topic Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent? in Fashion

What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

magicmoodz — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:53:50 GMT

Personally, I would have to say shopping on a whim is more fun.

I used to shop as if it were a sport. Often I wasn't on a mission to "find" a particular item, but enjoyed the thrill of the hunt for ANYTHING. I have changed my shopping habits to now shop for needs. I keep a list of items I need to replace or need to fill a void in my wardrobe.

Sadly this new way of shopping has not saved me any money. If I purchased something last week, wore it over the weekend, and didn't really feel great in it, it might very quickly be donated, thereby "creating a new need". HA HA!

How about you? What is your shopping style?

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

Mary Bailey — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:05:13 GMT

I really have no "un-fun" way to shop.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

wilma — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:13:07 GMT

I have more fun shopping on a whim when I am just looking for anything that sparks my interest. When I am on a mission it isn't as fun. I particularly hate shopping for jeans or pants. It is so difficult to find a good fitting pant.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

VaBelle35 — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:42:48 GMT

If I need a very specific thing, I will look for it on the internet as I can cover a wider range of stores and options that way. It's still fun to get the package in the mail.

I like to shop for everything (clothes, shoes, food), and I like to shop often to find the best stuff. Nothing makes me sad than seeing something really cute at Marshalls and it's not available in my size.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

SHIRAZ — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 22:02:50 GMT

I have always loved every kind of shopping! I would say shopping on a whim is more fun. I used to love going to the mall and spending all day, going into all of the stores and looking at EVERYTHING. Sadly. malls are not as much fun anymore as there is not much nice stuff to look at. I do spand a lot of time looking at all kinds of stuff online.

I will say, when you are on a mission for something specific - if you find it, it can be extemely rewarding. Especially if the item is something you really like, and not just something that "will do" to fill the need.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

maddiecat — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 22:10:38 GMT

Hi, magic!

Just stopped by and saw you had started an interesting topic!

I miss shopping on a whim. I definitely had more fun years ago when I could do that. I remember at times looking in my closet and seeing so many wonderful choices that it was hard to decide which lovely outfit to wear. Nowadays, I look at the stuff in my closet and think, did I wear that last week? I still love clothes, but I guess I'm loving them less than I used to. Does that make sense?

Purchasing with intent is far less fun. It always seems that when I intend to buy a certain piece, then I can't find anything I like.

Right now I'm just "making do" with what I have until the weather turns cooler. Then I can pull out some old favorites and pretend I have a new wardrobe!

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

MaggieMack — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 22:14:57 GMT

My experience has always been that when I really needed something for a special event, whether it was clothes or shoes, I could never find anything. It was depressing to know that I would have to show up in something that didn't feel spectacular to me. I fixed that problem, though, by shopping when I don't need something and filled my closets with things that will be spectacular for whatever type event comes up. Not working 10 hours a day seven days a week (small biz owner) made this slice of happiness possible!

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

Newgate — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:20:57 GMT

Isn't it amazing how many people, I guess mostly women, do love to shop! I do both whim shopping and serious shopping but I enjoy the whim shopping the most! I love to look through sale racks in the good quality stores and I always find many bargains!!

I have a closet full of nice clothes but not overly expensive from my "whim" shopping trips!

Also, it is so much fun coming home and showing my dh all the bargains I found and reminding him how much good quality exercise I got from walking up and down the mall! So much more fun than a treadmill!!

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

chrystaltree — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:27:30 GMT

I don't over think it. Shopping is fun. That's enough for me. However, most of my shopping is online now. I don't enjoy mall shopping at all. That is not fun.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

Bird mama — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:13:31 GMT

Shopping for others on a whim doesn't bother me. Shopping for myself on a whim, causes me anxiety.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

Jackie D — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 00:43:07 GMT

I like both. But I get the most fun out of deciding I want to purchase something and then searching for the best possible deal, price, and savings. It's the trill of the hunt that makes it that much more rewarding when you finally get it BUT for an amazing price!

Good question!

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

peachesncream — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 02:24:32 GMT

I must be the odd one out. I don't like shopping.

I do love pretty clothes. But finding them is a pain in the neck!

If I could just have the perfect wardrobe delivered to me, without all of the tiring legwork, I'd be very pleased.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

AngelPuppy1 — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 09:27:00 GMT

Definitely shopping on a whim!!! When I browse with no particular intent, this is the most fun. No pressre to find something I need. Just mindless looking. If I happen upon a treasure at a fantastic price, then --- yippeee!!! That's great!!! If I don't, no big deal --- "cause I'm just nosing around. This - to me -- is just plain fun!

Now -- shopping with intent --- that's serious business! The heat is on.

I get very frustrated when I search and search and can't find what I am looking for and/or need. Or -- when I find it -- but the price is out of reach. That -- is no fun --- at all!!!

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

okaywitheasypay — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:34:02 GMT

I shopping . I am glad shopping with a purpose such as DH's underwear, coats, jeans, workclothes ,etc. is just an every so often thing. It is necessary since he is the exact opposite of a happy shopper.

I try to satisfy my whim shopping in my favorite thrift store. I love looking for names like Chicos, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, even designers from QVC (and that can help me figure out thier sizing to order online). I have found some real bargains. Of course it does take time and like Forrest's Mama said about life "it is like a box of chocolates --you never know what you are going to get."

I do try to sort out and organize every spring and fall so my closet isn't too crowded. I even enjoy this process.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

ladyroxanne — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:50:18 GMT

i love the thrill of the hunt and finding the best price. but then again i love all shopping, too.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

vac — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:08:08 GMT

I have a great time looking for bargains. It's so much fun to find the perfect something to complete an outfit when you weren't even looking for it.

Shopping can feel like a real chore when I'm looking for something specific (like basic black trousers or a black pencil skirt). But for me, nothing beats finding that item you were on the hunt for at a great price!

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

brii — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 15:57:19 GMT

I love it any way I can get it! LOL

I don't like knowing what I want and not being able to find it. That annoys me.

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

magicmoodz — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 17:15:41 GMT

@maddiecat wrote:
Hi, magic!

Just stopped by and saw you had started an interesting topic!

I miss shopping on a whim. I definitely had more fun years ago when I could do that. I remember at times looking in my closet and seeing so many wonderful choices that it was hard to decide which lovely outfit to wear. Nowadays, I look at the stuff in my closet and think, did I wear that last week? I still love clothes, but I guess I'm loving them less than I used to. Does that make sense?

Purchasing with intent is far less fun. It always seems that when I intend to buy a certain piece, then I can't find anything I like.

Right now I'm just "making do" with what I have until the weather turns cooler. Then I can pull out some old favorites and pretend I have a new wardrobe!

@maddiecat!

Hello maddie! It is good to "see" you. I've missed your thought-provoking posts, but know that you must have been on your annual August vacation? If so, I hope is was memorable!

I understand what you are saying and do agree. It is sad to see where we, as a disposable society, have come. Fine tailoring of fine fabrics has taken a backseat to polyester knit stretch fabrics where one size fits (almost) all! I believe that blame can be shared among designers, manufacturers and retailers.

Have you had an enjoyable summer, maddie? I hope your job has stabilized. I know all too well how disconcerting it can be wondering whether or not contracts are going to be renewed, if there will be budget cuts, and how many staff will be "downsized".

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

maddiecat — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:28:31 GMT

Hi again, magic!

My August vacation to California got cancelled because of work. I had given the clients my vacation dates weeks ahead, and wouldn't you know -- two weeks before I'm due to leave, I get absolutely slammed with work. There's no way I could be gone with all this taking place. My company has suffered greatly since the summer, culminating in recent 25% pay cuts for my coworker and me. Ouch!

On a happier note, I have been interviewing for a new job! I would be working in a corporate environment in a creative capacity. I have been through two phone interviews, an in-person interview, and a video interview. Just this morning I was asked to participate in another phone interview this week. It's getting closer and closer! The job does have some drawbacks (long hours and some mandatory overtime during February-May), but it's a stable and global company, and I would receive a competitive salary and full benefits. I feel very good about how I've done in the interviews. Wish me luck!

How are you, magic? How has your summer been? How is your job? What's on your wish list for fall?

Re: What's more fun--shopping on a whim or purchasing with intent?

miata1 — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 23:55:32 GMT

I enjoy shopping every weekend, that is my favorite pasttime and my husband calls it my hobby. I like just browsing around and on a whim if I see something I like, I try it or them on. It is the thrill of the hunt. Sometimes, the checkout line may be too long so I put stuff back, or I decide I am spending too much that week. Then on the following week, I go on a search to find the apparel I put back. Sometimes, I am lucky and find it again and sometimes, I missed out on the purchase and then I get mad at myself. Anyway, it is so much fun for me and I enjoy it.

Miata 1