Saturday Share

Today I thought I would initiate a share post which can include anything from movies, blogs, YouTube channels or even the restaurant around the corner. In this particular case, it will be a Brazilian blog called Um Ano Sem Zara which means 'A Year Without Zara'. And yes, by Zara it does mean the brand. With the trend of capsule wardrobes, minimalism and massive clear outs happening at the moment, I thought this was a great opportunity to introduce you to this inspirational blog. If you have been trying to save money, go on a shopping ban and simply just use and work with what you already have in your wardrobe then keep reading. 

Joanna or Jojo (the blogger) started this little space back in 2011. If you read her very first post, in the funniest of ways, she explains the whole reason for creating A Year Without Zara. Long story short, she founds herself nearly being kicked out from where she lives but also, in a lot of debt with credit card bills. In her words, she makes a mention to how a 27 year old should invest in more important things rather than clothes; it's questionable - she says. However, low self-esteem coming from having gained a few extra pounds and as an appreciation to those with savings accounts, she promises to not shop (in any store, not just Zara) for a whole year. Lucky her, that was also a leap year so the calender included 366 days without clothes shopping. The blog is then used a space for posting the outfits that she creates with whatever she already owned and also to write about a bit of her everyday life. 

More than a year has obviously passed and the blog has grown a lot; but, she accomplished her goal. If you're looking for inspiration to keep yourself right, go back and have a read. Unfortunately she doesn't write in English; you could probably translate the website using Google but even if you just want to look at her outfits and take some ideas .. fashion is universal. 

I hope you enjoy having a look through this or even be inspired by her success story. We buy so many things that we don't actually need or grow out of so fast. Re-think your purchases. I personally tend to give it a few days before going back to the store to buy something. My motto is: 'if I don't stop thinking about it, then I'm going to buy it'. A spending ban or a clear out is never easy but it's so worth it in the end. 

All pictures belong to Um Ano Sem Zara and all copyrights are reserved © 

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Spend or Save?

A lot of factors differentiate a female from a male but one of the most obvious is: we like to shop. We simply like to spend our money in clothes, accessories and beauty and they are never too many for us; so, it's good to prioritise and know where our money is worth being spend or saved. 

I am really picky about anything; I won't buy the first thing I see and some times it seems impossible to buy anything at all as I just can't find something I like. Here's a round up of my clothing and accessories picks, where I spend or save and why. 

Coats - my biggest obsession; for me there's no such thing as too many coats and the more the better. All colours, styles and materials. I will spend my money on a coat. I love them and they last you a good time. Also, as I live in Scotland I will most definitely use them often - come winter or summer. 

Shoes - another piece I will splurge on due to its lasting quality. Good shoes can last you years and a pair of shoes is so versatile giving you so many uses with so many outfits. It's hard to grow out of shoes the same way it may happen with a top. But, the only shoes I do not splurge on are ballerina flats. With all the rain in Scotland there's really no much point; I buy them at Primark mostly for no more than £8 and let's just say that my collection has achieved a pretty decent size. 

Bags - this one depends a lot; normally, my bags are mostly black, they go with anything and last me forever therefore I won't mind to spend a little more and get that bag I've been eyeing for ages. However, I am currently trying to control bag purchases as after a certain amount and styles have been purchased, it stops being justifiable to get another black handbag *sighs*.

Jeans - I find it really hard to find jeans that I like and suit me and that is pretty much my condition to buy them; nothing else. Therefore, my favourite shops for jeans are River Island, Gap and Topshop. I used to love some jeans from Forever 21 but somehow I can't find that specific style anymore. However, for the past year or so I've getting more and more disappointed with Topshop. Although I love their black Joni jeans, after the first wash I notice a significant difference on the colour. Also, given the thin material (I reckon) they end up ripping so easily on your inner tights; happened to me a few times and also to a few of my friends. It just feels like a waste of money if you need to buy new jeans every 3 months. I still love you Topshop. 

Anything else, tops, jewellery and anything you can think of, I would normally save on. I am a big H&M lover which is pretty affordable. However, lately I've been investing a little more on some basic tops and jumpers. I am pretty basic when it comes to my upper body clothing; grey, white, black and dark blue are my go to basic colours. Therefore, I've been trying to stock some more long lasting/better quality basics which are just everyday staple pieces for me. Every now and again, like anyone else, I might go for the little splurge on something that I would normally not spend much on. After all, you need to live a little and take a walk on the wild side and all that jazz ...

Where do you like to splurge on and what item do you obsess about? 

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