Style Buzz: How Do You Shop? Hauls vs Pieces
- Eugene Stylist
- May 22
- 4 min read
Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"We sometimes forget to change with ourselves. We dress the person we used to be, the body we used to have, or the feeling from a long-ago time."
-- Anne, owner at Fuchsia
I was exploring the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland this week and came across a lovely little resale boutique called Fuchsia. The owner and I got talking about style and how amazing it is that we both - in slightly different capacities - get to help people discover who they are through clothes. We realized we both notice the challenge that a lot of clients face: they're not updating their style to match their current self. There are lots of reasons for the disconnect, but if you're not seeing who you are right now, how are other people supposed to?
xxx rachel
HOW DO YOU SHOP?
I've had a number of personal shopping appointments recently and they are SO MUCH FUN! They've been for a variety of clients - mid-40's new position, early 70's for events and travel, early 30's to learn what looks good on him, mid-50's because of weight loss and wanting to step up her style. Each one had a different goal, so we took a different approach to shopping. Some I pulled pieces that I knew would easily incorporate into their current wardrobe, others we just started fresh and built them a whole new wardrobe from scratch.
There are two very different approaches to building a wardrobe, and interestingly, both can work beautifully depending on the person, budget, and season of life: the full wardrobe overhaul and the slow, deliberate collection of individual pieces.
A big shop has one major advantage: it allows you to see your wardrobe as a complete collection, a cohesive whole rather than a series of unrelated purchases. When you buy multiple pieces together, you can intentionally create color harmony, repeat silhouettes, balance proportions, and make sure tops actually work with bottoms. It becomes easier to identify gaps, avoid duplicates, and create outfits immediately rather than bringing home another “Lovely but now what do I wear it with?” item. A wardrobe overhaul can also create momentum and confidence, especially if your lifestyle, body, career, or taste has changed. There's a big rush of excitement when you get everything home, and learning how they all look together takes time so that joy lasts a while.
Buying deliberately over time has different benefits. It allows your wardrobe to evolve naturally and gives space for real-life testing. You discover what you actually reach for time and time again rather than what looked convincing under changing-room lighting and optimistic thinking. Individual purchases also make it easier to prioritize quality, wait for the right fit, and develop a style that feels personal rather than assembled in one energetic Saturday afternoon. There is a buzz of excitement with this approach, too - even one new piece can breathe new life into multiple older pieces, triggering a new perspective and outlook as you get dressed.
The sweet spot for many people sits somewhere in the middle: create a cohesive foundation through intentional planning, then add thoughtful pieces over time. I use this method because I know my wardrobe, what new items will work with the old, but sometimes I'll find five or six new pieces within a week or two, giving me the feeling of a big haul. For both myself and my clients, I lean on my style app to check for duplicates and confirm potential new outfit combos. All in all, though, your wardrobe should feel collected, not accidental, and it doesn’t need to appear overnight to work brilliantly. |
ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT
This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.
I tend to buy shoes two pairs at a time. I'm on my feet all the time for work, so when I'm trying on new shoes, if I find two pairs that are both comfortable and gorgeous, I make an investment rather than a choice. Along with some heels, these bronze mesh Mary Jane flats were a no-brainer. There's a similar bronze in the abstract floral print of the blouse, which I've covered with a 3/4 sleeve cardigan. I debated about how many buttons to fasten and went with the top 4 - it creates an inverted V up the center line that ends at the narrowest point, defining my waist, and the hem of the blouse balances my hips with my shoulders. I've cuffed the jeans to better show off the flats, which took me right back to high school! Last touch: a chunky pearl necklace that mimics the neckline of the cardigan and brightens my face.
Blouse: Pink Rose
Cardigan: Loro Piana
Pants: Banana Republic
Shoes: Matisse from Miss Meers
SAVE THE DATES
 | One of my clients is holding three opportunities to gather and talk about menopause. It's a topic worth talking about with others because it so affects our bodies, how we feel, how we show up in the world, and it's nice to know you're not alone (you're not!), no matter your age.
Pop by Sip Champagne & Dessert Bar on May 16, June 11, and July 16 to meet and chat with Desirae, an amazing lady who can help you navigate your path (plus she's very stylish!). |
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