June 10, 2008
The Shopaholic has to, well, stop and step into Reality
I see the blogs out there showing everything under the sun that the writer wants or says they bought. And I read the fashion blogs with the latest and greatest this or that. But lets be realistic. With the world/economy the way it is, what are you really buying? What have you given up to fill up your tank?
I have never been a sale shopper myself. But you better believe I have a list going of things I need. Whether it is clothes, since all of mine are to big now, or stuff for our new home office for when E3 comes home next month. And when I say a list, I mean an Excel spread sheet with categories, names and prices. This is to track and plan and watch the online sites. Since I HATE the mall.
And as I told you previously, I went overboard with the shopping last year when my Dad died. I am still paying for it. So I came up with a budget to pay that spree off and a plan for the rest of new stuff I do need. I also felt a plan was necessary since my idea of shopping includes Tibi, Milly and Tory Burch.
Do other people keep track of their purchases and closets this way? Not just a budget, but an inventory of everything they own.
Thoughts?
I wish I was that organized! Unfortunately half my clothes are packed away somewhere I can’t get to…but I really only buy classic items whether it be clothing or accessories that won’t go out of style so I know when I unearth them they will still be wearable/useable. I know a Chanel 2.55 bag, a Gucci hobo bag or an Hermes belt are all timeless.
I keep a wish list in my head. That definitely included TB shoes…I bought 2 pairs of ballet flats and one pair of flip flops this season
I made the unfortunate choice to buy J.Crew last year. Thinking it was timeless and would last. Lesson learned.
Love the flats!
I will reserve my personal thoughts regarding J. Crew.
All I know is that if youever decide to unload your “used” goods on ebay I am SO BUYING! Fabulous taste!
Oh, my shopping is way down! DH and I really committed to a budget this year (remember we are only a couple of years away from DD going to college!!! YIKES!). I am not a real sale shopper when it comes to clothing although I admire folks who are and do it well. When I want to shop for clothing I want to do it then. The things I have given up most are the little odds/ends things (the cute factor) that I have always had a weakness for…you know the cute monogrammed button or a headband that I actually don’t own anything it will go with. We are also not going out as much and that has made a huge, huge difference in the budget! DH also sold his Mercedes and bought a super fuel efficient Toyota (who would have seen that one coming? Now we are thinking we should add another for me to tool around town in as the gas prices seem to keep climbing. Good post!!!
www.southerness.blogspot.com
Hi Belle,
I have a Prius and it has definitely helped during this time. E3 has a Honda Civic Hybrid too.
I am sure your new car will help down here in the ATL!
I don’t have everything I own organized in a spreadsheet. I wish I did though. How do you catagorize your things?
I think I am the total antithesis of inventorying my stuff. I wish I did, though. It would keep me from just stumbling upon stuff that I’d forgotten about months or years ago.
I have also really shied away from the shopping. Even the eating out, the whole raison d’etre for my blog, has really been scaled back. Just not as much money to spend these days
On the plus side, I am walking more.
Hi Lauren,
I have the items broken out by work, casual, going out. Then shirts, pants, dresses etc.
Then shoes and purses.
Don’t let me mislead you. This is an ongoing project to track spending and needs. As with my spreadsheet of food consummed and daily exercise.
I found if I tracked everything, I do not doing anything in excess.
I can totally relate as I did some major damage when my dad passed away too. It took away some of the pain (and took my mind off it) but of course, I was left with a few bills and a lot of stuff.
I have really downsized my wardrobe in the last few years. I really stick to the classics and splurge once and awhile on key pieces but as long as I have my staples, I’m good! My closet right now looks like a f-bomb went off but I still manage. Good luck with your tracking and planning. I should do it as well because really, does one need 50 cable knit cashmere sweaters?!? Ok, maybe not 50 but…
On the gas front, my LR is breaking the bank and I’m seriously considering a Vespa for around town but worried my makeup and hair will get all nasty. Perhaps something in between would be a smoother transition!
I am out of control. I will be the first to admit I shop way too much and half of the stuff never gets used. I don’t inventory anything - probably should. I charge only because it’s online shopping but generally pay off each month. It’s still all so silly — so then why do I still shop as much as I do? sickness I tell you.
I had to come back because I just spent practically all day in my spare room going through crates of clothing and I can’t believe how much crap I own. I should probably inventory what I have to prevent myself from purchasing yet another black cardigan that I really “need!”
What makes me crazy are the items that simply disappear between labor day and memorial day of the next year. How does one lose 10 polo shirts? Of course they are hiding together! I did find a pair of shoes I was frantic I had lost so that made me happy.
I also have way too many totes and headbands but atleast now I know I don’t need to purchase anymore.
I keep shoes forever so I know I get my moneys worth out of them and never feel bad about buying more.
I look at it as “does this piece ADD something to my wardrobe”. Because I feel like anymore, most things I can live without. Especially another black cardigan.