Retail Therapy

Well... not a lot of posts lately. But funny enough, there has been A LOT of shopping. Tonight, I decided to talk about Retail Therapy.

Myth, Truth or Excuse to Shop?

I really think it's a truth. I mean, if you hate to shop you are not going to suddenly love shopping when you become sad, depressed, or stressed. But if shopping is something you love, obviously much like a good friend it can bring you comfort when the rest of the world seems to not.

According to Wikipedia: Retail therapy is shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer's mood or disposition. Often seen in people during periods of depression or transition, it is normally a short lived habit. Items are "comfort buys."

Look as long as it doesn't turn into oniomania (yes, compulsive shopping is a disease) you aren't really doing the worse thing for yourself!

Other things people turn to in transitions periods: Danger Sports, Drugs, Drinking, Promiscuous Actions, Quitting Jobs......so now how bad does Shopping look? seriously. (again...don't go get into debt and then go ... I was depressed! but a few nice items that make your eyes sparkle aren't going to hurt you either!)

It takes your mind off things, a hunt for a great deal is a focus, a hard job....a distraction.
A Few Rules:
1. Set a limit for your Retail Therapy trip.
2. Don't make MAJOR purchases, but little things that make you smile.
3. Bring a friend to help you sort through "what is really needed."
4. Keep the receipts, because.....THIS TOO SHALL PASS!! In the bright sunlight, the purchase might not seem as wonderful.
5. Buy something for a friend or an item to donate to a local shelter.
6. If you really are having a rough time, opt for real therapy to accompany your retail habits.


So in closing...yes, Retail Therapy is real!!! It was actually coined by Chicago Tribune in Christmas 1986" "We've become a nation measuring out our lives in shopping bags and nursing our psyhcic ills through retail therapy." Pish Posh, Come on!!!

First, that was the 80's and everything was done in excess. Now we are helping the economy! :)
Second, your psyhcic ills will come out if you shop or not.
Third, please we as a nation measure ourselves by how cute we look in what've brought! :)

Wear a Smile - one size fits all! :)

How to Return!

OH this could be my favorite post topic to date!



I love to return! Love it!



Look, the worst feeling is seeing something, not getting it, and then going back and being heartbroken it's not there. And now you want it even more! Tear. ( Heads up ladies, this also applies to men that's another blog though.)



So I tend to follow the rule "Just Buy It! If you don't want it later, you can always return it"

Sound: Tires Screech to a Halt. Warning: You have to know the stores' return policy and guidelines. This is on you. I personally don't shop at stores that don't allow returns with receipt and tag attached within a reasonable timeline. The stores can't make me love it....



Anyway so buy it! Go home, try it on, does it work with your shoes, accessories, bags? Can you pair it with that blazer? Or those leggings? If you realize it doesn't fit or just doesn't work for your style then return it. At least you know you gave it your best shot!



Remember don't remove any tags until you are sure! Heck, don't remove the tags until you wear it!!!! Why? What if you lose 20 pounds before you wear that dress or suddenly decide No way! If the tag is still attached and you have the receipt, you aren't out anything!



Here is another tip: Let's say you bought xyz and then you go back and IT'S ON SALE!!! Well, if you haven't worn xyz yet....buy it on sale and then return the one at home you bought for full price! This can be easier than returning to your favorite store daily to see if "it" has gone on sale. (Let's be honest I have done this and know what day my favorite stores do their clearance inventory. And the manager on that works these evenings....sad but oh so true) With this line of shopping, it's safe to say you need a good storing place for all those receipts.



Basically you have to commit to the return and safely storing receipts. But having a good return in your back pocket can save you a lot of money and near missed deals....