Step 7: Master Self Control

You’re aware that you have a shopping problem and you admitted it. You found yourself a wonderful ‘money/wallet’ manager, did some shopping-not shopping therapy, maybe shopped for someone else, and made your personal shopping budget. So what’s next. It’s time to dip you toes back into the shopping pool.

Your Task: Shop intermittently.

Browse stores and websites at intervals –once a week or twice a month –and buy a little at a time…yes I mean like 1-3 items at a time, all while keeping an eye on your budget.

Do: Remember the fulfilled feeling you get after shopping and maintaining your budget requirements.

Don’t: Over-spend…no ignoring your budget or wallet manager

You’re finally cured. Happy Shopping!

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Step 6: Make and Stick to a Shopping Budget.

Budgeting is something you all should know about already. The problem is that either  you don’t budget, or you don’t stick to your budget. Yes budgeting is boring and annoying, but it’ll help you to manage your money and shopping addiction.

 

Your Task: Make a shopping budget that you will stick to. Allocate a specific amount of money each month, that’s dedicated to all fashion merchandise.

Do: Make you budget for monthly shopping.

Don’t: Deviate from your budget. No excuses.

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Last week we left you to practice some therapy that will hopefully –if done right –get you one step closer to curb your shopping addiction.

Step 5: Spend Someone Else’s Money

You love to shop. You know it, we know it, more than likely all your friends and family members know it.

Your Task: Accompany friends and family, (even strangers) on their shopping trips and basically do their shopping for them.

 

You get to choose outfits and leave the store with them. The only downside is that they aren’t yours.

Don’t: Buy anything for yourself “while you’re at it”

Do: Enjoy the shopping experience. Just because it’s not for you, doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun shopping.

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By now, you shopaholics have been practicing steps 1 to 3. So we move on to tackle step 4.

Step 4: Do Some Therapy…woosah 

Your Task: Do you have an urge to shop? Most definitely you do. So go online and browse your favorite shopping sites.

Do: Add things that you like to your shopping bag or wishlist and then leave the site.

Don’t: Hit that checkout tab. You are NOT shopping.

This gives you some relief as you have experienced the (online) shopping process without spending any money.

Okay, so you’re an in-store shopper, same concept. Grab things that you like and try them on. Take a look in the mirror –even imagine going out in the outfit –feel happy, and leave the store without buying anything. Once again you are NOT actually shopping.

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Step 3: Appoint a ‘wallet manager’ (a free one of course)

Your task: Get someone, be it a close friend or relative, to manage your spending. Tell them not to allow you spend money on things that you don’t NEED. Consult them before ALL purchases (including internet ones), and let them tag along with you on trips to the mall. This will be a big help, trust me. I have a ‘wallet manager’ and she does a great job of making sure that I don’t spend when its not necessary.

 

Don’t: Appoint yourself or another shopaholic as your wallet manager

Do: Remember to inform your wallet manager EVERY TIME you’re thinking of shopping.

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Step 2: Learn to Recycle

Your Task: Play dress-up.

Remember when you were little and used to love either messing around in moms closet, or imagining cool outfits? Well now’s the time to get back in the habit, the only difference is, that it’s your closet that you’ll be messing around in.

Empty your closet and see how many different combinations you can create, with every piece you have. Take pictures to document. Now you can enjoy your (already purchased) clothes without spending more money.

 

Don’t: say “I don’t have any clothes”

Do: take this as a challenge to test you styling abilities

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The first step to recovery: Admit that you have a shopping problem.

Go on, say it with me, “I have a shopping problem.”

Now that you’ve done that, tackle task one.

Your task: be true to yourself, don’t be afraid to admit that you need to get your shopping problem under control. Confide in someone and seek help.

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Welcome to our new members, and to our existing members, welcome back to shopaholics anonymous, where you’re safe to be yourself. Since you’ve joined it can only mean that you end up in situations like this:

Begins like this: “I’m just browsing, I’m broke so I’m not buying anything”

BUT

Ends like this: “Your total is $75.00. Will that be cash or credit?

During this series I’ll be giving tips that may help you to manage your shopping addiction. Be sure to tune in daily for helpful tips.

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According to renowned celebrity fashion stylist Rachel Zoe, capes are in this fall. As a popular outerwear trend among designers, capes give any casual outfit that sophisticated, polished and effortless boost. Get yourself a chic cape and free the fashionable super hero in you.

Where to get your Cape:

Khaki Double Buckle Cape $175 @topshop

Button Neck Cape $195 @Vince Camuto

Calvin Klein Belted Cape $148 @Nordstrom

J.Crew Wool-felt cape $400 @net-a-porter

 

Article Courtesy The Zoe Report

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As a continuation of the “series of red events” here are some red look suggestions just for guys. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of red to your outfits. Try it, you would be amazed at what a little red can do.

Where to get your Red:

Mig Loafers $60 @zappos

Slim Chino $87.30 @Asos

Dot Bow Tie $55 @ Brooks Brothers

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