Soldes à Paris – Forgive me for I have sinned

I say one thing and I do another. You know: use/buy less. I didn’t need anything anymore, I already had everything, what on earth’s name should I have more? Yes, of course I went to Paris, but I wouldn’t start shopping like a fashionaddict. Friends of my boyfriend said to me: all shops in Paris, Nancy. And you have so much time on your hands! That’s something for you!
They were wrong. I wasn’t a consumer who would buy things without thinking. No, I was even proud of myself because I hadn’t bought a thing for sooooo long. And then that day came. Not so long ago and I had just arrived in Paris actually. It were the Sales time and I assumed I was stronger. And though I could put up with it for a while, until I saw a really nice purse in the soldes corner. And so it started and oh, have I sinned…

It started with a purse, than there was that belt and after that the funny shoes for only €5. My dear boyfriend gave me present: a really cool vest and I am thankful he gave it to me. A shoppingspree with my friend S. ended with two new belts (they were only €3!), red shorts, a glitter jacket and warm grey tights.

Then I went back home to celebrate Carnaval and I thought that would’ve been enough. I knew for sure I wouldn’t start buying any more stuff. Until my mother and I passed some shops and I couldn’t believe what I saw. They were practically giving it away. So I bought two pairs of shoes and a clutch. I simply went nuts with my purchases and I really thought I could handle it. And I could, a little bit, for a while. And though I still can’t see myself as an ignorant consumer – I only go shopping some times a year. I still bought enough this time to have enough. Over a year ago I banned myself from buying summer clothing. I am always cold and our (Dutch) summers are never warm and I have more than enough clothing for those 3 weeks (tops!) I go on a holiday. Most of the time I can’t even take with me all the clothing since I am backpacking or roadtripping. So why bother? My wallet will be empty and the world will not be a better place if I constantly empty my wallet en stuff my closet. So I would like to hold on to that thought.

You know… for a while… until I get obsessed again.

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Ik zeg het een en ik doe het ander. Je weet wel: minderen. Consuminderen. Het was zo klaar als een klontje: ik had niets meer nodig, ik had alles al, wat zou ik nog in godsnaam moeten willen hebben? Ja natuurlijk ging ik naar Parijs toe, maar ik zou me niet vergrijpen als een of andere modegek aan de grillen. De vrienden van mijn boyfriend stootten me al aan: allemaal winkels in Parijs, Nancy. En je hebt alle tijd! Dat is wel echt wat voor jou!
Ze zagen het verkeerd. Ik was geen consument die hersenloos spullen kocht. Nee ik was zelfs trots op mezelf want ik had al zoooo lang niets meer gekocht. En toen kwam die ene dag dat ik tóch overstag ging. Helemaal niet lang geleden en eigenlijk was ik nog maar ‘net’ in Parijs Het was uitverkoop, zie je, en ik had gedacht dat ik dat wel zou kunnen weerstaan. En dat ging ook echt wel een tijdje goed, tot ik ineens in een afgeprijsde bak een enorm  leuk tasje zag liggen. En toen was het hek van de dam en oh god heb ik gezondigd…