Shopping Rules

Image via The Coveteur

At least once a week, I stare into my closet and think, I have nothing to wear. I tell myself, if only I had—insert designer wish list item here (hello Chanel Kremlin bag!)—my life and wardrobe would be far more complete. Obviously, no one garment will make my life perfect and I do have plenty to wear but getting dressed and feeling good about it continues to be a constant struggle. And so, I've decided to do things a bit differently from now on and openly share my evolving approach to shopping right here. I hope you follow along as I attempt to stick to a few new shopping rules.

{MIX HIGH & LOW}

I've never really budgeted for clothes. If I had money in the bank and that gorgeous, can't live without it dress was a total steal, I bought it. But now I'm sticking to a yearly budget that will allow me the flexibility to buy designer pieces, within reason, guilt free, as long as I successfully balance them out with affordable items. 

{MAKE SACRIFICES}

Have you ever seen those spending comparisons in magazines that say something like, if you give up that daily latte for a year you'll be able to buy all of this...(picture an entire designer outfit)? Well, that's what I'm doing this year. No Starbucks, no professional manicures and no endless dinners out. I'm taking a bit of advice from Anna Newell Jones who writes a phenomenal blog and who managed to pay off $23K in debt in just 15 months with some serious sacrifice and self-discipline.

{BUY LESS; BUY BETTER}

I usually put a cap on the price I'm willing to pay for a handbag or a cocktail dress and I have a decent amount of both but I still feel deprived of those designer bags I've coveted forever. This year, I'm going to make it happen with a bit of budgeting and deal hunting.

{BUY, TRADE & SELL}

My junior year of college, I shared a huge walk in closet and a tiny dorm room with my friend Lindsay. We happily swapped and borrowed each others clothes and shoes. I had the same thrill trading clothes at Buffalo Exchange a few months ago. They'll give you cash or store credit for your used duds. It's a genius, budget friendly arrangement and I always seem to find great items like this dress and these pants. I'll be trading and selling in thrift stores and consignment shops more often to help out my budget and make way for those designer pieces.

{REMOVE CLUTTER}

If it doesn't make me feel like a million bucks and I can't fix it or pair it with something that does make me feel phenomenal, it's time to get rid of it.  My old roomie Lindsay liked to get rid of a piece of clothing every time she purchased a new one and I happily accepted many of her barely worn hand-me-downs. What I should have learned from my savvy friend then, but only realize now, is that it's never a bad idea to get rid of the clutter that's keeping you from having your best, most complete wardrobe.

{BUDGET FOR FAST FASHION}

It's easy to get carried away at stores like H&M and Forever 21. Everything is so affordable and trendy but I sometimes end up purchasing a lot of items I don't entirely love or need. A mini shopping spree at H&M can equal the price of a designer item that I think I can't afford. So from now on, I'll plan and cap those purchases.

{REVEL IN OFF-PRICE DESIGNER DEALS}

With Filene's Basement gone forever, I'm somewhat afraid that the chain's absence will take a toll on my wardrobe. Luckily I have other options. Stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Loemann's and Century 21 take a bit of commitment but the rewards are so worthwhile. I'm excited to share future deals and steals with pride.

{WEAR MORE VINTAGE}

I once rummaged through my grandmother's closet and dug out a vintage dress that was my mom's in the 70s. It's one of the greatest garments I own and it was free. So was my vintage Dooney & Bourke bag—too tattered for a family friend but perfect for me. So I'll happily accept future hand-me-downs while continuously sifting through my favorite used clothing stores.

{BE THANKFUL}

...for the closet full of clothes that I already own and shop my own closet.
 
Do you have any shopping rules to live by?