Posts
Day 45, actually today is day 46.....what was I was thinking?
I just want to shop... this challenge has allowed me to see that at times I can be an emotional shopper. I've been really stressed at work and I've started to notice that I run right to the computer to soothe myself. I've sent numerous emails to my friends with pictures and links to things that I want to buy at that very moment- some gently send me the link to my initial "No Shopping" post and others simply reply back with "NO".
All I know is that I want to swipe the card and get something!
The other day I got into a "What am I wearing closet frenzy" and I realized that I have similar pairs of shoes- which led me to think about my shopping decisions... am I really thinking about what I already have when I make a purchase?
In the same light, I also started to think about the pieces that I do buy which are brimming with outfit possibilities only to be put in the back of my closet. So yes, now that I'm halfway done this challenge is starting to drive me insane ... but it's also opened my eyes as to the psychological effects as to why I shop and my thought process while doing so. Who would have thought that this challenge would be so deep?
So back to my closet frenzy... I don't remember what I was looking for- but I do remember what I found, too many damn similarities and too many things that I bought but don't wear. (Yes, I can argue that having shoes that look similar are not necessarily the same.. but still)
How many pairs of brown flats do I need, yes they look different but the essence is still the same they are brown flats. The same sentiment goes for the grey heels.
Also.. these shoes are the exact same shoe just different colors. All I can say to myself right now is "Seriously?"
So what I'm learning is this - I'm ridiculous. And buying something that looks like or is in general the same as something I have already is not a good look and not a smart purchase. When I think about my students loans I think about if the shopping decisions I've made could have amounted to smarter financial decisions- it's not to beat myself up, it's just making smarter decisions. If I take into consideration what I have in my closet already, then that's more money in my account.
Don't get me wrong, we all deserve the occasional splurge.. but let's be real too many "special occasion splurges" eventually turn into poor excuses.
As for the clothes that I bought but have yet to wear ... I think we all have a dose of this. But I can remember that some of these things are items I bought as recently as during the holidays... so I just need to wear them!!
this looks waaaaay better on me than it does on the rack!
Are any of you challenging yourself to not shop? Have you ever really looked at your shopping thought process, do you shop because you need, want or just to get your mind off of something else?
~Luvin' My Curves
P.S: In about 3 weeks I will be heading off to Capetown, South Africa! Some of you have asked what I did about the shorts situation. Well, one of my friends without me even asking sent three pairs of her shorts -2 of which still have the tag on them because she shops without thinking (birds of a feather ....). The shorts fit just fine and I am eternally grateful to her for not making me break my pact with the No-Shopping Devil.
10 comments:
I too am an emotional shopper, I tried doing the no shop thing, but it hasn't worked (yet) you inspired me to do the same because honestly, I probably have 30 pairs of black shoes...10 pairs of grey heels, etc...and your right..I always justified it by saying 'they are not the same' but in all honestly they are...I need to start...My next post will be a new start...Day 1 ~ Thanks!
I am definitely like that. I need to do the same thing as you, because as much as I like fashion, there are sooo many things I could be doing with that money (like traveling or investing in my future!)
Keep it up though, and maybe someday I'll follow (hopefully soon). :)
This is a really good post- I never thought about what might lead me to shop,especially when I don't need to. Now that I think about it - I shop "just because" or when I'm upset and those upset purchases are usually the most expensive ones.
@Honeybunches I'm happy I inspired you, I'll be looking for your new start!
@Jill Hopefully you'll follow suit soon, I do keep thinking about how much my shoes cost and what a great vacation that could have been. lol
@Dana haha, yes! my most expensive shoes, my diamond watch all purchases resulting from breakups and me wanting to treat myself.
Hey, I live in Cape Town and follow your blog! Please tell me what you will be doing here? A holiday? I really admire the fact that you have taken on this 90 day challenge - it's something I really need to do, but haven't quite worked up the courage yet! Good luck!
What a great idea to practice the art of unshopping! I never thought I was much of a shopper, but then read the New York Times' bestselling book, The Total Money Makeover. It has radically changed my life and the lives of many of my clients...Thanks for encouraging fashionistas to turn down their shopaholism. You go, girl!
Congratulations on the halfway point! What are your plans when you hit the end so that you don't just go crazy? That's always my problem, deprivation followed by a big binge. Lately I have been asking my self "do I really love/need/adore this?" If the answer is no, I walk away. Seems to be working. Usually it is hard to answer yes, I both need and adore this!
@Elizabeth! First.. I am honored that someone in Cape Town is reading :) I love South Africa and studied in Limpopo, Joburg and Cape Town about 7 years ago. This time I am bringing some students to learn about the history as well as do some service learning projects, I am so excited!
@Cherrie I love that book!!
@Catherine: I plan to see exactly how much I saved, might give myself a small budget to buy something. But the ultimate treat is to treat myself to a small cruise (discounted of course) after the school year.
So now we know who to blame for the Slowdown in the Economy. But I know were your coming from. Love to go shopping. Clothes are great to shop for. Wife or myself. But I think I am going to slowdown. Remodel costs this year (always try to do something to house)went out of Control. What was 8k is 18K. $150 a month for shopping for clothes seems pretty small. New Sewer Line is 4k plus replace Patio (3k). Thank God no new cars for few more years and only 2 months left on house. But that just means new house (can U say rental of this one).
It take strength to do what your doing. Keep it up!
SteveD aka Dataman
Post a Comment