So as I had said I would in my New Year’s Resolution post, I collected all the things I’ve been wanting to buy this month and instead of impulsively buying anything, I waited and am allowing myself to buy one thing at the end of the month. Well this is my list for January:

(from the picture above, starting from the top and going clockwise)

J&M Davidson Gabby bag: Love this simple, clean looking bag in beige. I had never heard of this British brand before but stumbled upon them on Instagram. I love their quality-looking bags and the fact that their bags are lined in napa leather (something only high end designers usually do). But by waiting til the end of the month to purchase (and not sure I would have purchased anyway since they are not transparent about their production methods and ethics) it’s now sold out. So I’m glad I don’t have to think about that one anymore.

Tome Striped Shirt from The RealReal: I heard of TOME through a blog post about high-end sustainable brands and it really piqued my interest in their environmentally and socially conscious business. Plus I’m a sucker for stripes and so this quite affordable shirt from The RealReal has been on my wishlist this whole month. But I’m a little hesitant to pull the trigger since I really don’t want to be buying clothes for my current prego figure, only to not have it work out later this year. So I’m going to hold off.

Article & Goods No B2 bag: I also stumbled upon this leather camera bag whilst on Instagram (this is why Insta is so bad if you’re trying not to consume so it’s a good thing I have my resolution in place). This is a unisex brand, based locally in San Francisco, while all their leather goods are handcrafted consciously in China. I definitely fell in love with the brand’s mission and the founder’s story (his mother was a garment factory worker). Because of their small production practices, all their items have been sold out all month so that saves me as well.

Mansur Gavriel Ocean bag: So I no longer own any MG bags, but that doesn’t mean their newer styles like this Ocean bag (and most recently the mini travel bag below) doesn’t turn my head once in awhile. I probably won’t seriously buy anymore MG bags but I can still admire them from afar.

Mejuri Single Mini Hoop: So I’ve started wearing huggies on my ears since it’s the most comfortable earring to wear when side sleeping (thanks to pregnancy). I’ve been wearing these gold and diamond huggies I got in December from Saks Off Fifth but I have a second hole on my left ear lobe that could use this Mejuri single hoop. I think the plain gold along with the diamond and gold huggie would be a cute combo. Also this single hoop is so affordable for 14k gold (granted it’s tiny). Plus this fairly transparent brand has been on my radar for so long (due to ethical influencers) and I really want to give them a try.

So what did I buy?

None of these!

What?!

I know! This exercise in waiting and collecting a list of things to buy has really helped from impulsively purchasing anything. It’s kind of amazing. And yes I still want some of these things (like the earring and the Article & Goods bag), but I can wait. So instead of buying any of these things I decided to spend $120 for a Rent The Runway Unlimited subscription for a month (right now they’re going for even cheaper, for $99 darn it!). I decided to try out this service because in my ultra prego state (8 months + fibroids that make me look like I’m carrying twins) I’ve only been wearing 2 things: my maternity denim overalls from Gap and my Elizabeth Suzann Georgia Midi dress (what a lifesaver!). And in general I felt like I’ve been in a style rut, but I’m not about to splurge on new clothes. So what better than to rent, and RTR offers rental of maternity clothes! Anyway once I’ve tried out the service, of course I’ll be doing a review and will let you know if it’s worth it.

So how’s your new year’s resolutions going? For those doing the #byebuychallenge on Insta, were you able to go without buying?

P.S. Also I was tempted by Everlane’s texture cardigan this past week, which I wrote about in my weekend update. I’m actually really glad I set this resolution into place because I feel like the cardigan would have been something I really wanted in theory but would not have worn as much in practice.