Fashion

[magicmoodz]

I used to be a compulsive and impulsive shopper. I still suffer from compulsive shopping symptoms, but I am no longer impulsive. If I see something I like, I often don't purchase it immediately. Rather, I go home and mull it over. (I live very close to the stores I frequent). After careful reflection, I might go back and make the purchase or I might have decided that I was merely feeding my shopping disorders!

I am also much more interested in building/maintaining a wardrobe rather than just purchasing things because I like them or they are on sale. I find myself much more content spending more money for one item than getting several less expensive items.

I am still a work in progress, but I have really changed for MY better.

[jeanlake]

Some of my impulse buys are favorites -- but they are things I previously thought about and when opportunities came, I acted quickly. For three weeks now I knew I'd be purchasing a new pair of training shoes (athletic shoes). My other pair still looks good, but the arch is breaking down from treadmill and neighborhood walk use. I found a DSW deal at the back of the store -- out of season -- but who cares! Ryka's marked down to $49 -- plus 30% off markdown tag -- plus, I used my birthday coupon. The pair cost around $25.00 with tax. I held out until I found something of value that was easy on my wallet. What a treat. I have more discipline and wisdom in my purchase power now than I used to. A lot less stress and I enjoy my purchases, probably more.

[Mustang Shar]

On 3/4/2014 snickster said:

My mind's eye just goes to my over filled closet, then I know I don't need ANYTHING. lol

LOL, yes....me too!!! I need to shop my closet and now that Winter MAYBE easing a bit, I look forward to wearing my new things.

[maryebrown_1]

On 3/4/2014 magicmoodz said:

I used to be a compulsive and impulsive shopper. I still suffer from compulsive shopping symptoms, but I am no longer impulsive. If I see something I like, I often don't purchase it immediately. Rather, I go home and mull it over. (I live very close to the stores I frequent). After careful reflection, I might go back and make the purchase or I might have decided that I was merely feeding my shopping disorders!

I am also much more interested in building/maintaining a wardrobe rather than just purchasing things because I like them or they are on sale. I find myself much more content spending more money for one item than getting several less expensive items.

I am still a work in progress, but I have really changed for MY better.

I'm doing the same...I make a list of clothes I have for each season, handbags and shoes. Then I match them up, and determine what I need to be on the lookout for. If it's a handbag, I research to find the lowest price for it, and do the same with accessories.
I've saved a lot of money this past year by not buying on impulse!

[magicmoodz]

On 3/4/2014 maryebrown said:

On 3/4/2014 magicmoodz said:

I used to be a compulsive and impulsive shopper. I still suffer from compulsive shopping symptoms, but I am no longer impulsive. If I see something I like, I often don't purchase it immediately. Rather, I go home and mull it over. (I live very close to the stores I frequent). After careful reflection, I might go back and make the purchase or I might have decided that I was merely feeding my shopping disorders!

I am also much more interested in building/maintaining a wardrobe rather than just purchasing things because I like them or they are on sale. I find myself much more content spending more money for one item than getting several less expensive items.

I am still a work in progress, but I have really changed for MY better.

I'm doing the same...I make a list of clothes I have for each season, handbags and shoes. Then I match them up, and determine what I need to be on the lookout for. If it's a handbag, I research to find the lowest price for it, and do the same with accessories.
I've saved a lot of money this past year by not buying on impulse!

mary~ I do the same. I keep excel spreadsheets of all my clothing--right down to my pajamas. (I don't track underwear-LOL). It is so helpful to review to determine what I am ready to let go (donate) and what I need for the upcoming season.

[maryebrown_1]

We're on the same page, Magic! Last fall, I took 6 huge bags of clothes and shoes (in excellent used condition, some even still had the tags on them!) to the donation boxes at our Martin's store. Some went to needy families, and some went to the woman's shelter. It really felt good to give to the less fortunate, especially the women in shelters who have a lot more problems than I do. Much of that clothing was business attire, that they would desperately need to find (and keep) a job.

The excel spreadsheets are an excellent idea! I think I need to venture into that, and arrange everything by color!

[magicmoodz]

On 3/4/2014 maryebrown said:

We're on the same page, Magic! Last fall, I took 6 huge bags of clothes and shoes (in excellent used condition, some even still had the tags on them!) to the donation boxes at our Martin's store. Some went to needy families, and some went to the woman's shelter. It really felt good to give to the less fortunate, especially the women in shelters who have a lot more problems than I do. Much of that clothing was business attire, that they would desperately need to find (and keep) a job.

The excel spreadsheets are an excellent idea! I think I need to venture into that, and arrange everything by color!

Oh do try the spreadsheets, mary! Once you have everything accounted for it becomes so easy.

I no longer feel guilty about letting some of my things go (even if the tags are still attached). I have been blessed in life and feel good sharing my things with those who might find themselves in need. While I like nice things, I am trying to lead a more purpose-driven life and know that amassing "stuff" does not give me purpose.

[funwun]

On 3/4/2014 chrystaltree said:

I do think that those of us who build wardrobes, rather than buying clothes just to buy clothes, have always done that. I plan my "look" and my color theme before I even make one single purchase. Something can be absolutely terrific, the price can be amazing. I can love, love, love it. But if it doesn't fit into my plan, I just don't buy it. I often put things on my wishlist before I make the purchase. That gives me time to think about it and more often than not, a day or two later, I delete it. It was a "like" but not a "must have". I was once an impulse buyer. I was once one of those women with multiple closets bursting with "stuff" and yet I would still find myself with "nothing to wear". But I grew out of that. And now I am really enjoying fashion.

Chrystaltree, I too have a color theme and shop for basics and add accessories to my seasonal look....I find this makes things alot simpler and it eliminates my buying clothing which I will never wear! I also had clothes with tags still on them which I never wore because they didn't match back to anything lol!! I only buy what I need and love if it fits into my wardrobe....it's so nice to hear others using this method too!)) Oh, and I also use the wish list in the same way ....and if I really like the item and it works for me, I often wait for easy pay or a clearance price!

[Mistreatedbycs]

I've been so impulsive lately, it's beginning to scare me.

I have 30#'s gone with WW so far and been buying smaller sizes and stock piling those. I don't need to do this and need to stop.

I also think I've been truly mentally exhausted since my mom is in the hospital and I see her and realize she's not able to go to the stores, etc and I've been making up for her not going thinking life is short and enjoy what you like before it's too late.

[Squirrel Lover]

I have always worn 'classic' style clothing from Lands End, LL Bean and Talbots. I have a really good basic wardrobe and have something to wear for any occasion because I have the classics. But each season I add a few items that are trending to add interest and to keep my look fresh. This season I purchased a floral tee-shirt to update my solid cardigans. I bought one of the multicolored striped shirt with a boat neck and 3/4th sleeves. I added a floral sleeveless dress and a pair of Chicos skinny jeans and capris. I am a Soft Summer Deep in coloring so I wear a cool palette and I stick to this religiously. I never buy anything that does not go with my skin tone as it is a complete waste of money.

I only have five items of clothing from QVC and they are all Liz Claiborne and very classic. I like them very much and they are definitely NOT throw aways. Last night I bought my first Quacker Factory item the OTO white floral cardigan and tank twinset. I have never tried this line, but this piece looks fresh and interesting. I plan on wearing the pieces separately. I will wear the cardigan with an aqua tee shirt or white tank and the floral tank will look good with lots of bottoms including the royal blue Charter Club skinny jeans that I bought on a clearance rack at Macy's last summer for $14.75! A trendy piece that will be donated when I am tired of them.

The reason that I do not buy hardly any clothes from QVC is that I am a very petite person. I am 5 feet tall and I am 112 pounds (4p and XXS in QVC) most all of the tops on QVC are too long for me. I ordered a couple of Susan Graver items last summer and had to return them because they were so very long. They even look too long for Susan at 26 and 1/2 inches for a tee-shirt is just not an average length. My wonderful Chicos tee-shirts that are all cotton are 24 inches and that is a good length.

Lastly, I encourage you all to keep your wardrobe 'edited.' Meaning that you really think about what you actually need and how it fits into your wardrobe as a whole. Find what colors look good on you by going to www.prettyyourworld.com and take the color test. When you find out what your coloring is you will not want to buy clothes or makeup that does not go with your coloring because you will see that the right colors will make you look younger and healthier.

Also, do not buy clothes for a life that you are not living as you will not wear them. I will never live in NYC or San Francisco so I do not need to buy clothes that Lisa Robertson wears, for example. She looks wonderful and gorgeous and her clothing choices are perfect for her lifestyle, but even though she and I are both the same age--48--I would not wear her clothes because I have no where to wear them. Lastly, buy clothes that fit really well or get them tailored. Do not buy clothes for the body you wish you had or had before. And always remember that life if short--be kind to yourself.