Everyone’s been keeping themselves occupied in different ways during quarantine, be it knitting, cooking, baking banana bread, home-workouts or yoga. However, mine has most definitely been online shopping. I’ve been compelled into buying some quite ridiculous pieces and I. Can’t. Stop.
Before we get into it, I would just like to note that while yes, I am very lucky, I also worked over reading week (pre-lockdown), I had a bit of my last loan left and have also indulged in satisfying my online shopping addiction in the knowledge that my next loan is about to drop very soon. Thank goodness.
It all started when Urban Outfitters sent me a notification saying that they had 50% off their existing sale items. Although I religiously trawl this site for bargain deals ordinarily, in my boredom of self-isolation I reached a new level. Here I bought a few tops, an eyebrow serum and bargain pair of sunglasses. Although I manage to stop myself from buying a facial steamer, this is much to my regret, as it is now out of stock.
After scanning through Urban Outfitter’s sale, I realised that Motel Rocks most likely also have a sale. Considering they always have discount codes floating around Facebook and Instagram, I was sure to snap up a bargain here too. To my appeasement, I saw the unusual-fashion-risk trousers I’d been eyeing up for ages, there in the sale. Brilliant, with my student discount code applied on top, I scored another bargain. You would have thought that after this I would be satisfied, alas, I persevered with my shopping habit.
I knew that during this time I was under high risk of a breakout. I needed to be proactive to avoid said breakout at all costs and invested in some skincare to keep those pesky spots at bay. Without hesitating I went straight to Beauty Bay and with a little help from The Ordinary and my trusty friend Mario Badescu, I submitted my order. They even sent a free mini facial spray too – how kind.
After a few more days I was truly bored. Shock. Bored in a national lockdown? Who would have thought it? As nice as clothes and skincare are, they cannot entertain a person for long. Following the words of Plato, (who suggested we are mistaken for seeking happiness in material possessions) I took on board his advice and invested in something to do and continued shopping. I was scrolling through Facebook sluggishly when I saw an ad for The Sims 4. Was this too good to be true? The Sims 4 currently retailing for only £11.24! It was not a hoax (success!) and I blissfully downloaded the game and have since spent much of my time living my social life through a virtual character, because I’m sad and lonely, just like everyone else in lockdown.
While I do believe that this has been one of my most worthwhile investments, staring at a computer screen for eight hours straight left me feeling slightly brain dead. Although, one perk from this is that I did get a trophy for playing for so many hours consecutively, arguably my biggest achievement in quarantine. I thought I should invest my time into something slightly more productive and spontaneously made the decision that candle making is my calling. I went straight onto Amazon. No messing about. I bought the wicks, wax and scents. Only one thing was missing from my basket- the moulds. That didn’t matter, I declared that I should make my own bespoke candles. Candles like no other. Hopefully, when I start making them, I can sell a few and try to make back at least some of the money I have just spent.
Along the lines of other ridiculous and slightly, okay very unnecessary things, I then convinced myself that I absolutely needed ring lights. Not just one, but a 6-piece set which includes two tripods and honestly, I’m not completely sure what else. Although, at £9.99 for the lot, I couldn’t resist.
I’m so excited for all my new things to arrive, having them delivered one by one feels as if Christmas has come early. A truly exhilarating experience, shedding some light on these cloudy days. Plus, if this wasn’t enough, I already know what I want to buy next, once my loan comes through. And I can’t wait.
This article is part of our second themed week on ways to cope with social distancing and isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. We send our HC love to all of our readers and contributors!