Basia, I think it's a serious concern, but not for me personally. While it's true clothes shopping has long been a form of recreation and de-stressing for me, I can tell you to the penny how much I spent on clothes last year. I had a budget set up purposefully for upgrading my wardrobe, after losing enough weight to drop four sizes. Every credit card is paid in full.
However, this year my clothing budget (and probably our travel budget and our eating-out budget too) is going to be a fraction of what it was last year, because the economy is so uncertain. Normally I keep 6 months of emergency savings but I'm hoping to build that up, just in case. But also, I have built a wardrobe - essentially from scratch - of all the basics I need, so I have no reason to keep up the rate of spending I did last year.
I do think YLF encourages spending - but it's *smarter* spending. We are encouraged to spend on pieces that can mix and match, that will last, and that are the basis of a "less is more" wardrobe. Emphasis is on quality over quantity. And Angie tends to show clothing that is accessibly priced - Ann Taylor, JCrew, BR etc - which I greatly appreciate. She teaches you when it makes sense to spend good money, and when it doesn't. And to shop with a purpose in mind.
For the money I spent last year, I think I spent far more wisely than in the past, with items that are versatile, mix-and-match, flatter, and work with the realities of my lifestyle these days.
It is true that I will be influenced by items I see on the blog or worn by other members and want to add them to my own wardrobe, but I don't do it recklessly - it has to flatter and fit me, and I have to see it working with my wardrobe and lifestyle.
As for being enticed by sales and discounts, for me, that's a *good* thing! I long ago got in the habit of buying things full priced when they first come out, because if I waited, my size would be sold out. So for me to learn to wait for a sale is a good thing.
However, I have only gone shopping once since xmas, and I was extremely picky. Just because it's super-discounted, doesn't mean it belongs in my closet.
That's not to say I don't MISS going shopping... I do!! ... I just don't really need anything right now. I have my list in mind but it's mostly items for spring - silver ballet flats; possibly a pair of darker wash bootcuts; and upgraded clamdiggers are top on the list. Oh, and a new bathing suit because the Blue Lagoon trashed my good one.
