Shopping Sense June 2013
Welcome back to
the “What Is In Your Closet?” series.
Have you ever bought a garment on pure impulse? Of course you have! And, like me you probably put it away in your
closet only to rediscover it a year later wondering whatever possessed
you. We all fall into the trap of
impulsive shopping; after all we are bombarded every day with endless
advertisement designed to condition us to consume without restraint. So, we end up with overstuffed closets not
wearing half of what we have purchased.
The following tips might be useful to you next time you go shopping for
garments.
Mental Checklist
Before buying a new piece of clothing
ask yourself the following questions.
-
With what
will I wear this?
-
Do I need to purchase something that will go
with it or do I already have something suitable?
-
Is it washable or will it need dry cleaning?
-
Is it “my” color?
-
Why do I think this is flattering on me? (Salespeople are trained to flatter you, listen
to your inner voice instead of theirs!)
Quality over Quantity
How many black
sweaters do you really need? Instead of hoarding five or more on a bargain just
get a couple. High quality costs more
but it will look better and last longer.
Have you ever wondered about those cashmere sweaters sales? Every fall
they are in every department store. The
sweaters look good at first glance…the colors are great! But look closer; the
sweaters are thin, they don’t have much style and they are likely not 100%
cashmere. They will not hold their
shape. They are the illusion of
bargain. It will pay off in the end to
buy fewer items, yet, be willing to spend more per item.
Outfit over Single
Items
As already
mentioned in the mental checklist always think “outfits” when shopping. You will stretch both your closet and your
pocketbook. You will feel like an
expert. Picture yourself in the new outfit.
Picture yourself going places in it. If you then feel excited by all
means buy it!
Open-mindedness over
loyalty
While I do favor
certain labels and stores I try not to become an overly loyal customer. I want to shop around. I am looking for quality of textile, fit and
style not for a particular label. A prestigious
designer label is pricey but not necessarily a guaranty for quality. It should be, but in our days it is not. An outfit should speak for itself and should
not need the fanfare of a prestigious label to be a successful choice. By shopping around you are not limiting yourself;
shopping becomes an adventure and an opportunity for discovery.
Trends are Traps
Of course who
does not want be in style? To me,
however, fashionable is not synonymous with trendy. Trendy is a look the fashion industry
creates; fashionable is a look you create. If for whatever reason you lack
confidence, ask a friend whose style you like to help you in your decisions.
The Power of
Accessories
While I might buy
clothes on a wise budget, I will occasionally splurge on high-end designer
accessories. I consider them great
investments. A prestigious designer
scarf, handbag or belt is timeless. I
have a number of such items in my closet that I have collected over the
years. I do not tire of them. Like fine jewelry they add an instant chic to
any outfit.
Lucky Finds
Rarely have I liked anything that I
bought on an impulse. Impulses are
moments of temporary misguidance driven by a sudden urge. With it comes a rush of adrenaline and a
sense of excitement. It is precisely the excitement that is the bait. On the contrary lucky finds have always given
me a trump card. Lucky finds are surprises.
The best items in my closet are lucky finds and I have never regretted
purchasing them. I know a lucky find
when I see it; it is a moment of unmistakable serendipity. It feels as if this very item was meant for
you…a true custom fit! Never turn your
back on a lucky find!
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