You’re out shopping and you see something that catches your fancy. Even before trying it on, you think, “I must have this thing!”
Now, pause.
Take a hard look at it, that thing you must have. And now imagine it rumpled and crumpled in your laundry basket. Or how about how it will look after a few washes — hanging forlornly in your closet with the hem slightly askew and the color dulled.
Do you still love it? Or was it just the “new car smell” that wooed you?
I know I’m totally guilty of buying into a store’s display. Color-coordinate like items and place it on the rack with room to breathe, paired next to an air plant and a brimmed-hat for “this-could-be-your-lifestyle” inducement. Gets me nearly every time.
Visualize that-thing-you-must-have away from the yummy scented candles of the store, and it gets way easier to put that item down. I know I really want an item if I imagine it a few years old smushed in a Goodwill rack (with that second-hand smell). If I want it after that visualization, it’s usually a keeper.
Have you ever done this — visualizing new clothes worn? Let me know if you have, or if you give it a go!
Pic above is from the Iris Van Herpen exhibit at the High Museum (closes May 15).
Not this trick exactly, but something along the same strain. If I’m eyeing something in a store, I’ll ask myself if I want to take care of it for the long haul (wash/dryclean/repair if it’s clothing, dust and clean it if it’s for the home). And sometimes if that doesn’t work, I’ll say to myself, “Will I literally die without this? Is this the last time I’ll ever find a sweater or a dress or a vase I like, for ever and ever?” That usually brings me back down to earth.
I force myself to visualize the clothing items I have and evaluate based on 1) Do I already have something that is similar to this item that I would use in the same way, and 2) Can I easily come up with an outfit with clothing I already have. I find that after my initial filters of “what is this made of” and “where was it made” this visualization cuts down on miscellaneous purchase.
Also- Have you been to the Iris Van Herpen exhibit yet? It’s amazing enough to fulfill the urge for fun new clothing items. I love spending time at the High- it helps cut down on random shopping trips. 🙂