I have a problem. I've always subconsciously been aware of it but it wasn't until I started college that I realized the gravity of my addiction. I am a shopaholic. Online shopping, in-store shopping, second-hand shopping, shopping through app platforms, closet shopping in my sister's room. You name it I've probably shopped that way. The result? A packed full closet and overflowing drawers.
Half of the clothes I own I don't even wear. Why do I continue to shop? Because I love to find amazing deals and add new pieces to my evolving style. Out with the old and in with the new right? Well not exactly. I am a pro at "in with the new", but out with the old seems to be a struggle. I can go through my closet and find a handful of pieces that I haven't worn in years and yet I will find some kind of justification to keep it. "I could wear this sweater to work when it snows. It'd be perfect." I live in Texas… we get flurries, not actual snow. And so those pieces sit. Day by day, month by month. Taking up space and collecting dust.
It wasn't just the amount of clothes spilling out of my closet and dresser that helped me come to the realization. It was starting college and becoming more financially aware. Naturally, this didn't stop me from feeding my addiction. I simply got a job to support myself and my habit. I've continued to shop. I justify that it's okay because I get free shipping, or because I'm a member of this company and get exclusive deals. It doesn't excuse the fact that I am still spending money on clothes that I either will only wear a couple of times or will replace clothes that I'll then never wear yet keep.
Once I realized that I needed to find some way to curb this I decided to come up with a plan. A few hours of research later I downloaded the app Depop onto my phone with the intention of selling the unworn clothes. Of course, I happened to see those $18 Lululemon shorts and I bought them (uh, how could I not?). Depop was a failed attempt. I realized I needed a way in person to get rid of these clothes. Then I remembered Plato's Closet, a second-hand store that buys used clothes and resells them. I'm going to be completely honest, I still haven't taken my clothes there yet.
With the new semester, working, and trying to stay on top of classes and studying time is slipping away. However, I have the clothes in the bag, ready to go! Whatever Plato's doesn't decide to buy I'll donate to the thrift store. Both options allow me to get rid of gently used clothes so that they can go to someone who will wear them more than me.
I also realized I had to change the way I shopped. No more "I'll find something to go with it,". If I'm going to buy a piece I have to have a couple of outfit ideas already in my head using pieces already in my closet. It has to be a functional, versatile piece that I know I'll be able to wear again in the future for different events.
It has to fit perfectly. No "It'll fit if I tuck something in,". It's too early to see if these techniques will help or not as I haven't done much shopping of late (Go me!!).
It is definitely possible for me (and anyone else out there struggling, because y'all, I know I am not the only one out there) to overcome this with dedication and hard work. We'll see if I have what it takes!
