Towards the last days of my India trip a few weeks ago, I read this article on NYTimes about how the author followed a no-shopping rule for a year on clothes. Two of her motivations for it resonated way too loudly with me. A. You are less grateful for gifts when you are already gratifying all of your own wants and more. B. I spend an atrocious amount of time on shopping, online and in-store, at this point. Perusing long aisles and scrolling through 15-page catalogues. If there was an upcoming event, I’d obsess over just what to wear, accumulate days and days in finding it.
Over the last few years, with very few dressy events for me to plan for, I’d simply pursue things I want in my closet. To be worn to office or a date or on a day out. The perfect white eyelet top, the neck not too low, the length not too cropped. I’d spend hours and hours on Zara and Macy’s, Mango and Target. Online and then in-store. (I’m not rich, Zara and Mango are considered fast-fashion in US and have sale deals often).
The issue is, the things I want in my closet is a trap and ever-refilling.
I’m sure the American consumerism is to blame too, but more so my abandoning of healthy hobbies in the recent few years, although I’ve generally obsessed over what I’ll wear since my undergrad days. At this point I must also acknowledge my brother’s noble, persistent efforts to push me into reading newspapers regularly, among other things, most of which haven’t borne fruit but I shall try soon. Harder this time. :’)
Anyway, during this India trip, I still indulged a little bit. I brought back new finds of the same old flavors I’ve always loved – almost all of them printed kurtas or stitched dresses, both gifts from family and gifts to myself. I then vowed to not get myself any clothing in the next six months unless I absolutely must. Over the past week I’ve done my best to not click on BR factory ads that are, apparently, everywhere. I’ve not added anything new to any carts and I’m not waiting on any brand sales.
This evening I realized that instead I’ve been frequenting Dunkin and Trader Joe’s every other day, for the dopamine hit or whatever they call it..
It’s too early (I think) to say if these are withdrawal symptoms. But I’m still going to get back to and inculcate some healthier pastimes.
(Nevertheless I’m proud of some of my finds. If you’re in the US and looking for ideas – I’ m guessing you’re not but I badly want to share!- try these bangles. They were the last thing on my list and hopefully there won’t be many to follow.)
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