miss my collab with Kleenex? Check out ‘What’s in All My Spring Bags…’
I get a bunch of questions from styling clients about some of my shopping ‘secrets.’ Probably the biggest question? My rules, or guidelines for a successful shopping trip… so I put together my 10 commandments, or shopping rules that I live by whether shopping for a client or shopping for myself. This list will help you become a shopping pro!
1. Do your homework. When meeting with a client, we discuss fashion goals, budget, and I get an idea of personal style. Have some ideas for inspiration and how much you’d like to spend.
2. Take a long hard look at your closet. Knowing what pieces you already have, what you’re missing, and pieces that could revamp your wardrobe give you a plan of action and makes for a smoother trip, so there’s no wandering aimlessly around the store. It also helps you stick to a budget, if there is one!
3. Spend your money on classic items. Trends come and go, but the basics like a white button down, blazers, denim, and neutral colors will remain staples in your wardrobe. Shell out a little bit of cash for those items. This is what I call ‘splurge factor!’
4. Save on the trends. Shop the inexpensive stores/boutiques for trends you want to try, but may give up quickly.
5. Try everything on. Just because it looks good on the hanger doesn’t always mean the fit is right.
6. Imagine 2 to 3 different ways you can wear each piece. Before purchasing, think about how you could wear each piece with other items you already own. This is highly important when I’m considering pieces for clients AND myself. Not only will it help you stretch your budget, but it will also help you stretch your wardrobe, and there is more chance you’ll actually wear everything you buy.
7. If you love it, get it! Most likely if you don’t snatch it up, it will be gone later. The only side note I have for this is if it is a rather costly purchase. I like to mull over large purchases before impulse buying. I feel like if I’m still loving it later, then it’s worth the purchase, and if it’s not around, it wasn’t meant to be. And besides, if it isn’t around, it’s probably because EVERYONE is wearing it… I’m totally OK with not wearing everything everyone else is!
8. Give yourself a chance. Put on a little makeup and wear flattering under garments. This may sound laughable, but you know you’re going to do that when you actually wear the items. Also, don’t go shopping out of anger or stress. You’re only likely to make purchases you’ll return later. For you ladies, don’t shop during that time of the month! I know I never feel my best then, so I’m just setting myself up for failure.
9. Don’t let the clothes wear you, wear the clothes! This is my biggest motto. Just because it’s trendy, or everyone’s wearing it, if you’re not comfortable, the clothes are wearing you. It will come across in your confidence. It’s not so much the fashion you’ve chosen, but how you present yourself in that fashion. Dress poorly and everyone remembers what you wore, but dress impeccably and with confidence and everyone will remember YOU!
10. Throw out fashion ‘rules’! Rules are made to be broken. Stick to individual, personal style. Wear high-end pieces mixed with low-end items. Choose from classic labels, up-and-coming designers, specialty shops and big department stores. Mix your prints, wear a mini skirt if you’re 60, buy out of season because you fell in love with the piece. Fashion should be experimental, a self-expression, and FUN!
And when in doubt, call your stylist!
And when in doubt, call your stylist!
Now go get your shop on! Remember, you can shop my closet, @fashionablyoutfitted, on Instagram for great, gently used items.
There are some great pieces at steal prices, and I’ve just added some styles to get you through spring/summer!
Haven Street Style Studio 