- I wasted A LOT of money (I mean thousands of dollars) over the past few years making impulse purchases.
I'll admit it-I do have an addiction to shopping. It's difficult for me to walk in to a store, any store, and walk out empty handed. It gives me a rush to make a purchase, even if it's just a pack of gum. I've known this about myself for a long time but didn't really see the impact it's made on my wallet until those 4 trash bags. That moment was eye-opening as to how I figuratively have thrown thousands of dollars away on clothes! Instead of forking that money over to retailers I could and should have been saving OR putting that money towards experiences.
- A lot of the items in my closet were identical styles, colors, fabrics.
White sheer tops, striped shirts, fit and flare dresses. I must have had at least a minimum of three of each of these styles in my closet and out of those three I would only wear one of each. Why? Because that one was my favorite. Now when I'm out shopping or online window browsing I'm asking myself "Do I already own something like this?" and you know what, it's been working! I catch myself gravitating towards the sheer tops, stripes, and dresses constantly and after I ask myself that question I immediately (and reluctantly) put the items back.
- I was purchasing certain things bc of the price. For example I had a a few dresses and blouses that I only bought because I thought the price was a steal.
Working in retail it's easy to be lured in by the deals and steals. Especially when you're the first one to know that an item you're kind of in to has gone on mega clearance. I'm having to train myself that just because something seems like a good price doesn't mean that it will add value in to my closet. Case in point: today at Plato's Closet there was a red dress that had bicycles printed on it. It was adorable and only $6. When I tried it on it wasn't very flattering but hey, it was only $6! As I started rationalizing with myself over it that's when I decided to put it back. The items in my closet should make me excited to wear them, not convinced.
- I was buying things that weren't 100% my style.
One word: scarves. As cute and fun as I think they are scarves are not my style. I must have easily spent close to $100 on purchasing scarves that literally just sat in a drawer. Again-see my first bullet point detailing what I should have been doing with that money.
- Most of the stuff I was giving away were items I hadn't worn in a long time.
That classic rule of "if you haven't worn it in a year get rid of it" is TRUE! Within one year you have gone through YOUR closet. And by YOUR closet I mean your real closet like the clothes that you actually wear. This ties in to my second bullet point of saying that I was making repeat purchases. Example: I had at least six striped shirts and out of those six I've only been wearing ONE! So the other five were a waste of money and closet space. I've gotten rid of the other five and you know what, I don' even miss them.
As difficult and anxiety-filled as it was to part with my collection of clothes I definitely feel the benefits of it. I love my closet now. I love the clothes that are in there and making an outfit is a lot easier. Plus I have space to actually see my clothes instead of only getting a small glimpse of them.
I'm getting better about not throwing money away on clothes and my bank account is thanking me for it. Now don't go thinking I haven't bought anything lately. I just purchased a pair of heart printed jeans online (if they don't fit I'll put them on my eBay). However before I make my purchases I ask myself these questions:
- Do I already own something like this?
- Will this add value in to my wardrobe?
- Is this 100% my style?
If I answer no to question 1 and yes to the other two then I make my purchase. If I can't do that then no matter how badly I want the item I put it back.
Hope y'all enjoyed this long blog and be sure to check out my instagram (cynthiaedee) and eBay on the link below!
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