A shopping spree worthy of any past or present Great Singapore Sale finds you surrounded by five – no, wait, eleven – shopping bags on your bedroom floor.
Sounds familiar?
But then you realise something else: While you’re immensely pleased with your purchases, how do you explain them to your better half, who will likely react in shock and horror when he catches a glimpse of your massive haul?
Well, here are a few suggestions:
“What – this old thing?”
Don’t tell me you haven’t used this line before. But in the off-chance that you actually haven’t, then it’s time to learn it. While it’s natural to celebrate your newest and best purchases by showing them off with glee, he might not be able to appreciate it or join in your enthusiasm. The best way to handle this situation? Be modest, and allow your purchases to be admired only when asked.
Mix the new purchase with older purchases
Unless it’s a special occasion like Chinese New Year, Christmas or your birthday, stepping out in a brand-new outfit will elicit negative responses from him, like “Gone shopping again?” So he doesn’t think you’re a spendthrift, mix your new purchase with older ones. For example, match a new choker with a blouse you’ve worn before, or new shoes with a favourite dress.
Reveal your new purchases periodically
Just because you bought three bags in a month doesn’t mean you have to show them all at once. Choose appropriate occasions where you can “unveil” every one of them: That new bejewelled minaudiere could be for your best friend’s wedding, or that roomy tote for your celebratory first day at the gym. Save some of your other new purchases to bring out on a later date. Who knows? It might help curb the urge to buy something new, because there is still something new in your wardrobe!
They are gifts
Hey, we don’t have to feel too guilty over this one! The Great Singapore Sale may be the best time to stock up on gifts for upcoming birthdays and special occasions (like that wristlet you know your best pal has had her eye on for the longest time at 20% off). Yes, we’ve got eleven shopping bags sprawled on our floor – but perhaps only eight of those are for us. We’re sure he’ll understand!
Make him watch “Confessions of a Shopaholic”
If all else fails, get him to watch the film “Confessions of a Shopaholic”. Point out that – unlike the main character – you are not racking up excessive credit card bills, or have the need to attend Shopaholic Anonymous support groups. Indeed, he should be glad that your shopping habits are way under control. But if he still isn’t convinced, well… at least you both enjoyed a movie together. And since you were busy watching the movie, you weren’t out shopping!
Amanda Mok of Fashionide has one foot in the swirly, glitzy universe that is fashion, the other firmly planted in reality. She has been nicknamed the barefoot fashionista because while she always has an eye out for that perfect pair of killer stilettos, she would much rather pad around barefoot.
