My work goes in some degree of cycles as well and I may not have any extra time for several weeks in a row. So realistically I'm more likely to have some spurts of energy and time intermittently and not every day or even month. But then I don't want to feel like I have to buy something just because some time opens up--if it isn't really what I need or want, I want to do the DG thing and say, that's fine, I can wait until the next free time comes along.
I'm not a good internet browser to begin with but I did branch out this year to try some other retailers. That was somewhat successful, but also can be draining to always wonder what's around the next website.
However, like you I learned that there's always going to be something else later, if not now, so it can't hurt to save up time and $$ for something better. Also I like taking a breather and trying things out at home before adding something else new. I don't want to be focusing too much on what's wrong with my wardrobe--meaning, I have really liked the changes I've made this year, but want to figure out how to stay on the positive and not feel constantly that it's not adequate--that just has that slippery slope feeling to me and also can be mistake-prone. So making an effort to take time to feel blessed, as it were, has become more important. Retail research is okay; retail therapy isn't as good.
I think one thing that has been useful is trying to get some handle on Angie's ( and others) various lists and descriptors of where items fit in --needs and wants, essentials and statements, basics or pops, landscape changers, trends, replacements, upgrades, refreshers!
I've put several of them in a gemish there, but actually I'm finding that developing a style and shopping language is helpful.
