My Shopping Hiatus

On showing self-restraint when fashion is literally your job.

I am currently freelancing and haven’t had a full-time job since March, so money is tight. Let it be known that I not only want a full-time role again but need one financially and have been trying for months. Unfortunately, I’m someone who uses shopping as a coping mechanism. I’m lucky to have a closet that isn’t lacking in great basics, rare designer pieces, and amazing quality pieces from small brands.

But as a fashion-obsessed creative, putting together the perfect outfit often consumes my thoughts, and I crave newness or just new outfit possibilities. I know I don’t need more clothes, but being unemployed means I often sit at home bored. Not to mention, leaving the house once a week is extremely necessary for your mental health, especially when living in New York City. When I do go out, I usually just want to get a coffee and go to the thrift store—even just to look. Going to the thrift once a week is hazardous enough to my wallet. I often find cool pieces that are such a good deal, that I can’t pass them up (like those $40 Prada ski pants and $100 Barragan jeans!!).

I am, however doing much better at eschewing consumerism and being less wasteful —choosing thrifting as a conscious option and only picking items that are good quality and I know I’ll wear enough. I will hit up sample sales—let’s face it, we have some of the best here—but only when it’s a brand I absolutely love (looking at you Simon Miller and Miaou). NYC sample sale prices can’t be beat.

It’s important to note that when you don’t have extra money to spend and frankly, have more than enough clothes, it is much easier to be discerning. Did I need that spacey jumpsuit from the Saks Potts sample sale? It was super cool, but when would I wear it? Did I need that ‘90s Lurex top from Above Chinatown? I quite liked it, but it didn’t feel like an absolute need. Ultimately, I didn’t get it because I knew I couldn’t afford it—a feeling I grappled with differently back when I had a steady paycheck.