When What You Want Is Stalking You

You know that advice people give then you're dying to buy something, "Go home, and if you're still thinking about it in a few days, go back to the store and revisit it." Frequently one you get home you realize you don't really want the item over which you lusted so heartily. Other times, you are stalked by it. You sleepwalk through your days with visions of trousers dancing in your head. Oh, the stuff in your closet you'll accessorize the pants with!
Here's what I have to say: If it's clothing, go back to the store and try it on; more often than not, you'll find that the fit will be wrong or the longing that was so strong the first time will have disappeared and you've saved yourself a big chunk o' change. But if you're still in love with those pants, they're high quality, and you're absolutely certain you'll get a lot of wear out of them, by all means buy them. But pay cash -- don't charge it! -- and feel good about it.
Don't make impulse purchases. If you can't afford it, it it's going to mean no heat for a month, then show some restraint and walk away, my friend, walk away.
Copyright 2006 Melissa Kirsch
The above is an excerpt from the book The Girl's Guide by Melissa Kirsch Published by Workman Publishing; November 2006;$15.95US/$21.95CAN; 978-0-7611-3579-1 Copyright 2006 Melissa Kirsch
Author Melissa Kirsch is a former senior producer at Oxygen Media, where she wrote the popular "Ask Princess" column. She's also written for Nerve, Ladies' Home Journal, National Geographic Traveler and ScientificAmerican.com. She lives in New York City, and online at www.melissakirsch.com.

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