This morning I was reading an article about a
strategy to prevent impulse buying and I reflected on some of my worst impulse buys over the years. At the top of the list is the $325 Hermes scarf I bought at the airport in Paris, minutes before departing for the US.I am a scarf lover. Those who know me are used to frequently seeing me in a scarf, almost daily when I worked. Scarves are one of my favorite accessories. But a $325 scarf? It was a stupid, impulsive buy. I made the mistake of going into the duty-free shop and was immediately seduced by this exquisitely crafted scarf. The reality is I can buy a great scarf for less than $50 and wearing a $325 scarf would not make me look any better. And, obviously, it was impossible to return this scarf.
The truly sad thing is that my Hermes scarf has never left its pretty box... I have never ONCE worn it. In the back of my mind, maybe I am thinking I might sell it on eBay, but in the meantime it sits in the cedar chest. What probably will happen when I die is that my DDs will donate it to the Goodwill and some smart and lucky frugal person will buy this great scarf for 50 cents. Hmmm, well, maybe I will wear it one of these days, after all.
It's a small consolation that my impulse buys haven't prevented me from meeting my financial obligations, but I can think of much better ways to spend $325. Had I followed the strategy in the article, I would not have made the purchase. Live and learn.
November 15th, 2008 at 06:31 pm 1226773909
I enjoyed that article but what about the items that cost less than $100? Would you just round up and wait a day if it cost less than $100?
November 15th, 2008 at 06:33 pm 1226774024
It is a beautiful scarf. Why don't you wear it? My mother has a Louise Green hat that cost $200 at a top-notch store. She wears it at Christmas. I said, "Icould never wear anything that expensive!" She said, "Why not? You are worth it. I am worth it." My biggest splurge has been a $200 Coach purse that wasn't exactly impulsive, because I saved for it. I didn't have buyer's remorse, but I did think of how far that $200 could have gone!
November 15th, 2008 at 06:39 pm 1226774350
Impulse buying items under $100 can end up being budget busters, too.
November 15th, 2008 at 06:41 pm 1226774504
A friend gave me a gorgeous silk scarf. I hardly ever dress up, so have not had opportunity to wear it. I would wear it with jeans and t-shirt even, or just around the house for my own happiness--- except for the fact that in my casual dress and casual living, I know I would have that scarf damaged in 5 minutes. It is very fragile. I need to get a manicure to even handle it without snagging it. A delciate whisp of silk for a most non-delicate wearer.
November 15th, 2008 at 06:45 pm 1226774743
November 15th, 2008 at 08:22 pm 1226780548
November 15th, 2008 at 11:02 pm 1226790176
WEAR THE SCARF!
Get over the fact that you spent that much money on it. You have it now, it's Hermes, and it's gorgeous! Enjoy it! Let it remind you of the joyous parts of your European trip! Let everyone compliment you on it! (And then stay away from duty free shops from now on!)
But wear it! (or mail it to me and I'll wear it!)
November 15th, 2008 at 11:31 pm 1226791899
I also have a Hermes scarf but never wear it.
My worst impulse buy, back in the day when i had money to burn, or so it seemed, i spent $100 on a bottle of perfume. That was about 10 years ago and of course i still have a mostly full bottle. WHAT A WASTE.. HOW STUPID OF ME.
November 16th, 2008 at 02:13 am 1226801592
November 16th, 2008 at 03:31 am 1226806289
So glad to hear you decided to wear it.
November 16th, 2008 at 06:25 pm 1226859906
December 5th, 2008 at 07:23 pm 1228504996