My New Shopping Rules

So this picture is kind of misleading because its not like I buy sparkly ball gowns on the reg. But I did need a picture for this blog post, and this store I visited in Annapolis a few weeks ago was just so pretty. I don’t really take pictures when I shop, and to be completely honest, I usually just online shop. A lot. Am I a shopaholic? Some of my friends have called me that, but I don’t think I’m out of control and we can thank my 5 shopping rules for that. Check them out below!

Pay the bills first: This seems so obvious but yeah… make sure you’re not spending money where you don’t have it. Whenever that direct deposit hits I always wanna run to the mall or to my computer and spend an outrageous amount of money on clothes. But I stop myself because I’m a big girl now with big girl bills. Before I buy something, I make sure I have already taken care of rent, car, car insurance, credit card and (soon) student loans.

Clean out your closet first: Is it weird to say I still have some of the same clothes I had since the beginning of high school? I’m sure I’m not the only one! There are some sweaters, shoes, pants…YOU NAME IT and I have worn it down for years and years…and it shows. As of late, I’ve noticed how I have destroyed some clothes or even just outgrown the style. I like to replace those items if I still feel like I would still wear them. I am also big on donating clothes that I no longer like or fit me anymore to families at my church or Goodwill. The point of this rule is that I make sure I have room for the clothes I want to buy and I’m not just buying duplicates or similar pieces to what I already have.

The $10 rule: One of my best friends, Emily, told me one time that if you can’t wear something the amount of times that you spend $10 on it, then don’t buy it. So basically if I buy a dress for $60, then I need to be sure I can wear it at least 6 times. This rule helps me check that the clothes I buy will actually be worth the money and not just a one time wear.

Be charitable: When I make large purchases on myself (usually over $75) I like to give a little money to a charity I care about. I think this concept keeps me humble. I like to think of it as “if I can spend this much money on myself for some material things, then I can definitely give money to some people who really need it”. So far I’ve donated money to RAINN, an animal shelter and a few churches. I helps me feel like my money can also go to a cause that matters.

Wait for sales: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are slowly approaching, which means that there are about to be so many sales at my favorite stores. When this happens, its better to hold off and wait for the sales to happen. Sales usually happen around holidays. I would recommend receiving ‘sale’ emails and following companies on social media to keep an eye out for sales.  Someone once told me “buy whatever you want, just don’t buy it for full price”.

Do you have any rules for when/before you go shopping? Comment below!

Thanks for reading! xx