She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Impulse Buying: My Journey to Financial Control

As someone who loves fashion, I’ve always struggled to maintain financial control over my wardrobe. I enjoy styling outfits, but I also hate wasting money on clothes that don’t get worn or used frequently. To take charge of my spending habits, I decided to track every dollar I spent on clothing in 2017 and identify areas for improvement.

Emotional Spending: A Thing of the Past

In 2017, I turned to new clothing as an emotional response to various situations. Whether I was bored, celebrating, or frustrated, I’d buy something “just because.” One memorable purchase was a sweater from my favorite boutique, bought to celebrate getting a new job. Although I wear it frequently now, it wasn’t a necessary purchase, especially considering I had been out of work for a month.

A New Approach: Intentional Purchases

In 2018, I created a thoughtful list of essential items my wardrobe needed, focusing on staple pieces that would be worn repeatedly. I invested in leather leggings, high-waisted culottes, and cropped sweaters that aligned with my personal style. Looking back, I’m proud to say that every item I bought was a practical choice, not an emotional impulse.

The Importance of Fit and Quality

In 2017, I settled for items that were “close enough” to what I needed, often resulting in poor purchases. For example, I spent $90 on a beige coat that wasn’t flattering on my frame. In contrast, in 2018, I took the time to find items that fit perfectly, like a pair of black pointed-toe leather ankle boots that have become a wardrobe staple.

The Power of Returns

In 2017, I didn’t think carefully about returns, which led to regretful purchases, like a velvet mini-dress that was too small and revealing. In 2018, I made sure to shop at online stores with decent return policies, allowing me to return items that didn’t fit perfectly.

A New Era of Mindful Spending

The difference between my spending patterns in 2017 and 2018 has been remarkable. I’ve reduced waste and saved money by being more intentional with my purchases. For 2019, I’ve set a new challenge: to consider thrifting items before buying something new. I’ve discovered that making smart purchases that get worn regularly brings me more joy than having a large collection of clothes.