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Jill Chivers - Source: ONE News -
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The self-confessed shopaholic who swore off shopping for a year has completed her challenge and is now inspiring other women to do the same.
Jill Chivers' self-imposed ban started as a financial move, as she had just started a new business. She also wanted to make better use of her large wardrobe.
As with all addictions, Chivers told TV ONE's Breakfast today that giving up was very emotional.
"I was a little bit unprepared for the emotional side of it. I didn't realise how thick the thread of emotion is that runs through shopping for many women and was running through my own shopping as well," she said.
She caved only once during the 12 months, splashing out on an Ashley Fogel skirt.
"It was an animal print skirt, it fit like a glove, like it was made for me and it was such a great price, so I just went into this sort of delirious state where all I could think about was that and I completely forgot I was on the challenge," she said.
Chivers, who owns more than 100 pairs of shoes, said she used to shop to reward herself and discovered throughout the challenge that there were a number of different reasons why women shopped.
"They shop when they're angry, when they're bored, when they're sad or feeling good."
Although the challenge seems light-hearted, Chivers said studies show 1 in 12 women have an unhealthy relationship with shopping.
"It has some very devastating and real effects on women's lives," she said.
It can affect relationships, money and self esteem, Chivers said.
"Women who over-shop often don't feel good about themselves on a consistent basis."
Chivers is now mentoring other women through the 12-month clothing challenge.
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