It has finally happened. I’ve turned into one of those women. One of those women who sneak new fashion purchases home, that is. One of those women who hides receipts from her boyfriend and considers actually responding with “What, this old thing?” if he happens to notice I’m wearing a new dress for dinner.

Despite running my own business and working in the fashion industry which really should give anyone licence to shop, I’m now part of a couple with shared financial goals. And they apparently don’t include the lovely black patent Christian Louboutin sandals staring at me from the window at Scanlan and Theodore. Or the Lisa Ho giant silver wedges I’ve been dreaming about since Australian Fashion Week in May. And those goals especially don’t include the $1100 Derek Lam navy sandals I tried on at heavenly accessories boutique Jean Brown in Brisbane recently. Noticing a theme here?

Whereas holidays, smart furniture, sexy technology and a healthy bank balance are shared goals, shoes are entirely selfish purchases. Which only makes me want them more. Much more.

Once upon a time I would have come home with shopping bags boldly swinging from my arms and proceeded to divulge the entire contents to my bf. Sure, he probably wasn’t all that interested in the first place, but I loved showing him the results of a successful day’s hunting and gathering. I was good at it after all. And we’re supposed to encourage our partner’s interests.

Anyway, something changed. I’ve become secretive and strangely resourceful with forced cheery catch cries of “No carrier bag thanks, I’ll just put it straight in my tote” and “I don’t actually need the box”.

So when a rare and recent shopping trip together netted my dear bloke a haul of jeans and shoes, he kindly asked if there was anything I wanted too. Not while you’re around darling, I smiled.

Image Credits: Derek Lam heels from Jean Brown; Miu Miu Irredescent Heels, Chloe Heels and Christian Louboutin Pumps all from Net-a-Porter