Shopping Is My Cardio

There is one thing you need to know about me if we ever happen to meet in life: I am a shopaholic. I’m not quite sure where my passion for clothing came from; I have an idea that it was probably passed down from my Mom because my Dad grew up in a family of six and he was one of the youngsters so he generally got the hand-me-down’s. Whatever the reason, shopping is the one thing that never fails to make me happy. 

Now, I’m sure this is due to some psychological response because how could something inanimate possibly make someone happy? I’m not exactly sure, but I do know that when I’m shopping and finding clothes that I love, I feel like a whole new person, full of renewed energy! However, as much as my parents disagree with me on this, I do know that money does not grow on trees and that my shopping ‘sprees’ need to be controlled. That’s why when I received money for my birthday, I could think of two places I wanted it to go. The first was into my savings account that is slowly but steadily increasing, to go towards Graduate School; the second was straight to the St. John’s Town Center.

As an experienced shopper, I know where to go to get the best sales, which discounts are applicable at which stores, and how to decide between need and want. Ah confession, that last point is still a little fuzzy I’m ashamed to admit, but I’m trying… So when my birthday rolled around, I received discount offers from many different stores. I started at Anthropologie.

Anthropologie is a fantastic store. It has some of the cutest home design elements I’ve ever seen, and there is always something on sale. There are only two problems I have with this store: the first is the style of clothing offered. Anthro carries very bohemian-chic looks that I don’t always gravitate to. While I completely fall in love with some pieces, the majority of designs are not to my taste. The second problem I have is the number on the price tag. In my opinion, paying $49.99 for a dry-clean only sweater, is asinine. Especially because I am still in school and don’t think that walking across campus (in the Tallahassee heat) is going to be very logical to purchasing clothes that need to be dry-cleaned. The clothes are very cute but even on sale and with a discount, I couldn’t justify anything that I needed to come home with me. So I ended up walking out with this:

Capri Blue candles are some of the best smelling candles around. I had been lusting after a Volcano scented one for a long time but on smelling this one, I knew it was much more my taste. Aloha Orchid smells exactly like plumeria flowers that bloom all over Hawaii. It immediately transported me back to when I had the chance to visit the Aloha State with my family a few years ago. Its intoxicating smell sold me and I walked away happy. 

Next stop was J. Crew. This was a dangerous decision on my part because honestly, I could live the rest of my life inside a J. Crew store and be completely content. I always find something that I love in this store and I knew I probably wouldn’t walk away empty-handed. When I walked in, I was elated to see that sale items were an additional 50% off of the lowest price on the pricetag. I clearly went nuts and had a lot more fun than I had anticipated. I tried on a number of different pieces and walked away with four to-die-for items that have already started worming their way into my daily outfit choices.

Two pairs of shorts: the pink and white polka dots pair has the cutest scalloped trim on the pockets; the red shorts are a bit longer than I’m used to, but I’m excited to try a new trend! The ‘Cheri’ top is one that I just had to have. It is so adorable and ended up being about $8.00! Finally, the tank top is a piece that I know I will have forever and I will wear until it is falling apart. The cut is so flattering and stripes are a neutral in any closet. The best part of all of this is that on top of the sale promotion, I got to use my student discount for an additional 15% off! I had the time of my life in this store.

My last stop was American Eagle. I swear by American Eagle’s jeans and they were having a 20% sale so I decided to run in and try on a few pairs. I ended up getting two: a distressed light wash pair and a white pair. I also found a white tank top which I deemed a neutral that I needed.

I went to T.J.Maxx the next day and walked away with three pieces that I love:

Pineapples are the print of the summer and I finally gave in. I found this adorable tie-back tank top that will definitely be accompanying me on vacation this next week. Also, open front kimono’s are becoming quite a trend. I found this garnet-colored one that I’m very excited to break out for FSU game days in the fall! Last but not least, I found a frighteningly comfy sweatshirt with fun zipper detailing. I put it on as soon as I got home and have been wearing it off and on ever since. 

I’m going to leave you with a favorite quote of mine from a movie that I’ve seen way too many times to count:

When I shop, the world gets better, and the world is better, but then it’s not, and I need to do it again. 

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Au revoir shopping soul mates! Next post will be about packing for a week in paradise 🙂