When Jessica from Raise.com asked me to write a blog post about impulse purchases and ways to shop a sale, I thought it'd be really interesting and fun!
Let's face it, we all have items hanging in our closet or lying around the house that are essentially impulse buys. aka things you bought in the spur of the moment without much thought/reflection and then when you get home you think, "Hmmm...maybe I wouldn't wear this as often as I thought I would..."
In my opinion, they're one of the deadliest, almost as bad as the 'limited edition' tag! The fact that it's about 40% cheaper than usual only for a limited amount of time makes the item all the more desirable - there's no better time than to get it now & you might regret not getting it if the price rises or if it runs out!
Sadly, this Romwe dress was the victim of such. During Valentine's season, this gorgeous caged dress that I've seen on loads of bloggers and which I've coveted from a far was reduced from $37.99 to only $11.29 on that particular day...and there was a limited amount in stock! Of course, I took it as fate and bought it without a second thought. Although this dress is gorgeous, the amount of times I"ll get to wear such dress is slim...
2. eBay
The black hole of all impulse buys, sucking you in with their super duper crazy cheap prices that you rarely think twice before purchasing it, despite not totally love it because hey, it's only x amount so no harm done right? It's not until you add up the amount of money you've spent on those 'crazy bargains' that you realise that the damage is not as low as you think...
3. "I don't have anything like this" / "You never know when you will need it in the future"
Denim Skirt - Orange Sorbet
Hahah, I use this argument a lot. I convince myself that I should get something because well, I don't have anything like it in my closet and you never know when you might need it in the future. After all, better to be prepared for those 'in case' moments right? Because of such thinking, I often buy things that I don't normally wear, or usually doesn't suit me...like this denim mini skirt.
Denim mini skirts do not do anything for my shape whatsoever, but I still got this one in the hopes that one day it might or if I might need it in the near future. Well, it's been about 3 years and I've only worn it once.. :/
4. Dupes
You see something at an expensive store and then, you saw something similar, but for a fraction of the price. In your mind, there is no hesitation - you've got to get it! But if the quality is on par with the low price or if you won't wear it as often...you're better off not getting it.
I saw a very similar dress in Forever 21 and really wanted to get it. I would have if it wasn't for the price tag. A few weeks later, I saw a super duper similar one that it was probably a dupe at a much lower price. Naturally, I bought it. However, that dress was 2 sizes too big and the elastic is not great quality so... :/
Tips: Preventing impulse buys
1. How often will you wear it?
It's all good and well that the item has a more favourable price tag, but if you don't envision yourself wearing it in the near future, the cost per wear is not worth it! Don't just leave it at the back of your closet! This is especially true for more crazy, unique items with very loud prints that you normally wouldn't like to be caught out with, sky-high heels that are only made to be look at, not worn or formal/prom dresses where the chances are, you'll only wear it once or twice despite it being the most beautiful thing you've ever seen.
2. Does it fit right?
Sizing is everything. Don't buy a pair of jeans that are 2 sizes two big even if they're at a reduced price because you may be paying even more to get it tailored. Also, if it doesn't fit right - chances are, you won't wear it again!
3. What can you pair it with?
Before I get anything, I always skim through my closet in my mind to see the combinations that an item can be paired with with things already in my closet. No point getting that only to spend money on getting something else to match!
4. Time is Galleons
For those of you that do not know, Galleons is a form of currency in the Wizarding world of Harry Potter - sorry, had to include it.
Never go shopping when you're pressed for time because that's when the most impulse buys occur! When the clock's ticking and time's running out, you don't think as rationally as you probably should and purchase it, only to get home and realise you don't love it as much as you did. My tip is to go home and give it a few hours/days to think about it, especially if it's an online shop. If you still really want it, then go for it.
5. Shop in the present
Dress - Nichii
Things change, trends change, your style and preferences change. Unless it's a super basic, fool-proof item such as jumpers, don't buy for the future or those "I might need it so I'll get this just in case"moments. You never know when your style might change and the item that you once thought was very 'you' and cool...is not anymore.
I debating whether I should get that dress because the print is quite unusual which meant I wouldn't really wear it that often...but then I remembered thinking, "I could wear this for a garden party!" And thus, it went in my closer *facepalm* Don't get me wrong, it's a gorgeous dress and I still love it to bits, but I don't wear it as often as I thought I would.
6. Be smart when choosing shopping buddies
Sometimes, it may not be entirely your fault, but the people that you shop with. After all, as humans, we often listen to other people's opinions and can be easily swayed by it. They might convince you that it looks really good even you're a bit unsure about the cut/style and how it hangs on your body. In the end, you end up spending $$ on something that may not be 100% what you want.
This 'mini-cardigan' was bought via my mum's influence. I don't really wear things like these...but my mum convinced me it looked great & that I would wear it. Yea...nope... :/
Of course, treating yourself to a more expensive item or that super unique piece is completely fine once in a while, but don't let impulse purchases become a habit or you'll find that you end up with a closet full of clothes that may have been bargains, but you rarely wear!
Do you have any impulse purchases yourself?
What are some of your tips for resisting impulse buys?
I want to make the best of what is left, hold tight
And hear my beating heart one last time
Before daylight"
- Beating Heart - Ellie Goulding
Ever since the movie Divergent came out, this song has been stuck in my head on replay! For those that did not watch it yet...you have to asap!
I actually wore this for Easter Sunday last week and it incorporated 2 spring trends - floral print and maxi skirts - simple yet classy and reminds me of Coachella. The skirt was such a bargain at £6.00 too! Besides the lovely floral print, what I love about that crop top is the 'ladder' cut out effect at the
back which makes it even more unique than a normal floral print crop top.
Oh and, I've got huge ass exams coming up in a week so...if my blog posting becomes a bit sporadic, please bear with me!
(Disclaimer: This was gifted to me but all opinions are my own & 100% honest)
Majestical is an online store that sells a whole range of well, jewelry - earrings, bracelets, necklaces., Pandora-esque charms..the whole lot. Perfect for gifts! The prices range from super cheap and affordable trendy pieces to more high-end, 'one of a kind' statement jewelry for that glam event so whether you're younger or more mature, they've got it covered!
The earrings are of great quality and despite being tortoise-shell, they were relatively light!
I will admit that when I first saw these earrings, my first reaction was, "Hmmm...those look a tad mature...I don't think it'll suit me..." But, I think I can make it work and I'm always up for a challenge so look out for an outfit post on Saturday (so..get ready)! Nevertheless, they came beautifully packaged and even has their own box and pouch which is super convenient for gifting - no wrapping needed!
Here are some of my top picks - a mix of pastel, tribal, dainty and statements that are all between US$13 to US$30! Bargain!
Promotional Code: Get $15 off orders of $55 or more with the code 15DOLLARSOFF
Need persuading?
Every order comes with free gift packaging and Majestical offers free returns and exchanges! Orders are shipped out on the same day and if you live in the US, you get free shipping if you spend over US$50!
For international buyers, don't worry, they ship worldwide!
Since I showed you some of my Harry Potter Gems that I found on eBay last week and it got a positive response! So here's the result of another 'trailing through eBay' excursion :P
It's spring...the temperature is warming up and the Sun is starting to come out...which means that the one thing that one must stock up on are sunglasses. Not only do they keep the glaring sun rays out from your eyes, but they make you look insanely chic as well - prior to this, I own 3 pairs ;)
But of course, you don't have to spend an exuberant amount! Not when you have eBay on your side ;) Here are some bargains that I found!
Pastel colours this spring aren't just limited to clothing. Why not wear them on your sunglasses too! I'm a sucker for pink so this pastel/baby pink shade immediately caught my eye. I love that it's slightly rounded and has gold accents - especially the arrows at the front!
My sister actually got these for herself but I had to feature them!
Florals. Another major print for spring. I'd quote Miranda Priestly from 'The Devil Wears Prada' but I've read that wayyy too many times :P (Now that I'm writing this, I think I'll go watch the movie later :D)
I love love love that the floral pattern is subtle and almost has a translucent stain glass effect, giving it a vintage vibe
Here you can see the size - yes, it does take up like half my face but that's because I've got a small one! My only peeve is that it won't sit properly and keeps sliding down! Of course, I'm blaming my small head for this one. D: Although the description says that it has good anti-UV function, at that price, I would take that with a pinch of salt.
Have you bought any sunglasses lately? Which is your favourite pair?
