Shopping as a Coping Mechanism

For as long as I've had a credit card, I've used shopping as a coping mechanism. Despite this blog leaning the way of "slow fashion" and towards considered purchases that you plan to love forever, I've not always practiced what I've preached.

I've spent countless hours scrolling the pages of popular brands, adding things to my cart that I may or may not purchase, feeling the thrill of pressing the "confirm order" button as if you've just won a prize based on collecting a possession quicker than someone else. 

One of my first collecting addictions started with MAC Cosmetics where I would anticipate, plan, and refresh my page until I could grab all the limited edition items from each launch.

"Collecting" is the key word. Maybe it's the enjoyment of tracking, researching, and finally claiming an item that you've coveted. It took me a long time to realize I enjoyed the chase of the item more than the item itself and that post "confirm" I'd be onto the next thing.

What might be a harmless, scrolling pastime for someone else was an unhealthy, money-burning addiction for me. Even now I'm not a perfect specimen by any means but I've promised myself to think long and hard before pressing that "confirm" button.

The vintage ginger jars imported from Hong Kong more than 25 years ago were purchased from VintageGingerMN on Etsy.

Time period: 1970s.