June of 2019, my first time in the Christian Louboutin store. I was anxious to go window shopping there. I really didn’t think I would fall in love with anything. Yes, fall in love. The Rubylou shoulder bag caught my attention. I did not want to leave it but I could not bring myself to spend over $1000 for a bag, depending on the size the price ranges from $1550 to $1850. Those who know me would chime and say girl you have Chanel but it’s a Chanel. LOL Seriously, I love handbags a lot but whenever the cost prior to taxes is $1001 plus dollars I cringe.
If you’ve read my previous post you know I am a big on checking out resale shops. On a daily basis around noon like clockwork I typically visit Yoogi’s Closet. Of course I do not make purchases daily but I enjoy seeing the latest arrivals at a fraction of the cost. Yoogi’s Closet, free plug, is my favorite. I find they are a little cheaper than Fashionphile and to be honest I don’t have to pay sales tax; any extra fees (taxes, shipping) is a turn off in my add to cart frenzy. Well… Well… Well… I am doing my daily browsing and what do I see – voila the Rubylou for $920 on Fashionphile and without any hesitation I snagged it.
Here’s the thing – Did I snag it because I fell in love with it last summer or did I snag it as a part of my retail therapy??? I didn’t need it but I ordered it.
HBO Sex and the City
I’m sure you’ve heard it before whether it is material possessions or a vacation making a purchase to ease pain. Retail therapy is a coping mechanism I know all too well. The problem is it can get expensive. I’ll be transparent I’ve dealt with this issue for years and I thought I had it under control. Actually, I believe at one point in my life I did. Then recently, I’ve had life take me on a detour –a course I had not planned for- and I feel the urge creeping back into my life. Fortunately for me I’ve been able to afford my habit but that surely doesn’t mean it’s a good habit to have. The motto is if you can’t buy it twice can you really afford it?!?!? Think about that before making your next purchase. It’s really important to have balance. It would be a shame to have a ton of treasures with no treasure aka money in the bank.
The next time you say those two magic words “retail therapy” think about these 10 +1 options:
1. Create a budget
2. Window shop
3. Purchase items you need
4. Place the items on hold – this is one of my favorite tactics because if I’m no longer thinking about it the next day then I really didn’t want or need it
5. Exercise
6. Pray, Meditate
7. Make a gratitude list
8. Read a book
9. Watch a comedy, Listen to music
10. If you’re lucky enough to have this… reach out to a confidant, someone you trust who will put aside their own life battles and fight along side you
11. The bonus for those of us that may not have a confidant to talk to… seek professional support
Shopping is great but you can't buy happiness.