. saw them from the same person but at a time when i was moving out of my parents for college so i never had any food storage containers and the stasher bags became all my food storage. i dont have any glass or plastic tupperware and only ever use the stasher bags for and food storage. they are so much better to store then glass containers
Presently scanning my surroundings and recognising what I have been influenced to buy. Came upon this vid at the right time as needing to cut my spending and recognise my triggers for shopping will certainly be making some changes.
This is so eye opening. Thank you for sharing and being open.
Lily Silk does not make high quality products. Additionally silk charmeuse is easily damaged. I saw NUMEROUS influencers talking about how high quality their stuff is, and I have many very very nice silk pieces, and knew there was absolutely no way you can get high quality silk for such a low price.
Good to know - I'm definitely not an expert on fabrics etc. and that possibly makes it even easier to be duped into thinking something is a "good" purchase just because it's not polyester 😅
Do you have any recommendations for silk pillowcases? I actually bot a LilySilk one in Jan 2022 based on Wirecutter recommendation, which I trust more than influencers. I haven’t had a problem with the durability of it, but I don’t have anything to compare it to….
Uh yeah, I get so annoyed when somebody started talking about how great lilysilk is, I’d stop watching the video (not our Alexa of course)! So irritating
It’s not even low price, excuse me!
I thrifted a Lilysilk blouse a few months ago. I’m not sure whether it was a pajama blouse or a regular blouse. It wasn’t on the site, so I’m sure it was a few years old. It wasn’t very thick, but not too thin, and no real texture to speak of. By comparison, I thrifted an Equipment silk blouse that is to die for, heavy, with a delightful texture to the material . The LS was blouse was a little slippery, which is why I thought it was probably a pajama top. It was an off-white color that glowed like pearls.
It wasn’t my size, but it was $7 at the thrift store after tax, and I knew my sister would love and use it, so I bought it, created some outfits, ,and sent photos to my sister. The blouse said hand-wash, or I wouldn’t have bothered her with it.
Would I have bought this new off the Lilysilk website? No. I have a lot of beautiful clothes that I’ve bought secondhand, and I’m all set in that regard. Do I still follow influencer links to the LS site and sigh over some of the things that I see there? Of course I do. But I would venture to say that if every country on this planet stopped producing new clothes for a year, you could still outfit every human being comfortably and beautifully with what’s out there already.
Felt that to my core, listening to you while decluttering my closet (and throwing half of it into donation by the end). You've gained yourself a subscriber. 😊
Aw thank you, and welcome!
This is so interesting because I only started watching Hannah Louise because of her Buy Nothing year!! So it’s wild to hear about the older content about consumerism. Thank you for sharing your own journey it is so relatable n
I think she started doing the consumerist content mostly after her no buy year - I also started with her no buy content (which I still love!), and then the following projects - beauty budget, fewer nicer things...and honestly I didn't really notice how consumerist it started leaning until I realized how much I had bought from her recommendations! 😬
That was very eye opening. I watch / used to watch the same channels, and after watching your other video about unsubscribing from UA-cam creators, I cleaned my subscriptions as well, because I noticed that I started buying things they mention in videos. I was actually shocked to see how much stuff was bought from HLP recommendations - I love her videos, and I support her on Patreon, but I didn’t realize how much stuff other people buy based on her subtle recommendations. Thanks for all the work you do!
I also think HLP is a master at providing a para-social friendship with her viewers - and I think she does genuinely care about the people who watch her too, so I don't think it's fake by any means, but because we feel like she's a friend giving a recommendation I think we often WANT to try the things she talks about (at least that's how it was for me). I used to watch all her videos no matter what the topic even though I'm not really into trying new makeup products, just to feel like I could "catch up" with her - now I've realized that perhaps I don't need to do that. Or if I do, I can be more prepared to NOT buy 😅
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I watched a lot of your videos recently, and I decided to unsubscribe from HLP both on UA-cam and Patreon. I watched her last video on Patreon, and I realized that her recent content is of no interest to me. Over the last year or two, her content became more product-focused, and I really enjoy more analytical and thought-provoking videos that she used to make in the past. Again, thanks for all your work on YT! In case you decide to start a Patreon, I would be happy to support you!
The absolute best advice Alexa ❤. I would have never ever thought that I was easily influenced but after watching this video I confess I have been lately. My eyes have been opened and today I vow that I will not allow myself to be in that place again. Going to clear up my debt and only buy what I need and not just want. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Aw thank you - I'll continue to share *hopefully* helpful tidbits to support you in this journey, and I would love to hear your updates on how it's going for you!
Love the way you think! Awesome and refreshing! Every time I see you have a new vid I am overjoyed ❤❤❤😊❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Aw thank you!
This takes courage! Thank you for being honest! I think we would all be shocked to find how much stuff we have been influenced to buy if we actually went around our own homes. This video was very sobering and so good at de-influencing.
Thank you! Working on becoming better at de-influencing except on purpose (rather than by showing people examples of the mistakes I made in a non-conscious way, although there are still even more mistakes to share before this year is over 😅)
Thank you for making this video. I love watching Hannah because she has improved my speaking and writing simply by listening to the vocabulary and sentence structure she uses when she articulates her thoughts. So even though I started watching for the no-buy content, she has been the one channel that I continue to watch consistently… but I’ve also been influenced to buy more by watching her videos, so I think I need to pick and choose which videos to tune into. I had already started doing that before watching this, but this solidified things for me, and is a good reminder of why I really need to stay away from certain kinds of content.
Same - I find myself thinking sometimes that I wish I could watch all of her videos just because I like "hanging out with her", which is ridiculous on many levels. Obviously we are not really "hanging out", and it is not her job to stay relatable to me and my preference for what kind of topics she covers! It's of course up to me to click or not click on a video, but I'm usually someone who's knee-jerk reaction used to be watching everything someone made regardless of the topic. Now it's a question of whether or not to stay subscribed to someone, if more of their videos are outside my area of interest than not.
what an amazing video! this is my first video of yours and i subbed right away. your honesty is refreshing and i love your self-reflection! you inspired me to declutter with you as i was watching the video. thank you!
Aw thank YOU!
I started my own no-buy year in August. The first month went by surprisingly well, but I'm already feeling the urge to shop again. I'm a compulsive thrifter, and followed a TON of alt. clothing style accounts (as in cottage core, witchy, goth stuff). Seeing your video somehow calmed me down. I needed to hear about someone else's struggles, so thank you. A pet peeve I have from the accounts I used to follow, is when I see the Gifted hashtag. I understand the creator was not paid for the stuff, but there's no way this isn't still advertising, because the people 'gifting' you the stuff would never do it unless they knew it would give themselves visibility. I would only follow small businesses and I don't begrudge them for the practice, but it's completely misleading to use the gifted euphemism, and still preach about conscientious and ''sustainable'' living.
Yes! Also I think it totally destroys the original spirit of the idea of "gifts" - as we approach holiday season (or at least, holiday marketing is ALREADY happening) I've been thinking about the idea of gifts more and more, and how consumerism has kind of destroyed the beauty and intention of this experience. I'll save the rest of that train of thought for a future video though 😅
Great idea to share how we get influenced to purchase with the belief that the item will greatly improve our quality of life. Keep these videos coming because they are a great help to viewers. Thank you.
Yes! I'm finally learning 😅
Such a refreshing video! Props to you for being so open. This is the first time I have come across your channel, and I'm really glad I did. I can really relate with being sucked in and equally wanting to do better. Thanks for sharing ❤
Exactly - it's hard to do the "right" thing all the time even if we really want to do better!! 🫠
Wow, you were so influenced. I am new to your channel, so this is one of the first I've viewed. I'm honestly shocked. The only thing I have been influenced to buy from YT (I have no other social media) was a Lilysilk cashmere turtle neck jumper, which I have never worn 😐 It's ivory and not in my colour palette, it makes me look a tad ill . The one item that I really noticed being pushed really hard was Vivaia shoes! So many influencers were singing their praise, "so comfortable, so versatile," etc. Then I never saw them wear them ever again! It left a bad taste in my mouth regarding that specific influencer. I started a no buy month back in January, which has rolled into months now. I'm not trying. I just don't need or want anything. But if I did buy something (doubtful), it won't be the end of the world. Thank you for your honesty. Great video.
Yes! I was! And finally I decided that enough is enough. That's amazing that your no buy is working so well and has been easy thus far! I've had a few "failures," (as documented on this channel😅) but ultimately I think I've learned a lot in order to be better going forward, and am trying to have a "clean record" for the last 6 months of this year 😁
Just wanted to leave a comment here for the algorithm! But also to say I really appreciate your content and this video you put out. It’s bringing a lot of awareness to us consumers. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Thank you so much!
This was an interesting exercise to emulate. I have bought more direct influenced products from channels over the last 7 years than I first thought. But I am actually rather content with my shorter list.
I didn't realise how many products I chose because of Hannah Louise Poston as well (her book, Poema, Salt NY, patreon, Erins Faces, Chantecallie). I'm happy with them though.
I realised that I'm more influenced to buy from the store, due to no shipping costs and less over edited unreliable sensory perception.
❤Thanks for the video. ❤
Love to hear stories of where the influence hasn't led people out of control!
This was so good! Thank you for being so raw and real with this. It helps to see it all accumulated, really makes me realize how much we are influenced.
Thank you! Yeah it took a little while to mentally work up to the one 😅
I truly love your content. I own way fewer things and I am not so susceptible to influencer marketing but I feel that your videos, especially this type of videos, help me to be more mindful of what I buy and what I desire.
Thank you!
Oh man your statement about liking to buy jewelry more than wear it really hits home. I think I did the same thing. I had a whole big jewelry armoire full plus more at one point. Have gotten rid of probably 2/3 but still have a lot that I don’t wear 🧐
I think this is true of jewelry AND makeup for me! And I'm not even totally sure those are the ONLY two categories.
There are even possibly some groceries I've purchased because I liked the "idea" of using sundried tomatoes for example, but have never actually had recipes that asked for those before I bought them...😅
Yes :) I really love it... especially earrings... but in reality my ears are sensitive and I tend to have problems with my holes if I do anything other than wearing the same sleepers most of the time. It's nice for a fun thing occasionally.... but I have a bigger than "fun thing occasionally" collection :)
Thank you for sharing all of this! I love the transparency, hearing your thoughts etc. And agreed on the eye masks, I also prefer onse that put a little bit of pressure on my eyes for the same reason as you :)
this video is really cool. Thx for ur time making this video 😊
Thank you! Haha it did take quite a lot of time 😅
I've been working on finding balance by checking in with my higher self before purchases or taking actions. It's amazing how much doesn't actually matter and can be skipped, and the rare things that do matter. I've enjoyed the process and discovery in it.
Ooh, the higher self - I like that!
I agree so much about how the desire at the time was so intense... Only for many purchases to no longer spark that joy or never fill that need that I expected it to... Because it wasn't an organic want. I am also so embarrassed by how many influenced items in my possession that I hardly ever use (and many times use bc I feel guilty when I see it lol). I follow/ed many of the same content creators that you do/ did and resonate so much w some of the brands that sucked you in ! *Subscribed*
Aw, welcome! Not happy that others have been "influenced" but at the same time, happy to hear I'm not alone 🥰
I just want to say think you for this video and your content in general. I have been on a low buy this year and your talks have helped me identify more problem areas, especially this video. I have the opposite problem. I am rarely influenced to buy something. When I am, it is something that i have intentionally been looking for, and they all have been major successes. I think because it is harder to return, I put more thought and effort into the purchase. However, take me to a mall and a good sale, oh that is a different story. I actually just quit my part-time retail job because the employee discount and constant exposure was too much.
That's so interesting to hear about having the opposite problem. I do think the "convenience" and "personal recommendation" of online influencing is my downfall but it sounds like it does actually work as it "should" for you, where you can use recommendations to find the best product for you!
I've actually never worked retail (I was in hospitality 😅 so, discounted food instead of clothes/other stuff) but I can also totally get how that can be a double-edged sword of making money while being exposed to tempting stuff and I think I would very likely not do well in that environment with my shopping habits either!
This is an excellent video and very practical. I can totally relate to being influenced to buy what I really don't need. Your video will certainly make me more mindful of my purchases. ❤Thank you!
Aw thank you!
Gobsmacked. This was fascinating. Thank you for posting.
😅
I just found your channel and have really been enjoying your content. I wonder though if we ever truly find anything organically in today's society where consumerism is everywhere we go? Just a thought, I had whilst watching this video, and perhaps you have already done a dive into this topic and I just haven't come upon that yet. Looking forward to watching more of your journey.
Thank you! I've kind of danced around this idea in my explorations of how "influencer marketing" doesn't play by the same rules as conventional advertising (where it's more clear that it's an ad, no parasocial element) as well as how when recommendations are paid, it immediately changes the game. Whereas if a friend tells you about something it's not for any personal gain. But I do think there'll be a more dedicated video on these ideas especially as the "sale season" draws nearer....
@@Alexas.nobuyyear I love where you're going with this thought. I look forward to hearing more.
Such a journey down influence memory lane. I remember when loads of this stuff was being influenced. I consume way too much youtube than is healthy. Giving up watching some of these creators makes so much sense. Its scary how powerful influencer marketing is. Its so true tho when we’re no longer here its just becomes junk. Ive got a few of the same things you have or had some near misses with them. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you! I'm finding that this year as well as working on "no buy" it's turning into working on "cutting down how much youtube and other online content I watch" as well! Seems like they go together for me at least😅
I actually decluttered everything i was influenced to buy. I looked around in my space last night and tried think about things inwas influenced to buy, but i got almost nothing left. Thats a freeing feeling. The things i have left are things that i picked out in the physical store, that i really liked and found usage of. I have a vase with bubbles on, that was super popular at a time, and every store was full of them but i did not like most of them. The one i have was purchased because i really lived the rainbow the white speckled bubbles made within it. I dont need more bubble vases, but at that time of purshase i needed a vase and i chose it because i liked that specific one.
I do have one necklace pendant i was influenced to wish for once tho. I just said i wished for it because i didn’t need anything else. (I wished for donations for a cat shelter too but well they chose give me an item).
I am however looking for a necklace in influenced to buy tho. But it needs to be dainty, silver and perfect. In three years i have still not found the perfect one… -.- edit: neither have i bought a temporary one.
That's great! It sounds like you know exactly what you are looking for and you won't buy something if it isn't just right 👏
Thank you SO much for sharing been doing a low buy and clearing out slowly. I just feel so much better I am not the only person who has been so influenced over the years. I didn't even realise that's what was happening! But happy to say I am now more aware and critical! xx
Same I feel better knowing it's not just me!!! 🥰
This is an important and inspiring video. I am embarrassed about how much stuff I have. It’s time to face it!!
I’ve tried greens powder and also fell for juice plus. Not worth it girl- just eat the veggies or throw some greens in your smoothie.
Great video- can’t wait to binge more of your no buy year!
Thank you! Another vote against the greens powder ✅
Thank you for your thoughtful, nonjudgmental and honest content. I’m new in my shopping addiction recovery, and have yet to de-clutter (to be honest, I’m afraid to face the material proof of the financial mess I’ve made). You’re giving me the courage to dive in. For me, cute workout clothing, cosmetics and contemporary clothing are my drugs of choice. Thank you again.
I have honestly found the process of going through the material proof to be extremely helpful. Not because I'm trying to guilt myself or feel bad about how I used to consume, but mainly because now I am FULLY aware of how much I have compared to how much I actually feel that I need, and how I actually would prefer to use my favorite stuff more often, than have so many options to rotate through. Especially with clothing but even with makeup - I would love to be able to say I have a signature lipstick that I love and actually use up entirely than to have 10 options that are all good, but none of them get finished. Good luck and welcome to the journey 😊
Great video! I stopped watching most of these channels because I started to feel that urge to spend. It went against what I was working towards and I started to realize I wasn’t even that into their style 😅
Same! The question of style is another realization I had recently too, where I now think that being "influenced" in anything to do with style is actually more harmful than helpful in expressing one's personal tastes anyway!
Over the past months I have actively stopped watching anyone who pushes any product at all I only watch de influencing content and therefore pushed more channels (like yours)like that, it’s amazing how little I want to buy now, been two months and haven’t bought anything that I don’t need and don’t feel a need to buy anything either, just goes to show how choosing who you watch can really change your mind set I’m not on TT I hear that’s terrible for pushing product on you! Very much into using, wearing what I have because I have lovely things and need to use what I have not keep looking for the ‘next best thing’ because it doesn’t exist x
you are so right about this, even for me having had this level of problem I'd say it only took 6 months of "no buy" to reach several major turning points and now I'm not very "influence-able" at all, at least in regards to buying stuff!
THANK YOU for this video! It really made me think about the stuff i might have bought because i was influenced. I am happy to say i often wasnt influenced to buy the exact same product and i am fairly good at not buying because i was influenced. It does happen sometimes though. What I would like to add: We started out a new hobby and of course we needed to buy a few things. It is okay to look for videos to get recommendations. Look for the videos where they tell you what the smalles amount of tools/things you need to buy to get started and then only buy these few items and start out. If by any means it is a hobby that sticks, its okay to add to your collection. Dont overdo it though. I have probably 100 washi tapes in my drawer. I will try to use them up now before i buy new ones... but then probably only a hand full, though they are nice and easy to collect😅
Yes! Your comment about hobbies reminded me about when I was super into paper-crafting - I do still hope to get back into that! I think the sign of a TRUE hobby is that you spend more time DOING the activity than shopping for it. Like if fashion is a hobby that means you spend more time styling what you have, than shopping for or buying new trends.
This video was so eye opening to me. So many things I buy are great but for what???? It’s too much. The mental energy is crazy too. Like you, I remember why I bought each and every item. I could be doing other stuff with that brain space 🤦🏿♀️
Yes! What's crazy to me is that without the shopping/buying, I'm suddenly full of "ideas" to share here on this channel related to consumer culture, shopping, style, and it's actually about to get philosophical too. My brain is doing other things now! 🤯
@@Alexas.nobuyyear🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Great video with a thoughtful honest message. I generally don't buy the exact same products I see in advertisements of influencers or of the product company itself, but the ads lay seeds in my head to make me consider that I could use this type of product, which I would not had thought of otherwise. I'm currently overconsuming perfumes. I don't buy the exact perfumes I see fragrance youtubers talk about, but they influenced me to go in perfume boutiques and dive into the world of perfumes, buying many more perfumes I have ever bought before in my life. I'm currently at 16 different fragrance bottles, too much really.
I used to work in marketing for a big tour operator. Two aspects of my work made me change my field of profession. First the thought of advertising mass tourism, which is not sustainable and is harming the environment. Second the nature of marketing itself with choosing visual tools like stilted texts, perfect angled photos and harmonized videos to show only the best side of a vaycay destination or hotel. We did not state any untrue facts about the product we sold but we were not completely honest either. That is how marketing for the most part works of course, which every adult knows. But there was a moment in time where I could not keep on earning my money in influencing people with white lies. Since then I'm more conscious in consuming in general, but I'm still not immune to advertisements, as mentioned above with my bought perfumes.
Wow I applaud you for changing your field when you realized it didn't line up with your values! That's a big step that not everyone would be willing to take.
I'm lucky to have recently become immune to perfumes, or rather, my nose has become too sensitive and I can't spray them anymore! So that's one way to not be interested in buying something I guess 😅
The only subscription box I liked was actually fab fit fun or whatever that one is. Because I you could actually pick out the items. I only did it for a year tho. Just didn’t need all that stuff. It was nice for the time I did though and I was able to keep it gift everything I picked.
This is a really interesting thought though to think about everything I have bought after seeing someone talk about it.
You asked about a greens product. I use Amazing Grass and it’s like $21. I can’t feel a difference, I’m just going off my brother’s recommendation that somehow it’s making me healthier. I can’t say that I’m not influenced, but your video really highlights how short form content is so much more influencing than UA-cam, which is influencing enough. I’m not a paragon of restraint, so I’m glad I don’t use those apps.
Yes I've stopped using them as well and it's been great. So I tried a greens powder and will never be doing that again, I realized it's definitely not something I need in my life. You live and you learn... 🫣
I absolutely adored this content. Thank you for sharing it ❤
Thank you!
Eye opening! Thank you for saying this out loud. I also watched much of the same “sustainable” channels & I’ve had a feeling about them, being not great for me. I had already unfollowed some and I want to do another check on my influence inventory now for sure.
Yes! Another thing I do now is to actually "think before I click" for even those I do follow...if it seems like a "product focused" video I have realized that I probably don't need to watch it even if I really like the creator.
I get the Christina Mychas and A Small Wardrobe influences so much. Christina always makes me want to buy jeans. I don't wear jeans, they're extremely uncomfortable to me.
Patricia is too in-your-face with the product placement for me to watch anymore. I used eat it all up but now I'm just like... nah, none of this would work for me, but I do appreciate the nature shots. She did influence me to get nice cups and plates, though. I wonder how she moves with those as well, those are heaaaavy. I got a completely different brand, though, which apparently is also very famous with influencers, but I didn't know that at a time.
Seeing the OG UK influencer pieces was a blast from the past. Love how you can honestly reflect on all of this stuff so well!
Thank you! And yes Christina and Patricia are masters at making certain things look really nice or cool or aesthetic - I'm only just now being able to appreciate that no matter how something looks in a video, I don't have to want or buy these things for myself😅
I see so much of myself in this video. You are not alone! Thank you for sharing. I agree-this is not a responsible way to live. We need to normalize questioning all of it: the production, the purchasing, the influencing. The economy around this is not healthy for us or the earth.
🥰
Oooh the Mason Pearson brush, I have coveted that brush since I was a teenager 😂 but I can never justify the price. Also, I know I will not clean that MP brush in order to maintain the quality of it so it doesn’t fit my lifestyle. I remember the mulberry bag when they collaborated with Target but unfortunately mine didn’t last, the quality was not as good as the designer one.. I miss that bag. I do however love my uniqlo crescent for traveling, I take it on every trip lol and as for the baggu bag, I bought a dupe from Amazon and I use it as my everyday bag so while I was influenced, I am glad I have them. And I’m proud that I have resisted the need for more colors! I find myself browsing different colors but then I remember I already have the bag so I don’t need to buy it again 😂 You’re not alone with the “after dental work purchase to make me feel better.” I have been victim to that and even did it recently. I was triggered and immediately made an order on Muji but I didn’t spend a lot and they were practical purchases for my house which I am allowing myself to buy for the next few months. So I did better than before, progress over perfection. After that, the no buy will become more strict because of the said expensive dental work! Dental products are from my own teeth insecurity as well but one thing that helps is that I try to only buy things that have the ADA seal of approval so that cuts out ALOT of dental products. But I’m a sucker too and also bought that Gurunanda pulling oil even though it’s not ADA approved 😅 side note, the Gurunanda toothbrushes are the best!
Here's to dental recovery, both from the work and from the cost😬but also yay for us being responsible and actually getting it taken care of - I know people who either never go to the dentist or put off getting work done because it's so expensive and hard to pay off (which I totally do understand as well).
This video was really helpful. I recently bought a ridge wallet bc I was influenced. While I am using it, it was $95 and I’m sure I could have found something similar for a much lower price. I also bought a few things on Amazon bc some of my favorite creators made videos about the best deals on prime day. This video helped me reflect on my spending habits and how easily I’m influenced.
I love that special kind of irony about spending more money than we need to on a wallet, which is designed to carry the money we might not have so much of anymore because we spent it on a wallet 😆I too am guilty of this!
This video has been immensely helpful! I stopped watching Patricia from A Small Wardrobe and Audrey Coyne because they both started really pushing these extremely lux and expensive items and of course seeing everyone and their mother pushing Lilysilk was a real turn off. Before that happened though, I found myself wanting everything they had. So many of the influencers start out with ordinary or thrifted clothes but they all seem to ramp it up over time and become super commercial. It’s a shame because I enjoy hearing people talk about their clothing choices but it has to be honest and not for profit.
Same with Patricia and Audrey - I also realized that while they made everything look beautiful, their style is extremely far from MY style and I was just muddying the waters every time I was tempted by something they recommended or talked highly about! And exactly like you said it didn't help that everything they recommended became something commercially available rather than truly unique to them and their style.
I find it interesting that, while I've only been influenced to purchase about five items from this video, I've bought many other items due to similar influences. It's fascinating to see how people are persuaded to buy different products, even when influencers are sharing similar content. Out of all of my influenced purchases I think I only have repurchased maybe 3 because I actually enjoyed them. I found your channel at the perfect time! I am glad an "influencer" (yourself) is influencing me to NOT buy and to be more mindful of my money and purchases. #NoBuyYear
Haha I still cringe a little at the "influencer" label but I suppose it's inevitable if I'm going to share ideas online - have to remind myself that not all influence is bad!
And it is so interesting! We are all different but I guess it just goes to show different stuff will tickle our personal insecurities/goals/values in different ways but I think many of us are susceptible to the false promises of "buying stuff", one way or another!