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Like Shoes And Handbags? Study Says You May Be Insecure (PHOTOS)

The Huffington Post Canada  |  By Posted: 04/18/2012 4:16 pm Updated: 04/18/2012 4:16 pm

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Do you splurge on shoes and handbags? You may have a self-esteem problem.

If you're the type of woman who loves to splurge on shoes and handbags, it may be time to check in on how you're feeling.

Researchers in New Zealand have found women who feel more insecure about their bodies opt to buy shoes and handbags over dresses and pants.

According to lead researcher Jessica Boyce, of the University of Canterbury, women negatively compare themselves to the models they see in clothing ads. Because many women don't feel they measure up, they start to doubt their ability to fit into the clothes they see advertised. That then leads them to purchase accessories as a way to update their wardrobe.

"What the research suggests is that shoes and handbags are more appealing to insecure women because they increase physical attractiveness without drawing attention to one's figure. Trousers, on the other hand, tend to draw attention and that is why they are shunned by this group of women,'' she tells The New Zealand Herald.

The study involved over 1,000 undergraduate students, mostly from the University of Alberta.

With the proliferation of ever-shrinking models -- like Ioana Spangenberg and her 20-inch waist -- it's no wonder ads are impacting not only a woman's self-esteem, but also her shopping habits.

What do you think?

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If you're the type of woman who loves to splurge on shoes and handbags, it may be time to check in on how you're feeling. Researchers in New Zealand have found women who feel more insecure about th...
If you're the type of woman who loves to splurge on shoes and handbags, it may be time to check in on how you're feeling. Researchers in New Zealand have found women who feel more insecure about th...
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Kittenesque
131 Fans
05:20 AM on 04/22/2012
So? I am confident, happy with my body and I love heels.
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if wetrust
0 Fans
02:54 PM on 04/19/2012
I love handbags and shoes and often I will go shopping because I need clothing and end up buying more shoes instead of shirts and pants. And I know I have a self-esteem problem. So, I'm not saying this is the same for everybody else but... the article is spot on for me!
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Ncgyrl86t
2 Fans
08:35 PM on 04/18/2012
Im surprise someone from this news source got a pulitzer or peace prize or to compensate for anything.If a buy shoes,handbags,or even a digital ink pen im doing it for my own damn self.Shove it Huffpost with your cracked magazine like articles.
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Shyla22
82 Fans
04:52 PM on 04/18/2012
Well, since the first post here didn't register...

If a love of accessories means a girl is insecure, dear numb-skull researchers, please do also consider the hefty golf club collection that so many males tend to nurture.

And please, HuffPo, refrain from including slideshows of models that you think make women feel bad about themselves - it's just not right.
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Ncgyrl86t
2 Fans
08:38 PM on 04/18/2012
Im saying.Whoever did this research must be some bitter man that is mad at his wife for buying clothes on his dime.People compensate for a lot of things but buying regular accessories is not one of them.Again this is bias because it targets women and not men who buy expensive sports cars to compensate for a lot of things.
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Shyla22
82 Fans
04:49 PM on 04/18/2012
A new handbag now and then and ESPECIALLY a new pair of heels makes a girl feel sexy, sure, but it doesn't matter what size you are. And if they want to say heels and purses mean I'm insecure, they need to also study the golf club collection of every guy I know -they all spend WAY more money on a greater number of clubs than I do on shoes, period.

Lastly, HuffPo - if you're presenting women with a 'study' that makes them feel bad about their love of accessories and then proceed to ask if pictures of models also make them feel bad, why would you include a slideshow of said models? What the hell is wrong with you?
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