We’ve all seen the minimalist trend and the decluttering shows (or of course you’ve read my blog posts 😉) but then we see those same people peddling Stanley cups and Barefoot Dreams blankets. I know I’m not the only one who gets sucked in but, is it just me or are y’all seeing a slight tipping point in social media right now? I feel like I’ve been seeing people getting sick and tired of feeling like everyday we see something new that will “change our lives.”
So, if you’re like me and you’re into the decluttering, trying-to-only-buy-what-you-need, wondering why your bank account is looking sad, anti-influencer life- I feel ya girl. I recently discovered the de-influencing trend on TikTok and I am HERE FOR IT!
My big ah-ha moment was the famous (or infamous?) Stanley cups. I was seeing them allllll over. I know you have too. And quite honestly… I really didn’t understand. Still don’t. Now, I love me a water cup with a straw. I have 2 of Starbucks ones and I definitely drink more water when I use them. And yep, I have a hydroflask for workouts and long car rides. It’s seems sort of redundant to say that I was all set for my water receptacles. I don’t need more. But I found myself wanting a Stanley. What. the actual. fuck. Why? I asked friends who had one what makes it special? No one could give me an answer except “They fit in your car cupholder.” But like so do my Starbucks ones. I realized I definitely don’t need to spend the $30-$40 on a new water cup just because other people had them. Ugh just stop, Jessica.
I want to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Yes, I have definitely recommended products on my blog and on the gram and I use affiliate links to do so. I understand that marketing is nothing new and social media is just the new wave of commercials, billboards and magazines but I just have to wonder if the overwhelm and excess social media is effecting our brains, not to mention our bank accounts. I want to be really clear here: I’m not bashing influencers. I love a good influencer. They definitely help guide me to products. BUT I know that they are being paid to share certain products. So, I am challenging you to be more intentional with your spending and think about how a product relates to you– not just to the general public. I made a vow when I started this blog I would only share things that I enjoy and actually use. But I want to drill into everyone’s head that these are not things that everyone needs (I might even say that no one needs? That’s up to you). These are items that I personally find useful for me and my lifestyle. I want to share products that I like so if you’re looking for a similar product you have a girlfriend with a recommendation. I hope it goes something like this:
“Hey Jess, I’m getting some acne. Do you use anything that helps?”
“Oh, for sure! I like this one.”
“Sweet! I’ll check it out.”
OR
“That shirt is so cute!”
“Thanks girl I got it at Target! Want the link?”
“Sure!”
And then if you look into it and decide that you want to buy it, you come back and use my link and give your girl the full $0.01 I receive.
Now, I’m not saying stop buying things you see online. I’m such a fan of investing in things that work for you and will last. I am a Lululemon bitch. But your girl wears leggings everyday. So yes, I do have 5 pairs of Lululemon leggings that I spent my hard earned money on. But I have not and will never be someone that works out in a workout set. So I won’t be dropping my money on a set especially an expensive one. What I’m getting at is invest in things you will actually use and love.
Ok so what can we do? Am I deleting social media and becoming a minimalist? Of course not. But here’s what I’m going to do. I will be asking myself every time I buy something new “Am I buying this because I actually need this? Or is it because I saw someone else have it and I think it’s cute/ I think they’re cool/ I want a quick fix/ I’m sad and coping with spending…” (yoooo that last one hits right? Here’s where I encourage you to see a therapist like I do! #therapychangeslives). I could go on but you get the idea. And if you ask yourself those questions and the answer is “Yes, I am buying this because someone I saw online has it and I think it’s really cute and I have the money to spend on that” then that is freaking awesome. You do you, girl. It’s all really about being serious with yourself and making smart, informed choices. I simply don’t want you spending money on crap you don’t need or won’t enjoy in a few short months.
The other thing I cannot, I repeat CANNOT, stress enough is please unfollow accounts on social that make you feel bad or make you want to irrationally buy things. I did this about 5 years ago with body image (Should we talk about this? I hope the world has come a long way in 5 years but I don’t follow any of that stuff so I don’t know) and why didn’t I think of doing this with other “aesthetic” things. Let’s do it together. I am currently unfollowing my girls from @bestoftarget. I love them and their account but they definitely make me want to buy things I just don’t need. Did you do it too? Ok, good. We’re in this together.
Cheers to continuing to simplify our lives (and help our bank accounts)!
