It all started with Anthropologie years ago. Each time one of my friends or I would go to New York, it was a must-stop on our shopping trip. When one of us went without the others, we'd share the experience when we got back, and possibly, a few key wardrobe pieces. But for years, the ability to splurge on the prettiest dresses and the most frivolous accessories was limited to a few times a year. In short, it wasn't a problem.
And then Anthropologie invaded. Thankfully, it's not a walk -- or even a quick subway ride -- away. And so, for many, many weeks, I have been good about not going all. the. time.
I don't know if it's the warm weather and my obsession with sunny summer dresses, or that I just got a new car that I'm feeling the need to drive somewhere, but in the past few weeks, I've found myself purposely planning my life so that I sort of, kind of, have to drive past Don Mills and Lawrence (aka Anthropologie Corner).
Which, like buying cookies, is a dangerous habit to get into. Because everything in the store is just too pretty. So it's really hard not to buy everything you like.
It's not just an Anthropologie problem. I have the same dilemma at many stores: BCBG, Holt's, Davids Shoes and a handful of online shops, for rainy days. It's just that the problem seems to be exacerbated at Anthropologie because it's such an investment of time to actually go to the store. So I feel like I'm wasting my time if I leave without buying something.
I know there are some items I really shouldn't buy. But I can't stop myself. And the whole situation has become a sort of Lose-Lose Debbie Downer. If I splurge on the dress/shoes/handbag, I feel guilty for spending too much money. If I don't buy it, I feel sad. Like I've left my best friend behind in the middle of nowhere, without a ride home.
And so, instead of feeling bad, I've devised a Top 10 List of Ways to Justify Any Shopping Splurge, that I thought I'd share with you, so that you, too, can stop feeling bad when you're shopping, and we can all be happy in pretty dresses this summer.
(Note: I've found the best way to use the list is to hand it to a friend and have her recite the appropriate statement to you when you find yourself in a splurge-dilemma situation.) Here goes:
1. It's so well made. You could buy something cheaper but it's going to look cheaper.
2. It's a classic piece. It'll never go out of style.
3. There's only one in your size. It's practically an original.
4. You'll wear it all the time. So actually, it works out to pennies a wear, if you really think about it.
5. Don't think about it. Just buy it.
6. It seems like a lot of money right now, but in a week you won't even remember what you spent on it.
7. Look at the detail. You have to pay for that kind of detail.
8. You look so pretty in it!
9. It will make you feel happy every time you wear it/hold it/look at it.
10. You deserve it. (Note: this one works especially well whether something good or bad has just happened to you.)
Repeat as necessary. Just don't call me when the credit card company calls you.
Happy Summer!