Before Buying That Uber-Glam Designer Item, Ask Yourself These Five Questions

While shopping for our beauty, healthcare and fashion needs, and especially while shopping online or at retail stores around, we are tempted to check out the pricey items- go watch ‘Confessions of a shopaholic’. Our credit cards maybe maxed to the hilt, but we would beg, borrow and sometimes with a white lie steal, to purchase that chic designer prêt-a-porter number or accessory. Sinful for sure is such a habit and we aren’t here to condemn you for your high-maintenance need. Shop all you want to if you must, but ask these five questions before picking up that pricey item.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Am I being an impulsive shopper?

 

Lust for shopping hits us the hardest when those bills arrive. Like most who shop on an impulse, we literally would be lolling out our tongue to try on that dress or watch, and we know it would cost us a months hard earning for that one item- we drum our fingers on the chair’s armrest and mentally agree that we need it in our wardrobe. Sounds familiar? Now the question is ‘are you buying on an impulse?’, Can you not live without having it bought? Are you ready for an anorexic wallet staring at you at the end of the month, when bills are already soaring sky high? Be honest and ask yourself this question- don’t be an impulsive shopaholic!

 

 

 

 

 

2. Don’t I have something similar to this already?

 

When was the last time you really checked your wardrobe and did some cleaning- donated off what you wouldn’t want to wear anymore or maybe sorted out things you haven’t worn in a really long time? Why did we ask you this? Because before you buy, you should know whether you have the same or similar item in your closet or not! Imagine picking up another tote or a clutch bag, not knowing the same designer bag is already in your wardrobe, or maybe that georgette tunic top, which you bought last Fall and is still there as a fashion trend this season in a different tone and color- you have it, hence don’t buy it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Isn’t this a closet staple for many PYTs already?

 

Designer items speak of high quality and long shelf life, which means you are making the right investment in a fashionable purchase. Hence it is smart to spend a large amount on something luxe and chic, once in a while. Worth it! However, just because it is a trend and some designer says it is a must have, falling for that ploy is strictly advised against. Stop right there. This fashion ‘trend’ has been heard by many other PYTs such as you- it is going to be a staple wardrobe item therefore. We want individualism, not carbon copies around- ask yourself if this particular piece is going to be worn by fifty or fifty thousand women across the city this season!

 

 

4. Will I be buying something on the same lines sometime soon?

 

Let’s assume you want to invest in skater skirts this spring 2016. There are many ways to style the skater skirt and make you look like a gorgeous princess too. However, assuming you bought one in black and if the trends say magenta or pinks are the new blacks for skater skirts this spring 2016, would you end up buying another piece on that fashion advice? You’ve already spent a bomb on the designer skater skirt. Would it make sense spending again on the same piece in a different hue? Remember, the more options thrown at you, chances are you would buy them all but wear them less. Not worth the double spending you think would be a cool fashionable investment.

 

 

5. Is there an alternative cheaper version to pick?

 

Quality isn’t the same from one version of the designer number to the next, and it wouldn’t make you look like a diva when everyone else would be wearing the same thing. Our advise would be to check with stores that sell the same post the ‘trending’ season for half price or less. If you know of stores that would bring out the ‘end of sale’ saga soon, patience is a virtue you must have. But be wary of the quality when picking up alternative and cheaper versions of the same item- some look good online or at the fashion outlets, and may be just the reverse otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do let us know what other questions you may want to ask before investing in a designer piece or an expensive number!