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Confessions of a British Shopaholic

February 18, 2009 By 5 Comments

Confessions of a Shopaholic May Reflect British Women Spending Habits

If you’ve ever read the book, Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Sophie Kinsella, you will know that it doesn’t quite follow the recently released movie by the same title, mostly because the main character Rebecca or Becky, is not from New York, but rather London. But the book and the movie share one big similarity, the main character is indeed a shopaholic by the best (or worst) definition. Ironically, the leading lady in Confessions, who can’t pass up a full price designer handbag, let alone a sale, may not actually be too far off from real British women and their overspending practices.

British women's shopping habits reflected in best-selling novel.

Shopaholic book may reflect real British women's spending habits.

A 2007 survey from Uswitch revealed that at least 3% of the British population are shopaholics, with more than 765,000 of these being British women. Shopaholics are defined as people who shop at least once a week and spend an average of £182 per month (about $260), far above the national average of £86 ($122) a month. Furthermore, these spendthrift women will go to any length to get their fix for fashion. More than 2% of British women admitted to sneaking fashion purchases on their significant other’s credit card, while 16% have admitted to lying about how much they spend on their purchases. These out-of-control spending behaviors have left British women with an average of £5,000 ($7,100) in unsecured debt.

Despite Economy, British Women Still Spending

What’s even more surprising, is that even with the poor economy, British women have reported that they will continue with their extravagant spending habits. In 2008, Elle UK surveyed 4,000 British women and found that more than 1/3 admitted their fashion shopping habits have not changed due to the economy. Furthermore, 70% of British women said they thought about buying new clothes “nearly every day”, while 1/4 said they spent between £25 and £100 ($35 and $142) a month on shoes alone. 

Are you a shopaholic? Take the test and find out.

God knows that you don’t have to be British to be considered a shopaholic. If you’re worried that your spending habits may be unmanageable, a simple test can tell whether you are just a typical shopper or if you are truly a shopping addict. The test, which was published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Consumer Research, includes six statements, for which you rank on a 7-point scale, with 1= strongly disagree and 7=strongly agree. Using this scale, decide how strongly you feel about the following statements: 

  1. My closet has unopened shopping bags in it. 
  2. Others might consider me a “shopaholic.” 
  3. Much of my life centers around buying things. 
  4. I buy things I don’t need. 
  5. I buy things I did not plan to buy. 
  6. I consider myself an impulse purchaser.

Now, add up your total score. If your score is 25 or higher, you would be considered a compulsive buyer, or a shopaholic.

If you are a shopaholic, you may want to curb your purchases until you get your shopping habits under control. Sounds simple, but like all addictions, a shopping addiction can be hard to break. There are many books and Web sites that can help shopaholics change their ways and many offer step-by-step guides on how to do this. For example, GetRichSlowly.org suggests the following: 

6 Steps to Curb Compulsive Shopping

  1. Get rid of your credit cards. Although, you still need to pay them off!
  2. Use cash to pay for everything. You may be less likely to spend if you actually see your dollars leaving your wallet.
  3. Keep a diary of your purchases. Log everything you spend your money on. You may be surprised or even disgusted at how much you’re spending at Starbucks!
  4. Trick yourself into spending less or not spending at all. Do this by making yourself wait 30 days to buy new clothes, gadgets, etc.
  5. Avoid temptation by not going into your usual spending haunts. 
  6. Ask for help from friends/family or even a professional.

If you’re still not sure how you rank on the shopaholic scale, read the Confessions book or see the movie. If you can relate to Rebecca, and feel a stinging guilt because you do, then you may want to reevaluate your spending, not to mention avoid the spring and summer sales at Macys.

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Yes, I Absolutely Do Need 5 Black Pants

February 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

A recent survey found that the average British woman has over 100 items of clothing in her wardrobe. But alas, our British cousins will actually wear less than 30% of these clothes on a regular basis. What a waste! Why not keep the 30% and ditch the rest? Well, apparently British women are nostalgic, for they also reported keeping their favorite item of clothing for an average of 12 years – hoping that older pieces would one day come back in fashion (sorry dear, those leg warmers will never be stylish again in your lifetime).

This made me question, what’s in my top 30%? Like British women, I too have an oversized wardrobe, with well over 100 items of clothing, most of which have not seen the light of day in nearly half a decade. Pre-2009, I would justify my clothes habit by saying to myself, “I’m sure I will need that at some point in my life.” But, in keeping with my New Year’s Resolution of staying on a Wardrobe Diet, I have resolved to change my clothes habits.

I have recently completed the first step of the Wardrobe Diet: purging my closet of those items that do not fit, are worn out, or are out of style. All my clothes, including dresses, suits, and summer styles, were scrutinized. I admit this process was very liberating, albeit difficult. On more than one instance, I contemplated pardoning some of those clothes destined for Goodwill, but I remained strong. In doing so, I was able to eliminate 30-40% of my wardrobe, most of which I promptly boxed up and donated before I could change my mind.

5 Little Black Pants

5 Little Black Pants Every Woman Should Have

Also during this process, I was completely amazed at the number of clothing items I was not wearing – some with the tags still on them, some that were lost in the back of the closet, and duplicate items for several wardrobe pieces, including 9 pairs of blacks. I wondered for a moment, how did I collect so many pairs of blacks pants? I tried on every single pair to see which ones would pass the test. Only 5 pairs made the cut and so, they shall remain. Now, some people may ask, “Do you really need 5 pairs of black pants?” to which I would reply in my best Charlie and Lola voice, “Yes, I absolutely do need these five pairs of black pants.”

And I truly believe that every woman’s wardrobe should include 5 pairs of black pants, even if she’s on a Wardrobe Diet. And here is the reason why. One needs multiple black pants for multiple occasions (and maybe personalities). And, each pair of pants is a different style, serving a different purpose.  So really, when you look at it from that perspective, they are five very different pieces.

So ladies, if you too have several pairs of black pants, here is how you can justify keeping them in your top 30%…

The 5 Little Black Pants Every Woman Should Have -

  1. Three-season Capri – With the weather’s cooperation, these very versatile pants can be worn in spring, summer, and fall. In spite of their short stature, these pants give the image of style and sophistication. They are especially perfect for business casual Fridays, or can be paired with a lightweight sleeveless sweater and jeweled sandals for a summer evening on the town.
  2. Work-week trouser – These smart pants always look good (even on your “fat” days) and can convey several styles. For a casual style, it can be paired with a cashmere t-shirt, or for a more professional look, wear a fitted button-down or cami covered by a brightly colored blazer. These are your “go to” pants that will no doubt be warn often. So, whether they are boot cut or wide leg, make sure the fabric is of good quality, such as gabardine (light wool) or a rayon/spandex blend, to withstand repeated washing or dry cleaning.
  3. Fancy pants – They may shimmer, shine, or are velvety-soft, but they will always be fancy. These pants are great for a girls’ night out dancing, holiday parties, or any special occasion when you want a little more attention from the opposite sex. When searching for your fancy pants, keep in mind they should be long enough to wear with funky mules, strappy sandals, or boots. A word of caution – although fancy pants can be considered anything out of ordinary, leather pants are almost always a mistake, unless you’re a supermodel or biker chic.
  4. Yoga loungers – Ahh….lycra at its best. These pants fit snug around the hips and thighs but are a little flared toward the bottom. The right pair can show off your curves and disguise your imperfections in one fell swoop. They are ideal for walking the dog at the park, a serious day of shopping when you are constantly changing clothes, when you’re feeling a bit bloated, or when you actually are attending a yoga class. As with all pants, finding the right fit for your yoga loungers is key – it’s the difference between looking like a casual hipster waiting for her manicure or a frumpy couch potato with no life.
  5. Suit pants – Your “I’m really the CEO of this company” pants look unbelievably polished and modern when worn with the matching suit coat or equally stylish blazer. However, these pants frequently have unflattering waistlines and, for the most part, don’t look right unless you actually wear them with a suit coat. So, if you opt to leave the coat on the hanger, make sure what’s underneath – a sleeveless sweater or button down oxford – falls slightly at or over the hips.

Now, there you have it – 5 perfect black pants for just about any occasion. Always reliable. Always stylish. Always in the top 30%.

Are you on a Wardrobe Diet? What’s in your top 30%?

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New Year's Resolution – The Wardrobe Diet

February 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Shipping

New Year's Resolution: Put your wardrobe on a diet

American and British women are more similar than you may think. Both spend loads of money on clothes and shoes, spend hours trying them on, and then agonize over how they look in their new purchases. It’s really no secret that most women in America and Britain will have issues with weight and body image at some point in their lives, and not just in the Macy’s or Top Shop dressing rooms with scary lighting. At this time of year, when we have a clean slate ahead of us, women seem to stress about their weight and body image the most. Research shows that in the US and Britain, most New Year’s resolutions relate to either taking better care of your health, specifically making goals to “go on a diet” or to “get in shape”, and/or getting your finances in order. Yet, in spite of our best intentions, most Americans and British will have given up on their resolutions by Groundhog’s Day. For British women, the decision to quit comes much sooner with most British women forfeiting their diet resolutions after just 6 days.

It is for these reasons, and many others, why I usually do not make diet-related New Year’s Resolutions. But this year, I wanted to try something different – to make a diet resolution that was more fun, more realistic, and more budget-conscious. Instead of putting myself on a traditional diet, where I would scrutinize what food I buy and what food I eat, I have resolved to put my wardrobe on a diet – watching what clothes I buy and what clothes I wear – with the intention of cutting the fabric clutter in my closet and adding more style than hangers.

This week, we celebrated Groundhog’s Day. To me, this is the perfect time to start my New Year’s Resolution. As of today, I am already past the point of resolution failure. When you look at it that way, I’ve already made it farther than most.

If you’re like me and are ready to make an easy and fun New Year’s Resolution – try the Wardrobe Diet. You may end up keeping this resolution past Memorial Day.

The Wardrobe Diet: 5 Steps to Getting the Wardrobe You Desire

  1. There's no need to count calories on this diet.

    There's no need to count calories on this diet.

    Purge your closet  - Like the excess pounds that you do not want, get rid of your excess clothing baggage. Assess your current wardrobe by identifying clothes that don’t fit and put them in a pile to donate. Even if you intended on losing 10 pounds in order to fit into the jeans you wore 5 years ago, now is the time to stop dreaming and start purging. Also donate those pieces that are worn out or out of style. This should leave you with a decent “base wardrobe” containing all items that still look great and look great on you.

  2. Follow the 1:1 ratio - This is the buy one, donate one method, where you a) only buy clothes as a replacement for existing clothes in your wardrobe or b) only buy clothes you do not already have. For instance, if you do already have a black turtle neck, you can buy a new one but must donate the old one. This wardrobe diet tip can help you avoid SSS – sale stockpiling syndrome. Don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about. Just because henley shirts are on sale does not justify buying 5 more of the same shirt you already have, even if they are in different colors.
  3. Give your figure a compliment – Don’t buy clothes that don’t fit your figure or don’t fit properly. Why spend your money on something that looks better on the hanger than it does on you? Buy clothes that complement your figure, including those that flaunt your assets and downplay your flaws. If you must buy clothes that don’t fit exactly how you’d like, take them to a tailor or trusted dry cleaner to make alterations. 
  4. Let your style show - If you have your own unique style or aspire to have one, be on lookout for pieces that fit that style. Likewise, if there is a certain image you want to portray, be it professional, casual, or sexy, let your wardrobe fit your image. Granted, every piece in your wardrobe does not have to reflect one style. But, before you shop for or buy a specific item, ask yourself how this new piece fits your style. If you’re hoping for a more French chic style, but the piece screams 1980s housewife, you may just want to keep on looking – even if it is 75% off. 
  5. Invest in the best (that you can afford) – In this economy, it’s difficult to justify spending money on more clothes when most of us have an adequate wardrobe. But, when the time comes where you do find yourself with extra fashion cash, remember that the most flattering clothes are not necessarily ones with a brand name, ie. more expensive. Simply buy the best quality clothes that you can afford on your budget, keeping in mind that they should make you look and feel great. A word to the wise, a $20 pair of nondesigner cords that are perfectly tailored to your shape are worth much more than a $75 designer pair that are two sizes too small.

If you’re like me and want to make a different New Year’s Resolution, try the Wardrobe Diet. It’s much easier than counting calories and carbs and it gives you something else to concentrate on other than food. So, whether you’re British or American, the Wardrobe Diet can help you curb your apparel appetite and may even give you a sleeker, sexier wardrobe in the process.

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Your Wardrobe, Italian Style

January 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

My first encounter with a true Italian girl was over 20 years ago. I was working for an Italian family who owned their own restaurant and catering service. Their daughter, who was only a few years older than me, had striking Italian features, including a large nose, and major attitude. Attitude aside, she always seemed to dress in the fashions of the day, and despite her larger figure, seemed to carry the trends well. She was not the most attractive girl but what she did have as far as good features, she seemed to flaunt relentlessly, including her “big hair”. For this, young men seemed to flock to her. What surprised me most though was that even as a teenager, this second-generation Italian girl knew how to work what she had to her advantage, always coming across confident and pulled together.

Italian fashion: www.flickr.com/photos/81635051@N00/463659071Fast forward 20 years and I’m still amazed at how pulled together Italian women seem to be. One thing i’ve learned in particular is that when it comes to Italian women and fashion, it’s all about la bella figura, or making a beautiful impression. This expression is a way of life for women in Italy, adhered to like a religion, no matter if they are at work, at home, or on vacation.

It’s not hard to fulfill this unwritten religious obligation in a country that has given the world such brand name fashions as Ferragamo, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada, and more. With so many high-end labels at their fingertips, Italian women have elevated fashion to a new level, almost to an international art form that many other nationalities aspire to duplicate, including Americans.

Although younger Italian women have taken to American trends, including Ugg boots and puffy jackets and vests, most Italian women build a wardrobe around classic pieces accented by a careful selection of trendy items and personal style. But no matter what the trend of the day is, an Italian woman knows her limits and will only wear the fashions and fits that flaunt her assets and hide her flaws.

Want to add more of an Italian feel to your wardrobe? Follow these fashion rules that Italian women live by:

Build a basic wardrobe: Wardrobe staples for women in Italy typically include great fitting jeans, sexy dresses, sweaters, black pants, and fitted jackets. Adding a few “trendy” items to these pieces each season will keep your style up-to-date, but not over your budget.

Gucci Sunglasses: www.flickr.com/photos/92931552@N00/520371068

Gucci Sunglasses

Invest in designer accessories: From handbags to shoes, designer labels are extremely popular in Italy. Most women can’t afford to have a complete wardrobe of designer pieces, so they will accent their look with expensive jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, hats, etc. Word to the wise, never underestimate the fashion power of Gucci sunglasses.

Choose high-end fabrics – No matter the trend of the day, selecting high-quality fabrics will distinguish you from a tourist in Italy. Italian favorites include wools, cashmere, gabardine, cotton, and of course, Italian silk. Italians are also particular about color coordination, opting for tans, blacks, creams, whites, and rich colors like chocolate browns and jewel tones (possibly to blend with all of the jewelry they wear!) 

Go for the tailored look – Italian women seem to have a innate skill for wearing just the right fit. They choose clothes that hug every curve, resulting in an always flattered figure. Pants, including jeans, are tailored to each body and hemlines seem to fit each shoe height. Tops and blouses are fitted but not skin-tight, and although they may show a hint of skin, the look remains slightly sexy but always tasteful.

Don’t skimp on shoes – Just like accessories, Italian women love their shoes, preferably high-heeled and leather. Quality heels are paired with just about anything from suits and skirts, to jeans and dresses. Heeled boots for winter are a must and, like regular heels, can be worn with just about any outfit. Although high heels may be preferred, flats are also acceptable as long as they are appropriate for your look as well as your figure. So, if the shoe fits, and looks good, wear it.

Wear it with confidence – For Italian women, it’s not just what you wear that matters, it’s how you wear it. So, no matter what you decide to wear today, be it Italian fashion or something else, wear it with confidence and a lot of attitude. Do this, and you may be mistaken for an Italian just yet.

Ciao Bella!

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British Women or "Bag Ladies"

January 20, 2009 By 2 Comments

British women mean business when it comes to their handbags. A recent  survey (as reported in the Daily Mail) revealed that the average 30-year old women in Britain has an average of 21 handbags/purses, and buys a new one every three months. That’s an average of 111 handbags owned in one lifetime! 
 BAGS!
Some fashionistas are calling this Sienna Miller Syndrome, named after the starlet who is known for expensive arm candy (and much of it). It turns out, that most of our female friends across the pond use the same three purses on a regular basis. Then what do they use the other 18 for? They keep these “spares” in a reachable place, for those “just in case” times. Just in case what? Just in case you need 18 other bags to choose from, I guess.

But for British women, it’s not just the bag, but what’s in it that counts.  A separate survey found that the average British woman’s handbag and its contents are worth over $1,200, yet the handbag itself is only worth an average of $100. So, what the hell are these British bag ladies carrying that is worth so much? Let’s take a peek:

What you might find in a British woman’s handbag….

Handbag = $71.75
Wallet = $41.77
Wallet contents = $69.85
Mobile phone = $139.27
Car keys = $278.49
House keys = $348.11
Make up = $69.63
Umbrella = $13.93
Book = $5.57
Sunglasses = $139.27
Leather diary = $30.64
Notepad = $5.57
Pencil case 
and pens		 = $13.94
TOTAL = $1,227.79

Similar to British women, the contents of my bag are worth considerably more than the amount of my actual bag – and that’s saying a lot considering it’s a Coach purse. Even still, the average worth of the purses in my collection is $175, more than double the worth of an average British purse. That must be why I only have seven purses in my collection. Hmmm, maybe it’s time to go purse shopping.

What’s in my purse today? Let’s see how this American girl’s bag measures up: 

Coach purse = $350
Car keys = $200
Ipod Nano = $150
Cell phone = $150
Wallet = $30
Gift cards = $40
Sunglasses = $20
Lipstick = $12
Notebook = $2
Lip balm = $2
Hand cream = $2
Hand sanitizer = $2
Pain reliever = $6
TOTAL = $996.00

Surprisingly, even with $1,200 slung on their arms, more than half of British women surveyed admitted losing their handbag one or more times. Ladies, it doesn’t matter if you have 11 or 111 purses at your disposal, each one serves a special purpose, so keep an eye on those bags, not to mention, their contents!

How does your bag and its contents measure up?

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