Controlling the Splurge

Jun 3rd, 2008 | By Style Snob | Category: Conscious Fashion

Rating 3.00 out of 5

controlling the splurge No words can describe the feeling one gets after a major purchase. I can try to use the words “euphoria,” “excitement,” or “giddiness,” but they don’t come close. One word that should be avoided during a shopping spree, however, is “guilt.” If you’ve ever worried about the credit card bills or had to lie about a purchase, then you know what I mean.

When you splurge, it should be a conscious decision and not the result of impulsive shopping. Splurging is defined as spending freely and extravagantly. Doing it occasionally can be a treat; however, do it too much and it’s no longer a treasure, but a closet of stuff (and possible debt). Think of how much you could have saved for your vacation or a house if you just said “no” to the silk dress on sale.

Here are some tips to controlling splurges:

Budget. A splurge can be budgeted. Whether you allot $100 a month or $5,000, you should put aside that cash for when the time comes. This way, when you pay for an item, you know you already have the cash to back it up.

Plan. Know what you want to get and plan accordingly. Think about the purchase and consider where it will sit in your life. I wanted a new pair of Louboutins, so I planned and budgeted the right amount and splurged when the time came.

Don’t make excuses. “I deserve to have this” or “This will be my last purchase in a long time” are only excuses to validate what you buy and should not be acceptable. Stop making excuses and really consider what you are buying and why you want it so badly. The world will not end if you do not have it. Take a deep breath, walk away, and in about a week it will be forgotten. Remember: splurges are okay as long as they don’t happen all the time.

Experience. Once you have “it,” go out and enjoy it. The worst thing is having something fabulous in your closet that is never worn. Even special pieces need to see the sunlight, and there is no other occasion than now to show it off. Even if I am just going to the movie theaters, I make sure I add a funky accessory to my outfit. Remember, the things you have are to be used, not collected. Use it for all it’s worth!

The key is to enjoy what you have and reminding yourself of what great things already exist in your presence.

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