HOW TO CURB YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING ADDICTION

As a self confessed recovering shopaholic with a passion for shopping and a hatred for shops, online shopping was my idea of heaven. How could you ever be bothered to go into a store again, trawl through rails and stand in hellish queues when you could just click a few things and get all your purchases in a big shiny box 24 hours later? Online shopping has been a complete GAMECHANGER. Since I made the decision to curb my spending and turn into one of those 'save for a rainy day' folks, i had to overhaul my finances and after analysing my bank statements, was pretty shocked. My statements were filled with ASOS, Missguided, Boohoo etc and the truth is, I ended up thinking "what did I even get?". The harsh reality was, I was spending lots of money on clothes that I couldn't even recall what I'd bought yet every month, kept buying more and more. If I really wanted to take saving seriously, this shopping habit needed kicked to the curb ASAP. The main issue wasn't going into shops and going crazy, it was all online. I knew I could pass H&M and not bother popping in but if I ended up on their website, that would be a different story. We're now in March and I have only bought two items online since the beginning of 2016 and I didn't get the same rush I normally did. Don't get me wrong, I did have a few moments of weakness but this sister stayed strong! I thought I would share some tips on how I've managed to resist temptation and put a halt my online shopping habit.

1. Delete all shopping apps - Shopping apps (ASOS, I'm looking at you) are for me, one of the biggest enablers. From Zara to River Island, I had all high street stores with apps on my phone and spent a ridiculous amount of time adding items to my wishlist. I deleted these apps at the beginning of 2016, to help stick to my New Years resolution and I haven't downloaded them again. Truth is, I realise now that my time spent on these weren't because I wanted to shop, it was because I was bored. I really do believe not having access to a catalog of products on a swanky platform at the click of a button has prevented me from not caving.

2. Make the most of your lunch hour - The majority of my purchases were normally always done on my lunch hour. It's pouring outside, you have a packed lunch, you're browsing online to kill some time and that new pair of shoes just magically end up in your shopping cart - you know the drill. Now on my lunch breaks, I always get away from my desk whether it's going a walk, sitting in the canteen or just having a bite to eat with a colleague. By doing this, I've realised how much I bought unnecessary things I just didn't need all because I was again, bored.

3. Delete your card details - Another big thing I did was delete my card details I had saved at the check out at all my usual haunts. Sometimes it was just so easy to click to the checkout and all my deets would be saved and it would be a smooth operation. Now, anytime I've slightly caved, I get this sudden guilt when I have to get my bank card out my purse or begin punching in that 16 digit card number. Normally I'd be like "yeah girl, you treat yourself" whereas now I question if I really need it and the answer is always NO.

4. Move all your favourite stores e-mails to junk - Have you ever been lured in by one of those over familiar e-mails with the subject as 'Amy, you need a treat!' with the offer of free next day delivery or 10%. I am guilty as charged. Suddenly not having to pay £4.99 for delivery seems like justification for spending £60 on clothes - girl logic. These e-mails are enablers and if you look back, I bet you haven't even read the e-mail - just seen the goodies in the subject and ended up clicking a link to their site.

5. Know what you have - How many times have you had a wardrobe clear out and come across something you forget you even had? I had this happen way too often and the amount of nice clothes I've put to the back of my wardrobe to make way for the new flavour of the week is awful. There is only so many LBD's a girl needs and it's key to remember what you have.

6. Shop smart - I'm not on a complete spending ban, I'm just more sensible. By knowing what I have in my wardrobe, I tend to now only buy items that 1. are transitional/investment pieces and 2. can be styled up with something I have already have. I used to have this fear of wearing the same thing twice incase anyone noticed but I realise now that was absolutely ridiculous. You'd be shocked how many people can't remember what they wore last Friday night let alone what you were. Switching up your jacket, bag or accessories is a great way of refreshing an outfit and now I love doing this than buying a whole new outfit from top to toe just for it to hang collecting dust or end up on depop for half the price.

I'm really pleased with the progress I've made so far and my biggest regret is that I didn't do this sooner. I suppose my priorities are evolving as I'm getting older and there's much more I'd rather invest in than just my wardrobe. What do you think of these tips? Have you put a stop to your online shopping addiction or trying to? I'd love to hear your thoughts below or as always, you can tweet/Instagram me @whatamydidblog.