Confessions of a Former Mall Rat

Note: JSB is taking it easy today, so guest blogger Mrs. JSB is adding her two cents.

My closet used to get updated on a monthly basis. In college, it was a new sweater here, a pair of jeans there. In the professional world, I acquired a basic work wardrobe and built on it, adding pieces according to the season. At some point, my style shifted — less conservative, more chic — so my closet shifted as well. I lost 10 pounds on the job and had to buy new pants. I kept up with the latest fashion trends and delighted in finding $225 Rock&Republic jeans on sale for $20 at my local boutique.

Those days are over. Now that JSB and I are saving for a house, I’ve become what JSB calls “frugal.” I talk myself out of purchases that probably seem reasonable to normal people. I look for sales, clearances, discounts. I’ve always been a bargain hunter (hello $130 JCrew fitted  wool blazer for $30), but these days its hard for me to buy clothing that’s not on sale. $79 for a blouse? I don’t think so. Now if it was $39…

I’ve become neurotic about it and I accept this about myself. The thing is, just when I’m about to lay down the cash for that $45, white, 3/4-length cable knit sweater from The Gap, I think to myself — I already have a sweater like this at home. Do I need the added clutter? Will I ever wear my old sweater if I buy this new sweater? So I put it back on the shelf and walk away.

Of course, I’m not so crazy that I don’t buy anything that’s not a necessity. Yesterday I indulged and bought a scarf from Urban Outfitters that I first spotted two months ago. I figured that if I’m still thinking about it months later, it’s probably a piece of clothing that I’ll wear for years.

I’m learning to be make use of the wardrobe I already have. All of those perfectly fine tops and skirts and dress shirts that are a couple of seasons old. The fun part? Discovering  never-before-worn clothes long forgotten, buried at the bottom of my closet. Maybe I need a smaller closet.

February 3, 2008 | Filed Under 2008 Goals, General, Saving Money 

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