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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I may have a slight shopping addiction

43 replies

lavenderdaisyrose · 06/05/2017 18:47

I haven't had much money for a while, but I really genuinely did need summer clothes so just decided to sod it stick it on a credit card and worry later.

I've done so, but I felt so amazing as I was shopping today not having to angst over the cost of stuff, just buying pretty frivolous stuff i wanted!

is this normal? Shouldn't I be getting confidence from myself not shoes and makeup and clothes?

OP posts:
GeekyWombat · 06/05/2017 18:49

How will you pay it back though?

GrumpyMcGrumpFace · 06/05/2017 18:51

I hate to pour cold water, but if you haven't got money, you do have to angst about purchases. They're still things you've bought with money you have to pay later if not now.

I'm not being holier than thou, I know exactly how wearisome it is to not get things because you haven't got the cash.

But yes you need to have a think about this, before you get yourself into real trouble with debt. Because that's really not good, you'll end up with a lot less.

Mymothersdaughter · 06/05/2017 18:55

Someone miles away managed to give my email address instead of theirs for digital receipts from Topshop. On seeing their purchases weekly for a few months, they definitely have a shopping addiction, not sure who would ever need to buy that much from one shop.

I don't buy many clothes but spend a fortune on stuff for the house. As long as you can cut down elsewhere to make up any deficit then it's ok if your 'thing' is clothes shopping. I wouldn't advocate getting into debt over it though

Longdistance · 06/05/2017 18:56

Maybe take some bits back for a refund?

Happyhappyveggie · 06/05/2017 18:57

i've got a shopping problem and it's got me into loads of debt that I am currently dealing with. This is what i have done to try and sort it out-

  • don't go near any shops at all
  • cancel any emails you might get from shops with new season stuff
  • go through your wardrobe and try to make outfits out of what you have
  • think about what's behind your shopping issues. For me, it's my weight. I but stuff because I think I am overweight and it makes me feel better. I am dealing with this at the moment
  • enforce a shopping ban. I am 5 months into a year of not buying clothes (apart from being given presents/ birthday money) and it's tough but going well.

We live in such a consumer society that feeds on new seasons etc. Look at updating old stuff, accessorise etc!

Grin
Happyhappyveggie · 06/05/2017 18:57

That's *buy stuff not but

IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece · 06/05/2017 19:01

I'm all for buying clothes that make you feel confident, but if you're having to put it on a credit card then "spending frivolously" is a really stupid thing to do

IonaNE · 06/05/2017 19:04

If you don't have money, you don't shop. For anything. Credit card money is money you don't have. If you truly and really need something, go to a charity shop.

Original poster
lavenderdaisyrose · 06/05/2017 19:24

I have been trying to get stuff from charity shops and supermarkets for months and just not really finding anything. I will be able to pay it back, will just need to cut back on other things for a bit and obviously no savings this month! But really what I was wondering was if others found it massively lifted their mood.

OP posts:
SSYMONDS · 06/05/2017 19:45

MASSIVELY lifts me mood. Think it's quite normal.

WitchesGlove · 06/05/2017 19:56

What did you buy and from where?

(missing the point)

Original poster
lavenderdaisyrose · 06/05/2017 19:58

Several cheap and cheerful tops, cardigans and dresses from H & M and New Look.

A lovely summer jacket from Jigsaw.

Dress from Hobbs. Shoes from Jones the bootmakers. L'Octane candle, bath foam, hand wash, body lotion. Clarins and Chanel makeup.

I hear kidneys are worth a lot on the black market.

OP posts:
FloatyCat · 06/05/2017 20:05

I would recommend taking everything back that you can except the cheap new look & HM stuff. You know you can't afford this stuff.
Chanel make up & an expensive candle? Seriously? These are luxury items, not cheap summer essentials TBH I think you do have a problem, as you went through your list the items got more frivolous.

ragz134 · 06/05/2017 20:14

It's a slippery slope... But you came on here and admitted to it so there is hope. Take some back, keep £50 worth.

Original poster
lavenderdaisyrose · 06/05/2017 20:15

i really want to keep them! :)

I know I should, but as a one off - I really want them!

OP posts:
IonaNE · 06/05/2017 20:16

I have been trying to get stuff from charity shops and supermarkets for months and just not really finding anything.
You mean you did not find anything that would cover your body to make you decent? Cos' that's what clothes are for - unless you've got extra money to play with.

I will be able to pay it back, will just need to cut back on other things for a bit and obviously no savings this month! But really what I was wondering was if others found it massively lifted their mood
Yes, it does lift my mood. But I always save first and shop later. And a candle and make-up was really not a necessity.

Original poster
lavenderdaisyrose · 06/05/2017 20:18

I do need to look reasonably professional for work, Iona, and I felt very scruffy. Anyway I spent just under £1000 today (Shock) so I will pay £250 back p/m.

OP posts:
MysweetAudrina · 06/05/2017 20:20

The high you got won't last and you will be well down from it when you are paying it off for months. You have to earn your dopamine.

IonaNE · 06/05/2017 20:32

I do need to look reasonably professional for work
More so than a secondary school teacher, or someone working in the open office of a large international company? Because I have done both - from charity shops.

I spent just under £1000 today
As you yourself have said: Shock. That's about what I'd spend on clothes in a year.

IonaNE · 06/05/2017 20:33

Correction: now that I think of it: I don't think I spend £1,000 in 2-3 years.

Original poster
lavenderdaisyrose · 06/05/2017 20:33

Neither do I normally. It wasn't just clothes. Anyway, you have your clothes I have mine.

OP posts:
IamScarfaceClaw · 06/05/2017 20:41

OP, I have struggled with shopping addiction, as does my sibling funnily enough, for both of us it was all tied in with self esteem and depression, I find online 'not-shopping' help....browse away, fill up your basket, then simply don't buy it!
You still get to enjoy the 'shopping' without the financial hit.

Mrsmadevans · 06/05/2017 20:47

'Anyway, you have your clothes I have mine'
Excuse me?

ImperialBlether · 06/05/2017 20:49

L'Octane candle, bath foam, hand wash, body lotion. Clarins and Chanel makeup.

It's ridiculous putting this sort of thing on a credit card. That's just stuff you want, not stuff you need.

NoSquirrels · 06/05/2017 20:54

Um, there's a difference between not being able to afford stuff to look "smart" and Jigsaw, Chanel & L'Occitane bath stuff. Those don't fall under need.

If you can afford to pay back £250 over a few months, you can afford to save up, or "just" spend £250 this month - leaving next month free fir extra clothes shopping or possible emergency expenditure (like the sort of thing that crops up that means you have no savings in the first place?)

It's so easy to slip into debt, one shopping trip at a time.