Fashion

How I kicked my spending habit

I sit in my bedroom among a pile of clothes spewing over the bed, out of the wardrobe and on the floor. The evidence of a spending habit I once had.

I say once because I feel like I’ve quit the habit. Many people get addicted to cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, I got addicted to garments. I guess it could be worse.

Like many other girls I love clothes, shoes and accessories. Some, their weakness is shoes mine mainly clothes. Despite having rails of clothes, I didn’t realise I was wasting so much money on things I didn’t need. I’d go through the rails with many tags still in.

It only got worse the more money I had. I got a job at a media company making good money before departing towards living off a less healthy bank balance at University.

It hasn’t been until this year that I decided things had to change. In February I spent nothing on clothes and put myself on a month spending ban, I saved an incredible amount of money. The first week was quite tempting but I wouldn’t let myself go into any shops and unsubscribed from retailers sending me promotional emails on new trends and offers. After that it was actually very easy.

Since February I have only purchased a dress for my 21st and some clothes for work, both I think are acceptable. I have saved so much money which can be used in more useful ways rather than wasting it on an item I will only wear, if at all.

I hate to sound dramatic but for many women in the UK over spending is an issue. According to research women spends around £80,000 on clothes in a lifetime but still find that she never has anything to wear.

For anyone trying to break the habit my top tips would be:

  • Make sure all your clothes are displayed in a way so you can see everything, if you can’t see everything then you’re tempted to go out and unnecessary spend when you already have it tucked away at the back. Done this so many times.
  • Stop retailers from emailing you offers, information on new collections by unsubscribing.
  • Before venturing out, go online and find out exactly what you want. It’s about getting what you want but not buying something you have, won’t wear and just don’t need. Don’t buy for the sake of it!
  • Set yourself a limit of what your allowed to spend each time.
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