shopping faux pas

In retrospect, I came to realise the culprit of my uncontrollable shopping habit to be my OBSESSION(s). I have a diversity of interests ( a scanner) and being a perfectionist, I like to see myself master something within a relatively short period of time so that I can move on to the next thing on my list. Being unaware of my obsession has brought about numerous impulse purchases and I have boxes and boxes of 'stuff' hoarded in my tiny living space gathering dusts to show for it. Either I am not keeping pace with the learning curve or I have simply bought too much without much thinking.



I have no intention of getting rid of them mainly because I have hopes of using them in the near future; never mind the investment made upfront. I have fantasies of a life when I will be using the 'tools' to support  and justify that lifestyle which might never manifest. What makes me think at the outset that I could be an expert in everything that appeals to me even just for a second only if I have the right tools and stuff in my arsenal?



It is literally impossible to be a pro in everything within the span of our lives. Let's stop buying things for a future lifestyle and just get on with what life presents us at this very moment. 




Similarly, why do we waste money (and time) on clothing that we don't wear? I swear there are bound to be at least a few pieces with tags still on lurking behind your wardrobe space. Here are the most common reasons which are by no means exhaustive to ruminate upon:

• it was on sale and you didn't want to miss out on such a 'bargain' (but does it go with anything in your wardrobe?)
• it was a designer label item which you believe would elevate your status quo if you own it (double bonus if it was on sale too) and to fit in
• you imagine your future self (self-deception) / lifestyle that may never exist and it is just a fantasy after all
• you simply love something too much to risk spoiling it (with spaghetti sauce?) and therefore save it for a 'worthy' occasion
• you shop under the influence of drug / alchohol, or when you are depressed 
• it doesn't fit properly even though you love the look and feel of it
• you copy others' style which isn't yours
• you follow and combine too many trends at once 
• not having a 'go-to' outfit on hand when you can't decide what to wear
• unaware of how your body has changed over the years

As we evolve from the historical times when foraging for food and shelter were the absolute necessity for survival, the trait seems to carry forward to the shops, firmly believe that owning something new would solve most of the problems.

As a Personal Stylist who is proud of my style, here are some tips of smart shopping I wish to share with you:

• first thing first, be authentic. Ask yourself if the item is compatible to your lifestyle, when you are going to wear it and how you will wear it.
• stick to a colour palette and mix and match with a handful of separates (a Personal Stylist can help!)
• always shop your own closet first and play with what is already existing for different looks and levels of refinement
• do not fall into the trap of  'season must-haves'; adapt your look to your own style instead
• be aware of what to accentuate and what to conceal whenever you try something on
• get comfortable with what suits you and what you stand for
• get your garments altered can make or break an outfit
• never buy things which are nonreturnable (or wait it out for a week or so before you make that purchase)

I hope you won't make the same mistakes again in your next shopping spree and be happy with everything you buy and wear them as frequently as possible to make them worthwhile!