She Strengthens

The Dark Side of Social Media Shopping

We’ve all been guilty of mindless scrolling on Instagram, only to be caught off guard by an advertisement that grabs our attention. While I’ve never made an impulsive purchase from an ad, I’ve certainly seen the same promotions multiple times a day, eventually buying the item or something similar. But have you ever stopped to think about the items you’ve bought on a whim, only to regret them later?

Fall Fashion Faux Pas

One such regret of mine is shawls, ponchos, and circle scarves. These trendy items may look cozy and stylish, but they’re not flattering on me. As someone who’s already top-heavy, these items only accentuate my figure in an unflattering way. Plus, the circle scarves always get tangled in my curly hair, causing more frizz than I want. Needless to say, my experience with these items has been a fail.

A Surprising Success

On the other hand, I’ve had great success with knee-high boots. Despite initially thinking they wouldn’t suit my body type, I gave in and bought a pair – and I’m so glad I did. They elevate my outfits, keep me warm in the winter, and are incredibly comfortable. Who knew?

Dressing Room Disasters

But then there was the sweater dress debacle. I thought it would be the perfect pairing with my new boots, but it ended up being too long and unflattering. And to make matters worse, I had to buy another pair of shoes just to pair with it. The black heels I chose are arguably a wardrobe staple, but they’re uncomfortable and have led to a string of other unnecessary purchases.

Brewing Regrets

Another regret of mine is pumpkin-spiced tea. I typically drink chai or coffee, but I saw an ad for a tea subscription kit and couldn’t resist trying something new. Big mistake. I still have barely touched tins of tea sitting in my cabinet, and while I offer them to friends, I’ve yet to finish a single tin.

Steamer Success

On a more positive note, I’ve had great success with a travel-sized steamer. It’s compact, multi-use, and perfect for work trips. As someone who works in finance, I’m particular about my clothes, and this steamer has become a staple in my weekly routine.

Coffee Conundrum

However, my coffee bean grinder has been a different story. I thought it would be a worthy addition to my kitchen, but it’s turned out to be a loud and unnecessary expense. In hindsight, I should have stuck to buying ground coffee.

Shoe Stopper

Finally, there’s the case of Allbirds, Birdies, and Rothys. We’ve all seen the ads for these popular shoes, and I’m here to tell you they’re worth it. Without Instagram, I wouldn’t have even known about these brands, let alone tried them on and bought them.

The Moral of the Story

At the end of the day, it’s easy to fall prey to Instagram ads, even for those of us with strict budgets. While some purchases may be worth it, others can be costly regrets. So what’s the solution? Keep your receipts, check return policies, and be proactive about sending back items that don’t work for you. Better yet, take a break from social media and do your research before making a purchase.