I have always loved clothes and preferred to have lots of them. My mom used to make almost everything my sisters and I wore, and I often wonder how she did it. She made lots of dresses, homecoming suits, prom dresses, majorette costumes, and all manner of outfits for our various other activities. She did all this while working as a school secretary, gardening like a fiend, and talking on the phone for hours almost every morning. Go Mom!
I learned to sew from her and have made lots of clothes over the years. Unfortunately, those garments were always just a little bit "off". Perhaps they didn't fit quite right or I made wrong fabric choices, but I spent a lot of time painstakingly sewing things that didn't get worn much.
So I quit that.
And I became a drive-by shopper. That resulted in a ton of clothes and a stuffed closet, but me still basically wearing the same things over and over and over.
So I quit that.
Now before I purchase anything, I consider 3 things:
- color
- cost per wear
- the other things in my closet that I could wear the item with-I shoot for 1 item 3 ways
- dress the body I have now, not the one I plan to have in the future
I had my "colors" done a long time ago and I now have a basic idea of the shades that don't do me any favors.
I don't spend much on items that are going to be trendy for only one season ( I was totally wrong about this round of maxi dresses-fail) or "event" clothes. I spend my $$ on items I will wear for multiple seasons.
Lots of fashion bloggers advise to buy things that can be worn at least 3 ways......great advice!
I decided not to wait until I lose 5 more pounds-or whatever your number is. Look your best NOW!
None of these ideas are original to me, but they have helped me trim down my closet and leave the house looking a bit more put together.
Most Importantly, I now have FUN getting dressed!
Outfit Inspiration for this week......
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| I love the way this jacket is styled. I'm copying it! |
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| I basically have some version of all of this in my closet now. Thanks, thesmallthingsblog! |
That's it for today, friends. Go out and have a wonderful day, and look cute doing it!
Hi Susan! Oh yes. I was an 'epic fail' with capris. I never thought those ugly things would last. HA!
ReplyDeleteI love your advice, it's so true. Think colors and multi-use. And I am always waiting to drop about 90 pounds before I'll go shopping! It is what it is, might as well dress it up :)
That necklace in the last pic looks so good on her. Do you wear chunky jewelry? I don't think I have the guts for it...
Happy Friday!
Ceil
These are all great tips. Once I started blogging and seeing in photos what works and what doesn't for me, my shopping habits have changed a lot.
ReplyDeleteThe have to be able to wear it 3 other ways is a rule. Also, I have learned not to buy something just because it's on sale. I would rather by a classic quality piece that I love and will be in my closet for many years.
Accessories are always a great way to update your wardrobe. Scarves found at thrift stores are my favorites! Have a beautiful weekend!
Heather
Good rules!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I am too much of a drive by shopper.
I usually have an idea of what I want or if I see something and I can't get it out of my head, I will go back and get it
Have a great weekend
Brett
You are so right! Waiting to be "just whatever" is so goofy...isn't it?!?!? How wonderful that you learned those skills from your mom! I wish I was more handy with the sewing machine!!! All the best this weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice =) My shopping philosophy has been to invest in staple items (stuff I can wear for years for the majority of the year) which I update when necessary, but then allow myself a few "trendy" buys with each new season, and even then I try to pick "trendy" items that I think could potentially be used for the following year (i.e. 2 seasons).
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I have so many clothes that I never wear. I have cleaned out my closets and donated to Goodwill.
ReplyDeleteI loved what you said, Susan! Excellent post, my friend. Yes, look your best NOW :) You are beautiful just the way you are. Have a great weekend. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, Susan. I failed in the sundress department. It was just easier to throw on capris and a T and go from day to night. And I agree, wear one things 3 ways. That's why I love accessories like scarves, cute shoes and boots, and cardigans are a must. When it comes to shopping, I look for 1) Sitting around the house in something super comfy. 2)Casual out and about. 3) Dressing up. Some of these things can cross over, like 1 and 2. I'm getting ready to unpack those cold weather clothes soon!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!!
XO,
Jane
Wonderful post! I agree with 'dress the body I have now, not the one I plan to have in the future' - what a statement full of truth! I have sewed my whole life (my mother too) but not so much the last few years. But I'm retiring in two weeks and plan to dust off my machine and serger and get busy!
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, I like to shop for myself about twice a year. In the Spring and in the Fall. I love skirts as they do not feel tight and I and just move freely! Yoga pants around the house later in the day! I also love to wear big necklaces and bracelets.
ReplyDeleteTo sew clothes anymore cost more than buying them now days.
Blessings, Roxy
Great tips and great advice. I definitely prefer classic rather than trendy except for accessories or a very inexpensive item. Early mornings before showering or late evenings you will most always find me in fleece pants or yoga pants : )
ReplyDelete