Every month I recap all the things I purchase (lately it’s been a lot of bags), so you would think I’m a reckless big spender (which is kind of true when it comes to bags). But I realize I never talk about all the things I’m not buying. And I’m no Miss Frugality here (again, bags), but there are many things I no longer buy. So to give a bigger picture of my consumption habits, here are the things I no longer buy:

Sunglasses

I was never a big sunglasses collection gal, maybe owning about five at the height of my sunglasses collection. But now I own only one, which I’ve had since 2018. Sure they’re scratched up as hell but they still work. And I only got this pair because the one pair before it got stolen. I like to purchase my sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack (preferably in Hawaii—the Ward location since they always have a large selection), and that’s where I got my current Bottega Veneta ones (come to think of it, this was my first Bottega anything). I find that having only one pair ensures I never lose it. And really I just need one good pair.

Nail Polish

Unlike with sunglasses, I used to be a nail polish collecting fiend. At the height of my collection I probably owned 200+ and it was insane (as well as unsustainable and not eco-friendly). I was able to give away a ton and sell some, but many bottles did get thrown away. And after seeing how wasteful that was, I got into the habit of buying maybe one bottle a year or every other year (none so far this year and one last year). Even at this slower rate I never go through a whole bottle so it’s still somewhat of a waste, but at least I know better now.

New Clothes

The last couple of years I’ve only purchased used clothing, whether it’s some items from Crossroads or my Dries dress from the RealReal. I get maybe 2-3 items a year of new clothing from Quince, but since I’m getting them on credit I’m not technically purchasing with my own money. Is it fudging the rules a little bit? Sure, but as an “influencer” in this space I consider it a good balance, especially since I used to be that gal that got new clothes weekly from Everlane. I’ve just come to realize that I pretty much wear the same things everyday so there’s no need for me to be getting new clothes. And when I need a bit of a closet refresh, secondhand clothing is the best way to go (it’s cheaper, sustainable, and allows me to take fashion risks relatively guilt-free). And Quince makes pretty good basics (all my Quince reviews here).

New Shoes

This also applies to shoes. Most of my shoes I got this year were used and I got a couple new ones from Quince with credit. Again I just wear the same old shoes (my white Arizona Birks for summer and my tan Boston Birks for winter), so why do I need more? And when taking a fashion risk with shoes (like my caged satin mules from The Row), I prefer to get it secondhand (and yes I clean and sanitize them the best I can before wearing them).

Notebooks and other stationary goods

I’ve loved stationary stores ever since I was little. There’s something about a good pen and a fresh new notebook that feels like never-ending possibilities. But honestly how often do I crack open a brand new notebook? What notes am I taking at 41? 😂 I do have a journal where I jot down ideas whenever they strike (not a daily diary type thing), and so I start a new notebook maybe every 2-3 years. At that rate I have enough notebooks to last me a lifetime so I’m cooling it with all stationary goods (…until I go back to Japan, lol just kidding I stopped buying stationary there too though if there was ever a place to buy stationary it’s there).

Perfume

I used to have several bottles of perfume at a time and would splurge on the pricey stuff too. But ever since 2020, when we never saw anyone nor could anyone smell anything because of masking, I stopped bothering to wear a scent. Now I’m starting to get back into it, but I’m just using the samples I got from Hermes (and even then I probably won’t finish the samples anytime soon).

Jewelry

I went through a big jewelry collection phase a year or two ago, and now have so many accessories I can’t really wear all of them. Plus I never do because I always wear the same old stuff. Occasionally I want to wear something different and thanks to collecting them in the past I have options. But I definitely don’t need any more now.

Chanel

I used to be a Chanel collector, having about 18 Chanel bags at the height of my collection. Now I have one, the one my mom bought me for my 35th birthday: the one classic flap that I’ll pass down to my daughter. But even this one bag, kept in its box most of the time, is becoming a mill stone around my neck. Honestly I don’t think Chanel is worth it anymore (if it ever really was?). I think the hype and magic of Karl made Chanel more of a powerhouse, but their bags are honestly made like any other brands’ (machine sewed en masse). And the exorbitant price increases (without the increase in quality to back it up), is quite a turn off. I will say my one vintage small flap from the 90’s in caviar leather was gorgeous but everything else was alright (it’s the only one I regretted selling). I know a lot of people still love Chanel so please don’t take it the wrong way. I mean why does one love a brand? There’s no definitive answer, it’s just being swept up in its magic (I mean why do I love Hermes right now?). But I guess for me the Chanel spell is broken.