Permission to Shop
Tuesday, June 02, 2009 Posted by Christina
One of the hardest things for me to do is to spend money on myself.
If I have any extra money, I usually end up buying something for the house or the kids. I try to take care of a maintenance project that's been on hold, or save it for a rainy day. It just really goes against my nature to spend money on myself.
After going through the kids drawers and closets and clearing out things that didn't fit them, I realized I needed to the same thing in my closet. So I peeked into my closet. And that's when it hit me.
My clothes are really old. Some are outdated, some are showing signs of wear, and some don't fit anymore.
And the thing is, my wardrobe is starting to make me feel pretty blah.
I know, I know. It's what's inside that counts. But clothes can make the (wo)man, too.
So, I'm giving myself some permission to shop. I'm not talking a wild spending spree here. I've set a budget for myself and I've made a list of some items I'm looking for. I'll take a little time this week to find things that are classic in style, versitile, and most importantly, make me feel good.
Money well spent, I think.
If I have any extra money, I usually end up buying something for the house or the kids. I try to take care of a maintenance project that's been on hold, or save it for a rainy day. It just really goes against my nature to spend money on myself.
After going through the kids drawers and closets and clearing out things that didn't fit them, I realized I needed to the same thing in my closet. So I peeked into my closet. And that's when it hit me.
My clothes are really old. Some are outdated, some are showing signs of wear, and some don't fit anymore.
And the thing is, my wardrobe is starting to make me feel pretty blah.
I know, I know. It's what's inside that counts. But clothes can make the (wo)man, too.
So, I'm giving myself some permission to shop. I'm not talking a wild spending spree here. I've set a budget for myself and I've made a list of some items I'm looking for. I'll take a little time this week to find things that are classic in style, versitile, and most importantly, make me feel good.
Money well spent, I think.
June 2, 2009 8:24 AM
Funny you should mention this!
I spent $50 on myself this weekend, for new shoes. They replaced a six-year-old pair of walking shoes and sandals I forgot in Florida three summers ago. It took me MONTHS to get around to buying them. I finally took the plunge when the toe popped out of my old walking shoes. Ridiculous, eh?
And, yes, I kept putting the purchase off because the kids always wound up needing something that wiped out the budget allotment - usually shoes, which my 5-year-old goes through like Kleenex.
June 2, 2009 9:03 AM
you go shop, girl! and enjoy it!!! you deserve to take care of yourself as much as you take care of your family! :)
love Shell
June 2, 2009 9:57 AM
About six month ago, I was feeling EXACTLY like this. After a full year of penny pinching and stockpiling toothpaste and TP, I decided to "splurge" on some new shirts. I can't tell you how much better I felt! I'm wearing a NEW shirt today, spent all of $4.90 on it because I won't shop without combining a coupon and a sale, and it feels good.
Go for it!
June 2, 2009 10:30 AM
Totally. I think when you don't do this you end up making large amounts of impulse purchases.
June 2, 2009 10:49 AM
Let us know what you find! I realized as I was doing the seasonal clothing sort last week that my one sweater was old, faded and not attractive anymore. I gave myself permission to get rid of it (plus other things).
June 2, 2009 11:35 AM
I've been in the exact same boat! I have to set aside "me" money from time to time, because if I don't, I'll spend it on anything BUT me, even if I really need something.
Have fun shopping!
June 2, 2009 12:12 PM
Sometimes it's so hard to spend money on yourself!
For my personal recommendation, I love the classic styles that the Gap offers, and their online shopping is just as good as shopping in stores. Plus, the quality is good and their clothes just wash and wear really well!
June 2, 2009 9:03 PM
I just did this too- sort of. I spent $50 at Old Navy ($20 for my husband)- it didn't go very far since the clearance hadn't started so I need to go back. I can't believe how awful/grumpy I feel when I look bad.
I posted a $30 off $75 at NY&Co today if that helps :)
June 13, 2009 11:13 PM
Instead of buying new clothes, I sat and mended my clothes and my husband's clothes.
Another option is to go to the thrift store.
Now, just as soon as I get some more sewing done for my children, I AM going to sew something for myself!
July 1, 2009 8:48 AM
It's funny how we let our own wardrobe go like that. When I was a new at-home mom I had to get away from wearing sweats all the time and I remember buying dress socks to wear under my khakis instead of my regular white sweat socks. And I rarely wore sweat pants or T-shirts in public. It's kinda like how the hillbillyhousewife(.com) talks about wearing an apron around the house. You should dress how you want to feel. Feeling frumpy is going to make you unproductive and blah.
Now, I've teetered into plus-size clothing which my little town does not really carry in their stores (unless I want a cartoon character on it -no thank you- or an verrry low neckline -no thank you, either, I'd rather keep my girls to myself!).... so I resort to wearing my old men XL high school t-shirts, etc that are getting REALLY nasty. Our thrift stores around here don't have much of a selection in this size, either.
Time to get a sitter and go to the next big town and get me some real clothes!