To my dearest:
I have a confession to make. I am a shopaholic. Yes, I said it. I don’t know how many of you have the same problem as me. Living in New York, there’s always so many temptations. There are so many fashionistas here. Just hopping on the train and I’ll probably see something I wish I had. This caused me to have a wish list that is long enough to run across the globe and back. It doesn’t stop there either. Whenever I go shopping, it makes me extra happy to end the day with buying something – anything! This created a lot of problems for me. I’m recently cleaning my room and boy oh boy is it cluttered! And honestly, my living quarters are not that big.
This leads me to think about what I honestly need in life. I have a friend who lives a minimalistic life and I never thought she lacked anything. In fact, I felt that she was more on point in life than me. Now, minimalism is not something that you can go into lightly. It truly is a decision and a journey. I’m not here to persuade you to live this life. Heck. I don’t even think I actually can be a true minimalist. But, I think there are certain aspects we can learn from and adapt to.
One thing I’m trying to do is – with things I want to buy, I try to limit the amount of items that are on my wish list. As much as possible, I try to buy things that I can use for years to come. The words “timeless” and “classic” come into mind. For example, with bags, I ideally want to limit my collection to only ten bags. This way, you will think of what color, size, and function you want your bags to have. You only have ten spots, so you will think twice before making a purchase. Because, these slots will fill up fast!
Another example is with shoes, while I can’t be minimalistic enough to live off two to three pair of shoes. I can make categories and limit myself to what I can have. I can limit myself to only one pair of flats, one pair of loafers, one pair of ankle boots, one pair of tall boots, and three pair of heels. I’ll still have seven pair of shoes in rotation. But this really sets myself to think about what I really need. After setting boundaries, do your best to keep it.
For me, I don’t consider UGGs, sneakers, or flip flops part of deal. However, still try to limit yourself to perhaps one item per category. This way, you’ll have an efficient wardrobe. I haven’t actually established this habit myself yet, because I have shoes I bought from way before that I failed to get rid of.
However, going forward, this is a goal I want to set for myself. Again, do this to live a happier life. It’s not meant to make things tough for you. It’s just meant to help you realize what you need and along the way maybe save some money. If you really want just an extra pair of loafers or something as a treat. Do treat yourself, but also keep tabs on yourself to see how much clutter you have.
I’m a girl with a budget and a limited amount of space. I find that having a mentality of a limited amount of things I can own helps me control impulse buying. It also helps with money management. I would have a good idea of how much something I want to purchase is and I can save up for it accordingly. This way I won’t have to break my bank for it. It does well for credit card bills and bank accounts as well.
I also find that, this mentality allows me to live for what I believe in — the quality of living. I made a personal choice of enjoying a life with quality and abandoning consumerism. I can purchase things in life viewing them as a life long investment for their quality. While they may be more expensive, I will most likely end up spending less in the long run. I’d spare myself from spending money on little insignificant purchases that may tarnish in due time. And who doesn’t want a collection of beauties that will always retain value?
Let me know what you think of this idea. Do you think it will help you stop being a shopaholic? What ways are you taking to stop yourself from buying everything your heart desires? Leave some tips for me and others! We would love to know.
Thanks again for dropping by!
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_________________________
BLAZER: CHARLOTTE RUSSE
CROP TOP: F21 (similar here)
SHORTS: ALICE & OLIVIA (similar here)
BAG: CELINE TRIO
SHOES: BCBG
For reference, I am 5 feet 2 inches. I typically wear XS/S or 0-4 for apparel and 6.5-7.5 for shoes.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: KONMASA \\ STOCK PHOTO: PEXELS
Well, I am a mom, so most of my money gets spent on the kids. I wish I could get all the stuff I want 🙂
I’ve started living more minimally and it’s made me so much happier. One you start thinking about what you really need you realize how much more simply you can live. I love have a de-cluttered space and investing in fewer, better quality pieces.
I’ve cut way back on clothes and shoes. I’ve given away so much stuff that I never wear.
I can be a shopaholic as well but I also have a budget. Plus limited space. So I don’t overdo it. Plus I try to get rid of stuff that I no longer use.
I always end up buying so many shoes, clothes and bags that I rarely use. It’s always because I was afraid to get it dirty or didn’t want to take them out because they were “brand new”. Now I realize I should only buy items that I know I would definitely wear!
I am terrible for buying things on sale that I will wear ‘someday’, which never arrives in many cases. I love shoes and bags especially, and have far too many to ever use!
Haha me too I am definitely not a minimalist. If I wasn’t blogging and receiving lots of lovely clothes I would be buying clothes all the time like I used to x
I am such a minimalist, so this doesnt fit me well. However I have a few friends who may benifit from this
You’re adorable. Love your fashion style. I’m over due for a shopping spree! I don’t think I’ve had a chance to buy close for me in two years. You’ve inspired me, in going to get a. We summer outfit! I totally deserve it 🙂
Recently, i was actually forced to pare down my life to the more basic stuff because we had to move in to a smaller house due to our current situation. House space became a more important commodity than possessions. I can’t believe how much stuff i actually have which i can live without. However, will power is still weak when i go to the mall because who doesn’t need a new shade of lipstick? So i tried avoiding the mall too.
Its not easy sometimes when things are put in front of our faces. They make us feel like we need them when we don’t and we will hardly have a chance to do anything with it.
This is a great topic i believe to help the shopaholics. It is so important to remind yourself what you need and what you want. Mix and match shopping has always been a great way to shop for me since I am on a tight budget. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Have become more militaristic lately. But still have a lot of work to do because my closest after lots of reorganizing is still very packed. Hope to make more progress soon.
I used to be a serial shopaholic. But then with unknown reason, i suddenly stopped being a shopaholic and buying new stuffs. Now I am still a shopaholic but in a reverse way – thrift stores! And i save a lot, and become more crafty. That’s my definition now of shopaholic 🙂
I have always been that weird girl who hated to shop, so being a shopaholic is not a concern of mine. However, I love looking at the wardrobes of people who are shopaholics, so please, don’t all stop at once. 🙂
I had to stop myself from buying so many clothes all the time! I always end up giving away a bunch of my clothes away because it’s not in season anymore 🙁
I think this is a really great way to approach the situation and from one shopaholic to another it’s a lot about quality over quantity!
x
Shloka
http://www.thesilksneaker.com
This is an habit I had to learn to break it to me awhile to do so.I know I’m a recovering shopaholic.
I get that. If I decide I need a clothing piece, I NEED it and won’t stop until I find one.
I need to get better at investing in things that will last me a long time.
A lot of people are looking into building capsule wardrobes because it’s too crazy to constantly spend money for trends! Look up the 30 day wardrobe challenge–it’s a great look into the lifestyle of a minimalist wardrobe
This seems like a great idea!!
I really am a shoaholic as well; I always end up buying so many clothes because I can’t resist it! I love new tendences and having a little big of everything.. you’re not alone!!
Best wishes xxx
onejourneymarina.blogspot.com.es/2017/04/tardes-de-cereales-nuevo-cerealcafe-en.html
I wish I could live this way too!
I am a complete shopaholic. But I do try to watch what I spend and I get rid of stuff. We don’t have a lot of extra space so if I bring stuff in, I make sure to donate other items. I know I could never be a minimalist though! I like my things too much.
I wish I could spend more money on myself, however it mostly goes to bills and my son. I could deff use a beautiful shopping spree soon!
Thankfully I’m not much of a shopaholic which is a good thing since I live in a big city too! London has many temptations. Although, i am a complete food shopaholic (if that’s a thing)
Once I minimised my life everything I wanted/needed became more clear. I have no desire to shop anymore. I am quite happy to have the little bit of things I own and only buy when I need to or on a replacement level.
I’m such a shopaholic and I definitely need to declutter and think my purchases through a bit more.
I love shopping and I still have new clothes from last year. They are still in their packaging. I really need to calm down on the shopping and start to declutter as soon as possible
I just went through a massive haul to get rid of stuff after watching a minimalism documentary. And seriously my room needed help. It still does. The documentary was WAY too much for me, but they talked about how minimalism is about keeping what is important to you. I worked at a bag store, and with the discount, I have SO many. I cannot imagine living in New York and always being surrounded with amazingly chic things all the time. I have a hard time and I live in a little country town in Michigan. Props to you girl!
I am a shopaholic when it comes to my kids. I will buy them clothes like nobody’s business but come to myself and I send guess it and rarely buy myself anything.
I had to give up on many of clothes, I always say something new and fall for it, but my closet can only take so much!
Ophelia, I feel your pain, I love to shop as well! I do love your guideline to keep in mind of timelessness when purchasing an item. This can really save you space in your closet from all of those trendy pieces that you will only wear once. Great post :)!
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Ophelia, I feel your pain , I love to shop! I really like your tip of thinking about a piece’s timelessness. I can really save closet space from an item that you will just wear once. Great post :)!
http://prettyfitfoodie.com/
Good thinking! Well, we’re just happy that we have Goodwill around the corner, like a few distance away from our house to share our extras. By the way, Celine Trio is a must-have!!!
We’re complete opposites, lol! I really don’t like clothing shopping and I try and avoid it as long as I can, lol! Come be my own personal shopper? 🙂
I keep my list to a minimal with stuff I only really really want. Whenever I get extra cash though, it is usually spent on something for the kids.
I love finding bargains when clothes shopping! I also have limited space so I have to clean out my closet often!!
As long as you have a set budget it is okay to shop. I enjoy shopping, just went yesterday !!
I love the idea of a simple life but I also love my shoes. I think it’s great to just classify them and minimize what you can from those classifications. I agree with that bit about buying expensive clothes or furniture. It’s the quality that you’re paying for after all.
It would be nice to minimize the clutter that I have in my closet as well. Over the years, I have invited friends and their daughters to pick whatever they want in my closet and I donate the rest. And then I find myself shopping again… crazy! I think you’re onto something here. I love the idea.
I’m well and truly in the clutter stage and in need of a clear out so this is certainly something to think about
Hannah @ The Northern Writes | http://www.thenorthernwrites.co.uk
I really stopped buying clothes this year as I don’t have the money. That being said I am definitely not living a minimalist lifestyle as I do get sent a lot of clothes through blogging xx
Great tip on limiting your selection of flip flops and UGGs. I honestly don’t think you need more than one pair. Finding the right color and a comfort fit is key.
It is good that you are re-evaluating what you spend on. It’s tough with clothes because it is easy to get tempted with ‘cute’ stuff until you realize you won’t use them as much or they take up so much space!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I too love shopping, but then I always take a moment before hitting the buy button. As you wrote it’s always good to buy good quality ones as it will run for long.
I definitely agree with buying pieces that will last! I’m trying to do that now!
I think I could agree with you. I am def in love with shopping. It’s such a bad addiction/obsession I have. If I am not feeling good.. guess what? I go shop. If I see a sale, oh you know I’m in that store. Haha. I do not think about pieces at a time. That’s a great idea!
I’m still on my journey on living minimally and building up a wardrobe. I love shopping too and like you I’m on limited budget — it’s good to own classic and timeless pieces.
I dislike giving in to consumerism but window shopping sometimes tempts me into impulsive buying habits. I definitely need to be a more conscientious shopper. And I totally agree on buying a few expensive quality products instead of hoards of inexpensive low quality things.
Iam a shopaholic but i shop for the kids, i cant help but by things for them when i see it. I really struggle to buy myself new things
As a mom of 4 it’s hard to find the money to shop or the space to put new things….lol
I’m a shopaholic too oops! and i’ve been trying hard to de-clutter my wardrobe… it’s hard!
http://www.crystalchiffon.com/
I believe if you are a shopaholic if you have a shoe box to fit your clothes in you still would shop !! Space doesn’t matter. Just my opinion:)
I am so guilty of being a shopaholic and buying unnecessary things as well! But now I love using everything to its max lifetime and investing in pieces I can treasure forever. Be sure to check out my latest blog post!
x. kritsida
http://aperfectcanvas.net/
Love the way everything is organized. great article and beautiful pictures
X
https://thefamousfaces.com/