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I've completely given up on accumulation. Now I'm actually into simplicity. I know what I enjoy and want and need, and that's all the stuff I need. So no reason to go to store and brouse. I'd rather fix than buy new, so I don't mind shopping for a repair service or parts, but I hate buying new.
Partly because the new stuff you buy tends to be junk. EG: My dishwasher is about 5 years old. I discovered that the latch is broke in two. I can still use it, but what a hunk of junk. The vacuum cleaner we bought just a year or so ago, already doesn't work like new and suck the way it should.
But its a great feeling to throw out accumulated junk,and I love having an uncluttered house. If a book comes out that I want, that I'll buy new, but with Amazon, that's not a major purchase.
I use to be a big shopper in my early 20s. I was still frugal in most areas and always saved money but I certainly bought unnecessary items. Now, my focus has shifted a LOT. It is tough for me to spend money in general even on needed items. I have set goals and am quite focused and determined on meeting those. My husband and I each get a small allowance each month that either of us can use as we see fit. I have nearly $800 of "fun money" saved up over couple years. My husband makes fun of me, that I can't even enjoy using that but I enjoy saving it. I bought my iPad with it 3 years ago and upgraded my desktop computer 2 years back.
So yes, it's changed a lot for me. I never was a shopaholic type, no debt occurred from it but I'm glad I have better control over purchases. I have sold a lot of things I bought and never used.. I much rather have a simple clutter free life then overwhelmed but stuff that I don't want or need.
I never was one that HAD to spend time at the mall. The part I used to like about shopping was finding a good deal and/or using coupons for food. I loved to tell my then-husband and kids how I only spend X amount to buy dinner. I made it a kind of game. I can't really do that anymore. Most coupons are for things I just don't use. And it's even more difficult to find good deals.
I am not a shopper. Once in awhile, I'll feel like a brief trip to Home Goods or a specific store. Most clothing, I buy online, because I know I won't need to hunt for sizes.
After a huge out of state move, and downsizing, I almost get sick to my stomach at the idea of aquiring stuff.
I don't even like to buy huge quantities of paper products, etc, because if it won't fit on a shelf in my garage, I don't want it.
I must admit, that when I am at my thinnest, which is not lately, I do enjoy trying on cute outfits. Realizing that I tend to wear the same things over and over, I don't buy many of them.
I've never shopped for fun, just really for utility, and it's getting to the point where accumulating stresses me out. If I've got a need, I've got no problem buying something to fill that need, but I try not to buy things that aren't consumables, because bring more "stuff" into my house and finding a place for it and keeping my house neat in a growing pile of "stuff" stresses me out.
If I buy something for the household (like a piece of furniture, or similar, or cookware or something, it's because something else was gotten rid of (like a worn out item, or something that doesn't fit the space well), and it's being replaced. I don't like just bringing MORE stuff.
i live in a community that has an active facebook page all about giving things away for free. i have seen decades of possessions that are now pretty much deemed "junk." i think it just gave me a perspective that everything i own and treasure will one day also turn into "junk" or in a second hand store selling for $1. i try to live a minimalist life. i get things for free and give things for free in my community. i really enjoy things more when they are free much more than when i pay a lot for an item!
I am starting on the "minimalist" journey and it greatly excites me. I am training my brain to ask the types of questions that you list when I am tempted to buy.
The t-shirts that you describe sound very cool, if only you can make them useful. There is a small business that could make them into a quilt for you. I've seen an example of one of these--- they are super cool! https://www.projectrepat.com/
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