Transfer Addiction: Fashion

[careya123 260]

I always said that if I was thin, I'd break my budget on clothes. I could see that becoming a transfer addiction for me. Any other current or future fashionistas out there? Has it been, or do you anticipate that it would be, a problem for you?

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

(clearing throat slowly ....)

I don't think I've acquired a transfer shopping addiction.

(clearing throat slowly again ....)

However (ahem), I have shopped more in the last year than I did in the previous couple of years. And for an obvious reason: As I lost weight, I shopped out of my closet (my old "skinny clothes"). But eventually I lost so much weight I literally had nothing to wear. At 135 pounds, I now weigh less than I've weighed in the last 35 years.

Another thing that happened is that at 70 years old I decided to modify my dress style (which is basically "classic") by adding pieces in some "rocker chic" and "street style" ways of dressing. That has meant more leather, less matchy-matchy, different jewelry, shoes that are less "traditional," more skinny jeans, and outfits that combine pieces from different designers and different stores.

Sounds like it could turn into an expensive new addiction, doesn't it?

Happily, I have found an amazeballs high-end consignment clothing resale store where I now spend 90% of my clothing budget. My new clothes budget for 2016 is only $100 a month, which will require me to do some serious planning before shopping and spending. I probably averaged twice or even triple that amount in 2015 (my first "skinny year"). And if I had more money I could and would spend SO much more money on new clothes.

These days I'm making a list of the types of pieces I want to acquire this year. I think (and hope) this will reduce my impulsive purchases.

Besides, I no longer have the excuse of having nothing that fits me. My closet now contains lots of pieces in sizes 2 to 8.

P.S. Since becoming slimmer, I now understand that what we've always heard is true: Sizes mean absolutely nothing. You literally have to try on a piece of clothing to find out if it fits you.

[Dub 9,922]

Oh yeah. I can better understand how it can happen now.

I was in the local mall yesterday and saw a shirt that I had to have. I spent way more on it than I can remember ever doing before on a shirt.......knowing that it'll be too small in a short timeframe. Didn't even give it a second thought after trying it on.....straight to the cash register.

This coming from a guy who has always hated shopping.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I definitely love to shop. That's not really new, but it's so much more fun now. I did wonder if it would become an actual problem, but it hasn't. As time as gone on, I have less need for things. For the first time ever, I am a consistent size. My things wear better because they fit. I've been wearing the same clothes for 2 years now, and when I see something I like, I buy it.

I am past the phase of having to get everything new, from socks to bras to underwear to shoes to casual, work, and dress clothes. Of course, you need new purses for that stuff I am half my original size, so the only thing I didn't change was my good jewelry. That really does require a lot of shopping, and since its fun and everything fits, it is tempting to go a little nuts. I always felt like a kid in a candy shop with an cart blanche - sometimes I would lose reason and buy it because it was cool/trendy/what I always wanted. That has worn off a little. Now I will only buy it if it is something I need for an event, or offers some sort of style I've been looking for, is unique, etc. Really, how many pairs of black pants can one person use?

I'll admit I have way many bras and underwear. My drawers look like Victoria Secret show case. But even those things have been acquired over time, on sale, free coupons, and cared for so that they last. I say enjoy yourself! As long as you are not spending more money than you have, or have more things than you can reasonably wear, I don't think it's a problem.

[SeahawksFan 444]

I might fall in this category. Hard to say as I've been at goal for a year exactly today and you really do have a lot of stuff to replace. Work clothes, casual clothes, going out clothes, work out clothes. Harley gear, snow ski gear, jackets, bikini. And then you need cute new shoes to go with this stuff It seems like every season it's something. I am hoping now I am pretty set but it's also so much fun when things look good on.

[erp 2,016]

I became a shopaholic for awhile. I wasn't hungry and didn't want to eat from boredom at home so I would go out shopping all the time. Did that for two years. I would feel amazed when I would try something on and it would fit!!

In the last six months, I've slowed down but need to probably take some of my clothes to consignment. I simply have too many. I haven't yet because they are pretty and I don't want to part with them but we moved into a new house with small closets- every fashionista's nightmare.

Anyway, I have no regrets. I have a job and can afford what I bought. But mostly I have no regrets because I am worth it. We all lose our head from time to time and being on a first name basis with every sales associate in town, well, there could be worse things.

PS one thing that helped- I stopped subscribing to InStyle.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I have always love to shop and I was a serious clothes horse before losing weight. I had 3 plus closets full of clothes, more in storage and probably over 50 pairs of shoes.

I got rid of all of it as soon as it was too big. Now I only buy what fits, and as soon as it is just a little baggy I chuck it and go down to the next size.

I actually hate shopping now. I have to try on everything single thing every time I go shopping. My sizes and body keep changing. I spent 2.5 hours trying on clothes in one store the other day. I ended up trying on half the store. The only thing that balances my current annoyance with clothes is buying shoes now is a pure joy. I have to replace all of my shoes since I swim in wides now.

I'm not worried about it being a transfer addiction because I actually shop less right now. I love clothes, I like collecting them. I love having things other people don't have and can't get. Right now I cant' get attached to anything because i am still dropping almost a size a month. All these clothes are just temporary, so none of them are special to me. Shopping addiction cured.

I used to sit and shop almost everyday online from home, but since I am not familiar with this body and my sizes. I have to try everything on, so I don't shop online anymore, except the rare item I have already tried on in a store and the price is better online or for Shapewear, so my shopping is probably cut down by 2/3rds or 3/4ths.

[BestDayEver 418]

I'm totally hung up on buying pretty new dresses. I would love to head to Nordstroms this very minute but I think I'll head over to the gym instead. Oh, if only I was given an extra $3,000 just to spend on clothes, purses, shoes, etc.

[bellabloom 2,467]

All i can say is thank god I have a very small closet.

I'm totally addicted to shopping now. It just is so much fun!!

I have started to get very selective about what I do buy now... Like I said. Small closet.

Maybe I should take my kids closet.... Hahaha.

Edited February 4, 2016 by bellabloom

[MichiganChic 3,262]

@@SeahawksFan don't forget the new bags. You will need nice purses to go with all that stuff. For some reason I found being thin motivated me to switch bags frequently to go with outfits, coats, etc

[DavidOso 272]

for me, i wouldn't say it is a transfer addiction, i just am taking pride in myself for the first time in years. I like to dress well, and i NOW look good doing it. i am still closet shopping(90%). i have shopped ebay for a sports coat/blazer and a winter coat. didn't spend much and they will not last long as i continue to loose. when i reach my goal, that may be a whole new kettle of fish, batman!

[Daisee68 2,493]

Oh mine may very well be an addiction.... And I have bought and worn more jewelry too! I never used to even bother with earrings and now I don't leave the house without earrings, necklace, watch and Bracelet. I still have at least one more closet clean out too but for now I am well stocked - for winter that is. Watch out summer time clothing!

[thegentleoso 65]

I hope no one takes offense to this, I have my surgery on the 16th. When I get to my goal, I am going to be such a woman when I comes to shopping! I can't wait to go to the mall and buy normal size clothes. As it is, I went to a Los Lobos concert last week, and they had a cool Duckies button up shirt. As usual, nothing close to my size, but I bought the biggest one they had, and for a short while, I will be looking good in it!

[losergrl75 277]

This is actually one of my Hubby's concerns. When I am smaller, I shop a lot more. He already said he hopes he doesn't go back to finding my shopping bags hidden in the trunk or all over the house lol However, I now try to live credit card free- so I've set a $100 monthly clothing budget and hope to stick to it. Since I was a yoyo dieter, I should be able to shop my closet for another month or 2.

[careya123 260]

I have the smallest wardrobe ever now (pre-surgery). I was telling a friend about a blog post advocating the use of only 33 clothing items for 3 months (333 capsule wardrobe). She said, 'You'd have to go buy clothes.' And she was so right. I have almost no clothing. I work at home, though, so it's okay.

But when I was thinner, I bought clothes. Mmmm, I love clothes. I have been cruising J Crew and banana Republic lately, but they seem to have lost something since I shopped at them last (15 yrs ago?). Now I'm looking at Hugo Boss and Brooks Brothers. I've never spent that kind of money on clothes before, but I am seriously considering it for post-surgery. And the time I spend on Pinterest looking at fashion posts is out of control. *sigh*