I'm Officially IN the Closet!!!

I live by this rule and when I come to think of it very very rarely do I pay full price for a lot of things. I cannot even begin to think of anything I have in my wardrobe that I have paid full price for. OK maybe a 3/4 length leopard print fur coat that I've only worn once, but it's lovely and I'm keeping it. My point is that, whatever is a non-bargain or sale item that I own I'm hard pressed to even think what they could possibly be.

Just because the dreaded words 'credit crunch' are pummelled into our brains on a daily basis (media stop it please), I have to remind myself, I am still working and have access to a fully functional bank account, and on occasion I will buy the occasion staple to add to the closet. Notice I never said 'treat' myself. Buying things for myself should be as standard and not reserved for the 'treat' category. I work enough hours a week, and food, clothing and shelter are a necessity. As is the odd occasional night out. Plus if I see something that I like, I will buy it with the only thought of "can I afford it without denting my finances to the point of no return?" Why has it become so ingrained in us (especially as women) that shopping is somehow evil and demonic and only reserved for a time when we have manged to get through another monthly bout of PMS cramps as our reward?

Bear in mind I'm no Carrie, Samantha or Charlotte (sorry Miranda you weren't exactly killing it in the fashion stakes), but once the bills are paid, some saved and from looking at my financial spreadsheet (see reference to my Safe In The City blog post) more than enough is left over, a £50 or £100 purchase on a few items and quoting my sister "that I need in my life" dresses or shoes is a must. As long as it's done within reason and not bankrupting a sistah, nor causing a flurry of 2nd notice bills to come piling though the door, I don't see what the problem is (especially as I pay my bills as soon as I've spent on the flexible friend)

There is nothing worse than shopping for that must have dress, pair of shoes or handbag, only to find a week later it's been reduced by 50%. Can you take it back if you still have the receipt then buy then half price one back? It shouldn't be done but it MUST and hell no rules are being broken you are well within your 'statutory rights'. I don't know what they are, but I have them as a consumer and you better believe I will exercise it every once in a while. I'm not going to be made to feel guilty for having to money to spend on clothes, shoes and handbags and we shouldn't as long as you are not getting into debt and managing and saving your money.

Remember that episode of Sex In The City where Carrie needed a down payment for her poky little apartment? Miranda totalled how many Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo shoes she owned and it totalled to over $40,000. Well if you haven't seen the episode you may know of someone quite Carrie-like. Learn from the fool and don't wind up like her. Now although men will never understand why we need so many pairs of shoes but there is a reason and any man that wants to know (if he really wants to know, can ask, and I will tell) but it is valid. It's because of all these shoes, we look on point, great, beautiful and well put together when you first meet us, because if we look off, you're off!! But it's not about the men, really it's not. I've never dressed to impress a man (and if I have then I cannot remember) but I will admit that I do dress a certain way to piss other women off (or just to please myself), and it feels great. So fellas, it's not always about you. The fact is that women are indeed in competition with other women. We already know that men have this strange yearning for a woman when she's running to the store in sweats, no make up and hair in a crap bun. But dress us up and put a bow on us and we're screaming for you sometimes to just take a look, a peek SOMETHING!!

I have run out of closet space, I actually do wonder when I am actually going to get time to wear every shoe, boot, pants, jeans, skirts, dresses blouse and handbags that I own, because as long as sales keep on going the closet keeps on getting fuller. BUT and that's a big BUT, if I am blessed 10 years from now like I have been since high school to pretty much remain the same size that I am, then pretty much everything I own new and old can be brought out and thrown on again. It's what myself and Miss Nicky call "pieces that don't date"

My hard and fast PRIMARY rules for shopping are:

• I will buy designer, but I won't pay the designer price.
• I like my items reduced, on sale and clearance.
• Do not give me pleather, PVC, PU, Polyurethane shoes, bags, jackets, belts I ONLY DO LEATHER!
• I will male the most of an online discount coupon. Not having one after sale shopping online is like good sex without the climax.
• I don't do cottons or linens, I'll iron clothes about twice a year if that, most of my clothing requires no ironing post washing.
• Polyester is not a staple in my closet, and shouldn't be in yours.
  
• If it's too small it remains on the shelf.
• If it's too big I can take it to the tailor and get it taken in.
• I will not buy on a whim. I have learnt the art of being able to leave the store and leave it behind, I give myself 7 days, if I still want it, love it, yearn after it I go back. If it's still there or I can find it online, then it's supposed to be mine.
• Learn the art of shopping with discipline. Just because it's sold in the store it doesn't have to be bought. This rule applies to tubby people and Krispy Kremes also.
  
• Online or in store grab everything you love, then take 5-10 minutes and go through each item and evaluate if you really want/need/and are going to actually wear it. If you can't see yourself in it, don't buy just because it's cheap.
• When you buy the item, see if you can snag a picture of the item online and save it. If like me you have a Kaboodle account, you can add your purchases there or if you never end up wearing it, sell it on eBay and it saves you taking a picture.
• Don't buy when you don't have enough time. First thing in the morning when the store opens is best, for bargain and space.
• Try clothes on if you have to. I've learnt to know how something will fit and look without trying it on. Very rarely do I have to return items to the store.
• Work with your body shape, and learn what compliments your tone, shape and size. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE, I have seen too many fashion disasters. It's getting beyond a joke now!

These are my 2 most recent purchases.

Dress by Arrogant Cat was £129 saved £87 Paid £42

Dress by Unique Boutique was £135 saved £90 Paid £45

Do you really think I was leaving these on the online shelves of the world wide web??

PUHLEASE!!!!!!

One week later and they were sold out. I got lucky, mine arrived today. Thank you Jesus!!!