I have been living on the SLSR budget for 18 months now and I am still feeling the pinch with groceries, eating out, and new books but not with my yearly clothing allowance. I have not missed my regular little shopping sprees (usually at REI) and I enjoy managing with far fewer clothes.
Over the past year (July 2018 through June 2019), I spent a total of $151.48 on clothing (only one quarter of the $600 allowance). This budget covers anything I wear including footwear and jewelry.
Purchased New ($):
- Safety vest (bright reflective vest for walks that include a stretch on the highway shoulder).
- Wrist mala (prayer-bead bracelet).
- Neck gator (multifunctional tubular headgear).
- 2 camisoles.
- Flip flops (my fourth pair of this model, the ones made from yoga mats).
Yes, it IS an odd assortment.
Purchased Second-Hand ($):
- Lots of tops: 3 tunics and 2 short-sleeved button-down shirts for summer (I had not brought any button-down shirts east with me), 3 short-sleeved tees, 3 long-sleeved tees, 1 fleece pullover.
- 2 pairs of jeans.
- Cotton scarf.
Gifted (FREE):
- Socks.
- 2 new short-sleeved tees.
- Second-hand pants.
All the outerwear things in the tiny house.
Some of the second-hand items have not worked out and have been moved along (easy to do when I’ve only paid a few dollars for an item). In late spring, I bought special detergents to recondition all my soft-shell and water-proof jackets and pants to extend their wear. After reconditioning, I’m wearing my casual rain jacket again—I feel like I have a new jacket (although it’s ten years old) and the more expensive one is getting a break. I still feel like I have a much greater appreciation for each item of clothing compared to 2014 when I started minimizing and when I had A LOT more of everything.
On my wish list, along with books, are now two pairs of boots. I am without winter hiking boots because there are not many choices for vegans—I’ll probably have to unload close to $300 (CDN) to order a pair online. In June while doing yardwork, a rusty nail went through the bottom of my rain boots and, because I was moving slowly, missed the flesh (I had a flashback to my childhood when a rusty nail in the bottom of my bare foot one summer day required a painful Tetanus Shot). Well, the boots can still be used for yardwork but it’s an excuse to look for a more comfortable waterproof pair. TBD whether there will be conflict between keeping my feet dry and my current urge to absorb a steady stream of information through new non-fiction books. The data shows that, in the past year, I spent more on books than on clothing.
References and related links:
- SLSR: simpler living semi-retirement.
- REI: Recreational Equipment, Inc.
- worn (post #96)
Marlo says
I recall another time when barefoot, you walked on a sewing needle and actually had to have surgery. For God’s sake, keep the flipflops on!
I have to admit, I’m curious about those flipflops.
back is the new forward says
Oh, gosh, you remember that, eh? The sewing needle required surgery to remove it!
The flip flop brand is Sanuk : – )
Neil says
A footstep in the right direction.
back is the new forward says
: – )