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The online shopping mistake leaving a sizeable hole in our bank accounts

Headshot of Krystal Sanders
Krystal SandersThe West Australian
“I have spent at least the equivalent of an airfare to Europe on clothes that I’m never likely to wear.”
Camera Icon“I have spent at least the equivalent of an airfare to Europe on clothes that I’m never likely to wear.” Credit: AP Photo/Keith Srakocic

Many women might empathise with my midweek meltdown.

In a fit of rage likely induced by a couple of glasses of red, I spiralled into a state of misery propelled by my own stupidity.

Right now I can count that I have at least 11 items of clothing in my cupboard that I haven’t ever worn.

The unravelling started as I was hunting around for that buried treasure that would present itself as the perfect weekend attire, gloriously fashionable, highly chic and deliciously fancy, (although on reflection I’m not sure this is even in my wardrobe to begin with). But as I waded through my cupboard in disdain, I had an epiphany. I have spent at least the equivalent of an airfare to Europe on clothes that I’m never likely to wear.

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You see, I’m a serial online shopper. I’m such a devotee of that sneaky online purchase one would think I’m earning kickbacks from The Iconic or somewhere similar.

I rarely spend big, but I buy a lot.

But sadly I fear something has gone awry along my journey to put together a wardrobe to rival that of Kylie Jenner or Mariah Carey.

The simple reason for not wearing these items, which haunt me daily as they hang in my closet still displaying their tags, is that most of them simply don’t fit and I was too lazy to return them.

Although many companies cater to a size 14, many don’t actually understand the realistic and varied proportions over which our curvy bodies range.

So I’m inevitably left with a wardrobe bursting at the seams with items I’ve either never worn, or worn once, in the hope of a special day when I might be able to just starve myself long enough to fit into that dress, albeit with special help from some Spanx.

But as my love for wine and cheese seeps deep within my soul, these clothes will likely never be worn and then desperately flogged off on Facebook marketplace just so I can buy another ill-fitting dress I’ll probably never wear.

The reality is I’m literally throwing away money.

Oh, the shame. It seems I’ve more than likely neglected my mid-30s responsibilities like superannuation and saving far too often for some frivolous feel-good clicks late at night and the thrill of receiving beautiful textures and fabrics in my pigeonhole to brighten my Monday.

And then I’ll wear the same 10 things in my cupboard, and continue to “add to cart” until someone prises my iPhone and Afterpay account from my cold dead hands.

Let’s hope one day I learn my lesson. At least until next Monday’s parcel arrives.

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