Picture this: you’re standing in front of a stunning display of clothes and accessories, your mind racing with questions. Is it in my budget? Do I really need another black dress? How many bling bags are too many?…Sounds familiar? Well, you’re not alone. As Aisha Saraf Kothari, the brains behind AiSPi, puts it, “Not questioning yourself while shopping is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.” Simply put, it’s almost impossible and takes great skill.
Aisha knows that people tend to overthink while shopping, grappling with concerns about budget, utility, and necessity. But it doesn’t have to be this way, you can take a step back from overthinking but still ask the important questions to make an informed decision. Let’s dive into Aisha’s world and discover why sometimes, it’s okay to throw caution to the wind and shop your heart out.
Stop Overthinking
Aisha’s journey as a curator has taught her a thing or two about the art of shopping. She gets it–the struggle is real. “The first question I get is about the overthinking people do while out shopping,” she shares. “It’s natural to have doubts, especially when you’re splurging your hard-earned cash.” But here’s where Aisha draws the line–separating the basic questions from the ones that send us into a spiral of indecision. She suggests you ask two basic questions every time you have to make a purchase:
- Is it in my budget?
- Do I have something very similar?
“These are the basics,” she explains. “But when you start questioning every little detail, that’s when you know you’re overthinking.”
The Secret
So, what’s the secret to breaking free from this cycle of overanalysis? According to Aisha, it’s all about embracing the temptation of fashion. “Once you’ve ticked off all the basics and you find yourself lusting after that dress or those shoes, just go for it,” she advises. “Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.”
She speaks from experience, recounting a recent encounter with a pair of black boots that stole her heart. “I showed them to my family, and opinions were divided,” she recalls. “But I couldn’t shake the feeling of desire. Eventually, I caved and bought them. And let me tell you, I’ve worn those boots more times than I can count.”
Aisha’s Approach To Shopping
“I like to keep it exciting,” she reveals. “Rather than viewing it as a chore, I see it is an opportunity to curate a wardrobe that reflects my personality.” For her, shopping is more than just acquiring items–it’s about embracing self-expression and celebrating individuality. “I shop from a place of inspiration,” she explains. “Whether it’s a particular event or a style I want to try out, I let my creativity guide me.”
In the end, Aisha’s message is clear: shopping should be fun, guiltfree, and not stressful. So the next time you find yourself agonising over a purchase, remember her words of wisdom. “Ask the basics, trust your instincts, and shop your heart out.” After all, the best fashion decisions are made when we let go of our inhibitions and surrender to the thrill of self-discovery and expression.
Written by Amulya Misra, Interviewing Aisha Saraf Kothari, Founder of AiSPi
All images are courtesy of the brands mentioned.
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