The WORST Purchases I Made in My 20s 

OMFG i spent so much on my "fantasy self" , i bought a EXPENSIVE shoulder bag for when i go on dates. _ive never dated, i dont talk to many people_

Oh no. Makeup. There's thousands of dollars of makeup all spoiling in the drawer. I can't actually use that much lipstick. I want to see the opposite version of this video, brilliant things you spent money on in your 20s, 30s, etc.

Just turned 22, starting to look at apartments downtown... I hate how much I needed to hear this 😂

Allison, if you take that Madewell bag to any cobbler or shoe repair place they'll be able to fix it for about $10. You'll have it back in less than an hour!

I think you should write a book on the "fantasy self." This is revolutionary. This changes lives.

I’d sell your Chloe bag and get at least some $ back for it. Better to have a couple hundred extra dollars than a bag that gives you anxiety every time you wear it, I know how you feel

The “fantasy self” is such a mood. I’m not even in law school yet, I’m pre-law, and I go crazy on fancy blouses and pencil skirts. Doesn’t stop me from wearing them to go grocery shopping though 🤷‍♀️

“as soon as i step into an REI, i might as well be training for everest” bruhhhh i felt this😂😂😂

Allison, I would love to see the reverse of this video i.e., The 5 Best Things I've spent my money on in my 20s

I NEED THESE HEELS FOR WHEN I WORK FOR MIRANDA PRIESTLY!

I'm in my twenties and you just changed my life by helping me separate myself from my fantasy self lol thank you

1. renting fancy apartments 2. decorating those apartments 3. expensive handbags 4. fitness classes/memberships 5. fantasy self

When she said “maybe you buy cute gym clothes because you imagine you do sunrise yoga” I ALMOST CHOKED. Why are you so loud for?!? 😭💔😂

It’s a shame that u don’t wear that Chloé bag, it goes with your outfit AND your couch

I have been a subscriber for years and years and years - I have thoroughly enjoyed the transition of your channel. So different than your LA days

"for when I go work for Miranda Priestly." Same. And I hate high heels too! Thanks for sharing this video. Appreciated the honesty. =)

$1,000 for a bag is bananas. Sell that thing!

I can totally relate to wasting money on your "fantasy self". I've never heard that term before, but wow, so relatable.

OMG, High heels were my thing. I bought SO many flipping pairs of high heels. I had a book shelf that dislpayed all of my them...but I never wore them. I had kids in my late 20's which meant that I rarely went anywhere that would call for heels.. and if I did, I would just wear the same 2 pairs every time. I rationalized it by saying I needed them for outfit posts on my blog..lol. Finally I just donated them all, and now I use my bookshelf for something I actually use... Books... instead of storing those in my closet. LOL.

Omg this. My fantasy self went through a phase of buying cocktail dresses and cute clubbing dresses. I don't even go clubbing. I don't even go out??

"I'm going to become an olympic level paddle boarder" I'm dying lol the fantasy me purchases are soooo relatable its scary!

"I'm not going to cancel my membership because I'm definitely going to the gym on Monday!" LMAO that's me.

My fantasy self bought an expensive curling iron to wake up early and curl my hair. I use it maybe once a year....

I'm still in my 20s (I'm 23, turning 24 in january), but even though we aren't the same age, I feel like we've grown up together somehow. I started watching your videos in 2011/2012, when you were still making make-up tutorials, make-up collection videos and hauls and I always wondered (not just following you, but other creators as well) how a person could need so much make-up, but without even noticing it I started doing the same thing, collecting eyeshadows, thinking about new MAC collections, hunting down special blushes and lipsticks that left me with a huge collection I didn't even reach for. I've spent so much money on things that I wouldn't use, but that my phantasy self would surely need eventually, like MACs Steamy eyeshadow. I've tried it once and it looks horrible on me! 🙈 I'm currently learning to be a bit more thoughtful about my purchases and trying to buy things that fit my actual self. 😊 Your video about your phantasy self has really opened my eyes!

"I don't even go to cocktail parties. I'd rather stay home" YES girl!!!

The money spent on the fantasy self...#canrelate

Thanks for pointing out that youtube normalizes a lot of excessive spending (all relative to income of course). Thankfully, I didn't have a credit card in my 20's but I still spent way too much on makeup and clothes after watching the beauty community in those 2010-2015 years. Now that I'm 31 and work a full time job, the last thing I want to do is wear uncomfortable clothes and put on makeup everyday!

Allison, this is one of the BEST videos I have seen in a really long time from any genera. I have been following you since you appeared on Ingrid's and Fleur's videos years ago and you are the ONLY RU-vidr from that time I still follow. I also found myself buying beauty and fashion items for the fantasy version of myself which I have since thrown away bc I don't enjoy chemicals and spending hours spreading goop on my face. I love how you have grown and transformed and am so excited every time you post a video. Thank you!

The fantasy self part just called me out! I'm always buying clothes for when I'm a "professional" (currently a grad student) and then they just sit in my closet

I’ve been subscribed to you for years and have really enjoyed seeing your content evolve. Thank you for being so real and relatable! In my early 20’s I started watching beauty channels and for someone who rarely wears eye makeup and lipstick, I spent way more than I should on products that just collected dust.

Im in my 40’s and I’m still spending stupid money on my fantasy self 🤦🏻‍♀️, thank you for this video

Use the Chloe bag 😍 It’s beautiful and it goes with everything. Better to have used and loved it for a time than never having used it at all.

I seriously love your honesty, specially that fantasy self we all are guilty of but never talk about it. Thank you for sharing 💕

so glad I watched this video! I'm 22 and i've started looking for my first apartment and needed to hear that its not worth it to spend the money to get the better layout! you just saved me 500$ a month lol!

I’m so glad you chose to tackle this topic, Allison! You’re so sensible and over the years you’ve taught and inspired me so much from makeup to traveling to Iceland by myself. I’m turning 24 this year and I LOVED hearing your thoughts on how you felt certain decoration/upgrades to your apartments were a bit excessive. I have a lot of friends who invest a lot in their apartments and, granted, their places are a lot more homey, but I struggle to rationalize spending my money on furniture/decorations I don’t love (I often prefer more expensive pieces that I can see myself keeping for a long time) or might not be able to keep in future moves. I think right now I probably waste money in my fantasy self-travel edition. Aka buying expensive clothes that look great in foreign locations, but would seem out of place at my job/day-to-day life!

loved this! would love to see one on best purchases made!

Loved this video! 🤣 the handbags bit got me, as an avid RU-vid watcher for 10 years now I felt like I was missing out because I didn’t have the Michael Kors rose gold watch, or the Rebecca minkoff handbag or the LV neverfull! Ended up being obsessed with having collections of makeup, nail polish and handbags at one point. Thankfully I’m out the other side now :) great video! X

I love how real this video is! I’m still in my early twenties & am already regretting these exact purchases. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who is a sucker to themselves 😅

A Rolex. Then, when I was styling my hair, I bashed it on the metal towel rack behind me and broke the crystal. It was too expensive to get it repaired, but figured some day I would be flush enough. I’m still waiting for that day. I am a mom now, and every penny is needed for real life. 🤦‍♀️

I remember watching you back in the day, somehow youtube recommended your video to me and it was nice to watch you again so many years after

I love the honesty in this video! Keep doing what you’re doing!

You're so honest and relatable. Thank you.

Getting a credit card.. thankfully I wisened up and got rid of it after 8 months. Never had one again!

I love this video wow. The fantasy self! Ugh I love that term. It is exactly what drives me crazy about social media! Which is why I appreciate your intentional shift in content! Been subscribed for years now!

This is one of the best videos you’ve made in a long time. I loved your sense of humor about your mistakes.

I just had to come back and share that years after watching this video, I still think about the concept of purchases for my “fantasy self” almost every single week. This is the only place I have ever been introduced to that concept and it has not only saved me money and space, but created more room for self reflection in my life. I’ve used it so many times & also shared that framework with the people in my life. I just had to say thank you for this video and explaining examples because it really did change my life in a small way that I will always carry with me. ❤

This is an amazing topic!! I've never seen any other videos on this topic. thank you for making it!!

The idea of the 'fantasy self' is such an important thing to understand. I feel like companies are taking advantage of that in their marketing, it's just crazy. I used to watch you back in the day, but your content lately is totally speaking to me and I've re-subscribed! ❤

Ugh, I need to binge watch your vids to help me stop the madness! I have been ordering up a storm in quarantine... I think it’s an emotional bandaid cuz it gives me a little happy boost at the time. I need you to be my voice off reason!! Thank you! 💕

This was SO relatable it kind of (really) hurt 😅 And, while I'm sure other videos exist on the topic, you gave me an a-ha moment talking about buying for your fantasy self. I've never had a term for it before, but it makes so much sense. Thank you for a great video, you have a new subscriber!

This is one of the best videos out there! so helpful and speaking out my thoughts i didn't evan know i was thinking

I can totally relate with the last one, Fantasy Self. I have just purchased 5 designer handbags (second hand market) in October alone and I am still on the lookout for another one (Chanel Classic Double Flap) because my fantasy self is a famous RU-vidr who goes to events and is a major Instagram influencer who has to post OOTDs and should not be seen repeating outfits. LOL! In reality, I am a granny who hates going out, lives in a tshirt and shorts, works from home for a tech company and is in bed by 10PM. Thank you for sharing this video as it has given me that "slap in the face with a splashing of iced water" to wake me up from my fantasy and give me a reality check. Now, I'll need to sort out my closet and start decluttering...

MOST of the makeup I bought because of youtube...I could have paid off a car but instead I bought tons of makeup. It's only really in the last 1-2 years that I have dialed back on compulsive shopping. I'm now trying to use things up, declutter what I don't need, and discover what I truly enjoy and want in my life. Makeup is one of those things, small "pick me ups" that start to add up quickly. It's always something that "fits" unlike clothes so it always made me feel good. As much as it's nice to have those small pleasures, I know in the long run, paying off credit card balances will make me feel better.

holy crap. I have not seen this channel in like 5 years or more! its like seeing an old friend lol! so glad to see allison has evolved and is still on YT. she was one of my favorite makeup channels. also, great vid. there is a lot of sage advice!! particularly when buying expensive items -- you have to be ok with them eventually falling apart because thats the only way you're going to feel like you got your money's worth!

I just discovered your channel and I’m loving your videos! They are so relatable and I absolutely love how you talk about ‘your fantasy self’ I never thought of it that way! Such an interesting perspective.

Hello from Everett, WA. Girl, I love how you are keeping it real in this video! Sometimes these things are hard to admit. I have been listening to Dave Ramsay and this goes right along with his messages, and is very applicable in my life. Especially my "fantasy self." Thanks so much.

Im binge watching all of your videos because you have no idea how much I can relate to them at this stage in my life. Why did I not realize I needed to before? No idea why!

Been watching you since the Fleur and Ingrid days. I'm tickled bc I kinda always admired how much you invested into your apts and thought "I should do that too instead of waiting until I felt settled. I should MAKE it feel like home." And here you are now wishing you hadn't.. We can only live and learn! 😅

I love watching these videos because I love to hear the stuff that other people acknowledge that they didn’t really need

You have GOLDEN content. Please never stop creating this unique and actually helpful channel.

RELATABLE!! I'm born and raised in Seattle. And literally every time I walk into a Nordstrom or REI I have a new fantasy self that must be completely outfitted. Every👏🏻time👏🏻

Thanks for being so real! I can relate to so many things you talked about! ❤️

Great video! Wow I really identify my self with this, because that was how I thought before, knowing that I not doing it anymore it's great.

Makeup. I spend thousands of pounds on it over the years, got into debt (which I’m still paying off at 33). I’ve never been into super glam makeup, bronzer, contour etc but everyone on YT was doing it so I needed so. Sheesh. This is why I’m so loving seeing all the RU-vidrs I’ve watched for years and years declutter their makeup and move towards more every day, simple looks.

Love how real this video is Allison!

I LOVE the psychology behind your list! It’s completely ME!!! I related to all of it! Subscribing!!!!! Xx

I absolutely loved this video. So true and relatable, especially the fantasy self part.

I loved the term fantasy self that was hilarious and so relatable

I needed to hear everything about apartments bc I stress myself out over decorating when at the end of the day I don’t want to have to resell everything!

I love what your channel has become! I’ve been around since you were a beauty guru. Glad you’re not in that mess and you’re traveling the world!

"Shocker!" 😂 Relatable n definitely needed to see this! 😅👍

Always good to have a good laugh about yourself and your decisions haha! This was such a delight to watch 👍💕

OMG! I regret all of the make up i bought!! I always tried doing these looks, buying eyeshadow pallettes and brushes because i wanted to be able to do these looks all these beauty gurus where doing. I just wanted to be good at makeup and look good in it untill I hit me that heavy makeup just doesnt look good on me 🤦‍♀️ and now im stuck with all that shit in my drawers :)

This video is awesome! I would especially agree with the last one for myself too. The envision type products are so easy to get sucked into and it's kind of like how you described the fitness memberships one, where if i buy the whole deal, than I'll end up going for sure and we end up not being as committed to the goal then. Great video!

I loved your take on this! Especially the fantasy self! Totally relate.

I recently found you and you are so relatable and hilarious! Looking forward to binge watching your content lol

I just turned 30 this year and just rediscovered your channel. I love this series.

This is my first video I have watched of yours - love the content!

you are legit my favourite youtuber

You make me want to travel all around the world, and your videos have deff helped me get over my fear of solo travel! always so fun and educational! funducational if you will

Following you for so many years now and I totally love your transition....awesome content

Your comments are hilarious :D So relatable, thanks for this video Allison!

oh "fantasy self" --- that really hit home!!

I’ve been subscribing you since 2011 or 2010. I never felt so proud of you than this video. Since back then ( you know missglamazzi era. But I do love her now),you are always the most honest, down to earth and lovely person in the RU-vid. I’m look forward to seeing your another trip video.

Fantasy self purchases are such a real thing!! Loved this video!!

So much yes! The fantasy self thing is an interesting one 😂 definitely been there

I really felt the fantasy self part! I have finally decided to know myself well enough to make good decision for the real me!

Oh girl, I know exactly what you're talking about.You are brave and bold to admit that to everyone here. Good for you and thanks

I remember all those “what’s in my bag” videos. I am here for so long... you used to work at a hair salon at the time ♥️

I'm not at all a person that likes advice, because i truly believe everyone is in a unique path in life. But maaan, i LOVE your advices...i make mental notes on every video as i'm only 22 and there are so many decisions ahead!! I can tell you now that i've made some good ones you based on what you said, and i'm so thankful. You are SO down to earth ❤🏞

That’s so true with the “fantasy self”! Omg, I’ve bought so many pairs of fancy shoes for my fantasy self last years and I hate wearing heels actually. Also handbags and dresses! This video opened my eyes on the fact how much money I wasted on the imaginary version of myself the last years. Thanks God I changed my attitude and started being much more conscious about my purchase decisions 🥰 Thanks for the video! ❤️❤️

So true about the apartment portion. We have been reusing the same furniture/decorations everywhere we I've now and just make it look like its something new in a new spot in the house. Now we've lived in the same place for 3 years as opposed to moving every year. But totally agree with you.

Love this video! It's so crazy that I was literally contemplating buying that chloe bag, but in a different color today. I put it in my cart and everything. I imagined all the places I would go and outfits I would wear it with after quarantine. I decided to think it over more before taking the plunge and a few hours later I come across this video. It was exactly what I needed!

I've started taking pieces I love to get repaired versus replacing them. I think the madewell bag strap could get fixed for under 10 bucks!

I loved this video! Since 2020 is coming it would be cool to see you do a video on your fashion style and how it evolved through the decade. I still sometimes go back and watch your old videos because it’s cool to see how you have changed.

the 30s and 40s really don't get any better. you can always find a reason to justify something, its nearly impossible to justify NOT buying it

A really smart, funny and informative video. We have so many videos of consumption and products, it's good to have a video like this which acknowledges the want to buy things but why it's a waste of money to do so!

Loved the video concept. Used to follow years ago and following again. Curious about your content now

I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see this on RU-vid. If I'd had this video in my late teens/early twenties, I could have saved myself thousands of dollars and poor financial decisions. Loving this direction you're going in Allison!!

Wow I must say I haven’t watched a RU-vid vid that I enjoyed as much in a long time! Very relatable especially the fantasy self thing with the heels and fancy expensive dresses 🤦🏽‍♀️😂,also very straight to the point ...even when she did the ad...new subbie here 👋🏾❤️