Selling emotions that I can buy

3/22/2017

You're selling emotions
That I can't buy
Don't want the sadness
Price is far too high
And I don't want
I don't need your package lies
I've got too much in store

Someone help me
Find the merchant of love...
With a full guarantee
--"Merchant of Love" Joan Armatrading

After a bit of a rash of shopping, I've been trying to psychoanalyze myself to understand what drives my purchases. I think all of my clothing purchases have to do with feeling something. I picture myself in the clothing feeling a certain way.

I remember a very snowy day a couple years ago when I wore a gray skirt, a boucle lavender cowlneck sweater, & patterned sweater tights--I remember feeling cozy & fun. I feel like I've been trying to recapture that feeling ever since, & it drove me to buy this sweater dress that I picture myself wearing to work or out for coffee next winter with warm tights.

Abercrombie & Fitch Sweater Dress, sold out, available on ebay or on Poshmark in limited sizes & also in gray

I remember dancing in a New York club about five years ago feeling hip & edgy, which drove me to buy this top.

Zara T-shirt with Sheer Sleeves, $22.90

I love both items, though I may be fooling myself about recapturing the feelings that led me to purchase them.

But maybe I've uncovered an underlying motivation which will help me control my spending? Maybe I can find the feeling without buying the clothes?

Are you driven to buy something based on the memories & emotions it evokes in you?

Along the same lines...