Further distractions: What kind of shopper are you?

[4ever]

I'm currently in the middle of a buying binge. The worst thing about it is, we are coming into spring/summer here, it's getting pretty warm, but I only want to buy winter clothing . This has gotten me thinking about how differently people buy.

The shopping binge: I am a saver, so I will save and hord money and not spend A CENT on anything non-essential (usually for around 6 months) and instead put the majority of my "spending money" into our savings instead. Then eventually my self control implodes and spend the next few weeks counting down to pay day so I can spend all my money on clothing. I start thinking about buying all the time, when I' at home at night I ignore my husband so I can google things I may want to buy, stalk looks I like on pintrest and google image. I prowl the shops on both my days off and completely enjoy both the pursuit and the purchase.....and then I get over it and go back to buying nothing.

The man shop:My Dad shops for clothing once a year, just after Christmas. He goes out and and as soon as he finds one things he needs that suits the brief (eg:I need one pair of shorts which fit) he will purchase them and continue to the next required item.
I can't help but find this really annoying! What if another store had nicer shorts for less money?! Nope, doesn't matter, purchased shorts, mission accomplished.

When I buy I look in every other shop first to make sure I got a) the best thing and b) the best price, then my purchase is justifed and satisfying. I can't purchase anything on impulse - I fear making a regretful purchase. I hate buying makeup. When I see something on sale I paid full price for (even if I bought it 2 months ago) I am super pissed off.

What are your shopping habits?
What do you like to buy most?
What do you hate buying?
Which part of shopping is most satisfying?
Do you ask shop assistants for help or prefer to go it alone?
Is an online purchase as/more/less satisfying than a purchase in a shop?

 

[Phoenix]

I'm currently in the middle of a buying binge. The worst thing about it is, we are coming into spring/summer here, it's getting pretty warm, but I only want to buy winter clothing . This has gotten me thinking about how differently people buy.

The shopping binge: I am a saver, so I will save and hord money and not spend A CENT on anything non-essential (usually for around 6 months) and instead put the majority of my "spending money" into our savings instead. Then eventually my self control implodes and spend the next few weeks counting down to pay day so I can spend all my money on clothing. I start thinking about buying all the time, when I' at home at night I ignore my husband so I can google things I may want to buy, stalk looks I like on pintrest and google image. I prowl the shops on both my days off and completely enjoy both the pursuit and the purchase.....and then I get over it and go back to buying nothing.

The man shop:My Dad shops for clothing once a year, just after Christmas. He goes out and and as soon as he finds one things he needs that suits the brief (eg:I need one pair of shorts which fit) he will purchase them and continue to the next required item.
I can't help but find this really annoying! What if another store had nicer shorts for less money?! Nope, doesn't matter, purchased shorts, mission accomplished.

When I buy I look in every other shop first to make sure I got a) the best thing and b) the best price, then my purchase is justifed and satisfying. I can't purchase anything on impulse - I fear making a regretful purchase. I hate buying makeup. When I see something on sale I paid full price for (even if I bought it 2 months ago) I am super pissed off.

What are your shopping habits?
What do you like to buy most?
What do you hate buying?
Which part of shopping is most satisfying?
Do you ask shop assistants for help or prefer to go it alone?
Is an online purchase as/more/less satisfying than a purchase in a shop?

I'll play since I desperately need some distraction (my brother and his daughter are in Lower Manhattan and I can't seem to get in touch with them! ).

We're NOT talking about bling purchases, right? I could go on and on about that, lol.

Ok, what are my shopping habits? Well, they've changed tremendously: I used to absolutely HATE going shopping but since we moved to Singapore (one of the shopping mecca's in the world) I actually like shopping now. Note I said "like", not "love"! .

What I usually do is to do some window-shopping just before the sale and identify which items I like and when the sale actually starts, I pounce on them! I am talking designer clothes and shoes here, like Gucci, YSL, Cavalli etc...I hate paying full prices for them and only usually buy them when they're discounted. I also visit the outlet just outside of London when I go to the UK once or twice a year. Mind you, since I am abt average size here (small or US 2) , most items are sold out before the sale actually starts, but I figure it's worth it to wait since I save tons of $$$$. I don't have a clothing account, though I should start on one; I do some real damage when I go shoppng for high end clothes + shoes!

If it's lower-end items, I buy them occassionlly as and when I come across them.

I also only buy cosmetics once or twice a year. Last time I visited Mac, I spent $1k on their stuff, which was more than my entire budget for the entire year, last year. Skin-care however is bought as and when required - I figure is not something you can skimp on. Same for hair (cut and colouring).

I HATE doing regular grocery- shopping. I don't find anything satisfying about that at all. However, I've just recently started doing online shopping for my dad's groceries and I LOVE it. Waitrose in the UK has soooo many choices; at one point I counted they have something ridiculous like 120 choices for just yoghurt alone!! So jealous!

I don't normally like to be harassed by shop assistants. I tend to look around first and if I find something I like, I will ask them to help me find the sizing.

Online shopping is usually no for clothes and shoes. I have to try them on. NO way would I buy them without having tried them on. The hassle of having to return the items is just too much for me!

 

[madelise]

I'm a "spender" by SO's definition, but that's because I don't make much money to save. I only work about 2x a week. That covers necessities + maybe a few hundred dollars a month for 'other'. 'Other' rarely makes it to see the savings account.

I don't buy brand name. I try to buy everything generic, including things like face wash, shampoos, toilet paper, etc. It's been very convenient since Target came out with their own generic line. I also hate shopping in stores, and hate browsing, so I prefer online shopping. I usually only go to stores if I need something ASAP, or if it's to return something.

I like buying nothing most. Haha. I get buyer's remorse even with toilet paper. I really just HATE spending money.. especially on items that don't "last". I like spending money on tangible things that last forever.. STUFF. I hate buying things that disappear, like food, water, bills, even clothes since they can wear out. I guess this explains why poor me loves jewelry. JEWELRY LASTS FOREVER! BUT, I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE eating, and trying new foods, so the majority of my non-bills money goes to restaurant-ing.

I don't like being helped, and prefer to shop alone. I don't even like shopping with friends! I can't stand shopping assistants in stores, and hate it when people bother me when I shop. "Can I help you?" No, no you can't. I didn't ask for help, please leave me be. I always feel rushed when people corner me in a store to ask if they can help me. I feel like they think I'm going to steal something, and they want to watch my every move. It freaks me out. I get claustrophobic. I know they're just doing their job. I've worked retail before, and hated how my boss would watch me and make me go corner people.. then pretend to "organize" things around them, so we can watch them NOT steal. I have walked out of stores where the employees made me feel claustrophobic while shopping. I don't like feeling like I look like a criminal, no siree!


4ever, I'm like you, I feel this ugly feeling whenever I find something I bought, on sale somewhere else for cheaper. BUT, I'm also lazy and hate shopping, so in person, I won't go through the hassle of finding something cheaper. I guess this is another +1 for online shopping

 

[madelise]

OH. I forgot to add. I am so ridiculously cheap that I sometimes act counterintuitively. For instance, my iPhone's charger got bent out of shape and stopped working, and I was forced to purchase a new one. Apple sells theirs for $40. I was forced to buy a who-knows-what-brand-it-was one for $10. Then I lost that darn thing, and had to buy another one ASAP. I got mad, and paid my last $10 for a darn charger. So I went online on eBay, and bought THIRTY for THIRTY DOLLARS. You think I'd just buy a few. NOPE. NOT RISKING that emergency, where I'm forced to pay retail ever again! Now I can bend em, lose em, get them stolen… all for the price of ONE from Apple.

I think SO thinks I'm nuts.

 

[4ever]

Phoenix - I'm so with you on food shopping. Hate! I wish someone would just put yum things in my fridge when I'm not home. I also can't bring myself to buy shoes and clothing online unless I've tried it on previously in person and want it for cheap. I don't live in the US so purchasing means potentially buying something I don't like and having to return it (IF they even let me) so loosing the cost of postage returning the item AND paying shipping to send it back would just cause me to have a little hissy fit. Not worth it.

Madelise - You should just plug one Iphone charger into each and every plug in your house - think of the convenience! And then your SO will know you're nuts

I get what you mean with buying intangible things. If I had my way our house would be really really cold in winter because paying to run the heaters is SO EXPENSIVE. I keep telling DH "that's what blankets are for" but he doesn't listen
I also can't stand paying for parking. I would rather park ages away for free and walk than pay to park. If I do pay to park then whatever I went out to do I think "ok, that meal was $20....+$8 for parking" " Yay $15 shoes!....plus $8 for parking".


Speaking of...I do buy $15 shoes from Kmart. Lots of them. This is my logic; My feet are wide and sensitive. A pair of $15 Kmart ballet flats are "worn in" to comfy after 1 days wearing. Yes, they will have holes in and will be falling apart after 4-8weeks of wear however, If I buy a nice snazzy leather pair of flats, they will maim/cripple me for the first day. I will than let my feet recover. Rinse repeat for a couple of weeks (if lucky) until they are comfortable. Enjoy 2-3 weeks of pleasurable wear......And now they look old and crapy. So when Kmart get a style I like in I stock up on a couple of pairs. Then if they go on sale ( Oh yes, $8 shoes) I buy the 3 or 4 pairs left in my size.

 

[JewelFreak]

I HATE to pay full price for clothing. Drives me up a wall! So I shop the off-season sales a lot -- buy fall clothes in the spring sales & hang onto them till needed, etc. It just pays to buy good quality, though. When we lived in Conn. I shopped at Loemann's, no discount stores where we live now, so I hang at Saks, Neimans, Nordstrom when stuff is marked down. Generally I wear classic styles & have them for years. Can't even remember where or when I bought a couple of my coats, but they still look good.

Because I have weird feet, I do buy expensive shoes with soft leather. Not worth the saving to be in agony walking around. Some catalogs for cotton turtlenecks or sweaters, but have to try on trousers, dresses or skirts.

--- Laurie

 

[missy]

I love shopping. I really do. Almost any kind of shopping. Fortunately my dh loves clothing and watch shopping so we get to shop together a lot which is quite nice. However he doesn't like other types of shopping - food etc.

I usually only like to buy clothes on sale but I will splurge on certain items that are worth it to me. For example, I love boots and since my calves are thin per USA standards (not thin at all but everything in the USA seems large) I buy my boots from DUO now and it is so worth it. I never spent so much on boots before but my dh insisted because he believes (and so do I to an extent) that it is worth it to pay for quality and I am so happy I did. I have purchased about 8 different pairs of DUO boots over the last 2 years or so and I am very pleased. They do custom calf widths and they are beautiful. I purchased about 4 pairs at full price and then bought the other 4 at a discount when they went on sale at the end of the season. My bargain shopper radar is always on!

I don't care about name brand clothes but instead concentrate on what looks and feels good and that sums up my purchasing habits. Some things I pay a lot for and some a lot less. I am fortunate in that it is easy for me to find clothes that fit off the rack. I rarely need anything tailored specifically- things fit. I enjoy the hunt as much (or maybe even a little more) as the actual purchase. Over the last 5 plus years I have been doing a lot of internet shopping but we still go to the outlets about a half dozen times a year to do some in person shopping which I also love. Again, I am happy my dh enjoys clothing shopping because it makes it that much more fun for me.

My dh and I are definitely "spenders" though my dh is much more likely to purchase things at full price than I am but he has gotten better over the years thanks to me. But he still needs some work in that area IMO.

 

[yennyfire]

I hate to shop in general. I'm with madelise in that one of the reasons I'm able to spend money on jewelry is because I'm so frugal everywhere else. Not to mention that since I hate shopping, I only go out to shop when I'm desperate. I also tend to buy classic styles that will last, but will throw in one or two "trendy" pieces or accessories. Thank goodness my sister loves to shop. I drag her with me when I need to go and she puts all of my outfits together for me.

I try to plan meals for a couple of days so that I don't have to go to the grocery store more than twice a week. I plan my menu based on what's on sale....

I'm a big DIYer, so if I can figure out how to copy something, I'm all for that. I make most of my daughter's clothes and do all of my own window treatments, bed skirts, etc.

On the flip side, I am a big online shopper for things that don't need to be tried on or things that have a free return policy. It just makes my life easier. All in all though, if I could never shop again (for anything other than bling), I'd be a happy camper

 

[missy]

awww Yenny, your daughter is beautiful!! And I love her outfits- did you make them? Beautiful!!!

 

[yennyfire]

Aww, thanks Missy! Yes, I make most of her clothes, though I will throw in a pair of store bought leggings here and there. I figure that the day is coming when she won't want to wear what I make, so I'm taking advantage of it while I can! My son gets the short end of the stick in that I can't make the graphic tees he likes...the most I make for him is pj bottoms! Here are a couple more....

 

[missy]

Yenny, I love what you made! So cute!! Love it!! I would totally want to wear anything you made me Yenny!

I hate to admit it but I have leggings just like the ones your daughter is wearing lol.
But to be fair I only wear inside to hang out. I love clothes with a sense of whimsy even at my age!

 

[yennyfire]

I'd be happy to make you a Hello Kitty outfit Missy! With your figure, you could totally carry it off! I love your leggings! With an oversized man's shirt and a cool scarf, it would be a rockin' outfit!

 

[CJ2008]

I'm going through a major shopping binge right now. Like you, all I think about is when I can go shopping, and what I might find.

And like you, I get into these binges because I'll go months and months without buying anything new or a scattered item here and there.

Then one day I realize everything I own looks old or doesn't fit quite right any more and I hate looking unstylish. So I go on a binge.

To answer the rest of your questions:

What are your shopping habits?
I answered above I guess. Mostly months and months of no shopping at all, then craziness.

I have to say that if I had more money, I'd shop a lot more often. I really, really like nice clothes and looking stylish. So although I don't enjoy shopping per se, I could totally see going once a week to see if I find something that looks and fits right, which isn't so easy anymore, now that I've got fat stored everywhere, including my waist. That makes it really, really tough to find tops that are flattering and don't grab onto the fat.

What do you like to buy most?
Love buying shoes. But clothes in general I think - cool custom jewelry and nice belts too - if it makes me look stylish, I enjoy finding it and buying it.

What do you hate buying?
Bathing suits and anything that shows my legs.

Which part of shopping is most satisfying?
What happens after. When I have to go somewhere, and I have an outfit that makes me look pulled together.

Do you ask shop assistants for help or prefer to go it alone?
I go it alone. Although if I notice someone is particularly stylish, I do seek out their opinion. But I am hyper-aware of whether they sound like they're being truthful and not just wanting to make commission.

I hate when assistants are pushy (White House Black Market sometimes feels pushy to me - and they never look happy when you return things) - or when they tell you how great something looks when it is so clear it doesn't.

Is an online purchase as/more/less satisfying than a purchase in a shop?
Less satisfying. I have very rarely shopped for clothes online - unless I'm desperate - but I do buy shoes at Zappos more often. The returns are easy.

 

[Alexiszoe]

I don't like being helped, and prefer to shop alone. I don't even like shopping with friends! I can't stand shopping assistants in stores, and hate it when people bother me when I shop. "Can I help you?" No, no you can't. I didn't ask for help, please leave me be. I always feel rushed when people corner me in a store to ask if they can help me.

madelise, I agree on you with this one. I was at Nordstrom's the other day and the SA was really polite and helpful, but I just wanted to be left alone to browse...also sometimes it makes me feel bad when they spend all that effort showing me stuff and I leave empty handed...does that make sense?

I price shop a lot. I always like to think I have got the best deal possible, lol. I also do extensive research, particularly when it comes to electronic gadgets, before I commit to buying: once I do I shop around for prices.

I used to like buying clothes and shoes the most, but ever since I streamlined my wardrobe, this is becoming frustrating - I only buy if it is a classic piece that I lack, and it has to be well made, and well made classic pieces in my size (I am petite) is hard to come by.

I like the "hunt" of shopping - doing my research, reading up about it, deciding and then price shopping for it. The research part is what I like the most. It is also why I have fallen in love with diamonds and pearls...not good! Sometimes my interest in the item fizzles out, which is great, because 1) it saves me money, and 2) I know I don't need the item. To be fair, most times shopping is not a need, it's a want!

I hate shopping for car insurance, lol. Things that needs to be purchased, but is not fun.

 

[Dee*Jay]

Interesting thread!

I used to be a "sport shopper." My weekends were spent wandering up and down Michigan Avenue looking for nothing in particular--and buyings lots of stuff I absolutely didn't need. I do love nice clothes and shoes, but I tend to be *cheap*. That unfortunately translated to buying a lot of stuff just because it was on sale -- "Too good a deal to pass up!" I'm getting better about both of those things over time, learning to pass up stuff just because it's a "bargain" and also being a little looser with the purse strings when it comes to getting quality stuff that I really like and that will last.

Another thing I do is "cluster shop," for lack of a better phrase. I will go on a kick and buy five pairs of black boots, or a dozen cashmere sweaters, that sort of thing. When I get my mind set on something, I am a nut about it!

Grocery shopping for me is a torture worse than death. I stayed married for over 10 years so I never had to go to the grocery store... and the first time I went into a store after I got divorced I was tempted to call Bill and tell him I'd changed my mind. If he would just rescue me from the frozen food aisle I would gladly remarry him...! Last weekend I went to Trader Joe's and Target and bought 50 (yes, FIFTY) frozen meals and a ton of Progresso soup. I will be eating glazed chicken with cashews and fat free minestrone 'til it comes out my ears. But at least I don't have to go shopping again any time soon! There is a small grocery store by my work and I tend to go down there every week or so and get yogurt and fruit to keep in the office. That seems less daunting somehow than facing an entire costco!

For big purchases, I can be a bit impulsive and... um... irrational!!! For instance, I was reluctant to spend the money to replace my current 8 year old SUV... but then I bought a new 911. OOPS!!!

Now, anyone want to talk about the insanity that is CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?!?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I use to binge shop, but now I buy things here and there. If I need a new sweater, I will go get one. I use to save up and buy a bunch of shirts at one time, but now I only do that with kids clothes. I'll buy up a ton of stuff, bring it home and have my boys select which items they will wear and then I return what they don't like (much easier than taking two pre-teens shopping).

I like to buy shirts & sweaters most.

I cannot stand buying jeans. Probably why I only currently have two good pairs! The rest fit but are looking like they have seen better days.

I love knowing I got exactly what I wanted for a good price. Rarely do I pay full price if I can save 20% during a sale.

Like to shop alone!

Online is EASIER for me so more satisfying. Many of my staples, like makeup removers, etc., I order on eBay and get GWP items for huge discounts and that's just so much better than paying full price at Sephora.

 

[Circe]

I'm a grazer.

Like Madelise and Laurie, I'm a big cheapo who justifies bling via savings in other quarters. I haven't bought anything for myself at full price in literally a decade, except for really comfy shoes while I was pregnant. What I do do is peek my head into pretty much every vintage shop or sale or flea market I see, and hunt and peck for what I need. It's given me a complete wardrobe, albeit one rich in weird: I have boots ranging from red Chloe Docs found in Paris for less than a hundred euros, to thigh-high platform boots that verge on fetish (custom made! lined in red kid! never worn! and just my size and being sold off because the original buyer had backed out. Sure, I was entering my 6th month of pregnancy at the time and the store clerk looked like he was going to have a heart attack watching me walk in them, but for 30 quid, WORTH IT). Multiple crinolines. Raw shantung silk opera coats with jeweled beading around the collar picked up for less than ten bucks. You get the picture.

My basic rule? Purpose-driven shopping sucks. If you go out looking for black pants, you won't find anything but frustration. And maybe a red hat. So, get the red hat, and know when you're out looking for a good suit, those black pants will be there waiting for you.

 

[Dee*Jay]

I'm a grazer.

Like Madelise and Laurie, I'm a big cheapo who justifies bling via savings in other quarters. I haven't bought anything for myself at full price in literally a decade, except for really comfy shoes while I was pregnant. What I do do is peek my head into pretty much every vintage shop or sale or flea market I see, and hunt and peck for what I need. It's given me a complete wardrobe, albeit one rich in weird: I have boots ranging from red Chloe Docs found in Paris for less than a hundred euros, to thigh-high platform boots that verge on fetish (custom made! lined in red kid! never worn! and just my size and being sold off because the original buyer had backed out. Sure, I was entering my 6th month of pregnancy at the time and the store clerk looked like he was going to have a heart attack watching me walk in them, but for 30 quid, WORTH IT). Multiple crinolines. Raw shantung silk opera coats with jeweled beading around the collar picked up for less than ten bucks. You get the picture.

My basic rule? Purpose-driven shopping sucks. If you go out looking for black pants, you won't find anything but frustration. And maybe a red hat. So, get the red hat, and know when you're out looking for a good suit, those black pants will be there waiting for you.

One million percent true! I NEVER find something when I am on a mission for it. (Or if the miracle occurs that I DO find it, I buy 10 of them, LOL!)

 

[amc80]

I tend to research the heck out of everything. I never buy anything on the spot unless I've already searched everywhere else for it. I rarely buy stuff that isn't on sale. This is especially true for groceries. Maybe 1-2 items will be non-sale stuff (and those are things DH picks). BTW, I love grocery shopping.

I try to buy clothes on sale, and do, for the most part. The exception? Jeans. They are the one thing I don't mind spending money on. I get to wear them to work, so I basically live in jeans. Oh, and running shoes. I have ridiculous feet (high high arches), so good shoes are key to not being in pain when running.

 

[gem_anemone]

Of course I love to get new things, but I hate to spend money. I'm super cheap. I won't even spend $10 unless it's something I know I will use/love. I've learned that I prefer to only spend money on things that I need or love rather than having a bunch of crappy stuff I hate. I have enough trouble managing the junk we have at home, so I don't want to give myself more work.

I am pretty set on clothes, shoes and accessories etc. I fit into most of the things that I have bought in the past and I usually stick to pieces that are able to be worn over the years. Every once in a while something wears out or gets ruined at which point I am devastated that I have to find something to replace it (which of course is never easy!) When that happens I scour around for the best deal/sale/coupon to get something similar and of good quality. Every once in a while I decide I hate something I bought and I decide not to wear it ever again.

I think previous posters who said that it's almost impossible to get something specific on sale is correct! Basically I have this imaginary list in the back of my mind of stuff I want and when I happen upon it for a good deal I purchase it. I also nose around discount stores, thrift shops and second hand stores to see if there is anything quality for cheap. I got my favorite sweater dress for $10 at the thrift store! I also do some mall shopping when they have a sale and I have a coupon

I'm different with food or beverage. I am a careful grocery shopper, but I'm a splurge when going out to dinner. I've been trying to cut back on dinners/drinks to save even more money. It's hard for me, so there are times when I splurge. I'm a foodie and a drinkie

 

[kenny]

CNN has a link to this story about the best time to buy certain things.

http://business.time.com/2012/10/26/the-best-times-to-buy-clothing/?hpt=hp_t3

 

[Haven]

I don't enjoy shopping just to shop, so I'm definitely not a browser.

What are your shopping habits?
I don't shop very often, so I tend to build up a list of things I want to buy and then go out and buy them all at once. So, my habit probably looks more like a binger than anything else.

What do you like to buy most?
DH and I go clothes shopping together and I LOVE buying clothes with him. It's so much fun to model all of the outfits he picks out, and then I get to dress him up in outfits I love. We have a lot of fun buying clothes together, we probably do it once a season and just buy a ton of things at once. This is something I really miss doing now that I'm pregnant. He came with me and helped me pick out all my maternity clothes, but it wasn't nearly as fun as going to Cache and trying on a ton of awesome outfits for him! It was more like "This isn't super awful, is it?"

What do you hate buying?
I used to hate buying towels with DH! He is so particular about them, we returned about a million sets of towels when we were first married. He's been happy with Restoration Hardware's towels for a while now, so now we know what works. But man, was that a chore for a while.

Which part of shopping is most satisfying?
Coming home so I can get on with my day and do something interesting!

Do you ask shop assistants for help or prefer to go it alone?
When we're buying a lot of clothes at once we like to go in when the employees we like are working. I like to see DH in Banana Republic, and there are two awesome employees there with whom we like to work. DH likes to see me in Cache and we work with a great woman there. It just makes everything easier.
Otherwise, I only ask for help if I can't find something.

Is an online purchase as/more/less satisfying than a purchase in a shop?
I really only buy items for our pets or shelter donations online, but typically I enjoy buying those things more than anything because they're for the FURBABIES!!!!

 

[yssie]

My basic rule? Purpose-driven shopping sucks. If you go out looking for black pants, you won't find anything but frustration. And maybe a red hat. So, get the red hat, and know when you're out looking for a good suit, those black pants will be there waiting for you.

That is so true Circe! I've found my favourite LBD, favourite dress pants, favourite sweaters looking for something else - and now they need to be replaced and I can't re-find 'em!

OH. I forgot to add. I am so ridiculously cheap that I sometimes act counterintuitively. For instance, my iPhone's charger got bent out of shape and stopped working, and I was forced to purchase a new one. Apple sells theirs for $40. I was forced to buy a who-knows-what-brand-it-was one for $10. Then I lost that darn thing, and had to buy another one ASAP. I got mad, and paid my last $10 for a darn charger. So I went online on eBay, and bought THIRTY for THIRTY DOLLARS. You think I'd just buy a few. NOPE. NOT RISKING that emergency, where I'm forced to pay retail ever again! Now I can bend em, lose em, get them stolen… all for the price of ONE from Apple.

I think SO thinks I'm nuts.

I snorted out loud

 

[missy]

I'm a grazer.

Like Madelise and Laurie, I'm a big cheapo who justifies bling via savings in other quarters. I haven't bought anything for myself at full price in literally a decade, except for really comfy shoes while I was pregnant. What I do do is peek my head into pretty much every vintage shop or sale or flea market I see, and hunt and peck for what I need. It's given me a complete wardrobe, albeit one rich in weird: I have boots ranging from red Chloe Docs found in Paris for less than a hundred euros, to thigh-high platform boots that verge on fetish (custom made! lined in red kid! never worn! and just my size and being sold off because the original buyer had backed out. Sure, I was entering my 6th month of pregnancy at the time and the store clerk looked like he was going to have a heart attack watching me walk in them, but for 30 quid, WORTH IT). Multiple crinolines. Raw shantung silk opera coats with jeweled beading around the collar picked up for less than ten bucks. You get the picture.

My basic rule? Purpose-driven shopping sucks. If you go out looking for black pants, you won't find anything but frustration. And maybe a red hat. So, get the red hat, and know when you're out looking for a good suit, those black pants will be there waiting for you.

Totally true! That's why one of my basic rules is if you find something that's great (looks great, price is reasonably good or better and you know it is something you would get use out of at least in the future) BUY BUY BUY!!!! I know it sounds crazy but when I buy a piece of clothing and decide after I have been wearing it that this is just beautiful I go back and try to buy a few more of the same article of clothing. That's how I came to have so many pairs of the same black pants for example and this way I always have a backup or 2. It has served me well having this philosophy. Within reason of course. I cannot duplicate every piece of clothing but for certain staples I do what I can. There are pieces that never go out of style and that you will always rely on. And for those that is what I try to do.

 

[ame]

What are your shopping habits?
I shop frequently, both online and off. Depends what it is, when I need it, and whether or not it's something I have used before or am willing to risk buying online.

What do you like to buy most?
Makeup apparently.

What do you hate buying?
Clothing, despite buying it a lot. Concealer is a short second, despite it being makeup. And that's only bec I consider it a necessity, and it's become kind of a pain/holy grail situation.

Which part of shopping is most satisfying?
Finding a winner, and finding something I can buy 2 of so that I have a backup.

Do you ask shop assistants for help or prefer to go it alone?
Generally alone. I research a LOT online, and rarely need involvement.

Is an online purchase as/more/less satisfying than a purchase in a shop?
Depends. If it's significantly cheaper online it can be much more satisfying but then there's the wait, or if its not available in store and you need it soon or want it sooner...it's kind of annoying.

As for that whole apple charger...I am hyper anal retentive about that stuff. I buy direct from Apple, etc for things like that. I NEVER buy chargers/cases from Amazon or Ebay. Fake or otherwise not safe.

 

[4ever]

I think I'm just about over the binge...except I should really go and buy some more clothes so I have something which actually gos with the clothing I bought while binging

 

[soocool]

I have always been a quality shopper. In clothing I look mostly for classic well made pieces that will last many years. Whe grocery shopping I hardly ever buy processed foods. DH and I are DIY-ers so we save a ton of money to spend on other things. I am really into buying real estate - land, but DH and I have been selling off our properties the closer we get to retirement.

I usually do extensive research whenever I buy big ticket items to make sure i get the best for the least amount of money.

Oh, when it comes to buying clothes now it has become easier to shop once I educated myself on what I should be wearing in terms of style and cut and now just gravitate to those items I know will always look good on me.

 

[madelise]

As for that whole apple charger...I am hyper anal retentive about that stuff. I buy direct from Apple, etc for things like that. I NEVER buy chargers/cases from Amazon or Ebay. Fake or otherwise not safe.

Care to explain? How are they unsafe?? I'm not eating em…? Most of the time