Hi everyone,
Over the years, I’ve bought many things that I don’t really need. I’m sure most of you have, too. After all, many of us have been raised in an instant-gratification culture. We grew up constantly bombarded with visions of shiny new toys. The media knows how to push our want buttons. Our friends show us the cool stuff they just bought. We want. Our neighbors just got a cool new car or boat. We want. Same goes for clothing.
Wanting is an emotional response to being unsatisfied with what you already have. Trying to satisfy yourself with more stuff is similar to a drug addiction. You get a temporary high, but after it wears off, you want more. Before we move further, let’s compare the differences between need and want.
NEED: According to dictionary.com, a need is a requirement, necessary duty, or obligation. A need is necessity arising from circumstances of a situation.
WANT: On the other hand, want is to wish, crave, demand, or desire.
See the difference? With that said, today I’m sharing 12 questions to ask yourself before buying clothes. If you are an impulsive buyer that often feels guilty after an emotional shopping session this might help you:
- How are you feeling right now? (if you are hungry, drunk, sad, bored, lonely, upset, fantasizing…)
- Do you already have something similar?
- Can you borrow or rent this item?
- Can you make it with supplies you already have?
- Can you afford to pay cash for the item (credit cards are for emergencies…)
- Will this purchase improve your quality of life? How?
- Is this something you’ve been wanting to buy for a long time?
- What specific needs does this purchase fulfill?
- Are you buying this because it’s on sale and you can?
- Are you buying this because this is running low (scarcity)
- What else can you buy with this money?
- Are your answers honest and reasonable?
If your answers are honest and reasonable, wait at least 24 hr after this exercise before you make the purchase. Also, if you don’t have the money to buy it cash, leave it in your cart or for later. Also, if your emotions are all over the place or if you have any feeling similar to 1. Please proceed with caution. Practice self-care and wait to be at a better place before you consider shopping.
Outfit details
2-pieces @lilophia | Clutch (same) | Sunglasses (similar)
Top (similar) | Handbag (same different color)
Are you or have you ever been a compulsive shopper? What are the tips and tricks you use to get it under control. Comment below and let me know. Also, you can send me an email, if you want to receive my detailed flowchart that will walk you through the process of decision making before you buy clothing pieces.
Thanks for stopping by.
XoXo,
Moumous
Linking up with those wonderful ladies here
Nailil says
This set is beautiful on you girl. Love the print.
Xx, Nailil
https://thirtyminusone.com
Moumous says
Thank you Nailil
mahak says
Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other Fashion Write For Us blogs that go over the same topics? Thanks a ton!
Moumous says
Thank you. Please email: irismrd@gmail.com
Dgie says
Never been been a compulsive shopper. Loving your post as usual Moumouss and also like the versatility of that 2 piece
Moumous says
You are well grounded – indeed 🙂
Jessica Jannenga says
What a beautiful print on yoU! Love the flowy high waisted pants and how you styled them.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Moumous says
Thank you Jessica
Fashion Write For Us says
Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other Fashion Write For Us blogs that go over the same topics? Thanks a ton!
Moumous says
For Collab, please email me at irismrd@gmail.com or fill out my contact me form. Thank you,
Shelbee on the Edge says
Moumous, this outfit is spectacular! I love everything about it. And these shopping tips are so good, too. I have always been an impulsive shopper and for me, I just have to not go into stores and then I am fine. It's weird because I am a very wary shopper online. It takes a lot for me to even click "add to cart" online. In person though, I will buy everything! So I just stay home. It makes it easier for me! Thanks for sharing this helpful post and linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Moumous says
lol – I love the "stay home" method to avoid impulsive shopping :-). Great tips.
Mica says
What a stunning print! looks so good with the pleats! this is good advice – I have definitely been shopping less over the years since I started changing the questions I ask before I buy things!
Thank you for joining the #weekdaywearlinkup!
Away From Blue
Moumous says
Thank you Mica 🙂
Grace | Graceful Rags says
This is such a useful blog post! I've been contemplated a shopping spree recently and this post helped me solidify what I really need versus what I want. I'm not a compulsive shopper at all… I always think about stuff SO long before purchasing! And I absolutely love both of these outfits. That matching set is gorgeous.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
Moumous says
Lucky you Grace, I am sure you have a curated closet :-). Thank you 🙂
DR AQ says
stunning print! looks so good with the pleats! Guest Posting Blog