When my contract wrapped up at my last job, I naively thought it would be a cinch to get a new job. I am good at what I do, I had worked at some of the best advertising agencies, and I am hardworking and driven. I had saved up some money in the event that I was out of work for a period of time, and figured within a month or two I’d be working full time again. Unfortunately, not the case. When I realized that getting another job abroad might take longer than a month or two, I knew what I had to do. I had to put myself on a shopping freeze.
If there’s one thing I love to do, it’s shop. I’m fashion obsessed, and I love looking at and indulging in the latest trends. I’m never a big spender. I usually stick to high street shops like Zara and H&M. But the truth is every 16 euro top and every 30 euro pair of shoes starts to add up. With some pre-planned trips and a friend’s wedding in the states in my future, I had to stop shopping.
I’m not going to lie to you, like many similar articles do. Not being able to shop SUCKS. Especially in the world of blogging and Instagram, when I spend all day looking at trends. Even though it totally sucks to be on a shopping freeze, I can’t deny that it’s teaching me a lot.
See below for the 5 lessons I’ve learned from being on a shopping freeze. I don’t recommend going on one if you don’t have to, but maybe these lessons will help you be a little more conscious of your shopping decisions.
I’m learning to love my closet again – Being on a shopping freeze has really taught me to look at my closet differently. I’ve been pulling out more items that I love and not feeling bad about wearing them too often. There are some things in my closet that I’ve only worn once or twice because I’ve been “seen” in it before. But if I love it, there’s no reason I shouldn’t wear it over and over. And now I’m looking at more creative ways to wear those pieces, whether it’s trying a different pair of shoes or adding a scarf.
I’m being smarter about which pieces will really enhance my wardrobe – Just because I’m on a shopping freeze doesn’t mean I can’t look. And being on a freeze means that I’m being more critical about what I want to buy when I’m working again. I used to be able to buy whatever I fancied, even if I knew I would only wear it once or twice. Now I look at trends with a more discerning eye to determine which will be around longest. I’m also starting a list of items that are versatile and classic, so that I can get the most use out of them.
I’m realizing how much I rely on shopping to lift my mood – While I don’t necessarily use shopping as an emotional crutch, I do use it from time to time to lift my mood. A new pair of sunglasses or a cute skirt always make me a little bit happier. Now I’m having to find other (free) things that do that.
I’m not letting my ability to shop affect my worth as a blogger – If you take a close look, so many bloggers out there are spending a fortune buying several new items a week to share with you on their Instagram. It’s something that is totally unsustainable, and probably dishonest too. I’ve heard of several bloggers who buy items, take pictures with the tags on and then return them. My goal is to share trends and fashion inspiration with you, but to always do so in an honest way. While there can be so much pressure to always have the newest thing, the truth is that I’d much rather inspire you to style an outfit in a new way than to make you feel like you have to buy new items all the time to be stylish.
I’ve learned that the best way to stick to my freeze is to stay away from temptation – I have to be honest. I’ve broken my freeze a few times in the past few months. And every time has been when a friend invited me to walk through a few shops with them. I have a hard time saying no to a super cute dress, so the best thing I can do is stay away from the stores and meet them for a walk along the canals instead.
Have you ever been on a shopping freeze? What did you learn?
Xx, Kelsey
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Zara button front dress (can’t find it online to save my life, but similar button front options here and here) | Marc Fisher wedges | Etsy straw bag (similar ones here and here) | Henri Bendel Miss Bendel and Petal bangles
Special thanks to Consuelo Edeling Photography for the stunning shot
