Why Do We Shop? {Part I}
Last week, Kristin and I happened to both be in San Francisco for a few days. It was unexpected, unplanned and happened to work out perfectly for a collective sigh of relief (you can read about that visit here).
One thing we did, that we haven’t done since living together in Australia, was go shopping. I suppose the word “shopping” is somewhat misleading — “consignment sifting” is probably more appropriate.
We found ourselves in Buffalo Exchange, the mecca of thrift shops, where we spent the majority of the time talking each other out of purchases.
S: “What a cool necklace — and it’s only six dollars.”
K: “Yeah, that is pretty rad.”
S: “But I don’t need it…”
K: “Do you want me to stop you from buying it?”
S: “Yes, please…”
Generally speaking, that’s the opposite scenario of when most girls go shopping. Women love to encourage purchases on one another. “Oooh, that looks great on you!” “You should totally get that.” “That’s such a good deal.”
I have to say, it was a lot more fun when I shopped that way too, which is why I probably refrain from going shopping at all now. But noticing our change of habits has got me thinking about why women shop the way they do.
For a lot of us, consumption is a hobby. It’s how we socialize, decompress, feel good about ourselves and show our feelings to others. But when I think about the actual act of buying material things to evoke these emotions, I can’t seem to reason how each one came together.
I have to say, I don’t feel empty now that I can’t justify an epic shopping spree. Sure, it’d be nice to be able to go into a store and buy a new pair of wedges — instead of weeding through bins of other people’s used footwear. But in reality, I feel a lot more full. And my wallet does, too.
How do you feel about your own shopping habits? What are your feelings after a big splurge? How do you justify “unnecessary” purchases? We want to know! {r}
I used to be a big shopper as well, and I’d feel great after a splurge. Well, until my credit card bill was due. :(
Since my move towards minimalism and raising my own awareness about where my “stuff” comes from and the environmental and human exploitation that’s inexorably linked to mainstream fashion nowadays, I don’t justify “unnecessary” purchases because I’m simply incapable of doing so.
I also feel as if I’ve become more of a “snob” (I like to think of myself as “discerning”, heh) because if there is something that I do need I inspect the item to death – Where was it made? What materials were used? How’s the craftsmanship? If it’s not made in a place where labor laws are strict, the item is made of synthetic materials and is of shoddy craftsmanship I put it back on the shelf – even if it’s an otherwise cool piece and fits me well.
It’s very, very difficult to go on a mindless spree for eco and human-friendly pieces that are of high quality, fit me perfectly, and are timeless. That’s where I am now – spending a month looking for the perfect kilt in my family’s tartan that was woven in the UK from 100% local wool and handstitched here in the US. Maybe I’m crazy!
Caitlin, you may sound extreme or “crazy” (in your words!) to some people, but people like you give us reason to believe we have a fighting chance in this industry. We need MORE people to spend the time inspecting products to death and being “snobby” about their purchases.
It is the only thing that will ultimately bring about change.
Consumer pays attention –> Consumer supports only ethical products –> Companies feel pressure from consumer –> Companies begin to change their ways to appease consumer.
Thank you so much for being such a conscious shopper and for sharing your two cents : ) Continue spreading the word!
This is something I have been struggling with lately. Last year when I was living on a tiny island I didn’t shop. There wasn’t the option and well, I was enjoying traveling so much I didn’t want to spend my money on stuff, I wanted to go to Australia. (which I did and was amazing). But now that I am back in the states, surrounded by a constant barrage of ads and friends who shop ALL the time, I find myself shopping more. Not to the point of racking up credit card bills, but more then I did last year. I think some of it is due to working a 9-5 job and not having any vacation time thus not having any reason to save my money. Well, besides the fact of saving for that ever illusive rainy day. But there are no amazing trips in my future or things to save for. Thus, I buy a shirt here or there that is on sale and justify it because it is soo cheap. I think that is part of why I appreciate this project so much. I am all for buying sustainable clothing, but lets be honest. Its hard to find, usually online so you can’t try it on, expensive, and rarely found in very much diversity. For someone that has spent their life in thrift stores mixing and matching, its so justify spending so much on a piece of clothing I am not even sure I will like. So it is about slowly growing, changing, and learning to be more concious. And perhaps turning off the TV, staying away from Target, and remembering that despite not being able to travel now, I can still save for a trip someday. And the post got me thinking. I am definitely going to work hard at making some changes.
Amanda, I totally hear you. I can remember spending summers saving up for trips and not spending a dime until my departure date. I wouldn’t even go out for a drink with friends with the rationale that “a beer will taste so much better in Cape Town (or wherever I was going)…” And like you, now that I’m not saving for any big goal, little purchases here and there are certainly tempting. Ultimately though, I would so much rather spend my money on a concert or a great meal or a fun night out with friends than a cheap, throw-away piece of toxic clothing.
When you think about the purchases you make, and add up all of those “great bargains” over time, you’ll see they actually do put a dent in your wallet. For me, there’s no material thing that can compare to an awesome experience or memory. My advice to you is to start saving for an end goal. Eventually you will have the chance to travel again and even if it seems far off, the idea of an exotic trip may help you refrain from unsustainable purchases.
Thank you so much for your supportive words and especially for sharing your story. I know there are so many people who can identify with you and it helps to know that other people are making strides towards becoming more conscious consumers : ) Keep in touch!