Do you say this to yourself more than six times a week? I know I do. It seems like nowadays you either have to spend $1600/week on your wardrobe, wear a trash bag or a "really cute find" at a thrift shop. I don't make that much, plastic makes me sweat, I can't pull off the "shapeless shift" look and I can't rummage through bins for fun so basically I have to wear the same clothes I've had for the past 3 years.
Which is annoying because my body has completely changed. My waist is smaller and my butt is bigger (aaaoooooww) ! It's a good problem to have but when it comes to getting dressed in this age of IG models and everyone being a fashion blogger you can't help but feel like, "what the hell is going on?!" where are the jeans that fit and the shirts that aren't sheer?!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy shopping. Retail therapy is a real thing. However, when everything looks the same or the quality is garbage it can be uninspiring. Another thing, I don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes because I'd rather buy a plane ticket. The main things I will splurge on are footwear and outerwear. I have narrow, flat feet; getting shoes that look AND feel good is a bit of a hassle so I am willing to spend money on shoes that will last a while, simply because I don't want to have to buy new ones anytime soon. Oh and winter coats - I will drop a pretty penny on a coat if it keeps me warm.
on repeat!
I prefer function over fashion. If I find an item that makes me look good, you best believe I will buy it in every color. Do you know how hard it is to find a t-shirt that is not paper thin or ribbed or $30 or cropped or sheer? It's hard! So when you find the perfect T, buy it in every color. You won't regret it. You'll always be comfortable.
The Arrivals Holding Bay, aka under my desk at work. Current load: 2 pairs of boots, sneakers, 1 jacket, 3 pairs of slacks, 2 shirts.
Successful people have proven that wearing the same thing everyday, makes you more productive and less stressed because we spend so much time trying to figure out what to wear everyday. Having the same shirt in different colors really has cut my morning hassle. I know whatever I pick will go with black pants or with jeans. I'm ready to go out there door in record time. It's basically science, so it's fact! :)
But, seriously, I am not entertaining the fashion show mentality at work or elsewhere. Ya'll can keep that because I will look just as fashionable on an island or on a European excursion. You bought new stilettos? Cool, I'll like the Instagram pic with the in-flight WiFi on the plane.
My online shopping game is STRONG. I love filling my cart with everything I like. When I see that subtotal, I start editing. That's when I separate the things I like from the things I love. My total has now gone down by perhaps $23. That's it!? UGH! Time for another edit. I've shaved off another $40. That subtotal is still high but enter those coupon codes and free shipping and BAM! new wardrobe.
However, I'll let you in on a little secret. I buy everything with the belief that I'm going to hate it or it isn't going to fit right so I will return it and my bank account will thank me. My desk at work is my holding bay. It all comes in, I try it on and send it right back. If it never sees my closet it doesn't count. **At the publishing of this post, all but two boxes have been returned :)
Of course, you will sometimes get that rogue shipment where everything fits and everything is perfect...what does one do then?
Keep it if you KNOW you will wear it. A couple of years ago, I was cleaning out my closet and would find things I'd never worn. For example, I'd buy a great dress at the beginning of summer, a dress that I'd save for that perfect occasion, then it's fall and this dress is hanging there and next summer it's either not on trend or I don't like it anymore.
sidenote: I've stopped buying trends. I was throwing away my money on items that were "hot" but they were so disposable. These trends are so fickle and short lived that you'll spend all your money on nonsense.
Anyway, I would be getting rid of things that still had tags on them! So what I started doing is, if I decide to keep something but perhaps not wear right away, I will staple the receipt to the tag and if I haven't worn it in a month; back it goes. Most stores offer a refund or at least store credit. Get something else you'll use. Maybe a new work shirt or some leggings. Keep replenishing your basics. You'll always have something to wear.
What are some of your tricks to keep the closet under control?
-xoSquared