Finally we have come to the post about shopping! This can be wonderful news to some, or a dreadful task to others. I fall into the latter category. But! One does have to shop once in awhile if you are to remain un-naked. Here are a few tips to making this process easier, both if you love shopping or hate it.
One thing I wanted to mention about the purging party. As an opposite to the upgrade you can make items a downgrade. Clothes that are getting older get downgraded to exercise, dog walking and gardening clothes. No reason to buy new clothes for these categories.
Make a shopping List
You just got rid of a bunch of stuff and have a list of the items you want to get. But there is another category. Stuff you have that you feel is essential, but don't really like. Enter..... the upgrade list!
Everything you don't like, but want to replace needs to be upgraded. This can simply mean replacing it with a new identical item, or changing the item entirely. For instance on my current upgrade list I have my Gap long sleeve crew-neck t-shirt in charcoal gray as an upgrade = new. This means I simply want to get another one. I also have a black & white polka dot cotton blouse that will be upgraded as upgrade = blue chiffon polka dot blouse (that sounds ugly in print, hence why you might want to make a polyvore wardrobe, so you can see how cute that could be!).
At this point your headings should be:
Category - Item - Rating - Wardrobe Item's - Upgrade. Optional headings are Sleeve length, Purchased at and Year.
Use your Budget
Also it is important at this point to set yourself a budget. You need to buy clothes to remain un-naked as I said above, but clothes are certainly not something to go into debt for (trust me, they will not pay you back). Be realistic about what you can afford each month and if you don't spend it every month, save it for the next one! Sometimes you will want to splurge and get an expensive item, especially if you strive for good quality clothing that will last. Save up for this! Knowing that you can confidently buy each item and will not have to return items simply because you cannot afford them really makes shopping a much more pleasant experience. No one wants to feel guilt all day!
Prioritize
You will obviously have a bunch of holes in your list and a bunch of upgrades. Since most of us can't spend all the money to get a new wardrobe, or even find all the items we need to exercise patience.
Here are your priorities:
Overall fill holes first, upgrade items second.
1. Foundational items (mostly because they are cheap and necessary!)
2. Work
3. Weather Resistance
3. Accessories (this can be a cheap way to elevate an item, or you can simplify and buy a few exquisite pieces)
4. Shoes - really go for good quality in this department. Unless you only want to keep them for one season. Then get them as cheap as they come.
5. Clothing
6. Athletic or Hobby - since you can do most things in a pair of jeans or sweatpants until you get here.
If you have spent the time you create your outfits and do a 30 for 30, make your inventory, rate and purge your clothes, and analyze your upgrade list you will probably have what you want memorized. But it can be helpful to have a list. Put this on your phone or on a card in your purse. Now when you shop you can quickly look into stores to see if they have your colours, see if they have items you want and breeze out again. Sometimes you will find the perfect item when you aren't even looking.
Where to shop
Please try online shopping! If you are new to this and think it will be a hassle try it Wendy's way. Go onto the website of a store that actually has a location in or near your town. My favourite is the Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic site. But if you don't have this almost all towns have a Sears catalogue location, or can simply get it sent in the mail. Ensure you are on the Canadian website.
Then simply browse and every time you see something you might like add it to your cart. This is like grabbing stuff in a store and taking it to the changing room. No commitment at this point. Most websites will have a page about their sizing, but we all know each item changes. So choose what size you think will fit best. If you really like the item get it in two sizes. You can even choose different colours of the same item if you aren't sure which one you like better. Look around and add to your hearts content.
Then leave it alone for a few days. Most websites will remember you items if you go back on with the same computer. Sometimes even without an account. But, it is best to set up an account, since you don't want to lose your hard work.
Next time you have time to spare, look back at your cart. Have you changed your mind about any of these items? Anything else you want to add? Go for it.
Now, this may be a really big number of clothes. Make sure you checked out the clearance and sale pages. If it too many items for you right now, take off a few that are at full price and new for the upcoming season. Then order them!
Once you have your big box of clothes you get to do the fitting room deal right in your own house! You can wear them around for a little while if you aren't sure, try them on with other items and give it a few days to really make up your mind. I honestly love shopping a lot more now that I have discovered how to do the fitting room at home.
Then, anything you don't like or want pack back into the box and take to your nearest location and return them. Done.
Or you can do it the old fashioned way. But at least take advantage of looking online for current deals, and to see what styles you like.
Above all only by clothes that fit well. As you continue to evaluate your wardrobe using the inventory you will become more confident in your choices, which will help you understand when to buy high quality more expensive clothes, and when you should buy cheap, fun, good for a season clothes. Both of these items make up a working wardrobe. If you are parting with your money, then the item better be right! Don't be afraid to return an item. Be selective during your shopping and you will not have to return very many clothes. Think of making a mantra such as "would Lorelai Gilmore wear this?" (this is mine!)
There you have it! The complete process of creating A working wardrobe that contains all the clothes you need to live the life you desire and to look good doing it. Happy dressing!
Are you going to be doing any shopping this weekend? Do you use a shopping strategy? Comment below!
There you have it! The complete process of creating A working wardrobe that contains all the clothes you need to live the life you desire and to look good doing it. Happy dressing!
Are you going to be doing any shopping this weekend? Do you use a shopping strategy? Comment below!
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