Today you can also find me blogging at Embracing A Simpler Life! Check it out!
From every corner of life, our culture is screaming at us what is in, what is popular, what is trendy, and what is acceptable when it comes to clothing. Pick up the latest style magazine and you will get just a taste of what the “in” looks are; what the celebrities are wearing; what YOU need to be wearing to be trendy.
Though I have nothing against trends and styles, I just know that for me personally, I cannot keep up with them. Of course I would love to have my wardrobe filled with the latest styles and trends, but when I start to REALLY think about that, is that what I really want in life? Is that REALLY what I want to be spending money on? Is that REALLY the type of life I want to be living? One that is never satisfied with what I have?
I have been in the process of tweaking my wardrobe and tweaking my life in general, all in attempts to become more content with less. When I take a look at my clothes, the first word that comes to mind is “basic.” There is nothing fancy about my clothes, but I must admit, I do enjoy getting new clothes. When I downsized last year and created my capsule wardrobe, I found myself to be far more content than I ever have been, with my clothes. Not that I went shopping often, unless I had a gift card, I too, had far more than I needed. I realized there was a very simple way to save on clothes. It is a tried and true method and I guarantee you…IT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY!
Are you ready?
DON’T EVEN START LOOKING.
How many of us have fallen into the trap of retail therapy? How many of us peruse our favorite store’s website, in hopes of finding the latest trends? The latest deals?
When I find myself bored with my clothes, it really is for completely selfish reasons. All it would take is for me to walk into the store and start shopping. But is that what I really NEED? Or is it something deeper that is missing? Is it insecurity? Is it the desire to impress others? To turn heads? Who am I really trying to impress?
When I find myself the most dissatisfied with my clothes is when other parts of my life seem in disarray. It’s when I am self-conscious about something. It’s when I am discontent in another area of my life.
So walking into a store to look, will do no good for me or our checkbook.
Now don’t get the wrong idea – I buy new clothes! I am not saying shopping is wrong – by all means. The thing I am putting into question is the motive. And only ourselves can answer that.Of course there are many ways to save on clothes when that time comes (look for a future post), but in all reality, if you REALLY want to save money, don’t even start looking. Don’t even walk into the mall. Don’t even walk into your favorite store. Don’t even jump on your favorite clothing website. Instead, ask yourself WHY you need to look. Take that time to ask yourself why you want to buy something new in the first place.
And hopefully, you will just walk away!