No Spend Month,Week 4 + Books to Inspire Your Capsule Wardrobe + GIVEAWAY

And just like that, my No Spend Month with Katie of The Tingley Edit is complete! It has been a whirlwind month full of self-discovery, new friendships and wardrobe revelations. I’m so thankful that you guys all came along for the ride, and maybe (hopefully) some of you are inspired to do a no spend month, too!

The things I learned ranged from the fundamentals (I need more basics in my closet) to the more weighty (I shouldn’t have fear of missing out on clothing items, and shopping is not a cure for insecurity). All of these lessons were worthwhile and much needed.

To wrap things up, I wanted to write a post about books that can inspire a no spend month/ capsule wardrobe. When Katie and I both stepped back from shopping, we decided to do a lot of reflection and some reading about conscious consumption.

And, since we saved some money this month and are grateful for everyone’s advice and support, we decided to do a small giveaway of our favorite reads! You can enter for a chance to win them on our Instagram pages – @kelliehayden and @thetingleyedit.

My favorite read this month: The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Cait Flanders

Cait Flanders had paid off nearly $30,000 of debt, as chronicled on her blog Blonde on a Budget, yet still felt trapped in the cycle of consumerism. She decided to do a 12-month shopping ban in which she only purchased consumables – food, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. She also gave away 70% of her belongings and discovered that the less she had, the more fulfilled she felt. This book chronicles her journey to more mindful consumption, weaving in her personal experiences of getting sober and her parents’ divorce. The result is a poignant read that sounds more like a conversation with your best friend than a memoir.

Katie’s favorite read this month: Soulful Simplicity: How Living With Less Can Lead to So Much More by Courtney Carver

Every day, there is pressure for more. Work more, have more, do more. For Carver, this lifestyle all came to a screeching halt when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Stress exacerbated her symptoms and it was apparent that she needed to embrace a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle. This book reflects upon how having less helps us to discover what is really important in life.

In addition, we are giving away two books that can help you define your personal style and facilitate reflection: 

The Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe by Anuschka Rees (which I first mentioned here, and have since finished and loved!) and 52 Lists for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance and Joy by Moorea Seal.

Pretty cool, right?

If you’re looking for some additional conscious consumption inspiration, here are a few of our other favorites:

• Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff by Dana K. White
• Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion by Elizabeth Cline
• Slave to Fashion by Safia Minney

 

Thanks so much again for following along with this challenge everyone!

Oh, P.S. – This giveaway is not sponsored in any way at all – just funded by us to share the books we love!

xx

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