I recently started a retail job at the mall. The problem is: I am a bit of a shopaholic. Being surrounded for hours on end with cute clothes is a real struggle - especially with all the discounts. Though part of our dress code is to wear clothes from the store, I may stretch that ruling a little too far. Then results the inner ping-pong match in my mind of whether or not I should purchase that black dress that I likely already have three similar styles of. This concludes with me browsing for an hour, battling an internal war and begrudgingly walking back to my car empty-handed.

Lately, I have been reflecting on this. I began to wonder what Rebecca Bloomwood from "Confessions of a Shopaholic" would do. I mean, if you pay attention to the movie whatsoever, you realize that shopping is just a coping mechanism with what ever it may be that we deal with in our personal life. Rebecca's was that she didn't share love with a significant other; as a result, she sought the feeling in other things. So what is mine?

As much as I truly love fashion and how much I believe it represents one's style, I do think that excessive buying can be a completely different story. I know I'm broke, but there's still that excitement inside of me that continues to linger when thinking about getting new clothes. I also tend to get tired of clothes really quickly. It's a little problematic.

Therefore, when psychoanalyzing myself, I came to the conclusion that, maybe, I lack in the self-confidence department. Getting brand new things makes me feel presentable - as though I measure up to everyone else. Obviously it is great to treat yourself here and again. But when I find myself constantly looking for something, maybe it means I am in my personal life as well.

I want someone to be able to say to me, "you could wear a paper bag and still look good." That's the kind of compliment I am looking for - and not in the looks department. To me, it means that my confidence is bright and vibrant enough that it doesn't matter if I look like a mess in an old, high school tee and crooked glasses or in a dress with hair and makeup done. I hope to carry myself with grace. Confidence is attractive and all you have to wear to feel and look good.