For Shopping's Sake

The Shopaholic Blog

            With Christmas right around the corner, many people are frantically rushing around buying gifts and trying to get inspired for the biggest gift-giving event of the year.  As a shopaholic, my biggest problem is that I see too many glorious sales signs calling my name.  Buying for my brother, my mother or for my best friend does not come to mind.  No, the thing I usually think of is how happy seeing that new pair of shoes in my closet will make me or how that shirt will for sure catch people’s eyes at the next Christmas party.  Call it selfish, but I tend to think of it as job security and a little economic boost during these hard times.  I will eventually buy those presents for my loved ones (which I should mention brings me as much joy as buying for myself), but nothing gets me more excited to look at a receipt and see how much I’ve saved and then to wear that outfit knowing what a steal it was.  Therefore, I feel that sharing my bargain shopping adventures (and secrets) will force some inspiration into the lives of the less fortunate:  those that hate Christmas shopping and shopping in general.  That concept is hard for me to fathom, though.

            The greatest bargain-shopping trip of my life (which is quite a feat considering my list) took place this past August at the Lake of the Ozarks.  My family had planned a nice weekend out of town before the new semester started.  My mother is the planner of the household and planned this trip like all others.  Did she keep shopping in mind while planning it?  Of course she did.  Where do you think I get my shopping expertise? 

            While my dad, brother and sister were off playing a round of golf, we took a drive over to the outlet mall.  Becoming a college student has depleted my shopping funds.  Thus, my shopping trips had decreased immensely and sadly.  This weekend would be my exception to the rule I had created about saving money.  If I found bargains (which I knew I would), I would not have to bend the rules too much.  Earlier that day I found out that I had just received a job offer to work on campus.  This job required business casual clothes.  Like always, this was an excuse to do some damage.  I felt so mature walking into Ann Taylor Loft to buy some new fancy clothes.  Red prices were flashing left and right and I knew this would be a good day.  After flipping through rack upon rack, I settled for a few pairs of dress pants and a good three to five dresses to try on.  I was in a whole different world in the dressing room just thinking about the expansion of my clothes collection.  After trying on my items, I decided to buy a pair of black slacks and a dress.  I was walking out of that store having spent a mere $30 and if you have never been into “The Loft,” you should know that’s a bargain. 

            We then ventured forth and I found myself buying another pair pants for $7, two pairs of shoes for $40, and a black LEATHER purse for $9.  Did I mention the argyle sweater, the Banana Republic shirt, and the gray shawl? I bought those for $8 each.  The best bargain of the day came from Wilson’s Leather, the same place I bought my new purse.  I walked in and a white, sleek jacket caught my eye.  I started thinking about all the places I could wear it:  work, a casual dinner, a date, lying around in my pajamas.  It tried it on then dared to glance at the price. Originally $125, it was reduced to $25!  It was 80 percent off!  How could I pass up this deal? It fit perfectly.  The price was perfect.  I could wear it for the perfect occasion.  All in all it was the perfect steal.  I walked away from that store and that weekend feeling happier than I had in years (at least since my last shopping trip).

            The moral of the story is don’t feel bogged down by all this holiday shopping.  Don’t feel like it’s a chore.  Make it into an adventure!  Find bargains for the gifts you’re buying, and then treat yourself to buying a bargain for yourself.   Shopping does not have to be a hassle.  It should be fun and bring joy to your life.  At least it does for this shopaholic.