Do I have a shopping problem?

Jean M.
on 6/27/11 2:18 am

Revision on 08/16/12

As some of you know, I work part time at JCPenney, where I have a generous employee discount and frequent exposure to fashionable clothing. I've never been a recreational shopper, but I'm beginning to wonder if I have a shopping problem. My closet is bursting with nice clothes, including some items I've only worn once, and yet I go on buying new stuff because it looks wonderful and my enabling coworkers tell me how cute it looks on me and when I see myself in the fitting room mirror, I'm amazed to see myself wearing a size 9 or 10. Sometimes I feel like I'm making up for 30 years of a dark, baggy plus-size wardrobe.

I'm allowed to put garments on hold for 24 hours and have tried using that 24 hour hold to break the garment's spell on me, but much of the time I end up buying it sooner or later.

What do you think?

Jean

Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com

looking4hope
on 6/27/11 2:25 am

Jean,
I say enjoy spoiling yourself as long as it doesn't burden you financially or become your new addiction.

Highest 317 6/1 start pre-op diet312 6/15 2 days before surgery303 6/22 5 days post-op296 6/28 11 days post-op 290 7/5 18 days post-op 288 8/19 10 weeks post-op 278 9/10 274 11/6 268 2/18 257 3/26 249 5/14 237

MurphysMom
on 6/27/11 2:25 am - CA

I say----Enjoy it!!!! I'll be doing a happy dance when I can get into 10's again, and I know I'll be buying lots of new clothes too----and I don't get a discount.

One day at a time, and one meal at a time, and I WILL reach my goal!

Lisa O.
on 6/27/11 2:29 am - Snoqualmie, WA

Lap Band on 11/10/08

I think you're enjoying a benefit of all the hard work you put into losing weight and exercising. As long as you're not over-extending on credit cards, etc. I say go for it!

I think the 24 hour rule is a good one. I used to use that when I bought a lot of antiques. If I walked away and still thought about it the next day, it was usually meant to be.

The other thing I think is important is to continually clean out the closet. As you know my DH and I both have a passion for shoes. We have a one in, one out rule. If we want to buy new shoes we have to give up a pair that are old or worn, or no longer favorites. Eventhough you're no longer getting rid of your "fat wardrobe" there's probably a reason you wore something only once. Maybe it's too big because of all the exercise you do, or maybe it was an impulse buy and it was never truly a "love buy". I have a few of those things in my closet and while they fit, I still don't wear them. If that's the case, it's time to pass them on to someone in need.

Lisa O.

Lap Band surgery Nov. 2008, SW 335. Lost 116 lbs. LB removal May 2013 gained 53 lbs. Revisied to RNY October 14, 2013, new SW 275.

Jean M.
on 6/27/11 3:43 am

Revision on 08/16/12

Good advice, as usual, Miss Lisa.

or maybe it was an impulse buy and it was never truly a "love buy"
I think that's true of quite a lot of stuff in that closet. I see a garment on the clearance rack marked down to $1.97 and think, "Wow, at that price, I can afford to take a risk" and end up buying something idiotic!

Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com

BuckeyeGirl
on 6/27/11 3:51 am - TN

VSG on 12/01/10

I am just now into a size 16, but I can see this will likely become a "problem" for me too. For so long I've wanted clothes shopping to be fun again (aside from just shoes and accessories) and it's actually starting to become true. I couldn't imagine if I worked at any clothing store in the mall what I would come home with each day, lol!

I guess it all boils down to whether or not you can afford it. I think fashion can be an acceptable hobby just as someone else might spend money on photography or gardening or pets. As long as it is not a burden, I say ENJOY!!!

If it becomes a burden...well, I don't have much advice for that, but I would guess some type of distraction or department change might be helpful??

Lindsey

Jean M.
on 6/27/11 5:40 am

Revision on 08/16/12

Lindsey,

Earlier this year I was reassigned from Lingerie (across from the Junior's dept. and near the Misses' dept) to the Shoes & Children's depts. Since I have no (human) kids or grandkids, I thought that ought to be the ideal location for me.

Now I have a closetful of shoes...

Jean

Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com

Donnamarie
on 6/27/11 4:42 am - NY

Lap Band on 03/29/11

When I got to my "new" heavy, my feet swelled something awful. I couldn't wear shoes at all, it was sad and depressing. Now that I can I will buy whatever shoes are in my size that fit nicely, I buy them. I am a pretty frugal person so I don't buy outrageiously priced shoes, but that is going to be my huge downfall in the future.

As far as you buying clothes I say go for it! Heck, if you have to have a transfer addiction, this is the one to have. I know that I got tired of buying just what fit, instead of being able to choose. Enjoy it as long as you can still eat at the end of the day!!!

"Accountability first to yourself, then nobody else matters"

grannymedic1
on 6/27/11 5:13 am - Lake Odessa, MI

Revision on 08/21/12

Of course you have a problem, Jean, say duh! However, I say it is a nice one. I do it too. I have been better for the last 3 months, though. If the clearance rack is a downfall, use it as an opportunity to buy some, take some out and give to charity. That way you can justify it as spending your money to help others. See how good I am at rationalizing? It takes a lot of practice to get this good.

I agree with as long as you are not spending money that you can't afford to spend then it is a relatively harmless problem. I know that you are a naturally thrifty person and that you do not spend extravagently. You also know what is reasonable and what is not, so go for it.

Love ya, Sue

Highest weight: 212.8 Current weight 135 Lost 77.8 pounds

Jean M.
on 6/27/11 6:51 am

Revision on 08/16/12

Yeah, I see (another) trip to Goodwill in my near future....!

Jean McMillan c.2009-2013 - Always a bandster at heart
author of Bandwagon (TM), Strategies for Success with the Adjustable Gastric Band & Bandwagon Cookery. Bandwagon for Kindle now available on Amazon. Read my blog at: jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com

Do I have a shopping problem?

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Do I have a shopping problem?