A little bit ago a reader on Twitter posed the question to me whether my shopping trips are planned or impromptu. My twitter answer was... a bit of both but mostly planned. But as we all know, it's hard to get super deep on twitter... no matter how much I love it.
In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that I have only recently (ie. the past few months) found myself being super organized about how and when I buy clothes. Does that surprise you? It kind of surprises me, in that it's taken me so long to get my head on straight!
I used to plan my shopping trips, as in: I'm going shopping this weekend.
Now I plan my shopping trips, as in: This spring I would like to purchase a striped top, some type of tunic and a new cardigan. My budget is $____.
While the latter isn't a huge deal... it arms me with the boundaries that I often need while shopping for clothing. With limited time and resources (ahem, money) it's important that I am buying great pieces that will serve me well and MOST importantly that I will still want to wear in a few months. Seems like when I bop over to Target (or any other store really... Target comes to mind here) and start snagging stuff, it never really stands the test of time in my wardrobe. Am I alone here?
Case in point:
Recently I knew I had some money coming up in the budget (not actually in my pocket yet) for some clothing. I stopped at Target and was instantly smitten with three or four tops... all things I just HAD TO HAVE. But being that the money was not in hand, I walked away. When I got home I simply wrote a list of the items I had seen and liked and let it sit on my desk. My intention was to take the list back to the store when the money was in hand. While waiting for the money to come in and perusing other sites/stores I had a change of heart. The things I thought I had loved so much at the moment were not truthfully my style, they were great pieces, but not for me. Before I knew it other items had come forward that I liked more and that suited me better.
This is why I am so happy to be able to offer services like my wardrobe consults and the seasonal looks:book (the summer issue is in the works!!!) and in general outfit inspiration here on the blog daily.
ONLY $4!
So tell me, how you plan your shopping trips or wardrobe "building" sessions? Do tell! Also, are there any other ways I could help you all in this process?
7 comments:
This topic is close to my heart! I am trying to limit the impromptu visits to Marshalls & Target. I find great buys on shoes or a top, then wear once or twice, and then question if the item was really 'my style' in the first place! I end up with a bag for charity within a few months (good) but wasted money (bad.)
I am better off saving for something on my list instead (quality sunglasses, a top from Anthropologie for ex.) that I will like (and wear) for more than one season.
Well, I stopped buying something just because I like it or just because it is on sale. Now I think if I can wear the new piece with at least 3 other pieces I already own, including shoes. And usually I make a list of things I need and try to follow it.
But I think it is specially difficult for you that live in the US because the prices are so unexpensive, comparing to Brazil, and the sales are fantastic. And you can buy great stuff on line...I am looking forward to my next visit!
I have recently become a planner, too. I realize that I have wasted so much $$$$ over the past three or four years, mostly trying to put together a "professional" wardrobe. I've been trying to improve my wardrobe, so first (1) I filled out my basics. (2) Then I decided that generally I look good in purple, so now when I go shopping I try to find something that is purple or compliments (pinks, mostly, and a some turquoise items this spring). You would be surprised how much optiosn are eliminated by limited your color selection! It makes shopping so much easier. (3) I literally have a list of items, so I can do all kinds of internet research before I go into a store or find a fab deal online. These three steps have actually helped me create a wardrobe of pieces that work beautifully together, and it's saving me money. Next up on the list: shorts and a LWD for summer. Wish me luck!
I am terrible about the impromptu shopping. I need to be a lot better about planning.
Impromptu shopping always gets me into trouble! Ugh...like my recent haul that I will be paying off for a while! My husband and I both like to shop so that's hard and I have to put my foot down sometimes and stick to a budget.
I definitely have that "I'm planning on going shopping this weekend" problem...BUT I always have something in mind. However, even though I have a plan I always find a few things that were not on the list. oooops. And, Target? Let's not even go there. I have to purposely walk completely around the section so that I won't be tempted...however...on that route are the scarves & shoes. Always way too yummy to pass up.
Another major problem for me? Online shopping. It's easier to shop on my laptop without 4 little boys to keep track of. But, shopping online is really really easy...
Is there a point to my rant? There must be, but as of yet I haven't figured it out yet. All I know is that I love to shop & I definitely need to take some advice from these lovely ladies who commented previously.
i just posted about this! while i am no saint when it comes to avoiding impromptu shopping, i have come up with this little method to try to minimize impulse buys:
http://ourhenryhome.blogspot.com/2010/04/hello-denim-leggings-i-love-you-and-my.html
(several of the things on my list were gleaned from your blog/spring wardrobe guide! love!)
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