What happens when shopping becomes a compulsion? In a new memoir, journalist Avis Cardella talks about conquering her own shopping demons and overcoming crippling debt.
You could win a copy of Spent: just check out our Q&A with Cardella on BookPage.com and tell us one of the ways Cardella’s shopping habits have changed since she beat her addiction.
From the Q&A:
There have been many compulsive shoppers throughout history, from Mary Todd Lincoln to Princess Di. Which do you most identify with, and why?
I can relate to many compulsive shoppers in different ways, but the shopper I feel I most identify with is Andy Warhol. Warhol was a compulsive shopper and something of a hoarder. Upon his death, his apartment was discovered to be over run with “stuff” including many unopened shopping bags.However, this isn’t why I relate to Warhol. I relate to Warhol because his art is based on desire and therefore on commerce. He understood commerce in this way—and he understood consuming. This to me is thoroughly modern. Even though there have been reports of compulsive shoppers in the past, I think of this addiction as being modern. The scaffolds of social and economic supports that exist for a shopping addict to thrive are fascinating: easy credit, status chasing, shopping as entertainment, mall culture, are a few examples.
Her mandate now is craftsmanship, good materials and good design. She’s not as interested in a particular label as in things being well designed and well made.
Cardella looks for things that will last rather than the current “it”.
She appreciates classics which means well designed and well made items which she values.
She now shops with craftsmanship and quality in mind, and not the latest “it” item.
She thinks about the ‘longevity’ of an item along with craftsmanship & quality.
She looks for items that will have long-term use and appeal and not for “flash-in-the-pan” purchases.
Longevity, craftsmanship and good design – the key to shopping wisely.
She thinks about how well it is made, the functionality and the lasting power.
She looks for things that have longevity. She looks for craftmanship, good materials and good design.
She no longer uses shopping to hide from her feelings. She still enjoys trying on new things, but does not use the activity to create a mask of perfection to hide behind.
She’s looking for quality now, not quantity.
She is now considering “do I REALLY need this item?” Probably not!