***The following is an excerpt from Dead Fleurette's blog***
The shopping method I’m using this year is the same one I exploited back in fall 2009. It worked out superbly, which is why I’m repeating it. The method is a cross between sticking to a very strict list of items and mindless, haphazard shopping. I have an extensive list – which is regularly amended – of items I consider as wardrobe necessities. I allow myself to buy 4-5 items a season, but only if they are perfect by my standards. I use the list as a basis but I won’t let it dictate the shopping.
I would also make a smaller list of currently available clothes that I'd take into consideration. Then I'd put these items through an extended deliberative process. I like to wait a couple of months before I settle, because the item must be right. Regarding items such as expensive designer bags, I am willing to wait a couple of years before settling. Inevitably, I always end up eliminating 4 of 5 items from the list, so a deliberative process is required. However, some designers don't give much thinking time, e.g. Isabel Marant. In this case, I just have to follow my guts.
Rather than being determined to get hold of certain pieces that I don’t seem to unearth, I will move on to the other items on the list and search for something else that may be available. Otherwise I will end up with items that are completely uninspired or just wrong, only because my list says I have to obtain them or because I try to intentionally fill a gap in my wardrobe.
On a different note: I haven’t covered all the basics yet because I’ve been prioritizing
statement pieces. In addition, I am quite picky about the basics as they must be perfect. This year, I want to focus on the basics because they are pretty much my style as much as they are my foundation. Then again, if I stumble across a special piece of clothing that ticks off all of my requirements, I won’t bypass it. Incidentally, I will not exceed the limit of 15-20 items a year. Nevertheless, what are the odds of finding 20 perfect basics in a year?
Last but not the least, I have to stop settling for second best. Once second best, always second best. I know that sooner or later I’ll regret and resell the item. I once stated, “I want perfection, not fast fashion”, and I’m sticking to my statement.
To sum up my musings, here are my shopping resolutions for 2011:
Admire certain garments from afar and face the truth that they will never work for me
Not fall into the list trap
Give in sometimes to unpredictable finds
Go with my instinct more and quell the over thinking
Focus more on the basics
Not exceed the limit of 15-20 items a year
Stop settling for second best
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For starters you have to purge. Get rid of everything you haven't touched in months first and putbthem in a pile. Second look at items that you love and think to yourself will you wear this 5 years from now and will this last 5 years from now. For those ypthat are a yes hang them back up and tossnthe no's in the pile. Then repeat with shoes, purses and other pieces. Afterwards, sell the pile of clothing on EBay or go to Crossroads Trading Co. or Buffallo Exchange and score some cash or trade.
Next start thinking of pieces you have always wanted, keep in mind you want to kow what your stule is and what is practically for the life you live, work and play in daily.
DF creates a collage and list of 4-5 items she needs in her wardrobe.
She crosses them off as soon as she attains them and of course there is room for error, she occasionally will change her list when she finds something better.
Her mantra is simply put: I want pieces that I will wear and love many years from now.
As experiment I will be attempting to adopt this method with my own collage/ list of 5-10 items for Spring. (5 would be really hard for me..so I made a range)
It's tough limiting yourself to five items let me tell you...it took me weeks to create ,my list. But I'm pretty excited about it.
My Style:
I've classified my style as eclectic. Very V. Westwood, Rick Owens and Rag & Bone inspired. I will dress like V. Westwood when I am as young as her (wink, wink)
My Basics: My shoes and blazers. You have to ask yourself...when I leave my home I the morning I'm most comfortable and stunning wearing.... To many the word basic may be jeans or tee, but every girl is different.
Your basics will be the focal point of your list.
Please take note of things you have a steady stock of. I.E. jeans, knits, jewelry etc...
More than likely these items won't appear on your list.
Though I went over tips for getting the most of your shopping experience. This is even more extreme. Leave your money/ card at home if you arent planning on buying an item on your list. (of course have some emergency cash on you. Emergency =food and travel money)
My List:
Cheers,
And Good Luck!
