I have often found myself standing still, transfixed in front of a store window thinking, "If only I had that dress, my life would be perfect." I can persuade myself that I deserve to splurge, especially if I have just broken up with a boyfriend, had an article rejected or argued, yet again, with my mother. A new purse can fix anything. A fabulous piece of jewelry fills me with a regal air. A sharp suit bestows me with the confidence to ace that next interview. I feel more charitable, happier, even prone to singing in the rain, after I have found the Holy Grail of shoppers everywhere comfortable, affordable heels.

My Prada wallet was one of my first retail therapy buys. At $400, it was not that expensive, and the textured black leather had the subtle elegance of all things Prada. Owning it made me feel grown up, mature, and successful. My mother thought it was extravagant and silly, but it was my money, my therapy, and my decision. In a way, it was a move towards independence. I was free to make my own decisions; whether or not they made sense is another matter.

Having a credit card, an ATM or a pocket full of cash can be dangerous when I want to medicate or celebrate with a shopping spree. I sometimes buy things that make me question my sanity, especially when my purchase is driven more by emotion than common sense. That orange flowered shirt seemed like a great idea when I was planning my trip to Costa Rica, where everything is sunny and warm. When I tried it on at home, however, the bright color made me look ill. Even a tropical tan couldn't fix that problem. I once purchased platform sandals to add extra height to my five foot three frame. Unfortunately, my boss thought I had been drinking when I stumbled in them at the office. They were that bad. In another moment of sheer madness, I purchased a slinky black pantsuit to wear out to a club. In retrospect, it made me look more like a cheap escort than a trend-setter. Thankfully, there is always a return policy to correct such episodes of retail therapy gone wrong.

Not all retail therapy is bad. There are splurge items that still serve me well. One suit always lands me the job. There is that little black dress that makes me feel as if I can conquer the world. And my Prada wallet? That's the best retail therapy purchase I have ever made. When I'm trying to pick myself up by shopping after a bad day at the office, pulling out that wallet reminds me to ask myself, "How much do I really want this?" If I want it as much as I want a new pair of Jimmy Choo's, then it's a go. If not, it's time to put the wallet away and practice another heralded form of therapy delayed gratification.

Learn more about this author, Kirsten Dahlen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Retail therapy: Shopping for fun?
We want to hear your view. Write now!