Addicted to clothing - save and buy second hand

I LOVE clothes (like most women) and need to exercise a lot of self-control to not buy too much.

My wardrobes (yes two) are full to over flowing with clothes and I feel very guilty at times when I spend money on clothes I don't really need.

We now live in an age of the "disposable wardrobe" — wear something for a season and toss it out when the next "in" look arrives. Young girls in particular, are spending $$$$ on clothes which they only wear a few times before they want to spend more $$$$ on the next fad. We are not content with what we have and continue to want more and more, influenced by what we see on TV, in the magazines, social media and from our peers. 

Our lack of contentment (and control) across all facets of our lives is causing such pain to many — restlessness, unhappiness, lack of money, debt, envy, hoarding —

we all need clothes, but we don't need as much as we have. (note to self!!)

We need to learn to live with less and be content with not following the latest trends (in all aspects of our lives). Of course, that doesn't mean we should look frumpy and completely out of date — we need to be wise with our purchases and shop careful. We need to be good stewards of our money and not waste it with clothes that we only wear once.  We will never find contentment through earthly things like clothes, they will only disappoint us and bring us sadness — our contentment is found through Christ and Christ alone.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Annual average spend on clothes by Australian women (2013) (from Roy Morgan Research)

If you are like me and enjoy buying clothes, there is a cheaper option that will save you lots and lots of money — buy secondhand. Visit the charity stores and be surprised at what you find.  

I love rummaging through these stores looking for a bargain and sometimes I find almost brand new for a fraction of the cost. However, there are some strategies when shopping at charity stories:

* Be willing to find nothing on some occasions — it can be very hit and miss and on some occasions you will find nothing at all and at other times, lots of things.

* Be prepare to rummage — it takes time and energy to shop this way and one needs to rummage to find what you are looking for. 

* Look for quality — don't buy for the sake of buying, buy something because it is well made and of a good quality and therefore last. 

* Pick your stores — the more upmarket the suburb, generally, more up market the second-hand clothes. You are more likely to find better quality, brand items and perhaps those gorgeous vintage clothes that are now all the trend. 

* Think outside the box — you might find things that don't look great, but with a little alteration, can become your all time favourite.  

* Always try it on — always try on the clothes you have picked, even though cheap, you don't want to waste money on things that don't fit, buttons likely to pop or isn't your style. 

* Inspect well — always check out the quality of the item, making sure that the zip works (unless you are great at putting in new zips), there are no runs, stains or require too much work — unless you are a great seamstress (or know one), you are not likely to get these things done and the clothes will sit around unworn. 

* Go online — I often use eBay when searching for skirts in particular and have found some amazing bargains this way. 

* If your wardrobe is full — why not do a swap — buy something secondhand and give something back to charity. This way you can keep equilibrium in your wardrobe! 

* Wash the clothes — one never knows much about the history of the clothes you buy, always worth giving them a good wash.  I have never bought anything that smelt or was dirty, I think most charity stores do a good job of eliminating the nasties from their collections. 

* Go with a friend — no other reason, but it makes it heaps of fun!!

Not only do I  buy clothes second-hand, I also buy lots of china, glassware and platers this way (often for a few dollars), sewing patterns, books, DVDs etc.. My dad has picked up a number of jigsaws this way and even though on occasions a piece or two are missing out of the 1000, he still gets a lot of enjoyment from doing it. 

But always remember — don't over do it and buy for the sake of buying — learn to be content with such things as you have (Hebrews 13:5)

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 

(Colossians 3:1-4)