Only Necessary Things
What’s on my door: Stripe shirt purchased from Ess Hoshika 2016; accessory made from a vintage tie purchased at Finders Keeper’s market 2014, beaded bag purchased in London on a buying trip c. 2004, studded leather bag purchased from Nom-D c. 2016, Vintage DKNY bag purchased from op shop 2019. All still treasured items!
In my early 20’s I lived and worked in Japan for a while, and I boarded with a lovely elderly couple Mr and Mrs Kitamura. I got paid well to teach English and the shopping in Japan was fantastic, so I would often come home with a little something for myself - a new top, a cute bit of stationery, quirky earrings… One day Mr Kitamura saw me come home with a new bag and he shook his head and said to me that I had a bad habit of wasting money; that I should buy hitsuyoo mono dake - only necessary things. He and his wife had lived through some of the most austere times post World War 2 and understood well the importance of saving and restraint.
Fashion lovers, in a world where our own environment and economy has taken a huge hit and some of us may struggle to house and feed ourselves, it is our time to embrace restraint. Here’s how I use my Prudence mindset to cherish what I already have while still loving fashion.
When I look at fashion content online, I act like a designer doing brand research instead of a consumer. I like to know what’s happening and which designer is doing what, but I don’t feel compelled to buy, even if it’s inexpensive or on sale. Instead, I get styling tips and information about new colour combinations and then apply it to my current wardrobe (if I’m even in the mood for that).
I’ve chosen a low maintenance look. Personal style is an overall picture, including hair, skin, make up and wellness - not just wardrobe. And it all costs money to maintain. I’ve decided my silvery white hair is my most important fashion accessory and that I’ll use my fashion budget to maintain that. Others might decide instead to invest in their skin or make up or a fitness routine. In the spirit of hitsuyoo mono dake, I hope to maintain one thing well and make do with the rest.
I don’t wear much jewellery. It’s just one less decision to make every day, one less temptation to shop for, one less thing to store. Sometimes I might pull out an old pair of earrings but in general I just don’t miss wearing jewellery. I think its actually quite empowering, to know that there is an entire category of accessory that I can ignore.
I recommend reading The Art of Frugal Hedonism, by Annie Raser Rowland and Adam Grubb - these guys really know how to save their cash and still enjoy themselves! It’s an entertaining read about how to embrace conscious consumption in your own life and isn’t preachy or depressing - it’s fun and ultimately makes the same point that Mr Kitamura made to me - only buy stuff if your really need it and be rewarded by the freedom that brings.
The Art of Frugal Hedonism by Annie Raser Rowland and Adam Grubb
I hope this is food for thought. If economic circumstances have changed for you - consider taking the hitsuyoo mono dake - Only Necessary Things - approach to style and I believe your unique look will start to take shape as you create a kind of new uniform for yourself.
cheers, Ann
