I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid.

I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid.

      I refuse to incur credit card debt for fashion. It’s easier said than done. As a fashion editor, online shopping is part of my job, putting me constantly in the path of the urge to overindulge. I can’t help but browse through H&M's new arrivals, the discounts at Zara, or the designer shoes available at Net-a-Porter. I need to identify what celebrities are wearing and guide our readers on how to replicate the style of their favorite fashionable TV characters. This makes it quite easy for me to slip into the mindset of constantly purchasing. However, then I wouldn’t maintain an 800 credit score, would I? While I can’t control outside temptations, I can manage my spending behavior. I have a few strategies to share on how I steer clear of credit card debt, none of which rely on being wealthy, marrying someone wealthy, or having wealthy parents. If any of that were the case, I would have retired at 25. Instead, I find myself with a 9-to-5 job and no trust fund. Keep reading to discover the three shopping mistakes I avoid.

      1. I Never Evaluate Purchases in Isolation

      I don’t adhere to conventional shopping advice. Before buying something, many might reflect on how often they’ll wear it and if it can be paired with what they already own. For me, those aren’t the right questions, as I can rationalize any single purchase. For example, if I’m thinking about buying a dress, I’ll come up with various occasions to wear it and numerous items to style it with. I might even convince myself it has a great cost-per-wear. There are times when I’m not entirely honest with myself about my justifications! Instead of viewing a single purchase on its own, I always compare several potential purchases. How badly do I want this item in relation to all the other items I desire? That’s the right question for me because it forces me to focus on what I truly love and refine my wish list. To compare multiple potential purchases, I utilize Pinterest. I have a secret board where I pin everything that catches my eye, enabling me to see numerous products together and compare them. Out of everything on this list, what do I desire the most? This approach has helped me spend money only on items that I genuinely love.

      2. I Resist the Temptation to Buy Duplicates

      Sometimes, one is all I need. If something isn’t broken, why try to fix it? I own just one work tote. I have one pair of sunglasses. (This is partly because they have prescription lenses, making replacements a bit of a hassle, but the point still stands.) I possess one straw hat, one belt, one puffer jacket, and one black-tie dress. Clearly, there are categories where this wouldn’t work. I’ll admit that I have several pairs of jeans, numerous T-shirts, plenty of sneakers, several blazers, and a significant number of sweatshirts. However, whenever there’s a chance to have just one version of an item, I seize it, and I’ll only replace that item when it has truly worn out.

      3. I Avoid Shopping Under Pressure

      I won’t deny it: I’ve panicked before special events and convinced myself that I have nothing to wear. Sometimes, it doesn’t even have to be a “special” occasion for me to start worrying! Shopping under a deadline can lead me to purchase something ill-fitting because I lack the time for alterations. Or, I might end up settling for something I don’t love simply because I felt compelled to buy something new. Since when has new been synonymous with better? I have to remind myself that it isn't.

      Things I *Do* Invest My Hard-Earned Money In:

      Madewell

      Essential Slim Tee in Lightweight Cotton

      Madewell T-shirts have never disappointed me.

      (Image credit: @fitzpatrickerin)

      These are the exact jeans I'm wearing in the photo above. When I say I wear them constantly, I truly mean it.

      Strathberry

      Lana Hobo in Raffia/Black

      I choose to spend my money on a few well-crafted, durable handbags rather than many trendy fast-fashion items. Strathberry's quality has always won me over.

      J.Crew

      Garçon Classic Shirt in Baird Mcnutt Irish Linen

      A white linen shirt is a favorite staple in my wardrobe.

I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid. I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid.

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I have an 800 credit score—three shopping errors I always avoid.

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