I’ve never been a compulsive shopper. I don’t understand
people who are forever window-shopping and looking for something to buy.
My attitude to clothing (probably a typical male attitude)
is to wait till something is falling apart, then go to the shops and buy a
replacement. Easy peasy.
I don’t buy things because I like the look of them (except
for clothes), I don’t buy things because they’ve been recommended by someone or
because they might come in handy. In general I’m strictly guided by need and
need alone.
I do buy a lot of books, but that’s also prompted by need –
the need for pleasure. Or maybe the need for mental exercise.
Jenny finds this strict approach to shopping rather odd, but
on the other hand she envies how quickly my shopping is done. She can
deliberate for weeks on a possible purchase before finally buying it.
I know that for some people impulsive shopping can provide a
powerful rush of excitement or euphoria when they’re feeling a bit depressed,
though that usually doesn’t last very long.
My mum was a compulsive shopper and, as regular readers will
know, when she died her flat was piled high with a mountain of random
purchases, many of which she had never actually worn or used. She couldn’t
resist anything that seemed like a bargain.
My mother was the same way. I suspect because she grew up so poor that when she later had money to spend, it was somehow fulfilling that inner child.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big shopper (I think it's boring) but I do appreciate new clothes as I get tired of wearing the same things all the time.
Bijoux: I guess my mum thought the same way. She went through the years of strict rationing after the war, so when later on she had plenty of money she spent it wildly.
DeleteI had a period, long ago, when I over-shopped. For the most part I try yo buy well so things last. Most of my furniture is over 40 years old. Then there are the very old inherited pieces. These days I winnowing rather than buying.
ReplyDeleteSandra: I also try to buy things that will last. Some of our furniture is over 40 years old as well.
DeleteI hate to shop. If I could get by wearing a uniform every day, I would.
ReplyDeleteColette: I also hate to shop, but I wouldn't fancy a uniform. My perpetual clothing is jeans, a shirt and a jumper.
DeleteNick, your jeans, shirt, and jumper is a uniform. Many of us wear a uniform style of clothing all the time. When I find a clothing item I like I just keep buying that one. I bought the same style of shoes over the years until they stopped making them. I do not like shopping just to shop.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Linda: It's not what I would call a uniform (think cabin crew or nurses), more like habitual clothing, but I certainly agree that shopping just to shop is pointless.
DeleteI only buy what I actually need, sometimes want. Once a year I buy myself a box of chocolates. lol
ReplyDeleteMary: We always buy chocolates for our birthdays and for Christmas. I couldn't live without any chocolate!
DeleteI was once in a very long mall, (West Edmonton) with extra cash in my pocket, daydreaming about getting formal clothes like in the TV commercials and mall clothing posters. Luckily, the mall is a very long walk, and seeing everybody else dressing normal stopped my daydream before I spent any cash.
ReplyDeleteSean: A good thing the mall is a very long walk! I don't have any formal clothes to speak of. A grey jacket and black pants are my outfit for formal events like funerals.
DeleteI just bought 4 pairs of jeans from John Lewis that were each discounted from £69 to £20, making me a saving of almost £200 - I like that sort of shopping, and thankfully I'd checked that the style suits me, and fits. It's been very difficult over the years to find clothes that fit well as I am 4ft 11" and very petite. I don't bother with some shops because I know the clothes will swamp me. When I find something that I like and that fits well I go a bit mad!
ReplyDeleteSx
Ms Scarlet: I look for bargains as well. I have a very thick lambswool jumper from T K Maxx that cost me £50 a few years back - reduced from about twice that price. It'll probably go on for a few more years. At your height you must sometimes find kids' clothes fit you?
DeleteOh yes, I’ve bought kids clothes - I’m about age 10-12!! But they’re not always cut quite right.
DeleteSx
Ms Scarlet: Northern Ireland blokes are keen on shorts, even when it's freezing cold. Personally I stick to full-length trousers, I regard shorts as a bit naff.
DeleteMs Scarlet: Nobody talks about schoolboys in shorts, but they must be just as freezing as schoolgirls in skirts. Though funnily enough, I don't remember being freezing myself.
DeleteFor myself, shopping involves quite a bit of research especially for none clothing items such as cameras or computers or household items. As for clothes, I shop very little for those items. My favorite outfits are jeans and cotton tops, long or short sleeve depending on the season.
ReplyDeleteBeatrice: We also do a lot of research into those domestic items. How did we do that research before the internet came along?
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