CC Presents: Fitting Room Confidentials

{Emporio Armani skirt, original price $500, marked down to $129 via Century 21}

As you all know, I’m doing this 30 for 30 challenge.  And one of the rules is NO SHOPPING!

I actually don’t have a problem with not buying anything for a month.  I mean, it does kinda suck, but I can get over it.  However, window-shopping and trying things on (even if I’d never actually buy it) is one of my favorite leisure activities.

In fact, I’ll often try on zany outfits that border on costumes at vintage stores for fun. The fitting room is the best place to experiment with the newest trends without making any sort of commitment (or experiencing any public embarrassment).  I’ve tried on many items that were so absolutely ridiculous that I burst out laughing at myself in the fitting room!  I’ve also discovered some things that seemed questionable on the rack, but actually turned out to be really flattering.

Another trick of mine when I feel like I’ve been buying too much crap too often is to go into a really expensive department store like Barney’s or Bergdorf’s and try on a bunch of high-end designer items.  Now this may seem counter-intuitive, but there’s a method to my madness.  Seeing these pieces up close and personal, touching the fabric, paying attention to the structure of the garments, and feeling how they drape against the body really helps me appreciate high quality.  I mean, it’s a lot less tempting to go out and purchase a cheap acrylic sweater after you’ve been cozying up in the best double-faced cashmere.  The result is that I’m a lot more mindful of how I spend my money, and I’m more likely to work with what I have and save up for a really great coat or nice pair of shoes… which is usually cheaper in the long run when you factor in cost per wear.

With that being said, I’ve added a new feature to my Facebook Page called “Fitting Room Confidentials” where from time-to-time, I’ll post pics from my “shopping” excursions. For my first go-round, I took a little trip to Century 21, the holy grail of discount designer goods in NYC!  Take a peak and let me know what you think!

Going forward, I’ll try to do a mix of vintage shops, thrift stores, discount retailers, high-end department stores and funky boutiques.

Cheers, and happy not-shopping!

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