Buyer’s remorse

Posted by E-George on June 2, 2007

I start a new job on Monday. This job is in a more formal office environment, so I’ve recently had an unseemly focus on refactoring my blue-jeans-and-t-shirts wardrobe into more slacks-and-blouses content. This includes shoes, accessories, and >gasp! choke! snerk!< cosmetics. Naturally, all of this requires spending money that could otherwise have been saved or used somewhere else more productive.

1. What was I thinking?! Cosmetics? I don’t wear them now, what made me think I’d suddenly start on Monday? Besides. It’s still me. Only in color. Take ‘em back.
2. The clothes. The prettiest, most well-fitting items are Dry Clean Only. Do I really need another errand to run on an already constrained schedule? Like I need a toe growing out of my eye socket. Take ‘em back.
3. The accessories. Huh? Feminine necklaces and earrings are nice to look at, but let’s face it: I’m hardly versed in accessorizing. I can barely remember to put earrings on every day. Take ‘em back.
4. Shoes. Seriously. Heels are bad for one’s feet anyway, and I haven’t worn heels in over 5 years. They shorten my stride, and I wouldn’t be able to effectively flee any given situation with suitable alacrity. Really, all I need is one pair of black shoes, and one pair of brown shoes. And, I already have that. Take ‘em back.
   

These revelations came to me after it was calmly pointed out yesterday that perhaps the wrong focus was being pursued for this new job. Rather than putting so much energy into the appearance quotient, put that energy into increasing knowledge levels in areas I know will be required.

That was humbling. Appropriately so, I figure. There are certain indisputable truths one must own up to:

1. I don’t need nice clothes to do great work. Therefore, it only makes sense to buy clothes at second hand stores, taking advantage of great savings, and not worrying about looking 100% crisp.
2. I am who I am. Other than losing more weight, my face, hair, eyes, height, and short torso are unlikely to change. Clothes don’t alter that reality. Therefore, the only thing worth trying to improve is the sharpness of my mind.
3. If I’m losing weight (this week notwithstanding), it doesn’t make sense to spend any sum of money on clothes because eventually (one can only hope) they won’t fit, and it will have been wasted money.
4. Lastly, anything I can buy at a high-quality so-called “designer” store can be bought at Target, Wal Mart, Thrift Town, or Payless Shoe Source. Why spend $80 when $15 will do. That’s just common sense.

I’m going to be spending my morning returning items that were so fruitlessly and frivolously purchased. Just because it’s fun to have, or nice to have, doesn’t make it something I need to have. There’s no point in  looking good (I know it’s me we’re talking about, so stop laughing)  if I’m unprepared and unintelligent.

Filed Under: Que bummer - Comments: 5 Comments to Read



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