…is the gift of self-control. Seriously.

My involvement in the field notwithstanding, we’re bombarded with a whole lot of “buy it now” orders from every direction. I’m not saying to stay in your homes 365 days a year and never purchase anything (yeah, I’m talking to the online shoppers too — I keep my credit cards far, far away from my laptop). I am saying not to feel bad if you aren’t walking around busting your piggy bank.

Shopping is one of those areas that hit all the high notes — functionality, entertainment, community. We shop alone and in packs, we shop for what we need and what we could live without. Keeping perspective during this marketing overloaded holiday season is key to getting what you want, when you want it.

Why do I constantly get on this theme for the last six months? Because I believe that just because we’re plus size people, it doesn’t mean that we should kow-tow to any retailer. If Big Fashion Co. said to me, “Isabella, we’re giving you a full wardrobe in exchange for something-that-irks-my-moral-compass”, I’m going to have to pass up on that opportunity.

I’ve often heard the refrain, “Well, we should be thankful…”

Pardon my irreverence, but “thankful”? The only thing I’m thankful for is that God continues to pump oxygen through my wonderful curvy body. I can live without kimono-inspired blouses, I can’t live without oxygen.

I’m never thankful when someone snatches dollars out of my wallet. You shouldn’t be either. Instead, we should continue to be picky, and discern what’s best for us. No business can stay alive without customers.

What customer are you going to be today?

Tags: shopping, rants, plus size fashion, money