My husband recently saved up some money and generously asked me what I wanted. I really thought about it and said nothing actually. And I wasn’t even lying. (Actually I am lying, I didn’t really want anything but I still said ‘a bag’ – I am obsessed with bags. I have been looking at a particular bag for the last three months or so but haven’t picked it up yet. But moral of the story – when someone offers alway say yes.)
Now, of course there are a million things I want. Or think I want. But when I actually think about it seriously, its nothing I can’t live without and nothing I will miss. I am now older and have gone through all the weird shopping phases – don’t worry we will be talking about that at length – and now I am quite satisfied with my wardrobe and with adding a few pieces here and there.
Outfit details: Dungarees from Bershka (similar), striped top (similar) and boots (similar) from Zara and Chanel boy bag.
The one thing I am tired of doing is mindless shopping.
This wasn’t always the case. I was a complete shopaholic when I was younger. During high school Satarupa and I spent hours in New Market and Park Street (in Kolkata) scouring book shops and buying second hand books. We were complete addicts. We spent hours after school just snooping around bookshops and laughing over Cosmopolitan magazines. And we carried home stacks of books everyday. Then a little later we moved onto clothes at New Market and Shreeram Arcade. Man, did we buy some ugly stuff!
I recently started thinking about my shopping habits when I realised that I needed a pair of jeans. (You may have seen and heard me crying about trying to find jeans on our Instagram stories.) The last pair of jeans I bought were when I moved to London since I barely wore jeans in Bombay, so that was about four years ago. Then I realised that the last time I shopped was when Bidisha was in London in January – which is a major improvement for someone who shopped monthly if not weekly.
The one thing I want to be more proactive about is buying better quality clothes, but not as often. Environmental impact aside, this is also for very selfish reasons. One, I don’t have place in my tiny home and two, honestly don’t have the energy to drag out every top and tee from the end of my closet to choose what to wear.
And last but not the least, shopping is not fun anymore. Its exhausting, frustrating and never fulfilling. I would have spent a lot more money and enjoyed shopping a lot more if retailers made clothes for real women but of course, that doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon. So yes, I, Anisha Kohli, a die-hard fashion fan and self-proclaimed fashion blogger have given up on shopping.
And I will say thanks and bye on that note. Also, I am trying to get rid of my winter and spring outfits as soon as possible since summer is here! Its so good to finally see the sun. What a relief.
But I would like to know what everyone else’s experience is – how does a shopping trip go for you? Do you usually enjoy it? I am interested in hearing from people whose attitude towards shopping has changed. Lets chat – put your comments below or chat on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or email us put your email below and you are signed up.
Photos by DJ.
– Anisha
Loved the post! I have pretty much given up on mindless shopping too.
And now focousing more on building my wardrobe with a few pieces here and there. Loved the bag!!! <3
Yeah – I have the same plan. Because mindless shopping never solves the ‘what to wear’ problem!
So I wouldn’t say that I have completely stopped shopping but I have definitely stopped random shopping or more importantly I have stopped shopping for clothes on a whim.
No, you shouldn’t! I think as long as we are a little conscious and have some understanding of the effect of our shopping its ok. And buying clothes on a whim is the worst so that a good thing!
great post and that bag is beautiful!!! I love shopping. it is therapeutic for me at least, sometimes I buy stuff and sometimes I don’t. I love trying things on and window shopping.
As long as you enjoy its a fun experience! For me its become to pointless I just get annoyed and come home and feel its such a waste of time. Maybe my luck will turn!
I so wish I had achieved that kind of restraint or shopping zen!
But I have no will power whatsoever when it comes to shopping, specially shoes! *sigh*
Its more about annoyance than any kind of will power on my part honestly! I don’t know how long this would last if I really enjoyed the shopping experience and found clothes in my size!
I love shopping, it never exhausts me. I can walk around in a mall for hours and hours and leave it feeling exhilarated. Its the best kind of cardio. I am not a shopoholic though. Yes, I shop more than an average person and I shop almost every month but I still know where to draw the line. I don’t know if I will ever stop loving it, fashion is my playground and it makes me feel good when I look good.
Thank you for the comment Sahana. You know as long as you enjoy it its fine! For me, I am now so frustrated since nothing seems to fit me, its not fun or enjoyable anymore. What stores are your favourites?
I recently went shopping this last weeknd and I bought a few selected things. The last time I shopped before that, was in December! By shopping I mean like buying a few things, not one tshirt in a month. Nothing in the market grabs my attention anymore.
What did you manage to pick up? I know what you mean – there is nothing in the shops that strike me as ‘I must have it’. Its definitely a change in my attitude but also because stores are so boring now.
I totally agree with the part where you don’t have space at home for more clothes. That’s probably the only reason I try to cut down on shopping. Otherwise I am a proud shopaholic!
Most of time now I cant even find the clothes I actually want to wear so shopping less seems like the bright plan!
I have progressed a BIT to this stage… I think. However, compared to earlier, I have started stocking up on some good pieces instead of buying anything I see.
I feel after a while, when you almost have everything you slowly move away from being a shopaholic. I have to have something new every month for no reason. :p
Oh I love shopping, actually, we all do. I used to shop alot online in my college days without even looking at sale or discount coupon. But now after marriage, I try not to spend too much on shopping.
Same here! I used to love shopping during college and even when I started work. Now its just so not satisfying.