Confessions of a Former Shopaholic - How To Break Your Shopping Addiction
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2023
- Hello and Welcome to Anthorpology!
My name is Thor and on this channel, I’m all about mindful consumption, luxury handbags, analytical videos on topics in the fashion industry and looking at making this a safe space for LGBT+ folks who enjoy handbags 💛
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In this video, I am talking about how I used to be a shopaholic and how I've gotten away from that mindset and constant cycle of consumption!
Watch these videos if you're interested in more of my content: 🌝
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- The Excessive, Opulent World of The $10,000+ Luxury Hauls: • Exploring The Excessiv...
- Prada Ring Unboxing: • Prada Ring Unboxing - ...
- Prada Shopping Vlog: • Luxury Shopping Vlog -...
- Celine Glasses Shopping Vlog + Unboxing: • Vancouver Luxury Shopp...
The name of this channel is a mix of my name "Thor" and my major in university, Anthropology. One of my friends nicknamed me it and I thought it was genius, so here we are. As the name suggests, I put an anthropological spin on the topics we talk about!
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- Vancouver based 🇨🇦
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#luxuryoutube #declutter #minimalism #shopaholic #shoppingdisorder #mindfulness - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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I think A LOT of us are having this problem after the pandemic. This highly resonated with me. I had the same journey actually. Saw I had a problem, started tracking my materialistic spending every quarter - be ABSOLUTELY horrified with the results, and took action and yes! It wasn’t things I was needing but experiences that I craved! So I wrote a list of all the wonderful things I wanted to do…. And did them, while learning how to tell myself “NO” to triggers and overspending.
omg love that, seems to be a common thread that we all experienced throughout the past 3 years. Glad you're onto experiences and not spending on material as much 💛
For real- started for me during pandemic
Addictions (drinking, gambling, eating, shopping) have a mental cause. They satisfy some void. Maybe loss of a loved grandparent or sibling when a child. Sometimes it fills an emptiness inside. Maybe it represents the love that we either didn’t get as a child or were taught that things that our parents bought for us equaled love. So many different reasons but all start in the mind. They are a mental illness. Well done to everyone who successfully overcomes this addiction.
Wow all of that! 👏👏💛💛💛
Great video! I'm out the door of my perfume shopping addiction. It's over. I've got about 150 bottles of totally useless perfume. I stopped buying perfume about 3 years ago. Such is life. Congratulations on your recovery. (Normand from Montreal).
omg happy for you 💛 150 bottles of perfume is a lot ahaha a whole life time of perfume! I have 1 bottle that has taken me 2 years to get through hahaha happy that you're on the up and up and thank you for watching 💛
@@anthorpology I wrote this comment as a cautionary tale. If you have more than 5 of anything, unless you are a serious collector, you must just have a buying addiction. It's not perfume enthusiasm, it's consumerism.
@@garssympa500so true. Thank you for sharing
ive got a big collection too, but i wouldnt call them useless!
I needed this. I'm staring at my monthly Amex bill at 6.5K GBP, wondering what the fuck am I doing. I do have some FABULOUS pieces tho... but still.
Start by writing down your spending expense, your main bills (rent/morgage, food..etc) and set a monthly budget. This will help keep track of your spending and let you know where your money is going. Also, save money for luxury purchase every month from $100-$300. Or sell stuff that you don't want and use that money for another purchase. This is what worked for me avoid debt and stay within my budget. Hope it helps.
Thank you for watching 💛💛💛 since I was a just in London, the pound is a beast ahaha so good luck 💛
This really resonated w me! Thanks 👏🏼 it’s bizarre how a seemingly innocent hobby like fashion could turn into full blown addiction if we don’t keep it in check. I didn’t really think my shopping habits were an issue until recently, when I realized it consumed wayyy too much of my time. The endless researching and perusing of sales etc. I try to be more intentional now, and only look when there’s something specific I actually need, vs randomly scrolling forever on SSENSE etc. also trying to be more mindful and appreciative of the stuff I already own + going thru a huge declutter extravaganza lol
Thank you for your comment! I’m glad the video resonated 💛 it’s so true, shopping can be so harmless until it’s not, and you really have to recognize the behaviour and then can do something about it!
Thank you for the advice Thor. I have let go of things this year including contemporary bags and my Uggs. I used to have this rule of one in one out so I would part with something and then bring in something else. I decided to do things differently going forward and if I let something go, I won't necessarily bring in something new. I grew up poor and my family couldn't afford anything lux. When I started making my own money, I wanted to treat myself to nice things and I started to shop at Nordstrom. I wanted to treat myself and I had a wishlist. But I also wasn't making the kind of money where I could afford to spend on luxury and I will be honest...I sacrificed eating healthy nutritious meals to save up for a wish list item. There were times I would skip lunch or just eat a Cup o Noodles at work for lunch. It was toxic behavior and I see that now. I have learned that I am really not comfortable wearing any big bags heavily branded with logos....there are safety issues since I take public transit and my lifestyle just doesn't fit wearing a big logo bag. For instance, I like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales but I also like going to flea markets and craft fairs and a LV monogram bag to me just doesn't really fit in with the crowd at a flea market. I know there are plenty of people who are comfortable wearing a Chanel bag to eat at food trucks and go to flea markets but it is just not me. I noticed that I do tend to wear my understated lux bags quite often especially on the weekends like my small Chloe Marcie. Like you, I was also using shopping as a coping mechanism during the pandemic. I want to travel as well and my shopping addiction was preventing me from traveling because I had no money left over for lunch let alone travel at the peak of the addiction. I have been going to malls and shopping centers a lot less in the past couple of months. There is an upscale mall I used to go to once a month but it is a far drive from where I live. I knew I could make a day of it but now that I look back, it was so time consuming and I could have been exploring something different instead or having a nice brunch with friends. I also watch less TH-cam videos especially unboxings and it has helped a lot not to constantly see things I would want to put on the wishlist. I still get tempted to buy stuff because consumerism is so heavily ingrained in our society but I have really put a stop to lux bag buying which to me was the biggest culprit in money going out the door. I still allow myself to buy self care items like skin care and candles, etc. xoxo
Thank you for your comment 💛 totally get it, and yes it's better to spend a day with friends than spend another day at the mall in search of something to buy the we don't need anything else. Going travelling is truly the best gift to give yourself, to explore, to experience, to see the world as opposed to buying yet another bag or pair of shoes. Happy that you're on this journey with me, wishing you all the best and luck 💛💛💛
Thank you for sharing! Not a lot of people are willing to have this conversation. I definetly went on the biggest spending spree of my life in 2020. I live at home so have more to spend so to speak. I'm on a similar page now to you, I felt really annoyed at my stuff at the beginning of the year like just their presence made me feel uneasy. I needed to declutter. Selling luxury is truly a pain. It sucks, you will loose money and it will take a lot of time and effort to find a buyer. I highly recomend going the consignment route. I still have a lot of things but have gotten rid of the things I was ready to part with already. It's 1000% as you said, its like playing Barbie with yourself except you are Barbie in this case and you have to pay for it all. There are a couple bags I have been eyeing since Feb and I'm really suprised I havent bought them yet. You can wait longer for sure. The re-sell market has really extended the time between when I decide I want to buy something and when I actually buy something. Some great tips! :) I wish you all the best on this journey of healing.
Thank you so much for watching and sharing 💛 wishing you all the best with your journey going forward and hoping the tips help you with your bag struggles ahaha 💛💛💛
I worked as seasonal sales support at Nordstrom a few years ago and I can relate to being encouraged to shop especially with the employee discount and additional discounts that were offered during the holidays 😅Thank you for sharing. ❤
Omg yes, all the discounts on the designer stuff is totally temptation central ahah 💛
Department stores are a fantasy like Disneyland with the promise of entry into another world if you buy buy buy!
You're buying a dream version of yourself, but in reality you will still have the same number of events to go to that you had before, unless you decide to go out more. Even then, post pandemic people simply aren't socialising as much as they did IMO.
My grandmother was a shopaholic but she only bought high quality items and give it plenty of thought.
But still I learned from her! In lockdown I got into the designer labels and learned about fakes, etc etc. Wasted a bit of money but only bought preloved. Now I have too many bags really ...but they are lovely and I don't regret it. Mostly I have items to fix up. I did go overboard on some but not big dollars.
Exactly... I worked retail, and I can tell you that the money I earned went right back to the store with not only our regular associate discounts but the "special associates' sales" they'd give too. My very first retail experience was in my early 20s in the late 90's at a department store known in Chicago as Carson Pirie Scott which is now defunct but at the time was like a rival to Marshall Fields now Macy's. I worked at none other than the downtown Chicago location... oh, it was a scene then. Anyhow, during these special associate sales, they'd open the store a couple of hours early so the associates can have a private moment to shop this area where they'd have some designer items that were priced anywhere from $150-$400 marked down to $25-$50...NOT KIDDING. Our discounts even applied to the clearance racks, so if you were able to find something of what was left on the rack so many weeks later, you can wind up paying less than a dollar for a designer piece.. Imagine that. Yes, one thing about working at that particular location compared to the suburban locations was they pushed the items out much faster to accommodate for the latest incoming items. So within 3 weeks, markdowns begin. By like week 8, it's on clearance, and from then, they get marked down even further. I mean, who could resist? Plus, we had our fellow co-associates keeping tabs on when things are about to get marked down in their departments... we pretty much talked clothes/shoes, styles, and particular customers throughout the shift as we thumbed through fashion magazines during a slow period and during our breaks. In addition designers and celebrities pushing their fashion brand which was also a trend in the 90's would do trunk shows and fashion shows IN HOUSE to promote their clothing line... I'm telling you it was a scene. So temptation was indeed EVERYWHERE and all around. I could go on but I'm sure this comment is long enough 😏.
@deborahcurtis1385 You're saying nothing but the truth. Personally, when I first broke into retail at a now defunct department store in none other than downtown Chicago, I was 21, and it was the late 90's. I wanted to work there because I considered becoming part of the scene as acquiring my own little piece of glamour. The associates were so put together and chic and had an air about them... an air of confidence, style, a quiet mystery, and access to fashion daily at a discounted price. I was starting to explore my own style at that time but knew I was into fashion thanks to my mother and auntie (my mother's younger sister) from a young age. They not only had tailors they'd go to to sew traditional clothing for cultural events (my family are Ghanaian immigrants 😊), but for anything else like work or other social events that didn't call for dressing in traditional/cultural attire, they'd shop the high and higher end department stores all the way down to the discounted shops... it just depended on what or who they were shopping for but they both had a large wardrobe FULL of items and options nonetheless. They, along with their friend affectionately called Auntie E, were my foundation to developing my own style and building a large wardrobe full of options as an adult. Oh I tell you once I did become part of the scene I started to get right into the associate culture so to speak and by and by, my clothing and shoes collection began to expand month after month considering in fact, the special sales that the store would have for associates. Not to mention it was an open opportunity for my mother and auntie to take advantage of my associate discount. We were all in it together to a degree.
Suddenly when I really started to get more in tune with my style preference which is late 60s 70s and early 80s vintage looks and dated/classic, retro looks I discovered that I can acquire those article of clothing at none other than the thrift stores. Frankly, when I was growing up it was taboo to shop at thrift stores. It was a stigma during that time being that thrift stores were truly accommodating primarily the low income population compared to today where pretty much anyone from lower income to middle-class patrons shop at... need vs. style... not to mention resellers considering today's times of the internet spawning the growth of on-line businesses. Nevertheless, I would "sneak" into the nearest thrift store which was towns over and get clothes that spoke to my style. The prices then compared to now were heaven sent... that added to my thrill of shopping. To date (now being in my 40's), 90% of my acquired massive wardrobe is thrifted. The majority of my hundreds of pairs shoes have been bought on-line ... YUP... another gate to shopping and the privilege to do so around the clock without paying taxes on it at that time. But being older and having a massive wardrobe that I fortunately can still wear (it's vintage so in essence although its "outdated" it's always in style to me per my fashion preference) and I can still fit into them (my motivation for having a consistent workout regimen 😉), I suddenly have different perspectives and priorities. I don't shop as much anymore because nothing really thrills me being that I have so much. My closet(s) alone now look like the thrift stores. I became more preoccupied with saving more and deliberately making use of my wardrobe for a change so I now shop my own closet(s) more often and have been purging more throughout the years. Plus the the prices today both on-line and in thrift stores is another motivation to do less shopping. So overall, do I still shop? Yes. But my shopping has slowed down very significantly and I'm more deliberate and selective with my purchases these days.
Thank you for this. You’ve helped me think about what I already knew.
I'm so glad!
Don't look is such a good tip. Temptation often start there. Example I looked at a cute bagcharm that turned into wanting to get the perfect bag to it....then I remembered I needed holiday, spa and not stress with insurance against theifs etc.
omg ahaha it really can snowball from a bag charm to a holiday and insurance against theft ahaha not looking has been my biggest hurdle as there are so many new things released 24/7 and I constantly want something. So removing myself from being in the know has been great! 💛
same. I was a shopping addict from 2017 through 2021. Started slowing down last year. Getting rid of stuff this year and being more careful with spending.
Happy for you 💛💛💛
I’ve been struggling with shopping addiction since 2012 and it’s better now, more in control, but not where I’d like it to be and I just don’t know what to do, I just can’t seem to make a difference, I feel so helpless, I keep on shopping even when I don’t have the budget for it. 😭
It’s such a struggle and many people are in the same boat with you! I often flip flop back and forth and don’t think I’ll ever be in a place of no shopping, but less is better
I adapted bad shopping habit working in retail store and I could not resist the employee discount. And me and my friends would shop due to the fact we were bored. Over-time, I have learned to keep track of my expenses, set a monthly budget & save for my luxury purchase because I hate financial debt. I do want to purchase one more item from LV before the item is discontinued (most likely will over time) but I cannot swallow the price 🙈.
Yeah the prices are getting so high that it's getting harder and harder to justify the prices for the items, especially when you see them over time and remember the previous prices ahaha working retail definitely can lead to a lot of temptation and shopping!
The point you made about having space and filling space so soo true. No matter what it is, a cabinet, a room, a desk, or shelf. And when you said the nano luggage was true loves kiss that broke the spell I loved that 😂✨
Omg ahahaha thank you for watching Maggy 💛 yeah if you have space you will fill space, and having no space means no more new things ahaha I wish I kept the nano luggage just to have it but I truly never wore it so it was just sitting in my closet being sad ahaha 💛💛💛
Thanks. This is my current situation. Shopping addiction has taken over my life. Looking forward to future recovered me.
You got this! 💛
Thank you for sharing this, I’m working on addressing my shopping habits and a lot of this video resonates.
You got this!
Thank you for sharing this
Such a good video Thor and definitely relatable. Thank you for sharing and being so open and honest. I think when you work in luxury retail prices begin to normalize for sure. Great tips❤
Thank you for watching Keisha 💛
Loved this video and your open honesty about the issue. Glad to see you've come through the other side and done the work that was needed. Well done. I remember a few years ago (pre covid) I could see myself becoming a bit too obsessed with shopping and thankfully was able to realign myself before it got out of hand.
Thank you for watching 💛 glad you could turn it around as well!
Hey boo🥰 thanks for the tips. I’m starting to be like you. I sold more bags and I’m really not wasting my money on luxury anymore. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead 🥰
Omg happy for you Kie 💛 you too 💛💛💛
oh i shopped so much on amazon during the lockdown
Amazon makes it wayyyyy too easy!
@@anthorpologyexactly
This video really resonated with me, thank you for making it, makes so much sense and great advice. Its the addiction of the chase i think, looking and looking at these bags, it just consumes you. Great video!
Glad it was helpful! 💛💛💛
Really enjoyed this video, thought. I’m also trying to minimise my spending so any of these tips are helpful.❤
Thank you Dani! Hopefully some help you going forward ahah xx
I was not into designer stuff at all until the pandemic. I call it a "pandemic love affair". I have a few pieces that I never wore because I'm worried I'll become a target. It's just wasted money sitting on a shelf. I wanted to sell some of them for a while, I think it's time I send them off to a consingment store. There are places I want to see, not obsess over another handbag.
Omg yeah it got wild during the pandemic, but I totally get it there are so many things in my closet just gathering dust! But it’s so weird because when I was buying them I was like I NEED them! But then not even wear them 🤣☠️
I can completely relate. I would obsess over an item, spend too much money and take months paying it off *just* to realize that I felt uneasy wearing it and even owning it. Felt ridiculous wearing froufrou bags given my casual lifestyle and frankly felt like a jerk wearing fancy YSL bags while my friends in tech were bracing for or dealing with layoffs.
Thanks for posting! I am LGBT too but in Alberta and unfortunately I feel this! I can totally relate to the fact that I could not enjoy certain things and experiences in my childhood. So now that I’m an adult something I indulge too much to make up for lost time, you know?
The struggle is so real but one thing I’m trying is quality over quantity :)
Omg love from Vancouver! It’s a natural cycle I think, especially for LGBT folks as we were denied so much growing up (usually) and now when we’re older we appease our inner child! Sometimes too much lol
Thanks for making a video about this because there are not enough out there. I made my own ones, too, but I can’t say I’m where I’d like to be.
It’s an ongoing struggle for sure, but just being more mindful is super helpful
Glad you figured this out now , before you caused yourself debt 💸
Experience are so much more, instead of birthday gift do something that day with you significant other, take photos.
Vancouver is an amazing city , so many hidden experiences find something else to review to and have content for your vlogs. Wish you luck in your future adventures ♥️🇨🇦
Thank you 💛 Totally into more experiences, and taking pictures, making memories! 💛💛💛
You have done so well.
This is not an easy process at all. Wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much!
I hate to think how many luxury bags I bought, never used because I "didn't want to ruin them", then sold at a loss.
Ugh seriously
good afternoon thor🌈🌞
Hi Devin! 💛
Great advice ❤
Glad you think so! 💛
I shop in charity shops..am an Oxfam Fatale!
Nice Vid T, you can definitely make vids without shopping 👍
Thank you 💛 I'm learning that and doing my best 💛💛💛
Now I’m addicted to Temu but I had to delete the app. Because I was obsessed. But I know it’s because I’m stressed at work. It shows in some ways.
Omg I hear crazy things about Temu!
I worked at Nordy and yes it was a blessing and a curse! I thought I would save money but I spent my pay cheques and then some there! working the first floor was dangerous, with designer bag, shoes, and beauty/skincare surrounding you for 8 hours! Let's just say I am also finding avenues to sell my excessive collection...what platform have you found success in selling?
Omg a fello nordy alumni! We made it out ahaha I use Facebook marketplace for my private sales and local consignment stores like Modaselle and Mine & Yours in Vancouver if I can't be bothered with the selling process! 💛
@@anthorpology lol I was let go during covid in 2020 and got a severance package so i'm happy with that =) Unfortunately local consignment store commission is so high. I've consigned a few to Turnabout but they take like 40% of sold price. =(
I had a shopping addiction but realized it was starting to change my personality and feeding alot of insecurities. I thought having designer bags gave the impression of status and wealth. Now I realize it's a false fasaude no one really cares. I am like u I would rather travel went to Italy time of my life
Wow totally! It really is a facade that gives off an illusion but is actually more damaging 😢
Im low-key sad you sold the Celine its was so you! But also experiences are priceless compared to all these THINGS
Omg I know it was a hard decision, but ultimately I’m glad since I really never wore it
For anyone to completely stop or change their shopping habits, they would need to be fed up with having things. It's a change in attitude and behavior. They would need to not want or place importance on things. Many here on YT still want to look cute...LOL.
Yeah totally, its still a struggle but many improvement is a good improvement!