There comes a time at the beginning of the year when a women (in this case ME and probably you as well ) needs a little something called RETAIL THERAPY.

Retail Therapy occurs when an individual is experiencing such things as depression, Shopping Withdrawals etc.

This very common disorder (specifically after/during the Jolly Christmas and New year season) is referred to as, (what I LOVE to call) Post-NYE depression.

It is a form of depression that most commonly effects women rather than men. It mostly occurs after the period of Christmas to New years and reaches its peak on new years day until about well… The time you purchase something, Many things…preferably online ( because you can have a zillion tabs open and shop from a zillion places at the one time – “PANTS HEAVILY AT THE THOUGHT OF IT – MOOD: ECSTATIC” !) to ease that sector of your brain that bleeps out every once in awhile begging for some retail attention.

Other cases of Depression that also result to Retail Therapy include :

Pre/post-exam Depression : When one is far to stressed to deal with “anticipation”, of an exam paper or the results, often resulting to procrastination at pre stage and anxiety yet relief at post stage. One can always busy themselves at the “mall” by window shopping/purchasing and also “check-out” stage if done via online shopping. This process takes hours as it helps block out any negative energy built up from an exam.

Post Relationship-was-a-Fail Depression : When one is simply depressed due to a failed relationship and/or sudden breakup. Individuals often result to copious amounts of food which is also referred to as “demolishing”, as well as isolation and/or I’m-a-tough-soldier-let-the-next-one-come-at-me stage. After This, ( heroic imagery) a lady steps up and faces the world with her wallet because fashion doesn’t stand still for heartbroken suckers !

Pre-important-Event Depression: The “oh I have nothing to wear”,or  “oh I can’t fit into anything” phase – grouped as whinging with mild tantrumitis in most women. This particular one covers many areas. ( Post – NYE depression is a sub category of this)

Many women (within this group are also referred to as Shop-a-holics) come up with such excuses, some of them you may have heard or may have come out of your own mouth:

• Yes but I don’t have it in (whichever colour)
• I don’t have anything to wear
• I shared a coke with my Wardrobe, had a deep-and-meaningful conservation , made a promise to it that I’d replenish stock.
• I’m Fat
• None of them fit me
• It’s so Last season/It’s So last year
• I want something new
• I’m depressed
• I can’t help it – its a sickness
• PAY DAYYYYY
• Everyone has already seen me wear everything ( Dam Facebook tagging !!)
• My shoes have to match the handbag which has to compliment my dress which has to be appropriate for the evening, then we have the hair that works with the makeup and i need a jacket in case its too cold and if that doesn’t work then… oh never mind – its too complicated let’s just get a whole new look for the evening ? yeah ?

Symptoms

Symptoms include ( before and during) :

• Sadness ( not feeling spoilt and special)
• Distracted
• Low self-esteem.
• Constantly on shopping apps.
• “Watching/stalking” certain items and/or beings.
• disturbed vision – e.g Seeing Chanel handbags instead of clouds.
• immense ogling ( to individuals with colour blocked outfits or desired items).
• Rage upon others (who buy your shoe size out in the only colour it comes in).
• Hallucinating from the smell of pure leather.
• Drooling at the touch of fabric and luxurious textiles.
• mood swings combined with Hyperventilation and ecstatic-ness ( often occurs during checkout).
• Obsession (with websites and certain stores).
• Caressing/conversing with the credit card.
• withdrawals (of anything) .
• Sleep and eating disturbances.
• Muscle pain in the calf/leg region from excessive walking in Shopping centres
• Throwing tantrums at Clothes Racks, Registers or at people working at the store.
• The art of being Oblivious (Maxing out and avoiding credit card bills)

If this is starting to sound like anything you are experiencing or have experienced don’t Fret, You are not alone, It happens to everyone

You may not experience all or any of the above but it doesn’t mean your hands aren’t itching to get themselves on some new items for a) the sake of it b) the health reason as discussed above or c) all of the above.

Cures

No Medication can be taken.

The only cure is to fulfil your Shopping urges.

To help with the process of curing your withdrawals and coming out of the POST-NYE depression bubble I have Listed some online Hotspots – So Please, set yourself a limit, Take out that credit card, Crank up the volume on your recent playlist and Browse away – There are millions of items waiting to be owned … BY YOU !

The Favourite Five

1. Place to be: ASOS
   Link:  http://www.asos.com/au/?hrd=1
   Why: Just switch up the currency in the top right corner to your country and you can get just about anything you like on this site, From shoes and accessories, to clothing covering both genders ! If you’re looking for a great bargain or a designer gift for him/her there is a 70% off sale now on and is definitely worth browsing through – I know I already have – Ordered, processed and KA-ching !
   

2. Place to be: Oroton
   Link: http://www.asos.com/au/?hrd=1
   Why: Need a new wallet or handbag ? Oroton gives you the best of both worlds catering to him and her. you can view their new arrivals or simply skip straight to their fabulous sale. Luxury Accessories at a generous cost – happening NOW !
   
3. Place to be: Nasty Gal
   Link: http://www.nastygal.com/clothes/
   Why: A new favourite of mine ! Exactly the place to go for a new Trendy outfit or a vintage look ! It is a great customer-friendly site with everything for the NASTY GAL , Dress, tops, bottom, intimates you name it – even vintage ! If by this stage you want to save some money on dresses, or need to stock up on some tees and bottoms you can get them in the sale section for as little as 11 dollars. They Also stock a unique variety of Messeca, Sam Edelman, and Jeffrey Campbell Shoes. It’s too hard to pick just one favourite from all the cool pairs they have so here’s a few to tease you until you get your butts to the site !

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Place to be: Ladakh
   Link: http://shop.ladakh.com.au/sale/w1/i1001242/
   Why: Gorgeous Prints, Awesome Trendy styles and a quality label at a reasonable price. What more could you want? Having worked with the Ladakh team as I am the intern I must say i Cannot wait to go back to Ladakh HQ – i miss them ! Checkout the collections and all the other sub-labels like Hungtingbird, and Anise – Each have their own Flava ! Having expanded their collections beyond clothing to accessories and footwear you can now be dressed head to toe ! oh and great news for the Aussies – Free shipping on orders of two or more garments within Australia !
   

5. Place to be: The Grand Social
   Link:http://www.thegrandsocial.com.au/
   Why: The marketplace for Australian and New Zealand Designers – Top Labels – everything at its very best ! A great selection of collections all in the one spot ! Search by gender or Sale or designer they have it all sorted to make it that little bit easier.

   

Happy Shopping

xxxx Much love, Yours Truly
RHYversusWORLD