Consumerism
Nov. 12th, 2002 09:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dancerjodiIt was very hard for me, but I spent some money today.
I don't like to buy unnecessary things that cost more than $20 (and even those <$20 items don't happen often). Growing up in a family that struggled financially for most of my life (except for a brief period where I was too young to know that they had lots of money, anyway) I learned to make due with what I had, and to assess what true needs versus unnecessary wants really were. B gets so upset with me because I keep and use things way past their prime (like the LL Bean Rag Socks that he made me throw away last year because the whole heel was ripped and my entire foot would slip out if I wasn't careful).
Hence, I don't have an extensive wardrobe for work. I have this issue periodically when I drop food on something staining it causing it to be unacceptable for the office. Or I cheap out and buy pants at Target which I wear once before they shrink making me look like I'm waiting for a flood. My family doesn't really spend money on *nice* things that often, so I can't fathom how people bring themselves to spend so much money on designer clothes . . .
So I went out today and spent money, more than I usually do on clothing for myself. I bought 2 new pairs of shoes, 2 new belts to match, lots of socks, tights and stockings, a blazer, 2 suits and some shirts to throw on under said blazer/suits or sweaters that I have. MAN did I feel really uncomfortable at first, I took my normal routine of going in 'the cheap store' and seeing things that would be acceptable though I didn't really *like* them. From there I almost left and headed to The Garment District, accepting the fate of having unstylish and frumpy clothing for work for the rest of my life.
But I gave it a chance. I told myself I'd walk through the whole mall and just go in places that may look interesting, no matter what the price. I poked in Illuminations at their lovely glittery candles (must get some for my winter decorations for the house) and in a couple of smaller stores before making it to http://www.jonesnewyork.com/ . I've always had good luck finding things that fit there (I have an issue finding pants that fit right, having long legs and large hips that aren't proportional to a smaller waist) and things seem to keep well. And I did it. I spent around $140 in there but I walked out with a lot of stuff.
From there I went to Target and bought said shirts (just plain ole cotton), socks, tights and pantyhose and a new pair of black work shoes and then to Payless to get a pair of brown work shoes.
I feel SO decadent. But I needed at least 2 suits for work, I really did need more work clothes (a lot of what I have won't be acceptable at the meetings with doctors). But I have a job now, I just got a raise, and I'll be banking around $7K of money from remaining severance and unused vacation time. So I shouldn't feel guilty (repeating to myself "don't feel guilty, don't feel guilty"). Its just very difficult to get me to spend money.
****
After heading home to do some homework, spend time with all 4 buns and the cat (of course) and lounge in front of the TV, I ate a quick dinner and made one last purchase. I needed to pick up something at Walgreens anyway, so from there I headed out to get the new Fellowship of the Ring DVD and of course, Star Wars Episode II. Those mainly were for my honey, I like to give him neat things that make him smile (I don't feel so guilty about those purchases) :)
****
OK, so can you tell that I need to talk to someone? This being at home or running errands all day is getting to me. MUST HAVE COMMUNICATION! Hee hee, sorry for rambling :)
I don't like to buy unnecessary things that cost more than $20 (and even those <$20 items don't happen often). Growing up in a family that struggled financially for most of my life (except for a brief period where I was too young to know that they had lots of money, anyway) I learned to make due with what I had, and to assess what true needs versus unnecessary wants really were. B gets so upset with me because I keep and use things way past their prime (like the LL Bean Rag Socks that he made me throw away last year because the whole heel was ripped and my entire foot would slip out if I wasn't careful).
Hence, I don't have an extensive wardrobe for work. I have this issue periodically when I drop food on something staining it causing it to be unacceptable for the office. Or I cheap out and buy pants at Target which I wear once before they shrink making me look like I'm waiting for a flood. My family doesn't really spend money on *nice* things that often, so I can't fathom how people bring themselves to spend so much money on designer clothes . . .
So I went out today and spent money, more than I usually do on clothing for myself. I bought 2 new pairs of shoes, 2 new belts to match, lots of socks, tights and stockings, a blazer, 2 suits and some shirts to throw on under said blazer/suits or sweaters that I have. MAN did I feel really uncomfortable at first, I took my normal routine of going in 'the cheap store' and seeing things that would be acceptable though I didn't really *like* them. From there I almost left and headed to The Garment District, accepting the fate of having unstylish and frumpy clothing for work for the rest of my life.
But I gave it a chance. I told myself I'd walk through the whole mall and just go in places that may look interesting, no matter what the price. I poked in Illuminations at their lovely glittery candles (must get some for my winter decorations for the house) and in a couple of smaller stores before making it to http://www.jonesnewyork.com/ . I've always had good luck finding things that fit there (I have an issue finding pants that fit right, having long legs and large hips that aren't proportional to a smaller waist) and things seem to keep well. And I did it. I spent around $140 in there but I walked out with a lot of stuff.
From there I went to Target and bought said shirts (just plain ole cotton), socks, tights and pantyhose and a new pair of black work shoes and then to Payless to get a pair of brown work shoes.
I feel SO decadent. But I needed at least 2 suits for work, I really did need more work clothes (a lot of what I have won't be acceptable at the meetings with doctors). But I have a job now, I just got a raise, and I'll be banking around $7K of money from remaining severance and unused vacation time. So I shouldn't feel guilty (repeating to myself "don't feel guilty, don't feel guilty"). Its just very difficult to get me to spend money.
****
After heading home to do some homework, spend time with all 4 buns and the cat (of course) and lounge in front of the TV, I ate a quick dinner and made one last purchase. I needed to pick up something at Walgreens anyway, so from there I headed out to get the new Fellowship of the Ring DVD and of course, Star Wars Episode II. Those mainly were for my honey, I like to give him neat things that make him smile (I don't feel so guilty about those purchases) :)
****
OK, so can you tell that I need to talk to someone? This being at home or running errands all day is getting to me. MUST HAVE COMMUNICATION! Hee hee, sorry for rambling :)
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Clothes
Date: 2002-11-13 05:26 am (UTC)I love Burlington Coat Factory, but I've had hit-or-miss luck there (just like TJ Maxx or other places like that). I don't really like shopping for clothes so I usually go by the "run in and grab something as fast as possible" route, hence why JNY worked out for me yesterday :)
"I think you did great, you got a lot of clothes, you did it on a budget, and you didn't go overboard."
One thing that not having money does is it helps you to find the bargins (oh wait, we're in Massachusetts here . . . the baaaaaahhhhhhhhhhgiins) :)
"Now if only the gothy clothes would come down in price, stupid teffeta and silk not being cheap *kicks rock* I wish I had a sugar daddy who would let me loose in Torrid with their gold card."
I end up not spending money on most of those gothy things since I know how much the fabric costs and know it wouldn't be too difficult to make. Most of the gothy clothes that I have are either really simple and were super cheap or they are too elaborate for me to make myself :)
"I was hoping I could spend some quality time with you and B before I leave, I'm feeling kinda "I'm not coming back" even though I know that's total crap. besides, i want to see the additional scenes on LOTR without buying the DVD, just yet *evil grin*"
Well you're leaving like, tomorrow, right? I'm at school tonight and off and on during the day Thursday, so I'm not sure if that will happen or not :/