Why does shopping work?

[Erudite]

I don't like to shop. I never have. I've always been the wrong size to get the cutest clothes or everything has been beyond my budget. And I never wanted to be one of those stereotypical women who "shop" just for fun. As a result, my wardrobe has long been beyond pathetic.

But today, I bought 4 tops on clearance (plus 30% off of that - woo hoo!) and I'm just pleased. It makes me feel good to have a couple of new things to choose from in my closet. I don't feel quite as bad about all the weight I've put on because of being sick when I have cute-ish clothes to wear. So part of my depression feels washed away in the process.

Why is it that shopping works so well for us? Why aren't we just happy with what we have? (well, the truth for me was that I don't fit into most of what I had so I really did need some new things...but you get what I'm asking, right?) How have we developed as a society that the latest style is also a part of our self esteem?

[5ft Diva]

I feel the same way when I go shopping (because it's not very often that I do.) Is it possibly that "spring clean" feel? Just a little renewal of some sort? Renewal always has been and always will be therapeutic for women.

[bookworm]

Good question. I never wanted to be one of those stereotypical women, either, but I have to admit, I do enjoy shopping. I love the feel and look of something new- shoes, clothes, a haircut, new makeup, something new for my home, etc. Maybe for me it's because all of my life almost everything I have owned has been used (hand-me-downs and now my DI lifestyle), so when something is new, I REALLY enjoy it. Also, new things don't have wear and tear, or stains, so that's nice while it lasts.

I don't shop addictively, to get that endorphin-release, so I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of that I enjoy shopping.

And I don't think (for me) that it's necessarily not being happy with what I have- mostly I am- but it just feels nice. Clothing isn't made to last forever, we have to replace it from time to time, we might as well enjoy that, right?