Layout:
Home > My Worst Impulse Buy

My Worst Impulse Buy

November 15th, 2008 at 06:09 pm

This morning I was reading an article about a

Text is strategy to prevent impulse buying and Link is http://www.ncnblog.com/2008/04/23/the-100-a-day-rule-prevents-impulse-buying/
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.


13 Responses to “My Worst Impulse Buy ”

  1. cassandra Says:
    1226773909

    What a gorgeous scarf! I love scarves too. They are so much fun.

    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?

  2. mom-sense Says:
    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!

  3. Analise Says:
    1226774350

    cassandra - Yes, I like your idea of rounding up for items under $100.

    Impulse buying items under $100 can end up being budget busters, too.

  4. Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
    1226774504

    So why don't you wear it? It is not "you" after all? Or are you thinking it is better to preserve its new in box status?

    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.

  5. Analise Says:
    1226774743

    mom-sense - You are right... I should wear it. In fact, I will wear it today when I go see my little grand-niece model in the American Girl fashion show that is a benefit for the Packard Children's Hospital.

  6. disneysteve Says:
    1226780548

    Sell it! I'd have that thing on ebay in an instant.

  7. swimgirl Says:
    1226790176

    Oh, disneysteve... typical man.

    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!)

  8. fern Says:
    1226791899

    well, i'm a bird-watcher, so i think the scarf is gorgeous, and i always thought that people who wore scarves were elegant and new more about fashion i did!

    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.

  9. baselle Says:
    1226801592

    Please wear it and enjoy it. Maybe you'll find out that you feel at least $325 richer and if someone asks, you can tell them about Paris. It sounds like you have an excellent opportunity.

  10. scfr Says:
    1226806289

    Hermes scarves are a scarf-lover's dream! Back when I worked in the corporate world, I wore scarves frequently and fantasized about someday owning an Hermes scarf.

    So glad to hear you decided to wear it.

  11. Ms. Pearl Says:
    1226859906

    Oh wow, that is so pretty.

  12. savannahzmomma1 Says:
    1228504996

    Hey, at least you didn't spend $3000 on a Great Expectations dating service membership that you never used. You will wear this scarf! Wear it and love it.

  13. EarlyRetireeTamara Says:
    1321383393

    Greetings!

    Hope you don't mind late-to-the-party comments, but I just found your blog and am thoroughly enjoying playing catch up. I retired earlier this year, and it certainly does continue to change from month-to-month, but all for the better happily!

    Regarding this post - I splurged on a Tiffany's sterling silver heart necklace on our trip to NYC a few years back, and have no regrets. I'd wanted it for years, absolutely love knowing I bought it at their 5th Ave NYC store and wear it frequently. I trust my DD's will wear it after I'm gone(in the far, far distant future!)as will one of yours most likely.

    Look forward to continuing my reading here!

Leave a Reply

(Note: If you were logged in, we could automatically fill in these fields for you.)
*
Will not be published.
   

* Please spell out the number 4.  [ Why? ]

vB Code: You can use these tags: [b] [i] [u] [url] [email]