I really NEED clothes, why do I feel guilty?

[Om Girl]

Help me feel not guilty about needing new clothes...My SAHM wardrobe consists of few things that I'll actually be seen outside the house in. Mainly I wear the same few "good" outfits when I'm in public over and over again. (Which is fine, I'm not complaining about that) But, now that the "colder" seasons are here again, I need to update my wardrobe, which to give you a little background was literally decimated by my pregnancy. (I was very *unhealthy* skinny before I got pg) After a 60lb weight gain during pregnancy, I consigned pretty much everything I owned... and while I've lost a good portion of the weight, everything has shifted and nothing fits like it used to...or at all. So I've been left with some functional summer outfits, but not a lot of acceptable things for fall/winter. So I actually need clothes, how can I feel not guilty about it? I'm not talking about a whole new wardrobe, just some good additions so that I won't freeze my arse off this winter.

[Ambrose]

Look at cozy warm clothed DH and cozy clothed DC and then look at your not so cozy nor warm clothes.

And then. GO SPEND MONEY ON CLOTHES. Seriously, there is NOTHING wrong with you buying clothes that a.) fit and b.) are season appropriate

[sincitymama]

You are a better mommy when you take care of yourself. We all are. That includes having clothing that fits, flatters, is comfortable, and is seasonally appropriate.

[Mizelenius]

I hear ya! I finally went out and got some new clothes (maternity) and those few outfits made me feel so much better. The rest of my family has plenty of outfits-- I need to wear SOMETHING. I was getting to the point of literally having nothing to wear, and that would not be a pretty sight (and way too cold!).

I'm still at the point where I just have the few good outfits for outside the house (that's what I just bought) . . .it feels so wasteful to me, too, to spend money on clothes that I'll just be at home in. Baby steps!

Spending money on things you NEED is not wasteful, period. And you NEED clothes!

[snuggly mama]

I needed clothes for work, but everytime I picked up a piece at the store and looked at the tag, I'd think, "Well, that would buy dd a new pair of sneakers" or "wouldn't it be better to spend that on some better jeans for dh?" I just couldn't stomach the thought of spending so much on myself!

So I went to 50% off day at the thrift store and got six outfits for under $30! All brand-name stuff, newer styles . . . and no guilt!!!

[artemis33]

Don't feel bad!!

We all need some new clothes from time to time. It can really make you feel rejeuvenated! My philosophy is to buy a few high quality well fitting pieces that you *know* you'll get a lot of wear out of. If you buy a bunch of bargain stuff that you don't really love and never end up wearing, it isn't really a bargain in the long run, yk? Not that it is always like that - I LOVE bargain shopping, just be careful not to buy something *just* because it's a good deal. I'll all in favor of second hand shopping and I do buy many things that way, but for something like jeans for example, where it is really hard to get a good fit, I will go ahead and splurge on a nice great fitting pair and wear them a ton! I really get my money's worth then and I always feel so good in them !

Have fun - get some things you love and that flatter you and look good together so you can mix and match. Also things that will "fill in" the gaps in what is left of your current wardrobe. Like get a shirt to match that great skirt that you have nothing to wear with, yk? For me fall always brings on a desire for new clothes!

[Ruthla]

If you need some clothes for yourself, then you need some clothes for yourself!

Try asking on Freecycle for clothes in your size. Check out thrift stores. Just because you need clothes that fit, flatter, and keep you warm, doesn't mean they have to be brand new!

[tinybutterfly]

Everybody needs weather appropriate clothing, even mamas.

I tend to buy casual, or classic items that I can wear often. I have a few "nice" outfits in case we have to do something special.

When my clothes start getting ratty ( which they do eventually) they get first changed to "work" clothes ( gardening, cleaning, etc.) and then end up as rags.

When you have clothes that fit and look good on you, you will feel better and be comfy.

Have fun shopping. You are going to get things you need and maybe a few items you want ( a pretty scarf to wear with something, a jacket that will go with several items in your wardrobe, etc.)

[moms3kids]

I too need some new(to me) clothes befor winter hits, now that i'm working part time i really need some work clothes... off to good will or ebay only though, i do get money for christmas from my grandma that i have to buy clothes for my self with so i'll look then! LOL

[hapi2help]

My DH keeps getting mad at me because I am pulling up my too low and WAY too big pants.......running after my crawling, pre-walking babe has caused me to loose weight (which is great) but now I need all new bottoms....nothing fits!

I feel guilty too.................so if you see my crack, I apologize!

[kanga1622]

I always have the same problem. This weekend we went shopping and DH and I each got 2 pair of jeans. They were all on sale and good brands but the thought that we spent that kind of money just kills me. I have to continually convince myself that spending a little money now means that I don't have to spend it all at once later and I'll feel better about myself if my clothes look nice and fit well. Plus, there are a lot of clothes on clearance right now in my area so I'd bet you could find some good deals at clothing stores if you can't find what you need at a thrift/consignment shop.

I think once you catch the frugal lifestyle it can be hard to justify spending money on yourself.

[4evermom]

I buy jeans new, also. I wear them to pieces and it is hard to find the right fit at thrift stores. I usually can find tops at thrift stores. Today, I scored a long wool coat for $12.50 (it is half off day). I haven't had a coat that fit for a couple of years, just made do with fleece jackets or sweaters. I also don't feel guilty about buying good new shoes when I need them. I walk a lot and need comfortable shoes. I love Zappos.com's free return shipping policy!

[Red]

If money is tight, go to the Salvy. They have great clothes at low prices. You'll be able to afford to stock up! Be sure to ask if they have 1/2 price day.

[GracieBugsMama]

It's so funny to run across this post today. My dh just won a contest at his part-time job and gave me some money to get clothes for dd and I. Neither of us (dd and I, that is) had cool-weather clothes. Heck, I've been wearing the same, stretched-out, worn-out, ratty clothes for months now--my "good" jeans are held together with safety pins, lol!

I have a big problem with guilt, too--what is it with us mamas feeling so bad about doing anything for ourselves? Gosh. But I took that money and ran before I could think twice. We headed up to the outlets and I got two pairs of jeans and three shirts. I got dd practically a whole cool-weather wardrobe (yay, Children's Place!) Being a plus-size mama, I have a hard time finding second-hand items. I usually end up resorting to Wally World clothes (I know, I know...), but the stuff I got tonight was only slightly, if at all, more expensive than WW and much higher quality!

I'm so happy and satisfied with our purchases that it's actually overriding my normal guilt, lol! Go out and get yourself something nice, mama! You deserve it just as much as anyone else!

[crunchymomof2girls]

I know what you mean! i wear a 12/14 in KIDS!!!!!!!!!! so i have issues finding clothes that fit me and look my age without spending a fortune at limited too and gap kids LOL ive resorted to the childrens place (hey I match my girls LOL)

[Ellien C]

Think about averaging the cost of the clothes over the years of wear you will get! How long do you think you will wear these clothes - say 5 years? Would you be willing to spend $20 on yourself each YEAR on clothing?! Don't you think clothing yourself is worth $20 a year?! So go spend $100 on new clothes for you! (If you think you will wear them longer it's even cheaper!)