Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Eliminating the Impulse



 
 WHAT I AM WEARING:
Forever 21 Dress SOLD OUT ONLINE (similar) (similar) // Lookbook Store Belt c/o (here) (similar) // Sole Society Heels (similar) // Forever 21 Clutch (similar) (splurge) // Bracelets: Sophistifunk Tassel Bracelet c/o (here) & Forever 21 (here) // T+J Designs Watch c/o (here) // Forever 21 Rings (here) (similar)

The minute I saw this dress, I pinned and added it to my shop tab as a reminder of how much I liked it, but wanted to wait until I couldn't stop thinking about it before I pulled the trigger. You see, I have yanked the reigns with tight grip on impulse buying. In the past, I would see something that caught my eye, add it to my cart and run to grab my credit card. Then the shoes, dress, top, pants would arrive in the mail and I'd ask myself, "Why did you buy this?" Said items would sit in a box or the plastic wrapping for weeks. I am telling you, I still have things I ordered online that have not been worn. Shameful, I know.

This dress was ripped from it's packaging as soon as it arrived and worn immediately. It was something that I was still excited about even after the online purchase. No guilt, buyer's remorse or saving the receipt for an exchange.

I am making a conscious effort to be selective of what I buy, whether it's in a store or online. Visualizing in my head, I ensure that there are at least three ways I could wear my soon-to-be purchase. After my brainstorming style session, I was positive there were three options for this dress, if not more.

The first go 'round was with heels and a mirrored belt for a trendy, but professional look. Next up, I am shooting for a boho vibe; picturing it with ankle boots and a cross body. If and when it gets cooler out, I envision tights, knee boots and a blazer. Voila, money well spent.

If you don't already, I suggest adding pieces that you come across to some sort of list. It can be on a pin board, a tab on your blog or to a phone app. It really does help with making wiser purchase decisions, budgeting and removes the hassle of returns. Believe me when I say that my nickname used to be "The Take Back Queen". 

Do you have your own tips and tricks on how you eliminate impulse shopping or are you the reigning "Take Back Queen"?

*****************************************************************

One of my long time blog buddies is here today, Ashley with Dancing with Ashley. I just know that you and her will become friends today too! She is an absolute doll, genuine to the core, one of the best moms I have ever "met" and never looses faith in the Lord. She is just one of those people that you strive to be like and I tell her that all the time.


Not only is Ashley dedicated to the bigger pieces of life's pie, she is one to turn to when looking for blogging and style inspiration. She co-hosts a quarterly blogger meet up in North Carolina called Blogger Buzz. I always love reading her recaps from these events and like to pretend that I was there socializing and shopping. The ladies always look like they have the best time. If you are a reader of Dancing with Ashely, you already know about her "How to Wear...." posts. She will take a single piece, like leopard flats, and show us how to style the item at least three ways. I guess this goes back to my post today, shopping smarter and working your closet.

Ashley hosts a monthly link up the last Friday of every month called "Favorite Things." You can talk about any faves from the month: moments, clothes, cosmetics, photos, trips or what you ate. Guess what this Friday is? Yep, the last one of the month. So be sure to get your favorite things post ready, link up with Dancing with Ashley and find some new blogs. 

Ashley is giving away a $30 credit to ASOS to one lucky reader. All I ask is that you follow a few things in the Rafflcopter below and stop by Dancing with Ashley to say hello. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 **If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends! 
 
 

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.


Shanna

65 comments:

Unknown said...

I am so the "take back queen" too. I think the stores probably cringe when they see me because I always have something to return. I hate when I buy something and than there's a better sale so I repurchase it and have to return the original purchase because stores don't adjust from promo sales. Don't they know either way, I will get it cheaper? So make me happy right?

BTW, I am so getting this belt - love it. I have no self control...please take my credit cards away!!

Alice
www.happinesatmidlife.com

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Yep. Another "take back queen" here. I have been trying to improve and made myself focus this month on only buying transitional pieces...thinking about fall and winter coming up (your post the other day was perfect for me!)

Stesha said...

we talked about only buying items we can wear multiple times when I was in Austin! Staples as you must. This dress is fab, I am so happy you bought it! I love it on you! Each time I am going to hit the buy button I hear a little Shanna say .... am I going to wear this more than once?! I am glad we are sticking to our new rules, you have done great lady!

xxS

Anonymous said...

I tend to return a lot of items because I shop online and often find that the items don't end up fitting or aren't quite what I expected from the website. Still, it's nice to be able to go shopping anytime from the comfort of home! :) Love the colors in your dress, and those heels are fabulous!

Charming Lucy said...

Shanna this dress is so cute! I an loving aztec prints for fall! And I love the other similar dressed that you provided links for! Thanks! I linked up today! Blessings! Susan

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

GORGEOUS in the dress girl. GORGEOUS.

Lulu Soler said...

I really love the dress! How great from F21! Thank you for the link ups :)

xo Lulu
simplylulustyle.com

Anonymous said...

I never order clothes online unless I've tried them on in the store. Then again, I'm not a teeny little thing who can wear anything and look hot ;) Loving the dress!

Alison @ Get Your Pretty On said...

That dress is amazing. Ever since I got laid off this year, I've been weighing every single purchase very carefully. It's been a great thing though. Now I have to truly love something for it to make it home.

Unknown said...

I wish I was a little more impulsive when I was shopping! I feel like I have the opposite! I love this dress! The pattern is so different and really flatters!

Nina Piccini said...

I do that too!! Except, I feel like shopping and so fill up shopping carts all along the interwebs and then decide, I cannot, or don't need something at that moment and will shut my laptop down... my ex called this bulimic shopping. Pick everything up that i want, and then put it all down and immediately leave the store.
I've decided to upgrade to a larger apartment so my shopping will be minimal until i adjust to a higher rent payment - AH! being an adult stinks sometimes.

and there's my novel comment for the day!

xo, Nina :)
afterthe40barfinish

Anonymous said...

I'm in love with this outfit! You look so gorgeous!!

Wine and Couture said...

Love, Love, Love your belt. I have been hunting for one just like it.

rebeccalately said...

That dress is amazing! It'll be perfect throughout fall :)

FitTravelerAJ said...

I REALLY need to work on my impulse buying lately. I have bought SO much stuff and I'm starting to feel guilty. I Have returned a few things though, which is good. I need you to teach me your ways!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

Unknown said...

LOVE this dress! I am so glad that you still loved it too otherwise I probably never would have seen it. I will admit to buying things online and never wearing them - or worse buying them at full price in the store and never wearing them... I too am working on this. I think it comes with being a SAHM. Compulsive buying. You look gorgeous!
xoxox

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Lovely outfit.

Great idea to pin to a shop board. I don't do that now and I should.

Because of Jackie said...

Ohhhhh, impulse buying and shopping in general is my weakness! I try to give myself "timeouts" for shopping and keep a notebook with all my faves and possibilities...maybe that will help me???? :)

Sarah said...

Rockin this look lady!!

I am trying to make very conscious fall clothing purchases...trying is the key word! Ha! But I did buy some booties last night I think will be great all fall/winter long.

Amy Shaughnessy said...

I love this dress and that gold belt together! I have a pair of shoes saved to my tool bar and I check every single day to see when they will be back in stock. I can't stop thinking of them so I'm pretty sure I'll wear the heck out of them. I need to win Ashley's giveaway! Asos is the bomb baby!

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Rebecca said...

That dress is a certified WINNER....& I'm so happy to hear of your ways to cut back on impulse buying!!!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Kimberly said...

Not only is this dress gorgeous (love the print) but I like how you shared different styling ideas for it! I always ask myself when buying a new piece how many other things I have in my closet that I can wear it with...it definitely helps curb those impulse purchases! :)

www.pennypincherfashion.com

The Pink Growl said...

Love this dress, esp with the gold belt and OMG everytime you wear these shoes I covet them!!! You are the cutest!

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

LOVE this dress! I've been trying to be better about impulse-buying as well. Also if I do make a purchase and don't wear it within 2-3 weeks, I try to return it!

Lauren
Fizz and Frosting

susan jakovina said...

Loving this look on you Shanna! So pretty.

Anonymous said...

I am SO awful at this! I have literally bought 4 things over the past week online.....let's hope I like them all :-/

Unknown said...

I love this dress and that belt! I have been on the hunt for a metallic belt, this one is perfect. I also have issues with impulse purchases and buyer's remorse. I have definitely found that making lists is a necessity. Then when I have some extra spending money I only choose the things on my list that I MUST have.

http://simpleeasystyle.blogspot.com/

Ashley said...

So pretty, love this print on you!!

xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash

Anonymous said...

I need to start this "3 styles" brainstorming when I shop. I am a one outfit kinda girl, and I usually buy something to wear one time,and than never wearing it again. I find myself emptying my closet on the daily basis, and never wearing things I spent WAY to much money on.

Great tip!

Mindy M Gray said...

I love the idea of having a "shop" tab on the blog. How did you set yours up? Thanks!

TheTinyHeart said...

I used to buy things on impulse and then realize later on I didn't really like it or need it. Now I go shopping with specific items in mind instead of just buying it because it's cute!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Headband Giveaway!

Helene in Between said...

DANGIT! your dress is sold out! I was definitely going to buy it, you look stunning!

Always Maylee said...

This is why I don't shop online too often... because the impulse to buy stuff would be through the roof! Your dress is so pretty though and I'm glad you got it. You look gorgeous!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Whitney @ EHFAR said...

I still have quite a few clothes that has tags on them that I haven't worn. I prefer shopping online, but I haven't really that much this past year. I prefer shopping the clearance racks or at Goodwill. When I do see something though, I ask myself... Is this really worth x amount? Is there a chance this will be still be here by the time it is marked on clearance? I most always put it back. I also never take anything back, because I hate the hassle lol

Sandy a la Mode said...

i am totally an impulse buyer and then take back queen!! i am trying HARD to be more selective with purchases now toO!!!!

xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

I completely agree with focusing on pieces that are versatile! I can see why you loved the dress so much! It's amazing and it looks so good on you! I'm loving your trendy look and I'm sure the boho and cool weather looks will look great too!

Lauren said...

Shanna Shanna Shanna - what a babe! I really love this dress on you - and fabulous belt and heels! I definitely agree on getting pieces that are versatile. Some of the super trendy items I have to not impulse purchase, because I know I'll wear them like twice and thats it. I'm really trying to make more of an effort! Anyways - looking great! xo

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

The pattern on that dress is AMAZING and the mirrored belt is so cool. Love this look. I really try to make informed conscious decisions when I'm shopping too. What can I wear this with. Do I really need it? Well, WANT it; cause really we have plenty of clothes!! I'm trying to have a no shop month for September. I'm just kind of over the spending right now!!

Rebecca @ Mommy in Heels said...

I do that all the time- buy things on impulse and then never wear it. If my husband knew how many clothes were in my closet with the tags on them he would just die! I need to get better at waiting it out!! You look fabulous!

Whitney Alison said...

Definitely a take back queen. I asked if I could return my first car. I'm getting a lot better as I get older tho. Equating purchases to time spent at work helps, as well as thinking about what I want more. A 401k...or another dress.

pretty little things said...

I love those shoes shanna! xo

http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I love this dress! So pretty!

Elizabeth said...

I am so mad at you for posting a really cute dress that I cannot buy. I need you to impulse shop so that I have time to find those items too! (Although, finding items from Forever21 is tough because they sell out so fast.)

With regards to the contest, am I nuts or is there no GFC link on Ashley's site? I searched for it and I can't find it.

Jessi said...

This dress is gorgeous!! I can't believe it's Forever 21! Love the gold belt and those sexy shoes too! I need some of those..
Jessi
http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE that dress, it's gorgeous! and so are you

Hannah said...

I love that you did this because I do the EXACT same thing. Especially with F21 outfits because a lot of times things will go on sale!

Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

Anonymous said...

I am very much still someone who takes things back often! But I guess I have just become more practical as I get older. I now make a list of what pieces of clothing I actually need, keeping in mind that I don't go out on the town very often, so I really don't need 20 pairs of heels! Love your dress!

Bri said...

I have so many things saved and a week later unsave them cause they aren't the greatest staple pieces...if I can't stop thinking about them..in the shopping cart they go :)

Chelsea Oliver said...

That's a good rule for online shopping! I usually talk myself out of online shopping unless I know how something typically fits, but I feel like I have to try everything on so this would be a rule for me IN the store. Thinking of three outfits before purchase is so clever, I always get mad at myself for wearing an outfit the same way over and over - so this will help!

And glad you went with this buy because that dress is phenomenal and you look stunning with it belted!

-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com

still being [molly] said...

LOVE this dress!! and i am telling you marriage is what made me stop being an impulse buyer. having the accountability from my hubby really helped curb that issue with me!

Nikki said...

Love love that dress! I have been trying to do the same thing- not buy something until I can't stop thinking about it. I have a pin board with my wants, but it is sort of out of control... I have really had to get control of my impulse purchases recently. But this was definitely a great purchase!

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

Laura B @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels said...

I love the print on that dress, and I'm convinced I need that belt so badly!!!

Joliene said...

This is a darling dress and I think you're right that you'll be able to style it differently for different things. Good find!

Joliene
Young SF Lady

Katie said...

i do that with clearance clothes! i try to ask myself would i buy this if it was $20 (and not $5) but I still have a hard time not buying it!

Jeans and a Teacup said...

I love that gold plated belt! I bought a similar one from ASOS. ANd I think that dress will be perfect for fall!
~jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Unknown said...

The phrase "Pinterest helped my wallet" can go both ways. My wallet can be empty or very happy with how Pin boards have changed the approach I have to shopping. I'm right there with you, more than 3 ways to wear it, and how often it can work. Also, the pin boards really help convince me of a trend (like the necessity of a simple white tee shirt, great black leggings and tall boots!) I recommend it. You hit the nail on the head with this "professional look" I'd love to see if it'd work with cowboy boots!

Clare
Understated Classics

Lindsay said...

I think I want your whole wardrobe! This look is just beautiful. When I saw it on instagram, I feel in love immediately!

Head to Toe Chic said...

Such a gorgeous dress!!! i've definitely been trying to get better about buying pieces i can remix.

xo,
Angela

Penniless Socialite said...

Wish I hadn't missed out on that dress! I always take too long to buy stuff...haha.
Tara
Penniless Socialite
Group Giveaway!

kate @ a journey in style said...

I am the queen of returns. I realized that I return about 60% of the things I purchase on an average month. I am trying to get better by itemizing and prioritizing what I want/need. It's working for online purchases, but I'm still struggling with in store purchases. At least school is back in session so I won't have nearly as much time for shopping.

Carly said...

I'm a total online implies buyer......I need to STOP!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Unknown said...

I'm convinced the only way I'm going to stop impulse shopping is to have a little elf follow me into stores or sit on my shoulder while shopping online. Especially now that I'm pregnant, I mean, I hope to NEVER be these sizes again so why am I buying it?! STOP ME! Haha

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

YOU look AMAZING girl! I am OBSESSED with this dress. LOVE it on you!!!

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Ashleigh said...

Sell those things girl! This is why I thrift. If I regret it, it was probably only $2.

-ASH
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Unknown said...

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