Remember when math seemed pointless in high school? Surprise: it’s back, and it’s about shoes. Yes, the secret to looking fabulous and staying solvent in the world of slow fashion is one equation:

Cost per Wear = Price ÷ Number of Times Worn

It’s not as sexy as a stiletto, but trust me, it’s the formula that separates impulse-buy regret from a smug “I told you so.”

Classic Styles vs. Trends: The Equation Doesn’t Lie

• The Classic Pump: $300 at a sample sale NYC, worn 150 times.
  • $300 ÷ 150 = $2 per wear. That’s practically thrifty.
• The Neon Feathered Mule (a.k.a. bad idea): $150, worn twice (one of those times ironically at Halloween).
  • $150 ÷ 2 = $75 per wear. That’s more than the Uber you took to the party.

See? A black pump is not just timeless, it’s cheaper than your morning latte habit. This is where the “quality over quantity” mantra of slow fashion really shines.

Repair, Don’t Replace

Here’s where slow fashion principles wink at you from the cobbler’s shop. Resoling those $400 boots for $60 extends their life by another 100 wears:

• Original CPW: $400 ÷ 100 wears = $4
• After repair: ($400 + $60) ÷ 200 wears = $2.30

Math doesn’t just save you money — it makes you eco-chic and aligns perfectly with ethical luxury fashion.

The Resale Twist

Luxury shoes don’t just age gracefully, they sometimes appreciate in resale value. Buy a $700 pair of Chanel slingbacks at a sample sale NYC for $250, wear them 20 times, then resell for $200:

• True cost = $250 – $200 = $50
• CPW = $50 ÷ 20 = $2.50

That’s cheaper than a sad slice of Midtown pizza and a prime example of ethical luxury fashion in action.

The Stylish City Strategy

1. Do the math before you buy. If it’s over $10 per wear, ask yourself: is this a shoe or an emotional support fantasy?
2. Hit sample sales NYC. They’re the cheat code for turning “unaffordable” into “smugly affordable” while embracing slow fashion.
3. Choose quality over quantity. Shoe trees, cobblers, and repairs keep you chic and sustainable, embodying slow fashion principles.
4. Resell like a boss. Platforms like The RealReal turn your shoe closet into a revolving credit line, perfect for the ethical luxury fashion enthusiast.

The Punchline

How to Wear the Trends Without Losing Your Shirt (or the Planet)

Fashion week has spoken, and apparently, we all need funnel-neck coats, khaki denim, and loafers you can actually walk in (who knew?). But here’s the catch: unless you’ve got Prada’s Versace money, chasing every “must-have” is a fast way to max out your credit card. That’s where sustainable fashion and resale swoop in like superheroes in fabulous capes. You get the look, you keep your bank balance, and the planet gets a tiny break from being buried in polyester. Win, win, win for your sustainable wardrobe and reduced carbon emissions.

1. Animal Prints as the New Neutrals

Leopard print is basically the new black in the fashion industry. If you don’t own at least one leopard print piece by now, the fashion gods may revoke your style license.

• Smart move: Skip the mall safari. Vintage shops and resale platforms are overflowing with animal print outfits from seasons past.
• Bonus: Nothing says sustainable fashion like rocking a secondhand cheetah-print skirt your aunt probably wore in the ’90s. It’s the perfect way to wear animal print sustainably.

2. Funnel-Neck Outerwear

Designers want you looking like a chic turtle poking out of its shell. Funnel-necks are everywhere, and yes, they do make you look expensive.

• Smart move: Buy one good coat made from sustainable materials. Not ten trendy jackets that will fall apart before Thanksgiving.
• Bonus: When you inevitably resell it in two years, someone else will happily overpay for your “vintage” taste. Look for eco-friendly brands that use recycled plastic or organic cotton in their production.

3. Moody Colors (With a Pop of Weird)

Brown, plum, amber… and suddenly, mint green. Because why not? The fashion industry loves to mess with us.

• Smart move: Add one sweater or scarf in a trending color from fair trade clothing brands. Instant update, zero closet guilt.
• Bonus: You’ll look “on-trend” without looking like you got dressed by a Pantone mood board. Plus, you’re supporting ethical practices and fair wages in the process.

4. Denim, But Make It Complicated

This fall, jeans can’t just be jeans. They’re khaki, they’re cuffed, they’re dark, they’re tailored. Next season they’ll probably glow in the dark.

• Smart move: Hit resale. The denim graveyard is full of “wrong wash, wrong year” jeans that are suddenly back in style. Look for sustainably made options using eco-friendly materials.
• Bonus: Nothing beats the satisfaction of telling someone, “Oh this? Vintage… and $20.” Even better when it’s from sustainable brands with responsible sourcing.

5. Comfortable Shoes (Yes, Finally)

Loafers, flats, and other shoes you can actually walk in are officially chic again. Praise be to sustainable shoe brands.

• Smart move: Invest in a well-made pair of sustainable shoes that won’t collapse after three wears. Better yet, find a barely-worn pair secondhand from eco-conscious shoe brands.
• Bonus: Your feet will thank you. And you can still look smugly stylish when everyone else is limping in stilettos. Plus, many sustainable shoe options use natural materials or even sustainable leather alternatives.

The Bottom Line

This season’s trends prove what we’ve known all along: you don’t need to torch your savings—or the planet—to look current. A little sustainable fashion, a little resale treasure-hunting, and you’ll be strutting through fall looking like you own the runway. Because honestly? The smartest trend of all is not being broke while supporting ethical production and minimizing your environmental impact. Embrace these eco-friendly trends, and you’ll be well on your way to a more sustainable wardrobe that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your style cred.

The fashion industry is shifting faster than ever. Luxury powerhouses are consolidating, fast-fashion chains are collapsing, and tariffs are raising the cost of ultra-cheap imports. For consumers, that means one thing: the old way of shopping is gone. To stay stylish without breaking the bank—or the planet—resale and sustainable shopping are now at the center of fashion and sustainability.

Why the Middle Is Disappearing

Just a few years ago, you could walk into brick-and-mortar stores and find a wide mix of affordable fashion. Today, that middle ground is vanishing. Forever 21 just closed its U.S. stores, while H&M is tightening operations and quietly raising prices to protect margins. On the other end, luxury brands like Prada and Versace are merging into giant conglomerates, often increasing prices to preserve exclusivity.

Consumers are left staring at two extremes: ultra-fast platforms like Shein and Temu on one side, and high-end luxury on the other. The result? Fewer choices for quality, affordable sustainable fashion that lasts.

Why Resale Is Booming

Enter the resale market. Resale platforms like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Fashionphile are giving shoppers access to designer pieces at a fraction of retail cost. But resale isn’t just about savings—it’s about extending the life of garments and reducing textile waste. That makes it a cornerstone of sustainability in fashion: keeping clothes in circulation longer instead of feeding the landfill.

For younger consumers, resale is also cultural currency. A vintage Prada bag or a secondhand Margiela jacket isn’t just affordable; it’s a statement of individuality in a world drowning in fast-fashion sameness. This shift towards pre-loved items and secondhand shopping is shaping sustainable fashion trends and contributing to the circular fashion economy.

Smart Shopping in 2025

Smart shopping today means more than just bargain hunting. It’s about making informed, intentional choices that align with sustainable fashion trends:

• Quality over quantity: Buy fewer sustainable clothes that last longer.
• Resale first: Look for pre-loved options before buying new, exploring thrift stores, consignment shops, and clothing rental services.
• Check sustainability claims: Brands are marketing “green,” but only some are truly investing in eco-conscious production. Be aware of greenwashing in the fashion industry.
• Think local: With tariffs squeezing imports, supporting smaller and local labels can actually save money while cutting carbon emissions.

Why This Matters Now

As prices rise and fast fashion faces regulatory headwinds, consumers who embrace resale and sustainable shopping gain both financial resilience and style freedom. More importantly, every resale purchase is a quiet act of rebellion against wasteful consumption and overproduction. It’s proof that sustainability in fashion isn’t just an ideal—it’s a practical path forward.

The sustainable fashion market is growing rapidly, driven by conscious consumerism and a focus on reducing the environmental impact of clothing production. Slow fashion, which emphasizes quality, longevity, and ethical production, is gaining traction as an alternative to the fast-fashion model.

Bottom line: The future of fashion isn’t about chasing every new drop or stretching for luxury prices. It’s about resale and smart shopping—the strategies that make style sustainable, affordable, and personal. By embracing circular fashion principles, supporting brands that use recycled materials and eco-friendly materials, and considering the environmental footprint of our clothing choices, we can all play a part in shaping sustainable fashion for the future.

Thrifted and secondhand clothing has gone from taboo to trendy, with online thrift stores and consignment stores becoming staples in the modern fashion landscape. But even as sustainability and individuality drive this shift towards thrift online, not everyone is on board with the idea of used clothes.

What do celebrities and the tastemakers and trendsetters really think about buying pre-loved fashion and engaging in online thrifting?

Let’s take a closer look at both sides of the style conversation, exploring the world of secondhand goods and thrift store finds.

Celebs Who Love Secondhand

Some stars proudly embrace thrift stores online, resale platforms, and vintage pieces not for the savings, but for the uniqueness and sustainable shopping aspects of it all:

• Sarah Jessica Parker: Inspired by the fashion documentary The True Cost, she pledged to buy secondhand clothing for her son.

I’ve worn dresses to the Oscars that I got for $10.– Winona Ryder

• Helen Mirren: Known for red carpet elegance, Mirren has said you can’t always tell the difference between designer pieces and thrift finds if you style it well.
• Chloe Sevigny: A longtime vintage enthusiast, she said she’d rather buy “10 vintage pieces” than one expensive designer item.
• Emma Roberts: As a Fashionphile ambassador, Roberts supports luxury consignment

• Jaden Smith: Collaborated with Grailed and called resale fashion “the only sustainable path forward” in the circular economy.

Why Some People Still Resist

Despite the buzz around the online thrift options, secondhand fashion still meets resistance from celebrities and everyday shoppers alike.

Common concerns include:

• Stigma: For some, pre-owned clothing is wrongly associated with poverty or “not being able to afford the real thing.”
• Hygiene: Concerns about how used clothes were worn or cleaned can turn people off from thrift online platforms.
• Convenience: Online thrifting takes time, from hunting the right size to ensuring authenticity and dealing with shipping costs.
• Perceived value: Some shoppers simply prefer new items believing it’s better quality or more desirable than secondhand goods.
• Return policies: Concerns about buyer protection and the ability to return items can deter some from exploring thrift stores online.

A Bit of Drama: Bethenny Frankel & the Poshmark Debate

Not everyone in the public eye is championing the resale business for the right reasons.

In 2025, Bethenny Frankel was accused of reselling gifted designer items on Poshmark, one of the popular thrifting apps, under an alias. Designer J. Logan Horne criticized her for damaging brand relationships and potentially affecting profit margins. Frankel responded that proceeds were going to charity but the situation stirred up debate about ethics, transparency, and the blurry lines between gifted and personal property in online consignment.

This incident highlighted the need for clear guidelines in the world of consignment apps and online thrifting apps, especially when it comes to luxury consignment and authenticated luxury items.

Final Thought

Whether it’s for the thrill of the find, a love for vintage pieces, or a commitment to sustainable shopping and reducing fashion waste, pre-loved fashion is gaining high-profile fans. At the same time, some remain skeptical due to social dynamics, personal taste, or simple habit.

At TheStylishCity, we believe pre-loved fashion is more than a passing trend, it’s a movement worth watching (and wearing). As the industry evolves, addressing concerns like shipping costs, return policies, and buyer protection will be crucial in making secondhand shopping apps and online thrift stores more appealing to a broader audience.

By embracing the circular economy of fashion, we can all play a part in reducing our environmental impact while still looking fabulous with unique thrift store finds.

There I am, standing at a vegetable stand with my Louis Vuitton in hand, reflecting on how much I’ve changed since leaving Manhattan two years ago. The familiar comfort of browsing luxury goods on Madison Avenue has given way to learning about pies (so many pies!), homemade jams, and the fascinating people who create them.

Reality hit hard when we moved to Connecticut, and my Upper East Side retail heaven was replaced by an entirely different, rural shopping experience. I want to share my journey—from being a compulsive city bargain shopper to becoming a more mindful rural consumer. What I learned along the way is that having fewer choices can actually help you appreciate true value. My story might inspire you to rethink your relationship with retail therapy, whether you’re considering a similar lifestyle change or are simply curious about breaking free from city shopping habits.

Understanding Retail Therapy in the Urban Jungle

The Magic of Urban Retail
There’s something magical about urban retail that turns a simple shopping trip into an unforgettable experience. My first visit to Bergdorf Goodman gave me a thrill that literally took my breath away. The soft touch of cashmere, the gentle background music, and the distinctive scent of luxury stores aren’t just elements of shopping—they’re carefully curated experiences designed to make you feel special.

The Dopamine Rush of Fifth Avenue
Every purchase on Madison Avenue triggers a small, powerful dopamine release—a biochemical reward that lifts your mood. This experience goes beyond casual shopping. The gleaming storefronts, soft fabrics, and subtle interactions with experienced staff transform retail into a ritual. In Manhattan, shopping becomes addictive, especially when it serves as a marker of social status. Knowing the difference between Bergdorf’s third floor and Barneys’ basement (rest in peace, beloved institution) wasn’t just about retail knowledge—it was a form of social currency. Each purchase told a story and offered a membership to an exclusive, unspoken club.

City Shopping as Identity
New Yorkers don’t just wear clothes; they wear statements. My carefully curated wardrobe spoke volumes about my aspirations, tastes, and social standing before I even said a word. My shopping choices weren’t just about acquiring items—they were a way of defining myself. In urban life, what you buy often becomes a status symbol. A former New Yorker who moved to Litchfield Hills once confessed, “A part of me—the carefully composed part—feels invisible now that my status symbols no longer matter.” This identity, built through consumption, gradually becomes a substitute for genuine self-expression.

When Brands Replace Community Connections
One of urban retail therapy’s biggest shortcomings is that it often replaces real human connection with brand affiliation. In a city where neighbors can remain strangers for years, a kind word from a boutique employee can feel like the only recognition you get. This reliance on brands for validation makes the transition away from city life all the more jarring. It becomes clear that so many urban connections depend more on what we buy than on who we are.

The Five Emotional Stages of Shopping Withdrawal

Moving to rural Litchfield Hills wasn’t just a change of address—it felt like withdrawal from a powerful addiction. My urban retail habits didn’t just fade away; they crashed through a series of emotional stages, mirroring the classic stages of grief:

1. Denial:
   In the first month, I couldn’t accept my new reality. “Surely there’s a designer boutique hidden in a barn somewhere near Litchfield,” I thought as I scrolled through my map app. Even my phone started autocorrecting “Saks” to “Sacks”—a small digital betrayal that felt strangely personal. I spent hours scrolling through Instagram, haunted by images of sample sales and rooftop fashion launches.
2. Anger:
   Then came raw rage. “Why is the closest mall nearly an hour away?” I fumed to my husband one afternoon. The scarcity of shopping options felt like a personal insult. A fifty-minute drive just to find a dress for a black-tie event seemed absurd. I tried to compensate with online shopping, only to realize nothing beats trying on a dress in person—especially with an event looming just 10 days away.
3. Bargaining:
   I reasoned, “I can still get my fix with monthly trips to the city.” Soon, I began planning detailed shopping pilgrimages, mapping out stores, hair appointments, and must-have items with military precision. Yet, the more I planned, the more I realized that my craving for these trips wasn’t as intense as I’d expected. My favorite designer jeans still sat on the rack, last year’s jacket remained in rotation, and, surprisingly, I felt okay with that.
4. Depression:
   A quiet sadness set in when I noticed that nobody in my new community cared about my status symbols. No one admired my Golden Goose sneakers, and my carefully curated style seemed to go unnoticed. It was then that I realized how much of my identity had been tied to what I owned rather than who I truly was.
5. Acceptance:
   The shift came unexpectedly one Saturday at the farmers’ market. I found myself drawn to a handwoven alpaca scarf while chatting with the artisan who spun the yarn herself. It was beautiful, meaningful, and refreshingly authentic. In this community, style isn’t about showing off; it’s about genuine personal expression.

Finding New Ways to Enjoy Shopping

In Litchfield Hills, shopping follows the rhythm of nature, in stark contrast to Manhattan’s endless retail calendar. Here’s what I discovered:

Seasonal Rhythms of Rural Shopping
Rural Connecticut’s shopping scene evolves with the seasons. At the Gresczyk Farms, shelves transform every month—spring brings tender greens and herbs, summer bursts with colorful produce, fall fills baskets with apples and pumpkins, and winter offers preserves and root vegetables. This natural cycle creates an excitement that the constant availability of city shopping simply can’t match.

The Treasure Hunt of Antique Stores and Estate Sales
While city shopping is often predictable, rural retail offers pleasant surprises. Privet House, known locally as a “cultish home emporium in New Preston,” features vintage furniture, gardening pieces, and Belgian linens—each with a story that no department store item could ever tell.

The Surprising Freedom of Limited Choices
At first, having fewer shopping options seemed like a drawback. But over time, I discovered that it brought an unexpected sense of freedom. My designer wardrobe, once a symbol of who I wanted to be, now takes a backseat. Each piece I choose now tells an authentic story about who I truly am.

Breaking the Cycle of Constant Consumption
City shopping had trapped me in a relentless cycle of consumption—new sales, constant deals, and the pressure to buy more. Rural Connecticut, with its slower pace and focus on quality over quantity, showed me a completely different way of living. Embracing a lifestyle that values substance over status allowed me to break free from the constant urge to keep up with the latest trends.

Conclusion

My transition from Fifth Avenue to farm stands taught me something unexpected: limited choices can open up a world of new possibilities. While my designer bags now collect dust, my soul feels lighter, and I find comfort in being part of a community that values authenticity over ostentation. Shopping has taken on a new meaning—one that’s less about accumulation and more about finding exactly what I need.

Image credit:
rblfmr/Shutterstock
Gresczyk Farms/Facebook

Our relationship with shopping? Well… the Facebook status would be “It’s Complicated.” We browse, we buy, we regret – but have you ever wondered why you shop the way you do? Turns out, your personality might be the puppet master controlling your wallet all along.

A recent study of 485 Portuguese shoppers reveals what some of us suspected but couldn’t quite explain – personality types dramatically influence everything from impulsive splurges to panic-buying toilet paper. That’s right. Point blank. Your shopping habits aren’t random at all.

Those with a dominant Perceiving function (the browsers of the personality world) enjoy wandering through options, gathering information, and considering possibilities. Meanwhile, Judging types prefer quick, decisive purchases with minimal fuss. No surprise there. The research also shows that more neurotic personalities tend toward impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors, while conscientious shoppers make measured, thoughtful decisions.

I’ve never been a fan of being psychologically profiled while shopping (that’s for another post), but I can’t deny the patterns are there. Your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) shapes everything from how you browse stores to your final purchase decisions. Understanding these patterns might just help you make more mindful choices – or at least explain why you came home with three pairs of shoes when you only went out for milk.

The MBTI Shopping Code: Why You Fill Your Cart That Way

Here’s a shopping truth that might hit close to home: your personality doesn’t just determine who you are—it dictates how you shop. Those four MBTI letter combinations? They’re basically the DNA of your shopping habits. They explain everything from why you hate crowded stores to why you can’t resist that “on sale” sign.

Extraversion vs. Introversion: Extraverts crave the social shopping experience. They’re the ones chatting with store associates, asking friends for opinions via FaceTime, and feeling energized by busy malls. They shop while talking, texting, and thinking about how that new jacket will look on Instagram. Introverts? Completely different story. They’ve researched that purchase for weeks, read every review, and might walk out empty-handed if the store is too crowded. I’ve watched friends nearly have panic attacks in packed shops while I’m happily browsing—the introvert/extravert divide in action.

Sensing vs. Intuition: Sensing shoppers live in the now. They notice everything—fabric quality, stitching details, exact shade of color. Shopping with them can be exhausting because they approach it methodically, step by logical step. Meanwhile, Intuitive shoppers (guilty as charged) are dreaming about what that couch “could become” in their imaginary future living room. They’re buying for potential, not reality. That’s why they end up with clothes for imaginary vacations they’ll never take.

Thinking vs. Feeling: Thinking types are those cold, calculating shoppers who seem immune to emotional marketing. They detach completely, spreadsheet-comparing features and benefits before purchasing. Feeling types shop with their hearts—and sometimes their social conscience. They’re asking “was this ethically made?” and “will my purchase support a good cause?” They’ll spend more if it means supporting values they believe in.

Judging vs. Perceiving: Judgers are shopping with a mission. They have a list, a budget, and they’re sticking to it. Too many options? Pure frustration. Perceivers are the opposite—they want to see everything before deciding, which means they sometimes leave overwhelmed and empty-handed after trying on seventeen different versions of the same black dress.

Research confirms what we’re seeing in shopping aisles everywhere—these personality traits predict everything from brand loyalty to whether you’ll panic-buy toilet paper during a pandemic. Our shopping habits aren’t random at all—they’re deeply encoded in our personalities.

This explains why some people can’t buy a toaster without reading every review online while others impulsively buy shoes they’ll never wear, or why some shoppers focus on ethical production while others just want status or the best deal.

Six Tribes of Shoppers: Which One Are You?

Beyond just basic personality preferences is something more revealing – shopping tribes. These aren’t just casual categories invented for a marketing presentation. They’re real patterns that blend MBTI traits with how we behave when our credit cards come out to play.

The Planner treats shopping like a military operation. Dominated by ISTJ, ESTJ, and INTJ personalities, these people don’t mess around. Shopping lists? Check. Price comparisons? Absolutely. Brand loyalty? You bet. These methodical types research everything to death before buying and stick with trusted brands. Architects (INTJs) are the extreme version here – with 54% preferring online shopping where they can coldly compare options without pesky salespeople interrupting their analysis. Their purchases are calculated, rarely spontaneous, and always justified with logic that would impress Spock.

The Impulse Shopper is the walking embodiment of “I wasn’t planning to buy anything today, but…” Made up mostly of ESFP, ENFP, and ESFJ types, these shoppers have never met a budget they couldn’t ignore. ESFPs specifically “suffer from impulse purchases” because they’re so easily swayed by what everyone else is recommending. Studies show that more neurotic personalities gravitate toward impulsive buying as a way to chase away negative feelings. I’ve watched friends literally buy shoes to feel better after a bad day – temporary happiness with a permanent credit card statement.

The Experiential Shopper (ISFP, ENFP, INFP) doesn’t just want to buy things – they want to feel things. ISFPs are drawn to beauty and tactile experiences, making them the “touch everything in the store” shoppers who need to physically interact with products. For them, shopping isn’t just acquisition; it’s an emotional journey that creates meaning. These are the people fondling cashmere sweaters with closed eyes in department stores.

The Status Seeker (ENTJ, ESTP, ENFJ) isn’t just buying products – they’re buying position in the social hierarchy. These types collect status symbols like trophies. ESTPs are the quintessential “commander-style shoppers” who need control and believe their purchasing decisions are superior to everyone else’s. They’re not just buying a watch; they’re buying the right to tell you about their watch at dinner.

The Bargain Hunter (ISTP, ISFJ, INTP) lives for the thrill of the deal. The research is stunning – 83% of American consumers identify as bargain shoppers, with INTP analysts particularly obsessed with comparison shopping. Here’s the kicker: 23% admit they buy things they don’t need just because they’re on sale. That “bargain” becomes expensive when it sits unused in your closet.

The Ethical Shopper (INFJ, INFP, ISFJ) shops with their conscience as guide. While most of us claim to care about ethics, these types actually put their money where their values are. Research confirms people with Feeling preferences demonstrate higher environmental consciousness. INFJs in particular seek products aligned with their values, and will dig deep for meaning even when 99% of reviews are positive. They’ll pay double for that coffee if it means the farmers were treated fairly.

Using Your MBTI Type to Shop Smarter (Or At Least Feel Better About Your Choices)

So you know your personality type shapes how you shop. Great. But how does that actually help you when you’re staring at your tenth Amazon cart of the week? Well… it’s not just about understanding the problem—it’s about using that knowledge to your advantage.

Know Yourself, Know Your Shopping Demons

Let’s face it—most of our shopping mistakes aren’t random. They’re patterns that repeat themselves with frightening consistency. Self-awareness is key here. Marketing teams have known for years that MBTI profiling creates more cohesive strategies. What they use to sell to you, you can use to protect yourself.

If you’re a Planner (ISTJ, ESTJ, INTJ), embrace your methodical nature instead of feeling bad about spending three hours researching coffee makers. Your thoroughness is a superpower, not a flaw. Architects (INTJs) especially thrive with comparison shopping—no surprise that 54% prefer online platforms where they can evaluate options without social pressure.

Impulse Shoppers (ESFP, ENFP, ESFJ) need safeguards, not willpower. I’ve watched friends implement “cooling off” periods before major purchases and it works. Setting an “emotion budget” sounds ridiculous, but it actually helps channel that spontaneous energy somewhere besides your credit card statement.

Practical Strategies That Don’t Ignore Who You Are

Experiential Shoppers (ISFP, ENFP, INFP) shouldn’t fight their need to touch, feel, and experience products. That tactile connection isn’t frivolous—it’s central to making choices you won’t regret. Focus on quality over quantity. One perfect item beats five mediocre ones every time.

Status Seekers (ENTJ, ESTP, ENFJ) won’t suddenly stop caring what others think. That’s not realistic. Instead, redirect that status drive toward quality investments that last. ENTJs especially connect money with influence—channel that into purchases with genuine long-term value instead of momentary status hits.

Bargain Hunters (ISTP, ISFJ, INTP) need strategies to avoid accumulating junk they don’t need just because it was 70% off. The “Power Pause” technique—forcing intentional time between discovering a deal and pulling out your wallet—can save your home from becoming a warehouse of bargains. That deal will still feel like a victory, but only if you actually needed the item.

Ethical Shoppers (INFJ, INFP, ISFJ) often feel disappointed when companies don’t live up to their values. Do the research on sustainability practices beforehand. That’s not overthinking—it’s aligning purchases with values.

Finding Your Balance (Or At Least Trying To)

No matter your type, extremes are where the trouble happens. Thinkers could benefit from asking, “How does this make me feel?” occasionally. Feelers might need to create a logical framework for decisions.

Introverts, you don’t have to force yourself into crowded malls—research at home first. Extraverts, consider bringing along a more grounded friend who can ask the hard questions when you’re excited about something shiny.

The point isn’t to fight against your shopping personality. That’s a battle you’ll lose. The trick is working with it, creating guardrails where you’re vulnerable, and leveraging strengths where you excel. Your relationship with shopping might still be “complicated,” but at least now you understand why.

The Shopping Truth: Personality Patterns Won’t Change (But You Can)

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Your MBTI type explains a lot about why some shopping trips end in buyer’s remorse while others leave you perfectly satisfied. Whether you’re a methodical Planner who researches every purchase or an Impulse Shopper who buys first and thinks later, these patterns reveal the shopping truths we often don’t want to admit about ourselves.

Here’s the thing, though – knowing your type isn’t about boxing yourself in. It’s about working with your natural tendencies instead of against them. Planners don’t need to become spontaneous overnight, but maybe – just maybe – they could benefit from occasional unplanned purchases. Impulse Shoppers won’t suddenly transform into spreadsheet-wielding analysts, but adding even a small structure to their shopping habits could save their bank accounts.

Status Seekers might discover something surprising: deeper satisfaction in purchases that align with personal values rather than social climbing. And those Bargain Hunters who can’t resist a sale? The real question isn’t “how much did you save?” but “did you need it in the first place?”

I’ve seen how these personality patterns play out in myself and others – they’re remarkably consistent. But consistency doesn’t mean destiny. Our relationship with shopping might always be complicated, but understanding the why behind our habits is the first step to making them work for us instead of against us.

The real power isn’t in changing who you are. It’s in recognizing your patterns and creating strategies that acknowledge them rather than fighting the inevitable. After all, shopping should serve our lives, not control them. That’s it. Point blank.

Sample sales in New York have changed from shopping therapy at exclusive events to chaotic combat zones. A 2024 Versace sample sale ended with police intervention after 1,000 shoppers mobbed the entrance and started physical fights. Dedicated shoppers now hire professional line-sitters because queues stretch three blocks long at coveted events like The Row’s semi-annual sale.

Social media’s influence, especially platforms like TikTok, has crushed one’s chances of finding real deals at these events. Aggressive resellers control these sales by hoarding merchandise and streaming their purchases live to their followers. The sample sale experience has vanished completely, and both shoppers and brands are looking for solutions.

TikTok Resellers Transform NYC Sample Sales

The digital spotlight drew a new breed of aggressive shoppers who saw profit opportunities.

Livestreamers Disrupt Traditional Shopping

TikTok resellers’ ruthless tactics follow a calculated plan – they pay others to wait in line, systematically hoard merchandise, and run livestream sales right from the events. Shoppers must now make their way through chaos as resellers guard their accumulated piles and block others from reaching merchandise ^[2].

“They hoard these piles, take pictures of everything and shoo people away that try to get near the racks that they’re at,” a frustrated shopper explained in a video that reached more than 460,000 views .

Versace Sale Shutdown Revealed Growing Tensions

A Versace sample sale showed these tensions dramatically. Social media posts hyped the event with promises of 80% discounts, which prompted dedicated shoppers to camp out from 2 a.m. More than 1,000 people joined at the Metropolitan Pavilion, and chaos quickly followed.

Fights broke out among shoppers desperate for luxury items, forcing security to call NYPD for help . People pushed and shoved aggressively at the entrance and inside, as captured in various videos, until authorities stepped in. The organizers shut down the event and posted a closure notice where an advertisement for irresistible discounts once hung .

Shoppers Confront Aggressive Tactics at Sample Sale Events

Designer sample sales in New York have turned into battlegrounds where aggressive tactics rule the day. Regular shoppers struggle to compete with professionals who use everything from paid line-sitters to merchandise hoarding and sometimes resort to physical intimidation.

Line-Sitters Command Premium Fees

Line-sitting services have become the new gatekeepers to these coveted sales. Same Ole Line Dudes LLC, a leading line-sitting service, sets their rates at $25 for the first hour and $10 for each additional half-hour. The company raised their minimum fee to $50 for up to two hours, while sample sales cost $65 for up to 2.5 hours. Night shifts between midnight and 7 AM come with a $15 premium.

Hoarders Block Access to Merchandise

The challenges don’t end at the door. Inside, shoppers must deal with merchandise hoarders who block others from reaching the products. A shopper’s TikTok video that spread widely showed how “They hoard these piles, take pictures of everything and shoo people away that try to get near the racks that they’re at“. Regular customers end up squeezed into “a few inches of rack space at a time” .

Physical Altercations Erupt Over Limited Items

Competition for scarce items often turns violent. Police had to intervene at an Alice + Olivia sample sale when two women fought over a leather jacket – one woman scratched the other’s face. The Manolo Blahnik sale at the Warwick Hotel has earned a reputation for bringing out “the worst in New York’s most cultured, stylish buyers“. The scene inside gets wild: “Inside, there are screams, bags being ripped open and shoes soaring over shoppers’ heads” . Security guards can’t always maintain order. One shopper watched helplessly as “one woman snatch a pair of shoes out of another woman’s pile and refuse to give them back”.

Brands Struggle to Control Chaotic Sample Sale Environment

Major sample sale organizers in New York faced unprecedented chaos at their events in 2023 and 2024. They’ve since put strict measures in place to restore order and control. These efforts have only partially worked as the traditional sample sale shopping experience seems to be gone, at least for now.

Sample Sale Organizers Implement New Policies

260 Sample Sale hosts events for premium brands like Acne Studios, Maison Margiela, and many others in NY, LA, MIA, CHI, DAL and Online. The company has put several policies in place to curb disruptive behavior. The rules now limit customer purchases and shopping time “to ensure traffic is moving.” The company’s loyalty program gives subscribers VIP previews and organize online events.

Luxury Labels Retreat to Invitation-Only Events

High-end brands are moving to invitation-only models because of the growing chaos. The Hermès sample sale runs as a private event. You’ll likely need an official invitation to get in.

Luxury labels want to protect their brand image and shopping experience for their most valued customers. They limit access and create controlled environments. This approach lets them test new products and services while getting feedback from a selective audience.

Will Shoppers Abandon Once-Beloved Sample Sales?

Many longtime sample sale enthusiasts have simply walked away. College students and aspirational shoppers who relied on these events to get luxury brands now find themselves priced out completely.

The community aspect has disappeared along with affordability. Regular shoppers remember when attendees would pass unwanted items to others in line and help fellow customers find perfect pieces. That friendly spirit has vanished. Abdul, a veteran sample sale shopper, describes today’s environment as “vicious.”

“The resellers weren’t as vicious as the ones I’m seeing now,” she noted. “When I say vicious, they’re vlogging live from the sale and trying to sell products to some of their clients, live and direct” .

Many once-loyal customers now feel the experience isn’t worth the hassle.

Industry Experts Propose Solutions to Sample Sale Crisis

The New York sample sales experience is at a crossroads, and industry experts suggest different ways to bring back order and make sales accessible. Their ideas range from tech solutions to complete business model changes, though each solution comes with its own set of challenges.

Some Brands Think About Abandoning Sample Sale Model

The mounting challenges have pushed some luxury labels to think about dropping traditional sample sales completely.

Other options include switching to digital platforms only, creating invite-only events, or building specialized sample sale spaces. Sensoria, a New York startup, offers “art-directed sales” for emerging designers that create experiences “as unlike normal sample sales as possible.” The company’s photographers and stylists present last season’s items in fresh ways to avoid the chaos found in traditional events.

The experts agree that the current model just isn’t working anymore and that TikTok’s influence changed what used to be a unique New York shopping experience.

Conclusion

Social media exposure has turned NYC sample sales from exclusive events into viral sensations. TikTok has changed the shopping scene, pushing regular customers away as resellers take over. Brands now struggle to protect their products and their image while these sales become more chaotic.

Determined resellers keep finding ways around security measures and buying limits.

Luxury brands can’t decide what to do next with NYC sample sales. Some brands now only run invite-only events or sell online. Others have given up on sample sales completely. This retail crisis raises bigger questions about keeping fashion’s discount market fair and sustainable.

Sample sales need major changes to stay alive. Brands must find the sweet spot between making sales accessible and keeping them under control. They might need better verification or completely new ways to sell. The next few months will show whether these beloved New York shopping traditions can survive or if they’ll become just another retail memory.

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Christian Siriano kicked off the NY Fashion Week Spring 2022 edition on Tuesday night with a colorful (some called it over the top) collection. Siriano remains the same sassy, creative genius we first met and fell in love with during the fourth season of the Project Runway. He is the man who famously wrote Dresses to Dream About, a television star himself who dresses celebrities like Michelle Obama, Oprah, Rihanna, and Heidi Klum for star-studded events. It seems only natural for him to err on the side of opulence after such a long break from the runway. “We’re getting the most insane requests,” said Siriano, talking about client demands and what inspired him to be more “fierce” than usual in this particular collection.

A sign of the times we live in and proof of how much we’ve changed in these 18 months was Vogue editor’s review of the collection and her suggestion for Siriano and implication for all of us that the sensible thing to do might be to exercise restraint when faced with the temptation of being “extra”. Great advice at any time, but in the current economic situation, it was particularly auspicious and surprised us only because it came from Vogue:

“Yet this push-and-pull between restraint and self-expression, opulence and minimalism, mirrors the chaotic times we live in. Mixed messages are everywhere. We know we must consume less, yet are tempted by the thrill of being ‘extra’ that a life led on camera and social media seems to demand. We’re enticed by a world in which everyone can be a star.”

Last year marked a defining moment for the fashion industry. The social justice movement that followed George Floyd’s murder forced a difficult introspection into an industry riddled with inequities, racism, and elitism. Brands and magazines rushed to express their unflinching support for the BLM movement, hired and promoted new black employees, released statements, wrote apology letters (see Anna Wintour) and sold a lot of slogan T-shirts. There were also initiatives like Black in Fashion Council and 15 Percent Pledge that we hope are here to stay.

The Siriano show opened and closed with Precious Lee, the first black curve model to appear on the pages of American Vogue. This was not the first time Siriano featured diverse models, in fact, throughout his career the designer built a reputation for supporting inclusivity and diversity by dressing actresses and models of all sizes and ethnicities, and actresses that other designers won’t dress. He was famously once the only designer willing to dress Leslie Jones for her Ghostbusters premiere and later on was one of the first designers to cast “curve” models. While his “People are People” mantra shows Siriano was ahead of the curve in terms of body positivity and inclusivity, the industry has had some catching up to do. In addition to designers like Siriano, companies like Savage X Fenty and SKIMS have successfully introduced body positivity and the industry has no option but to follow at this point — if it hasn’t changed yet, it has to.

Before the pandemic, we were questioning the validity of a wholesale business model and the importance of traditional media in this context. While these problems haven’t necessarily been solved we are faced now with the reality of an industry more aware of its excesses and past injustices and prejudices and hopefully honestly willing to make amends.

Image credit: Daria Golubeva via iStock by Getty Images

Victoria’s Secret has been busy during the pandemic doing some damage control, quite necessary for a brand affected by years of poor management and a toxic, albeit third degree, association with Jefrey Epstein.

The company was founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond who got the idea for a lingerie store while shopping for his wife. Forty-four years later Martin Waters, Victoria’s Secret new CEO decided to dramatically change things. He told the New York Times “We needed to stop being about what men want and to be about what women want.”

After years of customer complaints the company decided to reduce the super skinny models in half-clothed attires.
In an Instagram post last week Victoria’s Secret shared “We are proud to announce an exciting new partnership platform, #TheVSCollective, designed to shape the future of Victoria’s Secret. These extraordinary partners, with their unique backgrounds, interests and passions will collaborate with us to create revolutionary product collections, compelling and inspiring content, new internal associate programs and rally support for causes vital to women.”

The first partners are Priyanka Chopra Jonas, soccer star Megan Rapinoe, mental wellness supporter Adut Akech, equality activist Amanda de Cadenet, skier Eileen Gu, body advocate Paloma Elsesser, and LGBTQ activist and model Valentina Sampaio.

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The only thing I knew for sure about my clothes prior to the pandemic was that they were tangible and that they could be reliably found cramming my closets. It turns out that I was wrong. As life moved online during COVID-19, so did our clothes. And our artwork, if we are a little posh.

The news buzz about digital fashion for the benefit of “commercial growth and marketing activation”  turned into a lion’s roar about digital fashion “overtaking physical stores”  to further “consciousness and identity shift.”

WOW! Talkabout COVID-19 accelerating trends! As fashion brands cancelled runway presentations, they had to come up with projects to get their vision across. Ballenciaga created a video game and Gucci entered into a digital collaboration with Pokemon for the player’s avatars. We are starting to see the formation of a market for these projects and their designers need to receive credit and be paid, which requires a special technology that protects ownership. This past February’s first ever Crypto Fashion Week was an example of such a platform that couldn’t exist if it weren’t the blockchain technology.

As proof of ownership is one of the fundamental properties of cryptocurrencies, the traditional high end fashion industry is also becoming increasingly interested in blockchain technology. Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Prada have built Aura on blockchain technology to fight the counterfeit goods war.

Despite this avalanche of adoption, crypto fashion is still in its infancy. It is a complex field that goes beyond NFT’s into gaming, metaverses and augmented realities. Natalia Modenova, co-founder of the (exclusively) digital fashion retailer DressX thinks that “it’s going to take leaders in the market to push mass adoption.” It will be interesting to see what happens and if the push will come from the fashion industry or somewhere else.

So far the biggest news splash was made by Andreessen Harowitz and its $8 million investment in the virtual fashion platform RTFKT, which specializes in digital sneakers and other virtual accessories. I personally find it hard to believe it’s just coincidence that Marc Andreessen was also one of the first investors in bitcoin. Remember how we discussed that the future of bitcoin depends exclusively on whether there are reasons for it to exist? I believe Marc Andreessen and his investment in virtual fashion just gave bitcoin a stylish raison d’etre.

Image credit: 3DSculptor via iStock by Getty Images