Well, I didn't expect to be back with another low buy update quite so soon. But, it's safe to say that the summer sales really got me, and I ended up adding quite a few new pieces to my wardrobe. That means that my aim of only purchasing 12 new pieces of clothing in 2026 (I was on track up until now, with 6), well and truly went out the window.
Does anyone else find it trick to balance being responsible with your money, allowing yourself to spend it, and not feeling guilty for doing so? I think that what I struggle with most. Yes, I've earned this money and should be able to spend it. Yet, I also know that I'm forever saving for my next trip or holidays and hoping to buy my first home, even if that still hasn't come to fruition.
So, here's what I bought in July, August and September. And as I look back on my purchases, did I really need to buy three pairs of trainers, when before I had zero? I've also ended up going from owning no red dresses to two in the span of a month.
July
July started with me picking up the two pieces from the Uniqlo x Cecilie Bahnsen collection that I'd had my eye on. And in the sale at that. I've already worn the red dress on my recent trip to Krakow and they're just such a fun shape and design.
Another great sale purchase were my new pink Adidas trainers. I actually haven't owned a pair of trainers in well over a decade. And, as you might imagine, that's left me in a bit of a no mans land when it's too cold for sandals but not chilly enough for boots. I also made the most of the summer M&S sale to snap up this great little denim dress, which I can't wait to wear on my next holiday somewhere sunny.
Then I spotted this lightweight polka dot jacket in TK Maxx. And as I said in my last low buy update, that shop always tests me as you do tend to have to buy something then and there or you'll never see it again. However, I've already gotten some good wear out of it, so I can't complain.
I also used a gift card (I highly recommend signing up for some surveys to accumulate these), to add a new skirt to my collection. I've thoroughly enjoyed wearing more skirts this spring/summer and this gingham style is one that I know I'll get a lot of wear out of, both in the warmer and the colder months.
And since I’ve worn my pink crossbody bag to death (& it’s basically been in every photo I’ve posted this year), it was time for a new everyday bag. And after months of umming & ahhing about this exact Baggu bag, I am so glad that I took the plunge. I just love it so much. It's so annoying that Baggu have chosen to discontinue the style, though.
August
The same M&S sale got me a few more times in August. Firstly, with a casual red shirred t-shirt dress, then a faux leather green crossbody bag that was too good a price to leave behind.
I also finally added a red cap to my ever-growing collection of caps. If you know me, I always wear a cap on holiday and basically every day when I head out for a walk. Yet, I've struggled to find a plain red one without any silly/unnecessary slogans or sayings on them. So, M&S certainly did good with this one. And as I knew that I would be doing a lot of walking on my trip to Krakow, I also took a bit of a punt buying a pair of trainers from Primark. Me and Primark don't have the best track record when it comes to shoes. But so far so good with these leopard print trainers.
September
I'm not sure what's going on at M&S these days, but a few weeks after their summer sale ended, another one started. And I took advantage of it to grab a pair of barrel leg jeans that I'd been eyeing up at full price, for half price. And wouldn't you know it, another pair of trainers caught my eye too. You might be sensing a bit of a red theme at the moment and I have to say, I'm fully here for it.
Then a chance wander around the Next sale resulted in me picking up a lovely blouson top. I tend to wear a lot of plain t-shirts with my more colourful and patterned bottoms, so this should hopefully elevate jeans or my tiered denim skirt.
And finally, I ended up on the hunt for a pair of somewhat comfy heeled sandals that didn't cost a fortune for an upcoming event, and Primark happened to have a pair for £7 in the sale. Are they the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn? No. Did I purge all my high heels back in 2020? I did. However, these being somewhat of a neutral should make them a good choice for any future events. And I really appreciated them being wide fit, as for some reason my toes absolutely hate being squeezed together these days.
So, there we have it. It's safe to say that my low buy definitely went off the rails over the past few months. Here's hoping I can get a bit more back on track as 2026 comes to a close.
Do you also struggle when it comes to sale shopping and feeling like you're missing out? And what do you think of my buys this time? Also, who else is a little bit obsessed with M&S at the moment?
0