STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

member · Hermes

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Kel · Coach

RE: Shopping Ban Girls - I Have Failed

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

It is ok to fail every now and then. We can only grow stronger from it right??

I haven't been perfect either but I am much better than I was last fall. My new trick that I'm trying is making a list of things I need or want (based on what I'm always looking for) and then listing where I found it, the size I need, and the regular price of the item. Then I'm just going to pick one or two items when I have the money to purchase and try to wait it out for a sale. Maybe this will help you stay on track. I also plan on bringing it with me to the mall so I know what I'm looking for so I don't get off track and buy other things or things I don't like as much.

Kitty · Hermes

Try not to browse too much online. I find that I get bored at work and I start looking through eBay or various store sites and I almost always find something I want and buying online is SO easy and quick that I tend to do it way too much.

I've also heard that if you're paying with something on a credit card you should be aware that you could end up paying 3 times (or more) what the retail value of the item is. Do the math and if you're STILL willing to pay for the item at that price, buy it..otherwise, pass.

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blubirde · Chanel

RE: Shopping Ban Girls - I Have Failed

wicked · Coach

Just wanted to say that I failed too. A day or two after I said I was joining the ban I went into Boston/Cambridge and blew a nice little wad.

jacL · Coach

Another piece of advice is to not read the Sopping & Fashion thread everyday here on the ST forum. I have found that if I am even just a bit out of the loop I end up shopping less. And removing some of those online stores from your Favorites is a very good thing--the less you see, the less you will buy.

Don't feel too bad about it, you were doing very good up until just recently.

honey · Gucci

don't be too hard on yourself. i feel like full out bans only encourage reckless spending, well at least for me.

bluebirde's idea is a good one, and it's something i employ frequently. there are many times when i'd reach for my cc to pay for some unnecessary purchase, only to realize that i didn't put it in my wallet, specifically so i could avoid this type of situation.

carrying a weekly cash allotment also works really well. it's amazing how thoughtful you become when you can see the cash dwindling as opposed to putting everything on a credit/debit card.

also avoid stores that you really love. i try not to go into f21 when i'm trying to limit spending b/c i know i'll try to justify some random thing i see.

luckylily · Gucci

Ah, don't beat yourself up.

The other girls have good advice. I never carry my credit card with me, but mostly I try to not to make impulse purchases. I'm on the ban/diet now because I made too many impulse purchases in February.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

I've been doing well so I think my advice works.

Delete online store e-mails: I don't read them anymore. The additional percents off are hard to resist, but I sure didn't need anything before I read the e-mail!

Bring a list when you go shopping: This especially helps when I'm going to Target for toiletries and household items. I get my face cleanser, toilet paper, dawn soap, and get the hell out of there! No browsing.

Keep credit cards out of your purse: If you don't have them, you can't use them. I always keep one on me for just in case emergencies. If you must, tape a reminder on the card!

Do give yourself an allowance: I know I deserve something for myself at least every two weeks. I usually set aside $50 just in case I find something I really want.

Set rules when you lift the ban: I think I have seen some people go shopping crazy after they lifted their ban, making their ban a wasted effort.

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erin · Chanel

RE: Shopping Ban Girls - I Have Failed

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

I had a huge spending issue with my Banana Republic card last fall so believe it or not I not only took it out my wallet but I froze it in ice for a month so I couldn't grab it out my drawer. It totally worked for me and now I'm really cautious about what I put on that card because I can't track my purchases as easily as going onto american express or discover everyday. I think I'm going to try taking the discover card out of my wallet next and just keeping the debit card and emergency amex in there and seeing if that helps any.

Kitty · Hermes

One thing that's made me feel a bit better is ebaying stuff that's kind of out of style or that doesn't fit me right, etc. That way, I feel like I'm also putting money in, instead of always taking it out.

Also, sometimes I just REALLY get the urge to shop and instead of going to the mall where there's like a billion stores and a billion expensive stores..I'll just go to target and look around and the chances of buying something expensive are fairly slim to none.

zeitgeist4 · Gucci

I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I know what you mean about "hiding" purchases from the ST girls though.

I have done well for 3 weeks (with the exclusion of two bags

, which I will be given the money for later this year). No clothes or shoes or jewelry.

I find that the best way to stick to the ban is to stay out of stores, or at least don't go alone. If you go in you WILL see something you like, and convince yourself it's cheap and therefore okay to buy. When I go window shopping it helps to have my mom with me, since someone is "watching" me.

And the next time I go window shopping I will leave the CC at home.

Sale season is tough, but hopefully in another few weeks it will be over and the ban will be that much easier.