Hi, My name is___ and I'm a _____

Well, I'd like to begin the day with a little soul cleansing:

Hi, My name is Ivy and I'm a shopaholic. How do I deal with a sudden urge to rack up on those perfect-fitting jeans or bangin' pumps that I don't need? I'm open to treatment without medication. I've never liked medicine however I'm aware of its benefits. For women it's mostly a little bit of retail therapy or spas / nail salons. For men, it's cars & electronics.

Back to my problem, when something fits me satisfactorily, I HAVE TO GET IT! The most recent shopping excursion confirmed my addiction. Lord & Taylor had some really nice dresses and a great sale to go along with it. So, I ended up getting 4 dresses all under $150! But why do I feel so bad, you ask? Well, because 1) I just bought some Miss Sixty sandals in the wintertime! and 2) Where the hell am I going to wear all those dresses?

Of course, certain events that have yet to occur come to mind. I tell myself that I'll have the dress for all occasions: upcoming galas or company dinners, someones upcoming wedding, or when I go on a boat cruise (like the Odyssey, something that requires a nice dress). Given, I know where the good sales are. And I have a budget, but the question is: Do I really need it?

I've been told that I have a distorted understanding between "want" and "need". The persuasion ensues upon a great find: Well, it's a damn good sale and I may "want" it, but it can possibly turn into something I'll "need" later on. Is that sufficient reasoning? Do you do this as well?

I'm getting better with budgeting though and haven't bought a thing except for what I "need". I'm having withdrawals because of all the holiday sales, but you know what? It's all a matter of mind games, but if I do see an eclectic blouse with a tempting price tag, I promise to think it through 10 times before I buy it.

UPDATE: Not too long after this post, I found this article from Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/27/AR2008112702345.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter....glad to know it ain't just me!