“I like my money where I can see it — hanging in my closet.”
Carrie Bradshaw's wise words of fashion still resonate with the fashionistas of today. 17 years later, since the Finale of the T.V series, Sex and the City. But, the BIG question is retail therapy, does it work? We’ve all been there, done that, there's no shame in it, and definitely nothing to hide. Whether you’re feeling blue or down in the dumps, you can always rely on a few clicks of a button or the swipe of your card to turn that frown upside down! Nothing is truer than this statement (to all my fellow shopaholics reading this). With the current affairs of COVID-19, the swipe of a card isn’t as realistic as a few clicks of a button and a confirmation email to say your order is on its way.
Growing up in my early teens and to this day I expose myself to T.V shows such as Friends, Sex and the City, Gossip Girl and Movies such as Confession of a Shopaholic, The Devil wears Prada, Clueless and Pretty Woman. My inner fashionista and shopaholic arose and took form in the teenage versions of Carrie Bradshaw and Rachel Green. I immediately formed a mental relationship with these characters and related to their contagious urge to always shop and dreamed of having a career in fashion and submerging myself into the industry. Luckily enough, my big dream of one day being in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, is slowly coming true!
Carrie Bradshaw made us rethink when she said, “With an armful of discount clothing, I realised I couldn’t discount my feelings.” Whether its a bad breakup, didn't get the marks you wanted in your exams or just because you’re feeling blue. Does retail therapy really make us feel better? In actual fact it does! Clinical psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD explains that, “Research suggests there’s actually a lot of psychological and therapeutic value when you’re shopping — if done in moderation, of course. Whether you’re adding items to your shopping cart online or visiting your favourite boutique for a few hours, you do get a psychological and emotional boost.”
If you feel like your spending habits are getting out of control I have some confessions to make that can help you maintain a healthy shopping addiction… Shhh from one shopaholic to another.
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· Confession 1: Avoid impulse buying ·
We’ve all had our fair share of spontaneous purchases. Now we know why they say, “Think before you buy”. You will definitely regret it, trust me! Instead try asking yourself these 3 questions; 1. Is it worth the price? 2. Can you live without it? 3. How many hours of work did it take you to make that amount of money you are going to spend? - These 3 questions are my holy grail to avoid impulse buying.
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· Confession 2: If you can't buy it twice, you can't afford it ·
Jay Z really put us on the spot with this one. If you can't buy it twice without breaking your bank and stressing you out because you’ve spent your whole savings. Don’t buy it, as simple as that. You have plenty of time to buy extravagant pieces for now, enjoy the simple smaller things in life and of course don't forget to splurge here and there.
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· Confession 3: Have budget plan ·
Coming from me, someone who works 4 jobs to fund her shopping addiction having a budget plan is definitely the way to go. Open up a seperate account and every time you get paid transfer 20% of that pay into your splurge account, however much money you have in that account is what you’re allowed to spend, it helps in realising the value of money and how important it actually is.
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· Confession 4: Memorise your English essays not your card details!!! ·
Just trust me ladies don’t do it, I cant even explain myself on this one but what I can say is it's not wise and I may or may not have had to get a new card…
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· Confession 5: Pay - pal is a RED zone ·
I've learnt that you actually have to pay back paypal and it's more heartbreaking than your package being delayed. I know! It's not all fun and games when you see -$500 missing and you wonder where all your money went… to Paypal!
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So many people have questioned my shopping habits and I always had an excuse to back myself up because I was ashamed of spending all this money. But now with some moderation… I think, and owning up to the fact that I am not a perfect shopper or saver in that matter. I live for the thrill of retail therapy, whether I'm in my highs or my lows shopping is my cardio. Swiping my card, or clicking a few buttons online instantly brings a smile on my face from ear to ear. Much like a teenage girl (Bethlehem girl more specifically) addicted to iced coffee in the morning.
My message to you is don’t let anyone question your shopping habits and own it. Just like Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic, the world just gets better when you shop!
–– chiara ♡
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obsessed with this!