Hi everyone, for those of you who follow me on Facebook and Instagram, you will know that I am in the middle of my #giveupshoppingforlent challenge.

If you don't follow me on social media, here is what's happening .....

At the beginning of lent I set myself a challenge to not buy any new clothes, shoes, accessories etc (or even charity shop bargains) during the whole of lent, for 40 days.

40 days doesn't sound long and it actually isn't that long, but for somebody who works in the fashion industry, ALWAYS looking at new clothes and recommending them to clients, styling, looking good etc, 40 days is a long time.

I'm now on day 26 of my challenge, so just over half way, and I thought I'd put down my thoughts and inspiration to others.

At the very beginning of the challenge I found it very hard, it was so tempting when that email popped in to my inbox.

How many tempting emails do we get each day, with 10% off here and 20% off there, new season styles, summer essentials, etc etc, all tempting you to purchase something you probably wouldn't purchase had it not been for the offer.  Before you know it you've clicked the link, browsed the website and within minutes you've added to your basket and hit "Confirm Order"!

Sound familiar?

The main emotion this challenge is really making me think about is the difference between want and need.  Do you REALLY need that animal print blouse or could you make the similar one you already have look better by styling it differently? Do you really need another pair of jeans? Could you cut off some old ones to make them into a trendy raw edge crop jean instead?

I think I've come to the conclusion so far that its not necessarily the item you need, its the moment of purchase that gives you the buzz. It's that moment of happiness and joy when you hit the purchase button online, or tap your card on the reader in store and you walk away, carrier bag in hand with a new item.  It's almost a feeling of euphoria, like a drug. 

Would you agree?

During my Lent Challenge I've been wearing a few items I've not worn for a while, and enjoyed wearing them. I've been thoroughly practicing what I preach.  Shop in your wardrobe first and enjoy the odd new purchase to compliment the items you already have (I'll be doing the second bit in a few weeks after my challenge having identified I actually NEED a pair of short black ankle boots to compliment many of my outfits).

By challenging yourself to spending less on clothes it also makes you think about those less fortunate than yourself, lots of people can't afford to keep spending on clothes and would love to have the funds to buy new items but have no option other than to "window shop".  It really makes you think how they must feel.

I would thoroughly recommend to anyone to challenge yourself to a temporary Give Up Shopping Challenge, obviously not permanently, we wouldn't want the fashion industry to collapse!! lol 

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Claire Lyons of The Frugal Family at a MIBA networking event.  

Claire is a mum to 4 young children and runs a highly successful website, blog and social media channels helping families to live on a lower budget and think more frugally about what they spend their money on.

Claire was very interested to learn more about my business as a Wardrobe Fairy, helping people shop more wisely, think before they buy and reinvent their style from their own wardrobe.

So, grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy the chat between myself and Claire over on my YouTube channel.