How can finding something for a super price ever NOT be a good thing?
The last number of closet edits have done have all had a common thread. The clients were avid sale shoppers. Their closets were filled with:
Unworn clothing with tags still attached.
Multiples of similar items.
Clothes that were not the best color, style or fit.
New purchases that don’t go with anything.
So, you might ask, “What’s the big deal if I have multiples of one style, color, etc? That just gives me more options.” I have been in closets where there are ten pair of kaki capris, fifteen or twenty white knit tops, twenty print tops, and you fill in the blank.
I can speak from experience. Years ago, before I studied color and image, I would get caught up in the price or great style, losing sight of the fact that a bright orange turned me into a pumpkin. Had it been given to me, it still was not a bargain. Each year, I become more discerning. Let me share some of the rules I apply.
Organize your closet with all like items together. Place all white blouse next to all white knit tops and follow through with each color family, prints, skirts, pants, and so on. This gives a reality check to see how many of the same item you actually have. Last week, my client was searching for a top, which she had purchased to go with a pair of pants. As I was going through her black tops, I found the perfect top for the pants. It was better than the new one which had been completely missed because it was intermixed with other colors.
Budget: It may only be a small purchase but $10 here and $35 there adds up quickly. You may need some good work basics and you want to buy the best quality you can afford. Have you thought about establishing a monthly budget for clothes? Don’t forget lingerie, shoes and handbags. So you want to add a new quality suit by fall. Consider putting a specific amount aside each month for those needed purchases, allowing yourself only a small budget for “can’t pass this up” bargain purchases. This will allow you to build your wardrobe intentionally.
Color/Style/Fit: Do you know what colors and styles look great on you? Do you always carefully examine the fit, looking at front and back? Imagine getting compliments on everything you wear? At Style With Aplomb, we help you discover your best colors and styles and show you how to achieve good fit. We help you plan a wardrobe where you have the right outfit for any occasion. Armed with this information, you can coordinate a wardrobe that will mix and match to create many different outfits without having dozens of similar pieces.
Wear everything. Most people have a few go-to pieces that get worn over and over while others are never worn. Choose a different piece each day, then reverse the hanger to indicate you have worn it. Go through all the choices so you are using your entire wardrobe and you can identify which ones you enjoy wearing the most and which draw more compliments. Before putting the garment back in the closet, check to make sure it is ready to wear again.
Everyone loves a great sale! The trick is using sales for your benefit and not be a repository for end of season items that others passed by.