My curious relationship with shopping...

Even as a child, I loved to shop. Is that a confession I should be ashamed of? My Mum used to take me in to Copenhagen when we returned to her native Denmark and I would get to peruse H&M (before it became mainstream) and boutiques that sold to-die-for striped dungarees and polka-dot canvas Mary Jane shoes. Then at University, my friends and I would catch the train to Bath to go to 1990's stalwart Hobbs (more Mary Jane shoes, but black, patent leather this time) and I would still sink my student grant into Saturday-night-out clothes. Nothing like getting ready to go out and having a new top to wear with those trusty Levis 501s.

I have always been the same; mildly obsessed with clothes. I wouldn't say it's even fashion; it's the life-long search for the ultimate classic, timeless piece. Of course now, I have amassed a wardrobe that as the seasons change I find I go back to purchases made years ago. But now, even I have maxed out on shopping. There are only so many items of clothing one can own.

Olivia P...it doesn't mean I don't ache with envy when I see her clothes! Via my design chic

Of course, I acknowledge the frippery of shopping - the constant and on occasion, unnecessary acquisition of new items. For sure there have been times when it has served as a mood-lifter in a way that for some, excess food and other, darker vices play a role. There is a compulsion about it that I recognise. As each season shifts I still get the definite urge to furnish myself with new clothes. As if somehow the weather-change of Autumn signals some primal need to get new boots. The new boots requirement hits me hard every year!

This year, times have changed and I have resolved to stop the shopping. I have enough. There is no need; there is just a remaining but diminishing want. So instead I have taken to shopping vicariously for friends. I have one friend whose busy-ness precludes her from shopping. After all - who has the time? Well, as it turns out, at the moment I do. Scouring the web for things she would like is almost as much fun as doing it for myself. I figure -  this shopping-by-proxy is the way forward.

The key point is: I identify and analyse my need. Why do I want to purchase more? The fact remains that I care what I wear as much as ever, I just see a new approach in actually making do with what I have. I am therefore applying the 30 day rule, as outlined by Zen Habits, if you want it, let 30 days pass before you buy it. The concept being that after 30 days the materialistic need will have evaporated. Let's see!