Needs vs Wants?

how to wear a poncho over 50

This is the first piece I bought for my new autumn wardrobe…

Because, you know, what my autumn wardrobe really desperately needs is a new poncho. In addition to the five I already have… But I don’t have a navy poncho, so that’s OK. And look, this poncho is reversible! A two-tone poncho!

OK, I probably don’t need it. But I’ve been eyeing it for a long time, and wearing it almost non-stop since I got it. 

navy poncho 1300 x 1000

Besides, I think it’s OK to buy something I want (instead of need ) every once in a while. Or does that make me a frivolous shopaholic? Does indulging my wants mean I have abandoned my principles of conscious consumption?

No, it doesn’t. Sure, I may not need another poncho, but it does give me joy, and I will wear it again and again. 

navy poncho 1300 x 1000

navy poncho 1300 x 1000

It’s not always easy balancing my wants vs my needs.  I know exactly what I need to get: a new winter coat, cool shoes for rainy weather, some tops and bottoms to see me through the cold winter months.

Whether I find what I need is an entirely different matter. Let’s just say that fashion designers and I don’t often see eye to eye when it comes to what is missing in my wardrobe… And, as a result, I really hate shopping. It’s depressing: I never find anything that fits me or flatters me. And the colours in shops… I know what suits me; it’s fashion designers who get it wrong.

So, when I find something I actually like, I usually get it. Whether I need it or not. Because I know I won’t find whatever it is I think I need, anyway. Don’t believe me? I’ve been looking for a new winter coat for 6 years (just for the record: a ‘winter coat’ in this context means something that makes you look like a walking blanket, not one of those pretty wool coats people in warmer countries wear…). There’s always something that isn’t quite right: the style of the coat, or the colour… Am I being too demanding? Not at all. I’m willing to spend quite a lot of money on a good coat and expect it to last for years; at least I should get something I actually like.

But we’re digressing here… I believe I’m doing a good job balancing my needs vs my wants: I seldom find what I need, so I always try to buy what I want

And this, my friend, is how you can justify outrageously conspicuous consumption without any guilt…

reversible poncho

sunset in Helsinki

Outfit details:
poncho: Marja Kurki / t-shirt: Garcia Jeans (old) / trousers: Ril’s /
bag: Marc Jacobs / sunglasses: Nina Ricci / shoes: Jenny (old)

Do you find it difficult to balance needs vs wants?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeLiving on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the EdgeA Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink Friday, Away from the BlueMummabstylish , Living on Cloud NineMutton Years Style and I

10 Comments

  1. 12 September 2019 / 11:21 am

    I think that your new poncho is a gorgeous piece and totally agree that investing in quality pieces that you love is a great idea. If you like ponchos and wear them a lot, it’s totally normal that you amass a little collection of them!. I’m also a huge fan of buying any favourite pieces wherever/whenever I find them, as it’s hard to find something really beautiful that fits me!
    And I have to agree that fashion designers are not thinking on Real People who need winter coats and waterproof shoes which don’t look like grandma’s orthopedic shoes.
    besos

    • Tiina
      Author
      15 September 2019 / 8:29 pm

      Thanks, Monica. You’re right: buying a quality piece you love is always a good idea.
      Sometimes I think fashion designers live on a different planet from the rest of us. They seem to think women only exist to showcase totally impractical designs in a variety of settings that have nothing to do with real life.

  2. 12 September 2019 / 1:44 pm

    I out love a good poncho or wrap. You look Fall fabulous! If you have not yet, come on over and join our new Style Six fashion Link-UP live on 6 blogs.

    • Tiina
      Author
      15 September 2019 / 8:40 pm

      Thanks, Andrea! It’s always great to be invited to a new link-up!

    • Tiina
      Author
      15 September 2019 / 8:42 pm

      Thanks! Yes, you’re right: I definitely should get more of what I want… Thanks for being such a great enabler.

  3. Arlene
    13 September 2019 / 3:18 pm

    Yes I think you can buy something once in awhile that you want and not feel guilty about it. I tend to buy an item once in awhile that I love, but not necessarily need also. It’s because of what you said: If you see something you really like and it fits you well, but you don’t really “need” it at the time, it doesn’t matter. Just buy it if you can. Your poncho is beautiful and looks great on you. Arlene from NJ

    • Tiina
      Author
      15 September 2019 / 8:45 pm

      Thanks, Arlene. I just wish my needs would match my wants better… On the other hand, whenever I buy something I really love, I also tend to wear it a lot. Even if I don’t need it right then, it will be very useful at some point later.

  4. Tiina V
    24 September 2019 / 8:15 pm

    Hi. Just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration. I just ordered the same poncho in grey / purple. I have been looking for a new poncho for quite some time. I am not sure how much I really needed this but sure will be happy when my package arrives. I hope mine suits me just as well as yours does.

    • Tiina
      Author
      25 September 2019 / 6:53 pm

      Grey and purple sounds great. I’m sure you’ll love it.

Leave a Reply