The worst time of the year for impulse shoppers has got to be late June and early July. The sales aren’t proper sample sales or clearance sales, the merchandise will almost certainly not translate into another season as spring/summer is notoriously trend sensitive as a season, and even at $100 a floaty trapeze chiffon number from Barney’s is still not a bargain when you realize the cost per wear.
Phil has somehow managed to come home with bag after bag of perfect items found at deep discount in the men’s section from Lodan Dager navy pants to Paul Smith corduroy. But as a woman I doubt I am going to find much that wouldn’t look horribly dated in a few months, hell looks dated even now as I have been watching this spring for over a year now. And I cannot even tell you how frustrated and jealous this makes me. I want to find a worthy piece tucked into a nook on a sales rack that will last for seasons to come. And yet all I see are blousey tops, trapeze dresses (which I love but still can’t wait to ditch for the slim fits of fall) and skinny jeans. And still the temptation to purchase all these things exist even when I know we are coming to the end of a very pronounced trend of volume and envelopment.
What makes us want to buy even when we know it isn’t a bargain or a good purchase just because the price tag has been slashed? Take for instance this Barney’s private label belted black dress. It has been reduced to $150 from $250 and it is in a slim enough cut that I can see it working really beautifully for this fall. In fact, it is a fairly smashing little jersey number.
I know that private label at Barney’s is rarely worth the money, in fact at $250 I would NEVER even consider buying this dress. What would the be the point? And yet now that it has been reduced I am seriously considering it, or at least rationalizing the idea of considering it. Is it that I want to feel I too have found wonderful bargains like Phil? I admit I have no idea why suddenly I feel like I simply must shop the summer sales when I have neither the money, the need, or really the desire to own most of what is out there even on the cheap. Fall can’t come soon enough.
I love skinny jeans. I saw loads (and loads, and loads) at the fall shows. Well, not at the fall shows as I am certainly not lucky to have attended. But, on Style.com! The high-waisted trend was not only lame, but was happening for like, 4 1/2 minutes. Your right, everything is a slim fit, including jeans. I do agree though, fall is my favorite season. Every year I tell myself I will only buy the summer essentials in June, and pickup some more (on sale) stuff early July, but I always panic that my size will sellout… only to kick myself weeks later when my clothes get marked down by 50%!
I agree, I have a hard time sitting on my wallet this time of year when all the things I couldn’t afford a few months ago are on sale, but I just try to envision myself wearing anything on sale right now in 3 months, if it won’t work, I won’t buy it. This year especially, cause what’s out there is not going to work in three months, much less most of it won’t work this time next year.
I agree, I have a hard time sitting on my wallet this time of year when all the things I couldn’t afford a few months ago are on sale, but I just try to envision myself wearing anything on sale right now in 3 months, if it won’t work, I won’t buy it. This year especially, cause what’s out there is not going to work in three months, much less, most of it won’t work this time next year.
Julie,
I’ve been pretty good about not shopping for the past few months, only because I’m saving up for a trip to Europe. So, when I see a piece that I think I “need” to have, I always stop and ask myself, “Do I really need this dress? Dress or Europe? Dress or rent? Dress or food?” The practical side of me reveals herself and I end up ditching the dress. Believe me – and I’m sure you know this – there will be other sales and bargains!
Sale signs usually end up spelling disaster for me..I should rename a section of my wardrobe…”sale purchases, caught up in the moment…never worn” (but it is fun at the time though)