I used to be a bonafide shopaholic. Oh yep. This might be news or not depending on how long you’ve followed Style Bee but it’s true.
I was in deep. Like clockwork, I’d go online every morning and scope out the latest arrivals on various fast fashion mega stores and put way too many ‘cute’ but pointless items in my cart. Then sure enough by the end of the week (if I made it that long) I would have pulled the trigger on at least a few of them. A lot of time they weren’t even cheap and they were almost always an impulse buy that served no purpose and usually ended up staying creased and unworn in the back of my closet.
I couldn’t seem to save any money, I was always anxious about what I might be ‘missing’ and I never felt good about what I had to wear. At one point I was stowing boxes under the bed because our recycling bin was too full. AH! I’m telling you, it was ugly. But fret not, there’s a positive side to this sad tale.
Through my Closet Mission, a lot of self assessment and a ton of discipline I’ve successfully curbed my habit. But it hasn’t been easy and I still have to keep a close eye on myself when I do decide to shop. I find that acknowledging the triggers is useful and reminding myself about the things I’m saving up for like our renovations, a trip or a special project can really help to reset my thinking.
This black skirt is one of only a handful of items that has endured every closet purge I’ve conducted over the last several years. It has stayed for a few practical reasons like it’s perfect length, forgiving high waist and flowing fabric but it also serves as a reminder of my not so chic past habits. I think a part of me loves this skirt so much because it illustrates a personal statistic. Out of the 100’s of things I’ve bought on a whim over the last 5+ years, this is one of only a few that was actually a good idea. It’s a pretty clear indicator that I can do well with buying much less if I just make much better choices.
So tell me, do you have any items that have stood the test of time and bad habits?
I too go through phases with shopping and hopefully one day I would be that completely conscientious buyer rather than the sometimes impulsive one 🙂
It’s definitely tough to stick to your guns and shop more deliberately and less impulsively. With a little extra willpower it’s possible I think! xo
I have been drooling over those wedges for weeks and I just found them in my size for $130 (US)! Dream come true, had to share. 🙂
Anna! That is SUCH a great deal and I hope you love them as much as I do! Thanks for telling me! xoxo
I have a few things that have lasted me through my own shopping-because-I’m-bored-or-sad phase… Namely just basics- classic button ups I thrifted, a few sweaters, a scarf or two. I definitely had a lot of variety, but never anything I wanted to wear again and again, apart from those pieces that have lasted. Everything else has made its way back to the thrift shop piles!
Kate
kateintheclassroom.com
Oh I hear you! Almost everything I’ve ever bought on a whim has ended up being donated or sold at this point. I was all over the map with colour and patterns. Nothing worked together so I had to have an occasion for everything. I’m so much happier with a cohesive collection of quality, unique basics that I can mix and match all the time. Xoxo
That skirt is cute!
I’ve had a couple things that have made it 5 years, but sadly not much.
This month is another no shopping month for me- my summer one. I feel like it gets easier to gear up and get ready for it but I still struggle with the same anxiety/ issues once I’am in.
Thanks for sharing Lee. Hope you (and Dobby) are having a great week!
Thanks Jodie! It seems like most people have very few things that last longer than a few years. Which is not ideal! I’m hoping that the items I’ve invested in this year will stand the true test of time. But it’s hard to know. I definitely agree that the no shopping months get easier each time but the struggle is still there to some degree. Practice makes perfect? haha xo