Economic Menopause

I love beautiful clothes and accessories. Finely crafted items are wearable art. There are pieces in my collection that I wear just to be a vehicle for showing off the items. It is enjoyable to use and display my classic pieces. I used to shop like a fiend. My husband would argue that I still do - but what does he know. Honestly, I think it is the effect of the economy - or could it be menopause? Or, perhaps our economy is experiencing menopause.

My current clothing shopping is need driven. Years ago, I would stop in a store 'just to look,' and, invariably, pick up a little thing here or there - or a big thing, whatever. Now, my standard is that the item must be beautiful, I must love it and, sort of, need it. My shopping habits are different, though. I no longer browse for the sake of looking. For example, this Fall I needed a new bag because I was going to be attending several events. I bought 2 beautiful bags at Hirschleifer's in Manhasset, New York. What?! They were 80% off and I use them. But what of the ultra fabulous Libertine blazer that I bought at the same time? Well, really - that is a one of a kind collectible piece. It is remarkably beautiful, I love it, hence, it is a necessity - and it was on sale.

I admit that I am still a bargain hunter and sample sale junkie. My purchases there often run afoul of my necessity standard, but the purchases must squarely satisfy the 'love it, absolutely remarkably beautiful' standard. Okay, perhaps I need to be delawyered - who else develops objective tests that determine their shopping habits? Not to worry. I managed quite well, thank you, at a recent Valentino sale where I purchased a really pretty glove letter bag with Valentino's signature flowers - at a markdown that enabled me to justify the purchase. Chalk it all up to an economic hot flash.