Men are in abject terror of trying to delve into the unknown territory of a woman's mind when it comes to deciding to purchase a fashion item, be it a dress, handbag or even a pair of cowboy boots! What is the logic that prompts a woman to buy a particular fashion item, is it price, is it looks, or is it something right out of left field?
The year was 1981 - my 10 year old daughter & I lived with my parents and youngest brother. During the Christmas holidays, I came home from work, said hello to my parents, when my father bellowed at me: "You had better teach your daughter the value of a dollar". Stunned by this sudden attack, I meekly asked "Why?" My daughter had wanted a pair of cowboy boots (they were all the rage that year) and I had quite blatantly refused to buy them for either Christmas or otherwise. As my brother & I really didn't get along, he, I am sure for spite, gave her $50 so she could buy a pair.
My parents took my daughter to buy these cowboy boots at the nearest mall. When they entered the Zellers (Canada's answer to Wal-Mart), there were a pair of boots for about $30.00. No, she didn't want those boots; she wanted a very specific pair of boots that cost the total $50.00. She and her grandfather apparently had a heated discussion on what pair to buy. She ended up buying the pair she wanted which my father thought was ridiculous. As far as he was concerned, the two pair of boots were similar and he saw no reason why she couldn't buy the cheaper pair and have $20.00 in her pocket. As far as she was concerned, she wanted the $50 pair and that was that.
She hasn't changed much since that time. There are times she will choose a more inexpensive version of an item, but the majority of times; she will choose exactly what she wants regardless of the cost. There are probably numerous articles on the psychology of a woman's purchasing decision, but I couldn't find any, so I shan't bore you with details, other than to say, in my opinion, there is simply no mystery of why women decides to buy any article of fashion especially a handbag. There are of course many variables that do enter that decision and here are just some that enter my decision to purchase:
1. My Mood, there are times when I decide that I want to go shopping, it is then I can never find what I want, or nothing appeals to me. It is when my goal is not shopping that I find that special piece of fashion that shouts, BUY ME NOW!
2. The available coins in the wallet - this is a dangerous variable because sometimes the desire to want that handbag is greater than the available budget to purchase. However, my desire not to extend myself to the point of bankruptcy is usually much stronger than the desire.
3. The colour and/or design - While most fashion designs are appealing, if it isn't the right colour, there would be no way in God's Green Earth would I purchase the item. For example, brown or orange are not shades in my colour palette. Even when I had my colours "done" in the 80's craze, they are not included (Thank god)!
4. Storage - for many years I was a pack rat, however my daughter is not. She has brought me to the light, so I do not purchase something if I have limited storage. I can only store so many handbags.
5. Sheer Laziness - mainly when it comes to handbags & shoes. I am a gal that really can't be bothered to change my handbag on a frequent basis (monthly changes seem far too frequent for me). As to shoes, well, I have problem feet which restrict the number of shoes that I can purchase as well as the cost.
It only takes nano seconds to have all the variables run through my head when deciding to purchase. However, never let it be said, that I do throw caution to the wind and say, YES, YES, YES I want it. So Men, all I can say, is that whatever motivation a woman has to buy that fashion item, you might as well grin and bear it, then go buy that tool or golf club that you want! Isn't it the same thing?
