My boyfriend and I have plans tonight, and I have a closet full of nothing to wear. The seasons are changing and with colder weather comes heavier fabrics, darker colors, and new sweaters. Excuses. How did I get here so fast? I ask as I pull up to the mall. The pre-planned out shopping excursion took my attention away as I was driving, but at least I have a plan: the hunt for an olive green dress. Wait, maybe rust? I don't have that color in my wardrobe yet...

I'll make it back tomorrow at work I tell myself as I set my pile of goodies on the counter at the register. It'll be like it never happened. Two black tops, a lace bra, black ripped jeans (they were on sale), and a tan skirt. No luck on the olive or rust dress. Maybe next time. I pull out my cash and pay. Maybe I should pay half with my card...nah.

I arrive home and pray the black car isn't here. Good. I won't have to leave my bags in the car until it's safe to bring them in. I head to my room and look at my purchases. I put the lace bra in the drawer with the five others. I hang the two black tops next to their mates. I leave the jeans out. I'll wear these tonight. I try the skirt on. Too short. I won't return it, though. I'll throw it in a basket sitting on top of my hanging clothes. Maybe with tights when it's colder.

My friend once told me I reminded her of Cher from Clueless; specifically, the scene when she's walking down Rodeo Drive, sulking, and the dress on the mannequin in Dior catches her off guard so she goes inside and buys it. That's me. I can't help it. Sometimes I blame my mom for taking me to Macy's instead of the playground when I was a toddler. "When did you buy that?" she'll ask when I walk out of my room with my new black jeans on. "Uh, like a few months ago." Today.

The problem with retail therapy is that is can be used to justify anything. Bad day at work? Stressed over an exam? Feeling moody? Retail Therapy! It's my go-to excuse for buying something. However, it tends to lose its meaning when its abused. When do you stop yourself from making excuses and realize that maybe you just shop too damn much? Maybe when my closet rack falls from the weight. Kidding!

As I'm typing this article right now, I have amazon.com open. I have just added a pair of Steve Madden stilettos to my cart. Do I need them? Of course not. High heels are not a necessity for me; I probably wear them about twice a month. I find myself doing these things subconsciously too. I know I don't need another pair of high heels, but I do like to see what styles are available and it's a new season which means new looks. Maybe I'll move them to my "Save for Later" list.

But...I do get paid next week...