Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Spending Spurt

I wouldn't call it a "spree," really, but...I'm in the process of spending the money piled up in my vanity-related virtual envelopes. Yesterday, I ordered a denim blazer & a pair of jeans for $80 (each nearly 75% off) and made a hair appointment for a cut and color at the expensive curly hair salon. The shopping won't stop there--I've already got my eye on two more tops and a dress, and I definitely need a big fat belt and a couple of light cardigans. I do have the money--it's just hanging out in my checking account, doing nothing--and I have it for a reason, and the reason is this, right here: to buy stuff with.

Nevertheless, I find it difficult to avoid little twinges of guilt: I could have saved that money. (Maybe after I do this spending, I'll hold off on contributing to these envelopes again for a couple of paychecks and save that money instead.) I don't, however, feel so guilty that I'm not excited about new clothes and a new haircut.

5 comments:

PF101 said...

You have to treat yourself occasionally. And, if it was planned into your budget and you aren't robbing any of your other goals then there's no reason to feel guilty. If you spend your entire life saving it's going to be a really boring.

ThePrincessPat said...

I know what you mean, Eng. Major--I feel guilty, too, when I spend money on things that aren't traditional *needs* (even though I do need them). But if you have to spend (and it sounds like you do), you're doing it the right way-- like getting the blazer and jeans on sale. As a person with wavy hair, I can empathize with the salon situation--getting someone to cut your hair correctly is worth the $$!

givengrace said...

OK so what's your secret to finding clothes for 75% off?

Janet said...

my sister's in new york this week for a job interview. are there places you're suggest to find clothes at good prices? thanks!

English Major said...

givengrace, it was sheer dumb luck. I checked out the site for a small boutique line of clothing that I like a lot but that's usually out of my price range, and they were clearing out inventory--my guess is that the blazer was meant for fall, and maybe the jeans as well, but (provided we get a real spring here in NY and don't just start summer right now) it'll do well for me now.

sf, I'd recommend Beacon's Closet, a thrift store in Brooklyn--it's not so much a "thrift store" in the conventional sense, but the prices are still generally good for what you're getting, and you sometimes find some really special stuff. Similarly, she should check out one of our several locations of Housing Works, also a thrift store in this mode--there's a lot of vintage and designer stuff at normal-clothing prices. At least at my local location, it's particularly good for jeans & slightly offbeat dresses. If she's up for a more elaborate venture or specifically wants professional clothes, I'd recommend that she check out the sales at the department stores, especially Macy's and Lord & Taylor. She can pick up one of the free daily papers (AM New York & the Metro)--they usually have coupons for the department stores. I wish her the best of luck!