Before I had my breast reduction surgery, shopping was a bit of a nightmare. When it's hard to find any clothes that actually fit (if it fit my bust it was way too large on my shoulders). For me shoes, costume jewellery and handbags have been my "go to" items when shopping for many years. They don't mock me in the change room over my weight, shape or size. They don't make me feel bad, they give me options when changing the way an outfit looks too. A double bonus!
I know that many women feel this way too. Shoes are a common item that some of us have "many" of.
That's also how we often end up with multiples of similar items in our wardrobes. It may be lots of tops because it's tricky to buy pants when you have a curvy figure. It could be jackets or cardigans if you always feel the cold or just like that extra layer.
But for so many of us, it's shoes.
Now there are a few reasons for this:
- We need different shoes to go with different outfits (every outfit requires a pair of shoes, but they don't all require a jacket or belt or pant).
- We are searching for comfortable shoes. The ones that feel like you're not wearing shoes... but look spectacular
- We need shoes for different seasons and weather.
- Shoes wear out and fall to pieces, particularly those ones we wear all the time
- Shoes don't date as quickly as other garments. They stay in fashion much longer, and they do come back into fashion in a way clothing never does.
Do you have a shoe addiction? I do, and I can tell you how I got it...
How My Shoe Addiction Developed
When I was in my late teens, I started developing bunions (so attractive, I know), and I went to the doctor and he asked me if I wore the same shoes every day. At that stage in my life I owned exactly one pair of winter shoes and a pair of summer sandals. The answer was yes.
My doctor then informed me that each shoe rubs the foot in different places. This constant rubbing creates irritation, and from that irritation form dreaded corns and bunions.
He told me that I should " wear different shoes every day, and never wear the same shoe two days running. " Yes that was his exact advice.
I, like a good patient, listened to his advice and started acquiring shoes. I discovered the joy of shoes. How shoes changed the way an outfit looks, it's level of refinement, it's personality.
I now have a large stable of shoes, collected over a dozen or so years (my feet grew one size after my first pregnancy so I had to dispose, very sadly, of my previous shoe collection. None of them are the same as each other. They are not multiples of similar shoes. They are all different. I will not purchase shoes that are too similar to any I already own. I know that there is no value in that.
I love that shoes can create an edge, or a mood for an outfit. I love different colours, shapes and styles. I love that they remain in fashion for longer than most other items in my wardrobe. So the cost-per-wear factor is spread over a much longer time period.
Do You Have Multiples of Other Garments?
Whether it's shoes, handbags or a particular garment, do you have something in your wardrobe that is your 'go to' when shopping? Something that you more often than not bring home?
Is that item adding to or subtracting from your wardrobe?
The answer to this question comes down to the reason for choosing it.
Are you buying because it's different - like my shoes are - from everything else in your wardrobe?
Are you buying because it's something you need and you're looking for the "perfect one" of that thing and you're hoping that finally, this one will be "the one" that fits correctly. Fit is an issue that is often a reason for multiples. We are searching for that "perfect" version and don't seem to be able to find it.
Are you buying because you're frustrated by the whole shopping experience and XXX "always comes in handy" so another one of that same thing makes its way into your closet?
Are you buying multiples because you've forgotten you already own it?
When you discover your reasons it can make shopping a more successful and conscious experience. I can tell you that I've seen over 30 pairs of black pants in a closet because "black pants always come in handy" and 20+ wool V-neck men's (kid you not) jumpers (sweaters) in another closet because "when I go shopping and I can't find something I buy one". Or even, when there are 20 green tops in the wardrobe, because the wardrobe is disorganised, its owner doesn't think they have a green top, so she kept purchasing a green top every time she went shopping, that was, until I pointed this out.
So it's worthwhile knowing why you shop for what you do. What are your triggers? What are your reasons? What are your bad shopping habits? Do you really need it in every colour?
If you've realised that maybe your multiples are for a reason that you're not happy with, then you can take action to change your shopping habits today.
I know shopping can be frustrating and stressful for many (here are some tips on making it more successful). but the more you know about your reasons, the better your choices will be.
Tell me what you buy in multiples and why!
