Settling for second best means discarding the Triple “P” Purchasing Principle and consciously deciding not to be patient, picky and practical about a purchase decision. As much as I dislike it when my clients settle for second best on our shopping trips, sometimes we have no choice. 

It can happen when we’re scrambling to find an occasion outfit at the last minute. My client has nothing appropriate to wear for the occasion, so everything depends on what we can find within a tight timeframe. Sometimes we aren’t as lucky as we had hoped to be. A romantic flowing frock in a bright colour was not on the cards because her size wasn’t available, and alterations weren’t an option given the time available. So my client has to settle for a straight skirt and top in neutrals.

Settling for less than perfect shoes is another example. Some of my clients have extremely fussy feet that are hard to fit. Or they wear a size that’s in short supply. One of my clients recently had a pair of black pointy toe booties with a two inch heel and sleek ankle fit on her shopping list, but we just couldn’t find a style that was roomy enough for my client’s wide feet. A pair of versatile black booties was preventing my client from wearing a whole slew of outfits, so she decided to buy a less sleek pair with a round toe. They will tide her over until she finds that absolutely perfect pair.

Budget constraints are also a reason to settle for second best. You actually find the item that fits the bill, but it’s way out of your budget. Being financially responsible, you purchase the red pleather jacket from H&M instead of the perfect specimen at Danier that is six times the price. 

Settling for second best is sometimes inevitable, and that’s okay. When time, availability and budget constraints are outside our control we have to make the best of the situation. What is important is to make conscious, deliberate compromises, and beware the slippery slope that leads to settling for second best too often. Especially at sale time!