Sleep on it

One of my favorite, and most used rules of The Shopping Diet is: sleeping on it.

What exactly does that mean? Well, I sure am glad you asked.

This works for both online shoppers and in-person shoppers.

Let's start with online:
If you're like me, you have a few favorite sites you shop at. These are ones you check regularly for new items. Some of mine are Forever21, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal, JcPenney, Amazon, etc. At those sites I have wish lists: items I want, but haven't committed to buying yet. Often these wishlists will have upwards of 30 items each.
When I'm ready to make a purchase and am pretty confident about some of the items on my wishlist, I'll move them to my shopping bag. Keep in mind not every Web site lets you do this. Some shopping bags are deleted after you exit the site, while others remain for 30 days or more.
Once the items are in my shopping bag, I leave the site. I take one or a few days to think about the items I have decided I want. I ask myself: would I wear it? What would I wear it with?
I literally "sleep on it."
After a few days, if I still really want it, I'll buy it. If not, the item will be deleted or move back onto my wishlist.

This tip works best for impulsive shoppers: shoppers that buy without thinking. Buy allowing yourself a few days to really decide if you want something, you'll cut down tremendously on unwanted and unworn items. If you allow yourself time to think about the things you want, you are giving yourself an advantage. Your mind will be clear after a few days.

Now, for in-person shoppers, obviously online wishlists and shopping bags do not apply. When you are giving yourself time to think over your potential purchase you are leaving the store. After you've left, apply the "sleep on it" rule. How do you feel the next morning?

I have found that when I consider for a few days if I really want a certain product, I am buying half of what I normally am. And in benefit, I am gaining what I REALLY, truly want.

So do yourself a favor. Don't rush. If a certain item that you've decided you want (after a few days of thinking), is no longer available in your size or has been taken right from the rack you left it the other day, don't fret. I guarantee you'll find something else you want in the near future :)