Smart Shopping, Smarter Closet

No matter how big our wardrobes get, many of us (especially women) often find ourselves in front of the closet lost and confused with nothing to wear… or so we think. In today’s economy, though, it has become more important than ever to fight the “nothing to wear” blues by building and maintaining a closet that works for you instead of you [literally] working for your closet. Here are some simple, easy-to-remember steps to guide you before and while you shop. (And by "you" I mean me too!)


Purge Before You Splurge


Before convincing yourself that you need to go shopping yet again, go through your entire wardrobe, piece by piece. Separate your clothes, shoes, and bags into the following three categories: yes, maybe, and no. “Yes” items are pieces that you absolutely love and wear all the time. “Maybe” items are things that you cannot part with just yet. Finally, “no” items should no longer take up space in your closet and should be swapped, donated or tossed. “No” items include clothes that are washed out or don’t fit, shoes that are shabby and worn out, or pretty much anything that you haven’t worn in over a year and you don’t plan to wear in the foreseeable future. It may be difficult at first, but say it with me: “let it go!” After you purge, your urge to shop may be satisfied because you’ll have a clearer idea of all the wonderful items you have to mix, match and make great outfits with! If you still feel like you need to spruce things up, having purged you’ll be better able to determine what you need.


Take Stock of What You’ve Got


It’s important to know what you have in your wardrobe after purging and before shopping. For example, if you “need” to buy another pair of black shoes, it helps to count how many you already have for different occasions. You may be shocked to discover that you have four pairs of black formal shoes, three pairs of black work shoes, two pairs of black casual shoes, and a pair of black running shoes… Why did you need a new pair of black shoes again? On the other hand, you might learn that the only pair of shoes for special occasions you have should indeed be replaced… or maybe a quick stop at the local shoe repair place will do the trick! Whatever the case, you can save a lot of time and money if you pay close attention to what you already have.


Love it or Leave it


Once you’ve purged and developed a good sense of what you already have and what in fact you do need, you’re prepared to make smarter shopping decisions. Make sure you go shopping with a strict budget and list. A simple rule to shop by and help you stick to both is the “love it or leave it” rule. Don’t buy something just because it’s in the shade or price you are looking for or simply because it fits. Buy it because you love it! Also, try to think of at least five other pieces you own that you can wear the potential new item with. A great benefit of knowing what you have at home is that now you can mentally pair items that you see in the stores with pieces you already have. Now that’s smart shopping!


Check out more "Smart Shopping, Smarter Closet" tips HERE.

11 comments:

  1. I love this article! I just recently went through a "purging" as it relates to my closet (so necessary after just having a baby-lol). The process definitely made me feel better and gave me a good sense of what I needed and didn't need. Good advice! Love the scripture reference also :-)

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    1. I'm glad you can testify to the benefits of purging! I can imagine how necessary it must be after having a baby :)

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  2. HELPFUL ARTICLE; BUT I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO GET RID OG THAT WERE COSTLY TO PURCHASE AND ALSO HAVE THE POTIENTIAL OF FITTING WHEN I FINALLY LOSE THE WEIGHT. HELP......HELP,....HELP

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    1. I can understand that! Determining which items to purge is a personal decision. If you find it hard to let certain items go, balance things out by shopping at the stores less and shop your closet more! By "shop your closet" I mean finding new and exciting ways to wear pieces that you haven't worn in a while. You'll be surprised at how you can make older items feel like new! :)

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  3. Awesome read.... I'll let you know how it goes after the weekend

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  4. Great tip to help me with my closet.. I grew out of a lot of my clothes,and SHOE! Oh gosh... and it doesn't even look like I gain any weight. I plan to put this in mind before I splurge. :)

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    1. Oh gosh, I can imagine how frustrated you must be with your closet after having a baby! I'm not excited about that part when it's my turn lol. All the best! xoxo :)

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  5. How incisive! My fiance and I both really liked this and I cant wait to try it :)

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  7. I don't do well at shopping for myself I tend to just pick up something I like no matter the colour then have nothing to go with it so end up not wearing it. Help!

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  8. Nice all of this. i wanna also check your products. Hope that quality of product will be best and Durable ...

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