At this point in my life, I would rather hear the reverse. I don't want crazy, I want easy, especially when it comes to shopping.
Crazy is thinking I am saving money if I buy that cashmere sweater because it's on sale. Let's face it. I may be spending less than full price, but I am still spending my money, not making a savings deposit. Even more crazy is buying that second sweater that I definitely don't need just because it's a part of some bogus BOGO deal. What a scam, I think to myself, as I stand in line, ready and willing to plunk down my hard earned credit card.
I am not a stupid person.
But sometimes when I'm shopping for myself, I become a crazy stupid shopper.
And by the way, we all need to watch out for those crafty retail marketers who hire extraordinary photographers and remarkable stylists to shoot their magazine ads and catalogs. They are ridiculously good at what they do.
They know that seductive photography is a powerful and extremely profitable tool and that a magnificent photo is worth a thousand words, not to mention cash in the bank for the likes of Nordstrom's.
No question I was seduced by runway photos of beautiful leather jackets during fashion week last spring. I actually bought a classic black motorcycle jacket of many zippers at 40% off. Note my thought process: it's tres trendy, it makes me feel cool and young, and most important of all, it's on sale!
Who wouldn't buy it?
A better question would have been: what self respecting, 60 something female in her right mind would buy it?
A fedora hat I can understand; but a biker jacket?
I returned it the next day.
Together we can resist temptation and no longer allow ourselves to be manipulated. We need to realize that 40% off is not a bargain when retailers make this offer on the average of once a week (hello Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, White House Black Market, etc.).
I hope you will join me in my determination to become a more discerning shopper. Hip, savvy and smart, we will spend less and save more. Then, when a bona fide sale does come along, we will recognize it and have the bucks to jump on it.
Do I sound like the shopping Grinch?
Maybe Hunter's lyrics would be more fun after all.
Taylor Swift (23) certainly seems to think so.
PS.
