There are obsessive tendencies for my shopping. I can't tell you how exhaustively I searched for the right pair of red Ferragamo bow pumps, not patent nor suede, very minimal scuffing, under $100; it was probably about five months before I found the pair on eBay.
Last April when I collaborated with Athleta I got to visit the store and was gifted an outfit. While they were incredibly generous, there was a leather jacket I had my eye on which was naturally out of the realm of being gifted. So I waited for the $500 jacket to finally get clearanced to $115, and then my size naturally was no longer in stock online or at the CT locations. But did I let that deter me? Never. I systematically typed zip codes into the 'reserve in store' locator until I found my jacket in Ohio. If you didn't know this about the Gap family of brands, the stores will ship directly to you.
On another note, Loft is a bit of a stickler when it comes to price adjustments. When I ordered my teddy coat, the promotion was 40% off and free shipping over $50. Before the coat even arrived, they'd upped the promo to 50%. So I asked if I could get a price adjustment and was told they don't offer them with regards to promo codes. I simply replied, "So I should just buy the coat again now that it's 50% off and return the first one?" She gave me the price adjustment.
I mentioned at the start of this month that I need to find ways to redirect the energy that goes into a country wide search for a leather jacket or a pair of vintage shoes into things that are going to better my life, and that remains true. I can see the problem, but I'm still struggling to find the solution. I need to make more of an effort in February.
Banana Republic Black Merino Wool Scarf, $16
Athleta Salt Flat Leather Jacket, $115 ($20 after credit card rewards)
Madewell Northfield Mockneck Sweater, $60
Loft Fleece Teddy Coat, $74
Rust Orange Leather Gloves via TJMaxx, $13 (free after gift card)
Banana Republic Velvet Leggings, $44 (free after credit card rewards)
Vintage Ferragamo Pumps, $90 via eBay
Robert Lee Morris Soho Hoop Earrings via TJMaxx, $12 (free after gift card)
Express Double O-Ring Belt, $40
(Am I forgetting something? I feel like I'm forgetting something...)
January is a hard month. It drags on and on, being almost five full weeks long. It's cold outside and there is very little going on to fill time that isn't spent at work. I openly admit it's the month of the year I find the hardest and, as a result, it is the month when I do the most shopping. Like you, I shop when I'm bored or anxious or sad or anything that I'd rather not think about. I know what the solutions are, but that doesn't mean I get it right every single month - no one does. Now that February is just around the corner, I'm trying to focus on moving onward and upward. On the bright side, my closet does have some fabulous new pieces in it, and it looks like yours does, too.
ReplyDeletexox,
Cee
I know you'll make it happen for yourself and find a way to redirect that energy but I also know that's often a hard process that's easier said than done. But recognizing and wanting to make a change and thinking constructively about it is often the trickiest part of that process and you're completely there so I'd say that's pretty hopeful. January's also always a tough month; bleak, cold, and depressing more often than not. I guess that's all to just say that my advice would be to no be too hard on yourself and keep focusing on moving forward - onwards and upwards and all that!
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
What can I say... been there. On the bright side you are totally aware which means you are on the right path. You picked up marvellous pieces. I think it might be a good idea to edit your closet, throughly and maybe make some money off of it ?
ReplyDeleteWell you do find some amazing deals, which I think is better than just spending money without any regard to price, etc. But I totally get what you're saying. I feel like everyone has something like this--for some it's food, others, shopping. Being aware of it is important and I'm sure it will help you!
ReplyDeleteLove how real this post is. I definitely struggled with shopping when I was upset in the past. It's not the healthiest coping mechanism but I am sure if you put your mind to it, you can lessen the amount of times you shop :) It takes patience and will but I know you could do it!
ReplyDeleteEnclothed Cognition
You are very good at getting deals and patient until those items come to the price you want to pay. That's interesting to know about receipt adjustments for LOFT. I had the exact same issue with Old Navy and thankfully they did the same thing! I don't understand why a promo code should exclude a price adjustment!
ReplyDeleteYou might have done some shopping damage this month, but at least you got these pieces at amazing prices. I really, really love that Express belt.
ReplyDeletewww.ohtobeamuse.com
First...that's such a smart way to handle that situation with the different code, Lydia. I'd call that determination and perseverance!
ReplyDeleteAnd I feel your pain...I just looked at the LOFT sale last night and of course had to get a couple of things even though my closet is crazy packed right now.....I always tell myself it's better than drugs...kinda...
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Lovely picks! The sweater and the earring are my fav!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.desiringsme.com/5-lessons-from-blogging/
Oooh love that double ring belt from Express! I have something similar that's on its last leg, this is the perfect replacement.
ReplyDeleteNew fashion post talking about how I switched careers and found my calling, hope you’ll check it out babe! Xx- Julie
Haute Khuuture Blog | Instagram
Wow, I love that pair of gloves, very chic! And the pink jacket is very pretty, can't wait to see it on you!
ReplyDeleteMarie
The Flower Duet
That is a shame that Loft doesn't do price adjustment. For some reason, I always thought they were the kind of company that would! And I'm sure you will find a way to redirect your energy. Hoping February will be good to you!
ReplyDelete<www.rdsobsessions.com
Congrats on finding the bow pumps at such a steal! You found some really great pieces at great prices. I would have said the same thing re: the price adjustment! If it's on sale, give it to me at the best sale price!
ReplyDeleteI am an emotional shopper too! What an amazing deal you got on your leather jacket, and how cool to collab with Athleta!
ReplyDeletexx, Elise
www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
LOL at your Loft story- seriously, they need to do price adjustments with as often as their prices fluctuate due to sales!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I do love that Teddy coat though! And yea, people are so annoying when it comes to price adjustments. It's almost easier to just rebuy and return, haha. I was pretty well behaved this month, but it's mostly because I knew I would be going on a trip and had to curb my spending for that.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.closet-fashionista.com/
How awesome you got the coat for cheaper and you found the leather one! I love finding things like that!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mylittlenest.org
I feel you dear. Shopping is any woman's coping mechanism. But you have the patience and perseverance to search and wait for the item that fits the price that you want to pay, which is actually impressive.
ReplyDeleteCute picks you got here dear. I'd definitely love to have that white leather jacket in my closet!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I love this sweater!
ReplyDeleteMariya
www.brunetteondemand.com
What a great deal on that Athleta jacket! I really like everything you picked up. I feel you on shopping when feeling down. I do the same and then get frustrated that there is so much stuff in my closet. One day I will figure out how to break the cycle...
ReplyDeleteNicole
Nicole to the Nines