Ladies (and some gentlemen), who loves fashion? Who has a walk-in closet over-filled with clothes that it is nearly impossible to fit another shirt, blouse, dress, and/or pair of jeans in it? Do you have over 50 pair of shoes? Do you have so many purses you could open up your own store? Do you own so much jewelry you have different accessories to match every outfit?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are probably guilty of being a shopaholic. As a female being surrounded by clothing, jewelry, handbags, and shoes 100 percent of the time, it is safe to say I love fashion from every angle.
I don’t consider being a “shopaholic” a sickness; I think it is a passion. After watching “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” I realized I do not overspend as much as Rebecca Bloomwood, but I do enjoy luxuries like she does. If you spend more than you are making, consider yourself a Rebecca Bloomwood. If you do not want to end up like her, there are options.
Is your favorite store Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, or even Barneys? If so, yes, you have expensive taste. However, these stores are not within a 100-mile radius of Buffalo and there are more affordable options.
A local upscale store that has more competitive prices than the above designer stores is Lord & Taylor. Lord & Taylor at the Walden Galleria Mall offers a wide selection of designers. Including BCBG, Maxaria, French Connection, Lacoste, Kate Spade, UGG Australia, and many more. Currently, there is the spring and summer clearance sale, offering 45-70% off of already reduced prices.
The Galleria has many great stores. Amongst other great stores are Lucky Brand, bebe, Express, Guess, Coach, and Macy’s just to name a few.
I work in retail. Before working in retail, I never used to look at prices. I used to constantly spend my money without caring how much it costs. However, I came to a reality when I started working and paying my own bills it is wise to look at prices. If you truly know you do not need that shirt or pair of jeans, you do not necessarily need to buy it.
Last week, I was talking to my friend at work. She bought BCBG sandals that were $189. I asked her if she got her money’s worth and she said no. I asked her why and she replied, “Well I just wanted them to have them. I never actually wore them.” She started laughing. I did not find it as amusing. Why would any girl spend almost $200 on a pair of shoes and never wear them?
I learned my lesson about not wearing clothes that were bought for me. My mother spent $118 on a pair of jeans I only wore once. After about 6 months of not wearing them, she demanded I “surrender” them to her. She ended up giving them away. Though I was upset at her for giving away my designer jeans, I understood completely. I took my mother’s position while lecturing my friend and assured her why she can’t just buy to have something, especially something expensive she will never buy.
I have come to really appreciate the fashion I have. Though my mother has bought me more than 90% of everything I own, I can truly say I know how hard she worked to buy me all that stuff. She worked day and night to provide her daughters with luxuries many take for granted. Working and maturing has really made me come to the realization what it takes to afford everything in life, including the pleasure of fashion.
After counting more than 200 shirts, 60 pair of pants including jeans, 50 pair of shoes including 7 pair of UGG’s, 30 designer purses, and more jewelry than I can count, I know how lucky I am to be this fortunate. Millions of people in the world cannot afford the luxuries in life, so it cannot be taken for granted ever.
Having a passion for fashion is great, even though it comes at an expense. Being a shopaholic like Rebecca Bloomwood does not have to become a sickness. Fashion is a huge part of my life and many others, but there are many more important things to worry about it life, like family and friends. I hope one day to express fashion to other girls in a positive light, without the must be high-maintenance factor.