Shopping for Value in your Wardrobe

Here are a few things to think about before you purchase an item.

1. The second opinion test

Everyone shops with a buddy. You need someone to look at you in a different perspective.

Whether it is to comfort your insecurities.

Or maybe to bring you down to earth- to let you know maybe that style makes you chunkier than you really are.

Even if you don’t have someone to come with you today- people have even taken to the internet with the “dressing room selfies” to get that needed second opinion.

Make sure your shopping buddy can be honest though- or you might go home with something that makes your waist look bigger, your butt fatter, or legs stubbier. Whatever the body phenonomen you deal with is!

2. Three outfit rule

Nobody knows your wardrobe like you do- so if you can’t think of 3 outfits with the new item it could be a sign that:

you’re a little love blind.

You’ll take that piece home and it’ll sit in your closet with the tags on.

When I buy something I can not wait to wear it the next chance i get- and that’s because I already have outfits in mind before I leave the store!

3. Am I buying a trend or good style?

I don’t buy trends- and when I have…I often regretted it.

After a while that trend fades and I’m stuck with a pair of pleather leggings that gather dust in my closet.

It’s not that pleather leggings are a bad trend- I mean there is a reason I bought them…Look at those amazing outfits above!

They just don’t fit well with my specific style and the rest of my wardrobe.

Fashion fades- good style is forever.

Sometimes I get asked where I got items that I bought over 5 years ago

That’s because (1) I try and take care of my clothing, and (2) good style is always worth buying

does it make sense yet?

You want a piece forever…not until a new season trend comes along.

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Exclaimer: If a trend fits your style- Go crazy!

If it goes with the rest of your wardrobe:

It will no longer make your outfit look dated when the trend is gone- instead it will look like that is just your style eternally.

4. How much would you pay for this item?

Ok… it’s passed the second opinion test.

You’re excited about three new outfits you have to wear.

And… you know you’ll love this piece for a long time.

Now is the moment of truth- How much would you pay for this article of clothing?

Fill in the blank…

Don’t look at the tags- just be honest.

I often do this game with my man when I’m not quite sure about an item…I ask him:

“How much would you pay for this?”

If the price is on or under his answer- this article definitely adds value to my wardrobe.

If it’s over- maybe I should hold out for something better or an upcoming sale.

What’s interesting is… I never regret leaving these items behind- I never have that dreaded “I wish I just took it home”

You know why? Because that piece wasn’t worth it!

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Only get pieces that pass these four tests because then you know you’re buying value!

Great style is melded through a long process of accumulating great pieces that all go together.

Using these four rules before buying will help your wallet stay fuller and your closet more cohesive.