Broke with a Shopping Addiction

Okay, so I have a problem that so many other women have. I love shopping for clothing but I am putting myself into bankruptcy. Like any other addiction, logic and reason does not usually work with me. Telling me to stop because it is bad for me is not going to make me stop. Cold Turkey is more painful than the addiction. However, I found some things that have helped me a little and I would like to share with others. A lot of this is common sense, but they are still helpful tips when you have the need to shop, but don't have the money to splurge.

1. Bring only the cash that you want to spend. When I know I am going shopping, I try to only bring cash. No debit cards, no credit cards. Just that cash. So once I am out of money, I am out. I can't spend anymore than I have. To me, debit cards are too easy to go crazy with. But if I am physically handing the cashier a specific amount of money, I am well aware of how much I am spending.
2. Shop the end of season clearance rack. This was very difficult for me to do. I hate having to search through clothing for my size in an area that looks like it should be labeled as a disaster area. However, I have to get over my fear in order to save my money. I like to do my clearance shopping online. That way, you still get the fantastic deals, but do not have to search through those awful sale racks. You don't even have to get off the couch for that matter. Can you say "Gas Money!!!"? Also, shop around holidays. Most of your favorite stores have great sales close to holidays!
3. Open up a clothing account. Some people I know actually have a shopping account. Each month they have a specific amount automatically deposited into a specific account. They only use that account to spend money for clothing, shoes, and accessories. If they spend too much, they do not have anymore money to spend for the rest of the month. If they a frugal that month, it carries over into the next month.

4. Don't get hooked on the trends. I hate to tell you this, but trends will eventually go away. I mean, did you really think that those gigantic shoulder pads or the tennis shoes with the pumps were going to be around forever? Try investing in some basics, like jeans, blazers, cardigans, etc., that can last for years. You can buy a couple of trendy things every once in a while, but if you are truly budget conscience, invest in something that you plan to keep a while. Besides, trends you can't wear as often. Basics, you can wear all the time.

5. Inventory your closet. I found myself purchasing the same type of clothing all of the time. I don't realize how similar it is to something I already have until I get home. It may be helpful you to have an app like the iPhone's My Style Assistant or Android's My Closet app. These apps are handy for not only planning what to wear, but also seeing exactly what you have in your closet. That way you lower the risk of buying duplicate outfits or purchasing something that you have nothing to with. I use it everytime I go shopping.
6. Don't always try to get the most expensive brand. I read a lot of fashion magazines and dream of wearing the dress or top that I see. But most of of those clothes are well out of my price range. Instead of shelling out a lot of cash on those expensive name brands, I tear out the picture of the clothing I want and take it shopping with me to my favorite stores. Therefore, if I see something similar to it for much less, I won't feel so guilty about purchasing it. Also, save buying really nice jewlrey for special events. For everyday use, invest in inexpensive costume jewlrey. Not only does it look great, but if you lose a piece, you won't beat yourself up over it!

7. Never go shopping with a friend that likes shopping as much as you.  It's like being an alcoholic and hanging out with your old drinking buddy. They are going to encourage you to go to every store, tell you that everything looks good on you, and tell you that you've just GOT to have it. Who can resist when someone is encouraging you to shop? It is better to go shopping alone or even with a man. Hopefully, the man will encourage you to leave as soon as possible because they really don't want to be there in the first place!

8. Know what you want to buy before you go shopping. It may even be necessary to write it down. Only go to the stores that carry the specific item you are looking for and do not deviate. Try to avoid window shopping if you know you have a spending problem. And if you absolutely have to go window shopping, do not bring any money. This will cause nothing but temptation for you and your pocketbook.

9. Coupons, coupons, coupons!!! Do not be afraid to use coupons! They are your friends! If you feel the need to shop, do not shop without it!! Some of your favorite stores will give or send you coupons. Since I am an online shopping fanatic, I like to go to sites such as http://www.retailmenot.com%20/. It shows many online coupons that you can use to save $$. If you absolutely have to shop, make sure you use them, However, be careful not to use this as a reason to shop. Just because you have a coupon for the store, you DO NOT have to shop there! There will be other coupons and promotions!

10. Keep a record of how much you spend on clothing, shoes, and accessories. Every time you spend, write down the amounts. At the end of the month, review your spending. This will be a huge wake up call. This will let you know how much you could have been saving or applying to other things such as bills, car payments, etc. 

I know that I am not going to stop shopping, so it would be ridiculous of me to tell you to stop. But if you follow these guidelines, it may help you save some money while getting what you want. That sounds good to me!

Wardrobe Essentials to Save Money

 Trying to have style and save money is difficult for some women. There have been many times that I have looked in my closet and screamed, "I don't have anything to wear!!" So I have decided to help so many women save money, by using what they already have in their closet or spending very little. Ladies, I promise you will no longer hide your bags from your man, or pray that he doesn't notice that you have on something new. Possessing these basics will help you look great without breaking the bank.



1. Black blazer I can not say enough about having this small little piece in your wardrobe. You can wear it with pants, jeans, and skirts. You can wear it to work with a black skirt, or trousers, or you can top with a cute shirt and some jeans. Either way, you can constantly reuse this one piece to create a ton of great, fashionable outfits.


2.Your favorite tee I have this little black v-neck tee that I absolutely love. I wear it with my jeans, any color skirt, and even some grey dress pants. It was a point in time that I was wearing this t-shirt every week. But the outfits looked so different that no one could even tell. I could easily throw a light jacket or a cardigan over it to change the look. In addition, I could spice it up with some accessories (costume jewelry that cost next to nothing) and dress it up or dress it down. Having that basic tee is versatile, yet easy on the pocketbooks.


3. Little Black Dress A friend suggested that I have a little black dress in my wardrobe. So I bought it and wow! It has made a world of difference in my life! I wear it to work, to church, and even for a night out on the town. All I do is add scarf, or a jacket, or a cute pair of pumps to it. I can wear it with a cardigan, a different color belt, a pair of flats, or my favorite red peep-toe heels. However, you must be careful when purchasing your LBD. You want it to be cute and fitting enough where it is flattering for your shape, but you also want to be able to wear it as much as possible without people noticing as much. Therefore, it must not have an unique designs, ruffles, or accent colors. Be careful of any noticeable characteristics. If you found that perfect dress and it has something amazingly special about it, make sure that you can cover it up when you don't want that part to show.



4. Basic White Blouse This is a closet must! You will get a ridiculous amount of use out of this piece. Of course, you can wear it with our without a blazer, with pants, and with skirts. Also, because white is such a basic color, you can wear it pretty much as often as you like. Also, you can roll up the sleeves or under a sweater to give it a stylish flare.


5. A Good Pair of Black Pumps What more needs to be said?? Pumps has height, and also had a bit of sexiness to any outfit. Pumps accentuate the legs and look great on anyone. A pair of black pumps can be worn with that skirt suit you wear to work, a nice pair of dress pants, and even a pair of dressy crop pants.

6. Basic Cardigan. Cardigans are so popular because you can dress them up or down any way you like. Most of other items on my list can be nicely accompanied by a cardigan. It is appropriate for a daytime look, nighttime or work look.



These are just basics that I feel will never go out of style. Add these (and a few others) to your wardrobe and you will see how you can get your money's worth while looking great!