If you, like Madonna, are a material girl and find yourself having visceral reactions to a store-wide sale notification landing in your inbox, this one’s for you. I love clothes. And jewelry. And shoes. And bags. I think a lot of guys and gals out there do. While I know I am not alone, and feel no shame surrounding my constant impulse to shop (or my “shopping is my cardio” tank top) there comes a time in every adult’s life when other things start to garner more financial prudence over Versace, Versace, Versace, Versace.*
Minimalism and Marie Kondo saved my budget. I began listening to The Minimalists podcast a few years ago and it really changed my outlook on “stuff” and why I feel like I need it. Marie Kondo greeted millions of Americans hearts much like she greeted each house she entered this past year (in a v cute way). The combination of these two things soon made my favorite weekend activity throwing stuff out. But less than a month later, those sale ads tempted me and I replaced the old stuff.
So how did I cut the apron strings (I love aprons) for good? I had a massive expense of paying two rents for two months and couldn’t buy anything other than food and that whipped me into shape. Yep. Sales are wonderful, yes, you can save so much! But think about the cost in relativity to how long you will cherish that Marino Wool Sweater from Banana Republic that spoiler alert you will probably ruin the first time you wash it. The key to financial security cannot be found in a J. Crew email. You must find it within yourself to ask:
Do I need this?
Do I already have something like this?
How long will I own this? Is it seasonal?
Do I know how to take care of it?
Does this item spark joy? *KonMari Method
I know that not everyone will be able to quit or be forced into quitting like I was, cold turkey. I was financially forced to get more creative with my existing wardrobe andended up finding so much joy in trying on different ensembles that it curbed my habits for good! I do know that by asking these questions before you hit submit on your next order, you might remove a few $$$ from your cart.
How do you shop for clothes? How much do you spend per month? When do you deem it appropriate to splurge on a classic, quality piece? Do you mark your calendar when a sale is going to hit? I’d love to know
@eroberts, I am a women, but dislike shopping. I get those urges maybe a few times a year and I’m like “let’s go shopping”, after about an hour I am over it. However, I am one of those people that will bundle my Kohls coupons and Kohls Cash and go on the most beneficial day (where all the coupons can be used). My fiancee is so shocked that I can take a $110 bill and only pay $25 after all of the coupons and such. I don’t like to spend more than a certain amount on clothes or shoes. I cringe if I spend more than $20 on jeans or work pants. The most expensive pair of shoes I ever bought was $60 and it was for a pair of Sketchers. I always wanted a pair and splurged, a year later as they are coming apart, I was sadly disappointed. I know go for the clearance shoes at Wal-Mart (for gym shoes) and when they fall apart in 8 months, I don’t feel bad as I only spent $9 on them and got just a few months less than the $60 shoes I bought.
So I am the discount shopper. Like now I have rewards points for Old Navy and I know my son wants some new clothes, so they are stacked up and on the calendar when they expire so we can use them. I don’t mark my calendar for sales, in the past I used to for like Black Friday where I could get PJ’s for dirt cheap for my then growing every few months child. I have never been to the high end stores and probably wouldn’t go, unless maybe someone else was paying for it.
Like you though, I do think about how many of a certain thing I already have and do I need another. I have started it where if I buy a pair of shoes or pants, I go through my closet and anything I haven’t worn in months I will put in the donation pile, so my typical routine is if I buy one new thing, I probably donate 3. It minimizes my closet and doesn’t strain my wallet.
I’m not a material girl… my only splurge is on shoes as I buy great quality cross training shoes as plantar fasciitis in both feet… I dislike clothes shopping so I avoid it unless I need to replace something that I’ve worn out. I have 1 very nice purse that will last many many years.
I’m not a material girl… my only splurge is on shoes as I buy great quality cross training shoes as plantar fasciitis in both feet… I dislike clothes shopping so I avoid it unless I need to replace something that I’ve worn out. I have 1 very nice purse that will last many many years.
It’s awesome that you have devoted splurges to things that you know will bring you comfort and last for a long time!
I have found the best way to escape this “buy more, save more” mentality is to unsubscribe from all brand emails. When I plan on “big shopping” ( clothes, shoes, holiday) I sign up for whatever will send me a coupon/discount then I unsubscribe after I use the discount. I find avoiding temptation all together the best way to stay in budget.
Years ago, I read “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo and “purging” my belongings has been a thrill to me ever since. I’m not a minimalist by any means, but I don’t like “stuff” to weigh me down. When I feel like “stuff” is taking over my house, I get very anxious until I am able to go through it all and donate, throw away, or better organize my belongings.
Knowing exactly what is under the bathroom sink is what really brings me joy
I love being able to walk around the mall and not feel tempted to purchase anything. I have had the same handbag for 4 years. I just have a handful of shoes, and my husband and I keep all of our clothes, shoes, and extra sheets in our “less than average” size closet.
Minimalizing and not purchasing things that I don’t need, has been beneficial not only to my home, but to my emotional state as well! I think everyone could benefit from the book by Marie Kondo.
I love this topic so much! Thanks for sharing with everyone!
Like @maureen.sullivan, I unsubscribe from marketing emails to reduce the temptation to buy things I don’t need. I throw away catalogs without looking at them, and I don’t wander around stores to kill time (usually). I just try to reduce the temptation to spend when I can. Why make it hard for myself, you know?
I am addicted to Amazon I order everything from there and barely shop elsewhere except Sephora for my makeup and Shipt membership to order my groceries.
My front porch is filled 5 foot high with empty shipping boxes.
It throws my budget into a panic once I see how many little one item shipments I actually order daily. I do all my clothing shopping on Amazon now. They sell higher-end brands too. It’s very easy to return items for free by dropping it off at the UPS store who know me now. So clothes are of little risk cause I can send it back and credits come right after you drop it off not when they receive it.
I too shop on Amazon a lot. What I’ve been doing this year is limiting my shops to “must haves.” That includes anything related to medical, household supplies, and of course, pet supplies. No clothes, purse, or casual shoe shopping (which doesn’t mean I haven’t been buying elsewhere…the sales have been so good…I’m weak). I got 2 pairs of FitFlops recently for one-third of their usual price.
OK, I did order a new Braun drip coffeepot from Amazon (I don’t think they are made in Germany any longer…these used to be my go-to pots) last month that I had to return today, Sept 8)…but coffee is a necessity too. I have other coffeepot styles but I still need a drip, for crying out loud?.
Girl, you know exactly what I mean then. I have deliveries coming that I have forgotten about. Or a message saying they have delivered and no sign of the box in my house. hmm. Package bandits? Or my grown children perhaps?
Hi All, I read one of Marie Kondo’s books and watched her show on Netflix and that’s one way I’ve lightened my belongings. I also followed how she folds clothing and it really does take up less space, plus you can readily see what is there rather than piling up shirts and pants and never getting to the bottom of the pile. As far as shopping goes, I really don’t like to shop but if I need clothes I will usually go online at Kohl’s (only when I have a 30% off coupon). Being retired, I don’t need clothes that are for an office or work but I like to wear dresses sometimes (especially when it is hot weather).
How do you shop for clothes? How much do you spend per month? When do you deem it appropriate to splurge on a classic, quality piece? Do you mark your calendar when a sale is going to hit?
I shop for clothing on a needs basis or upcoming need. Example, I needed some easier on and off pants while I was in a leg cast… bought a couple bigger size shorts and capris so I didn’t ruin my work clothing. No monthly amount as usually only buy when replacing. My only clothing splurge is if I LOVE IT, then I will buy 2 or 3 and wear with happiness…
