On Friday I had a bad day—bad news from my family; a canceled trip with my best friend; reminders that we will be moving 4,286 miles away from our beloved, beautiful home…. To cheer myself up, I took myself shopping. I had seen some great dresses in Kohl’s and was waiting for them to go on sale. They were originally $36.00, and I consider that way overpriced. I rarely spend more than $20 on a single item of clothing. My preferred price range is $10 and under, but I’ll sometimes go between $10-$15.
As I walked into Kohl’s, I told myself, You won’t buy the dress unless it’s marked down to $15. You won’t buy the dress unless it’s marked down to $15.
It was $19.99. I caved in and bought it anyway. I didn’t stop there. I bought a second dress, the price of which I got reduced to $14.99 because I told the cashier I saw the same dress at Meijer for that price. (I wasn’t lying. I was actually planning to drive all the way across town to Meijer, after my trip to Kohl’s, to pick up that dress…till I saw it at Kohl’s and resolved to bargain with the lady.) I found some thick pairs of leggings that my mom had wanted for Christmas—$9.60 a pair!—and bought one for her and one for me. (That is very expensive.) Last but not least, I happened across a 2-for-$20 deal on some items I thought would make great birthday presents for Robby, who turns 21 next month. My total bill was $79. I couldn’t believe I spent so much money.
So did it do the trick? Did it cheer me up? No! All I could think about was my reckless spending! Will I even be able to enjoy donning my new apparel, if I’m battling guilt every time I wear it? How can I justify the purchases? Yeah, the leggings will get a lot of use if I move to Alaska this summer. I can wear them under pants and stay extra warm. Yeah, the dresses are versatile—I can wear them by themselves in spring/summer, then over jeans (with a long-sleeved shirt underneath) in fall/winter. Sure. It’s all right.
But I remember what I read in my morning devotion that day. The first two sentences were:
Our culture encourages consumption. With overflowing closets and pantries, we continue buying.
[Side note: When I first read it, I thought it said "with overflowing closets and panties."]
I know that if I get this job as a missionary, I will have to simplify, simplify, simplify. My parents are already in the process of getting rid of unnecessary possessions in anticipation of the big move to the small town. I’ll need to do that too. What am I doing buying more clothes? Shouldn’t I be saving money for after college? I think this shopping spree turned my bad day into worse.
* * *
But look how pretty!
Obviously you intend to wear a sweater over both of these new dresses. Or maybe a T Shirt underneath them.
Hi Sarah:
Why did your trip get cancelled? The dresses are nice and I’m sure you’ll look great in them. If you sell some of your books, you can re-coup some of your lost funds:) ~Mom
Well, if you really feel guilty you can always return your purchases, but I don’t think you need to. Besides it might be nice to have two new dresses for some of the events coming up (graduation, honors reporting day, etc). Kohl’s is my favorite store! We should go together sometime, but I’ll understand if you don’t want to go for a while! lol
Sell your books! What jocularity. Oh, your mom is such a kidder. When I’m down and out for money, I just sell my plasma, or a kidney, or myself.
Oh my… those dresses are pretty. I love dresses so much! Good choice! I am also like you… I have extreme guilt whenever I buy anything I don’t need. I bought a skirt on the clearance rack at Target this weekend and I felt bad the rest of the day.
I am in shock that you are moving to Alaska! Why are you guys moving, if you dont mind me asking? Is this a permanant thing?