UNDERCONSUMPTION CORE – HOW TO CONSUME LESS?

 

I heard underconsumption core is trending on TikTok and I know a thing or two about it. Let’s chat.

 

 

And the pendulum swings. Let’s face it, TikTok is where influencing takes place. It’s where the latest beauty products and just about anything that comes to mind is talked about so heavily, consumers start to think life cannot happen without those things. Whether it’s the Stanley cups or Trader Joe’s tote bags, we have all discovered and bought something because it was trending on TikTok. So it is ironic that underconsumption core is now trending, or maybe not, as it’s only a trend?

The reality is that in the West and specifically North America, overconsumption is a big problem. As we talk about underconsumption core as a trend, we should all recognize that these are perhaps the ways in which normal consumption takes place in most places of the world. This is a more mindful and more sustainable way to live.

When I first started my journey with cleaning up my closet as I talked about it in this blog post, I was fed up with owning too many fast fashion clothes, accessories and make up. I really wanted less things, less noise, less distraction. I then realized as I grew older that, that was only the beginning, I actually wanted quality over quantity. A more sustainable approach, where I would eventually buy less and wear things longer – to death. I adopted some strategies and I want to share those with you.

 

This blog post is all about Underconsumption Core and how to consume less. I wanted to share some strategies that have worked for me.

 

#1 DE-INFLUENCE YOURSELF

One of the best ways to accrue less clothes in this age of social media is to change your reaction to being influenced. We are all exposed to so much every day, but it isn’t sustainable or financially possible to own every piece you want or think you need. I have found that the only way to beat this cycle is to change my reaction to wanting something. Here are my strategies: (1) You can always add something to your cart and leave the website to see if you think twice about it or simply forget it; (2) Create a Pinterest buy list, pin the item, and ask yourself if you still want it in 6 month or a year – visualizing your buy list will help you prioritize very quickly; (3) Think about what it is about the item that you like and if that is a unique feature to this item (or if you already have something similar); (4) If you have a similar style or color in your closet, are you going to reach for this new item? Or are you willing to sell your current item?

 

#2 TRENDS

You really don’t need to get on board with every trend out there. Not all trends look good on everyone, and that’s a given. Try what’s out there, figure out what looks good on you and maybe introduce one piece that’s trendy ever so often. I’m not one for following trends, but when I do like something, I ask myself if I would continue wearing the item after the trend dies. For example, the 90’s inspired Khaite belt with silver studs is a ‘hot’ belt at the moment, if you love that style, it’s not a terrible idea to invest on that belt, as it can be worn after the trend dies, it’s a classic – but this is a personal decision you need to make for yourself. The same could not be said about the jelly sandals – if you ask me. So that’s one rule I go by before buying a trendy piece.

 

#3 SLOW BURN

Another approach that piggy backs off of the previous one is when you’re unsure about something, this could be any item and not just a trend. When this happens, I know there is a reason why I’m unsure. I take advantage of the fact that I’m not completely sold and take my time. Sometimes it takes a while for me to really like a bag for instance, and I will start to think about it more after the trend dies and it is no longer produced and that’s ok, there are many second-hand stores and online retailers out there. Try to disengage from that ‘it’s going to sell out’ type of stress. Owning beautiful and quality things shouldn’t feel that way.

 

#4 QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

When you buy quality things, they last longer, which is a more sustainable approach. I like owning things that last a while, they don’t have to be expensive, just well made. A good way to screen for quality items is to check for fabric details, and composition but also overall how the item feels, weighs and looks. I have found some good-quality fabrics at fast fashion stores and some cheaper fabrics at high end stores. I have also walked away from designer hand bags because they felt quite cheaply made. The rule of thumb is to always check and not rely on the brand or price.

 

#5 WEAR THE SAME THINGS OVER & OVER

Normalize wearing the same shirt, pants, outfit… (you get the gist) over and over again, as long as it feels good and the items are in decent condition, it’s ok. I love wearing high quality basics on repeat without having to think about what to put on. It saves me a lot of time and money.

 

#6 RECONNECT WITH YOUR ITEMS

I resell my clothes, I have never shied away from giving all my Poshmark secrets in this blog post and here. But this doesn’t solve any of the overconsumption and landfill problems. It only solves my closet problems, and I am keenly aware of that. Before I list items and let go of them, I always try to make use of them. I try to think of why I liked the item in the first place and try to come up with ways to wear it using Pinterest as an inspiration. If all fails, I will list it and get rid of it.

 

#7 THRIFT SHOPPING

What better way to save things from going to the landfill than shop at thrift stores? Oh, also the joy of finding something that fits you incredibly well with a fraction of the price. It takes patience to find something while thrift shopping, so don’t give up. And yes, I mentioned clothes in the spirit of following my previous point, but this could easily be about furniture and vintage items too. I covered thrift stores in West Village and the thrift stores in Williamsburg.

 

#8 FIX THINGS

You can fix things and reuse them or continue using them while they are still functional and not completely broken. I am finding that the soles of Birkenstocks are not as high quality as they used to be and they don’t last as much until they lose their grip, become uneven or expose the cork. I resole my Birkenstocks all the time. It probably saves me money (marginally) but I prolong the life of a pair of shoes and that’s enough for me. Another example is a 20$ Revlon hair straightener I used for 13 years until I bought a new one. The last three years I was using it, I could no longer adjust the temperature, as the button was dysfunctional but I was ok with that.

 

#9 SALES & SAMPLE SALES

Because items cost less during sales, it can be very tempting, but also feel justifiable to buy them. Sample sales are probably worse as the usual discount rate is 50-80% for designer brands. The bigger the discount, the harder it is to walk away from things. It is best to sometimes avoid the sample sales altogether if you think you can’t hold back. I especially do this if I have bought my favorite pieces from a brand for the season and I know that going will mean collecting more things I like but don’t really need.

 

#10 KEEP THINGS YOU ONLY LOVE

We all love a good shopping experience; retail therapy provides a good dopamine rush. It’s normal to feel like you want to buy something when you go out shopping, but try to be selective. When you put something on, think about what to pair it with from your wardrobe, how to wear it and style it. Try to see through the dopamine rush and recognize the things you don’t love about this item. If it isn’t a perfect cut for you, skip it.

Also, try to normalize returning items in store, and benefit from the return period. I know some people don’t like to return things – so including this here.

 

#11 USE MAKE-UP UNTIL YOU HIT PAN

My rule of thumb is to simplify my make-up and skin care routine and to buy what I need. Replacements and back-ups are purchased for frequently used products (like mascara and concealer). Most of my replacements are re-purchases for products I know work for me. I tend to experiment when my usual go to product isn’t working for me anymore. These are all my strategies to make sure I buy less, yet have what I need.

I also use the products I buy even if I don’t love them completely, that’s because returning will only add to the waste. I did this when I bought NARS’ blush stick in orgasm, I felt I should finish it up before I buy a new blush. Of course, this doesn’t apply if my skin reacts to a product. I also don’t buy large palettes, as I know half the products/ colors are going to go unused.

 

 

This blog post is all about Underconsumption Core and how to consume less. I wanted to share some strategies that have worked for me.

 

As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. Click here if you’d like to see & follow my Instagram page @girlontheues

 

See you next week,

Girl on the Upper East Side

Xx

 

If this interests you, you might enjoy reading my other blog posts about how to build wealth, A wind down routine, and the Current State of Luxury Fashion Houses.