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Style Buzz: Making Smart Purchases

Updated: 2 days ago


Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week!



QUOTE OF THE WEEK


“Did I fall for it because of the fit or the price?”



Even though my job is to help others make smart decisions about the clothes they keep or buy, even I fall into the trap of wanting a piece of clothing because it's a really great deal! The one that stands out recently was a Kate Spade tweed blazer in red and black with a black fringe - for $42. It fit well enough but it wasn't really my style and wouldn't go with enough things in my closet to justify buying it. But it was Kate Spade! And $42! I really had to talk myself out of it because I liked it for all the wrong reasons.

 

 xxx rachel


MAKING SMART PURCHASING DECISIONS


The easiest way to build a wardrobe you love isn't necessarily by buying more clothes—it's by making better decisions about the ones you already own and the ones you're thinking about bringing home. A few simple questions can save you money, reduce clutter, and help you curate a closet that really works for your life.

 

The Obvious Questions

Does it fit? If it pulls, pinches, rides up, or needs constant adjusting, you simply won't reach for it. And if it's close but not quite right, consider whether a tailor could make it perfect.

Does it reflect who you are today? Does it feel like you, or is it the person you were ten years ago? Or is it even a gentle step towards the style you'd like to develop?

How versatile is it? Can you picture it in multiple outfits for a variety of occasions, and will you wear it a lot?

 

The Insightful Questions

There are a handful of further questions to consider so you're really, absolutely, 100% positive you love a piece. These are the questions to ask because spending any amount of money on a piece of clothing that doesn't rock your world is just money wasted. But if it's a piece already in your closet? It's taking up mental and physical space, and needs to earn that spot.

 

  1. Does it suit my lifestyle? It's easy to buy for the life we imagine rather than the one we actually live. If you work from home but keep buying office dresses, or buy heels despite living in sneakers, that's a clue.

  2. Can I care for it? If it needs dry cleaning every wear or delicate hand washing, be honest about whether you'll keep up with that. The easiest clothes to own are the ones that fit into your real life.

  3. How does it feel? Fabric matters. If it's itchy, too heavy, too clingy, makes you overheat or has that neckline you hate, you'll subconsciously avoid wearing it.

  4. Would I buy it at full price? Sales can be dangerous. If you only want it because it's 70% off, you're still spending money on something you may never wear.

  5. Am I replacing something or duplicating it? A fifth striped Breton top might be lovely, but is it filling a gap or simply repeating what's already in your wardrobe?

  6. Will I still like it in a few years? This isn't about avoiding trends altogether, just thinking about whether you're buying because everyone else is wearing it or because it genuinely fits your style.

  7. Does it need alterations? If yes, factor that cost and effort into the purchase. A bargain isn't such a bargain if it needs another $60 of tailoring before you can wear it.

  8. How confident do I feel in it? My favorite question is: If I put this on tomorrow, would I be excited to wear it? If the answer is "it's okay, I guess," it probably isn't worth buying.

  9. The "24-hour rule." Unless it's a genuine wardrobe essential or you've been searching for it for months, leave the shop and think about it overnight. If you're still thinking about it the next day—and can picture at least three outfits—it's probably a much smarter purchase.

 

Whether you're shopping or editing your wardrobe, these questions help every item earn its place. After all, your wardrobe doesn't have to be enormous, it just has to work hard for you.

 

(And if all else fails, call me! I still believe in you, but sometimes things like this are easier with a pro.)


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 love buying something I can wear as a souvenir when traveling, and when I realized I'd be driving through Albuquerque on Route 66, I knew I'd pop into to the Old Town Hat Shop for another hat. I need (ha!) a black one that dresses up or down and can be worn while driving the jeep, and that's exactly what I found! It was perfect at the Cadillac Ranch, keeping the sun out of my eyes while spray painting my stencil on all the cars (and road, and posts, and signs...). I knew it would be hot and a little dusty out there so black shorts and a lightweight black top were ideal, plus a pewter sandal that I could walk in. Every time I wear the hat this summer, I'll be reminded of this moment, even if I'm not getting up to some rattle can mischief!


Shirt: Calvin Klein

Shorts: INC

Shoes: Sorrel

Hat: Wallaroo




 
 
 

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