Do you ever go shopping and end up with a bunch of items that don't add versatility to your wardrobe? Do you ever purchase pieces that you find lovely in theory, but realize later you realistically are never going to wear - whether the item doesn't fit you well, isn't your style, or is a bit outside your comfort zone? Have you ever had buyer's remorse when you leave a store or get home from a shopping spree?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have a series of questions that, when asked pre-purchase can save you from purchasing something you shouldn't and put the buying power where it should be - safely in your control. If you answered no to all of these questions, give yourself a pat on the back and then please share your secrets of responsible and self aware shopping success with the rest of us!
Before you make your next purchase, put the item(s) you are considering buying under speculation with these questions (this will quickly become second nature).
1. When and where will I wear this? Would you wear the item to the farmer's market? On date night? To work? For girl's night out? All of the above? Make sure you can picture a scenario in which you would wear the item you are purchasing.
2. Do I have something like this already? How many cable knit sweaters does a girl really need? Honestly one or two are probably enough. Branch out and try something new!
3. Does the piece flatter my figure and show off my assets? So, you've determined you know where you will wear an item and that you have nothing else like it. Now let's make sure it is going to work for you, not against you. Does it show off your tiny waist, slim your thighs, elongate your torso? Make sure the piece you are purchasing fits and flatters you.
4. Can I afford this? Shopping should never interfere with your finances or stress you or your wallet out (what's the fun in that?!), it should be fun and enabling, not disabling. Make sure you are comfortable with the amount you are spending.
5. Why am I buying this? Make sure you are shopping for the right reasons. If your answer is - I'm buying this because I love it and I want it and I can afford it and I look fabulous in it and have nothing like it - well then, go on girl! If you are shopping because you are feeling down or stressed out or anxious, put the credit card away and head to the gym or the spa or to your nearest girlfriend's house.
If your potential purchase made it through this round of pointed questioning on top, then hurrah, you've found a winner. If not, then set aside the potential purchase flunkee and walk away...quickly...without turning back. Now congratulate yourself for harnessing your purchasing power and using it for style good, not style evil!
Happy shopping lovelies!
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C
Image courtesy of sarahmarloff.com.
Great food for thought, Celina! I notice at Kick It that our customers fret over these same questions, and usually leave the store with exactly what they both WANT and NEED. That's one huge advantage, we think, about shopping locally and in a bricks-n-mortar boutique: you have someone to help you answer these important questions, try on numerous options and shop with confidence (and stay on budget too).
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Angela
Thanks for stopping by Angela! :) I still get compliments on the boots I swooped up at Kick It last year (LOVE them!). I think that being able to try on clothing and look at it on your body really is important in finding the right fit and making sure you like what a piece does. I feel another blog post percolating....
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C