Shopping: A Love/Hate Relationship
Image taken by Claire Marchand (2019).
Ahhhhh shopping. I love it and I love to hate it. As a professional shopper, I have so much fun shopping for clients. For a living, I shop for others, but can find it difficult to shop for myself! Translating all the ideas about what I would like to shop for and how to best reflect my personal style can be overwhelming. Curating a personal style is not an easy task, I mean that is how I stay in business after all! So, I've been considering what my top three shop tips are to share with
My first tip is: I try to avoid impulse shopping by not adding pieces to my wardrobe that I do not see myself wearing more than once. For sure there are times when I might want to add a current trend that I know may be fast fashion. I definitely feel better about that purchase when I shop for that item on sale or most often I rent. But then there are pieces I can envision being worn on repeat that are super versatile within my personal style. I believe there are items that are ok to save on to preserve your clothing budget for necessary splurge items. For me, two items worth splurging on are jeans and shoes. I wear denim on a daily basis so this is an item that I choose to spend more money on because I prefer to own quality denim that is well made and flatters my body type. It's so important to break down your purchase by cost per wear before you commit to your check out. I divide the cost of the jeans by how often I think I may wear them, giving me my cost per wear. Then I take a moment to think, is this item worth $5, $10, $20 whatever the cost may be per wear? This is a super helpful way to help me break down my save and splurge budget.
Do you have those items in your closet that you felt were such good purchases because well, everyone needs a white button-up shirt, pencil skirt, simple black pumps, or loafers? I’ve fallen victim to the fashion falsehood that there are basics that you must own. I do believe in wardrobe essentials and pieces I refer to as wardrobe builders. However I caution you in believing that you need basics. The simple truth is : if it doesn't excite you, don't buy it because you just won't wear it. I am a fan of a capsule wardrobe with awesome essentials that add versatility and cohesion to my wardrobe however, I don’t own what some may consider a classic white button-up or a pair of simple black pumps. Instead, I own a cream collarless blouse that has a great puff sleeve and textured print and super sexy suede pumps. with a wooden statement heel. These items can be worn in a variety of ways and suit my work and lifestyle. And guess what? I want to wear them because they are fun! I want to pair them with everything. I try not to subscribe to the idea that a cohesive, wearable wardrobe has to be basic and not reflect my personal style. Instead, I have an eclectic style that reflects my job in the creative industry. Personal style and lifestyle should take precedence over what dominates your wardrobe and how you shop. I tend to wear the items in my closet that make me feel good. They are items when I tried them on that excited me and I could envision several different ways I could style them with what I own.
So this final tip is really a twofer with the reminder that yes you should always try the item on. Try it on and then move it! Take a seat, squat, shake, reach in the dressing room. If you ordered online, do the same when it arrives to decide if it's really a keeper. And hey, take a little mirror selfie vid and look at yourself from behind. I cannot tell you how often I ask clients during a closet restyle if they wear a particular item and they respond with, “Well, not anymore because I saw myself in a photo” or “Well one time I caught a reflection in a mirror of my backside.” It's essential to see yourself move in the clothes that you are considering buying. Get every angle, every movement, and really think about how the piece makes you feel in the mirror before purchasing the item. We don't stand still in the mirror all day afterall!