 |
| Leggings: Aerie, T-Shirt: Tresics, Cardigan: Urban Outfitters, Leather Jacket: Target, Necklace: Aerie, Moccasins: Minnetonka, Hat: Suzanna |
First things first: yes, I know this hat makes me look like a martian with a huge head. I still like it anyway. Huge head = big brain. Right? Right!
Moving on...
Like I announced in this post on Monday about purging my closet, today I want to share a little bit about how I shop. I've been getting this question more and more recently so i figured I'd just make it a post and share some of my tips and tricks for a successful shopping trip.
I love to shop but since purging my closet and realizing what I truly like, I now make a conscious effort to ask myself a few basic questions every time I think about making a purchase.
This is a hard one because I love a lot of things. I am a very visual person, I love good design and I
am very anal about my typography (I know, totally unrelated). I pay attention to details and I am
So when I shop I try to go out looking for something specific because I did my "research" and I
already know I am in love with it. This can quickly change though once I hold the item in my hands
Can I pair it with at least 3 things from my existing wardrobe?
This one is important because if I don't already have at least 3 pieces to wear it with I am looking at
either buying an entire outfit now or having the new item hang in my closet without getting worn.
You may not always be able to come up with all the options in your head while shopping, especially
if you're like me and have an impatient toddler with you. That's when you make sure the store has
If an item is too trendy, you may not get very much use out of it before you can't see it anymore or
the trend has died. Trends are great and I definitely give into them as well but I try to buy those
pieces for cheap whenever I can.
Can it be a wardrobe staple?
If you find a basic white t-shirt at JCrew for $5, buy it! A classic black blazer at Ralph Lauren for
a steal? Go for it! Simple leather riding boots for under $100? Don't let them get away!
Quality wardrobe staples at good prices shouldn't be ignored. Of course limit yourself because no
one needs 5 black blazers ;)
Wardrobe staples that I will wear for years to come are the only pieces I ever consider
spending a little bit more money on.
The most important question. I admit it, I am a cheap shopper. I love a good bargain and I am not afraid to hunt it down. Thrift stores, discount stores, sample sales, clearance racks, coupons, you name it!!
I rarely pay full price for any item but I also don't limit myself to thrift stores only.
When you plan a shopping trip, prepare yourself by printing online coupons and finding out about sales. Weekends and holidays are great times to find a good sale but usually busy. I like to go on Friday mornings when the sales have already started but I avoid the crowds and get the best selection.
Do I have it (or something similar) already?
I have an obsession with gray, gray t-shirts in particular, so whenever I pull out another gray something at a store I remind myself that I really don't need another one. Instead I look for the same item in a different color that may look even better. If I don't like it anymore then I just walk away.
Variety makes it much easier to put outfits together, so remember to branch out from what you're used to.
Know your stores and know your fits.
There are certain stores that I know I will find something great before I even walk in. Of course we all have our favorite stores. What's more important is to know your sizes and what fits are flattering and which ones to stay away from. If you find a great pair of denim that fit like a glove and you can afford it, buy a second pair.
When it comes to denim: try on, try on, try on!! If you know what brands cut them just right for you it will become a go-to store.
Try new brands. I just recently tried a new denim brand and it turns out I like them even better than my previous go-to :)
Don't be afraid to fail or cheat.
Yes, now we get all philosophical! Or not. But really, it's ok not to follow all of the rules, all of the time. Shopping should be fun and so should getting dressed every day.
If you bought something and a week later you regret it, return it. if you can't return it, give it to a friend, sell it on ebay or donate it. Get over it quickly, learn from it and move on.
In every sense of the word. Nothing is off limits when it come to fashion, right?
If you've never thrifted before, I highly recommend you start. Just don't raid my stomping grounds, k? ;)
That dingy looking discount store down the road may be the source of some hidden treasures just waiting to find a new home in your closet.
So, I hope this answered some of your questions!? Anything else, ask away.
