Anyone
who personally knows me knows that I am the Guru of Wardrobe. I
don't know why or how this happened to me. I developed this
partially because I love beautiful things and partically because I
love to feel beauty. When I was in high school I fought to not
conform to the style that others wore. I like something different
and always have.
I
was terribly poor as a child and had very little. When I was 16, I
worked professionally in a summer stock theater company and traveled
a lot. Our troupe would pull into a new town on tour and I'd search
for a second hand store. I usually found one. One day I found one
that was hosting a .10 sale which went perfectly with my $12
budget. I knew I would be starting my senior year of high school and
I needed clothes! I spend the entire $12 at the store! Indeed, I
had a new wardrobe. (I think there were a pair of shoes in there
that cost a little more...) This experience may have birthed my love
of putting together a gorgeous wardrobe frugally.
I
love very nice clothes that are well made, classic and not too flashy
(except for fur, I love fur). I don't like a lot of print or bright
colors. I like my clothes to last and to hold their value. However,
I am rarely willing to pay the full prices of expensive companies. I
think these places just want you to pay for their names, even if they
make quality, classic clothes. These ideas have worked well for me over
the years and I am happy to share them! So, here are my hints for
shopping for amazing pieces:
~Shop
second hand stores fairly regularly and don't pass up on a good piece
even if it is expensive for the store...it is probably way cheaper
than new
~know
which brands are well made
~know
what colors look great on you (I will talk more about this in a later
post)
~Shop
clearance racks
~Attend
clothing swaps
~Ebay!
(new or nearly new clothes can be bought for a fraction of the
original cost)
~Know
your style
~Know
what looks good on you
~Don't
be afraid to experiment with alterations
~Outlet
shop (costs more, but still much less)
~Watch
for online sales that offer free shipping in conjunction with a sale
If
you have an aversion to wearing second hand clothing and you realize
that once something is washed in very hot water and dried in a dryer
nothing could possibly live on it, stick to sale racks or places like
TJMAXX, Marshalls or outlet stores.
Recently,
I've had a ball shopping for 'New with Tags' clothing on Ebay. I can
sit in my comfy clothes and peruse online and later get something in
the mail to open! I search for a specific women's clothing company
and indicate my size-voila! – I find very nice, discounted
clothing.
Everywhere
and anywhere I go, I am told that I look stylish and fabulous. I
treat my wardrobe as an extension of myself. It reflects my
personality. I am the word 'diva' incarnate. I love to look a
little flashy and expensive and I don't mind telling people that the
look is seriously not expensive. I just get a thrill from it. You
may not be this way, but if you are NOT dressing FOR yourself, I
encourage you to do so. Think about what you need...play around at
different places...locate items and enjoy! Nothing makes you feel
better than looking great.
NOTE
on sizing. DO NOT worry so much about size. It is a number on the
tag and it varies so much between companies. I can wear anything
from a four to a ten. Just try things on! If you are looking
online, you kind of have to know the brand and how they size. Some
stores run larger and some smaller. Don't worry about the number
though. It is NEVER you who doesn't fit, it is the clothing that
doesn't fit you. You are perfect the way you are.
This
is a HUGE subject, so I will write about it again at a later date.
Just begin to think about what kinds of clothing make you feel
wonderful and initiate the beginnings a new wardrobe. You should
look forward to stepping into your clothes and out into life dressed
as your true self.
Take
Good Care Today.
Good tips from an expert!
ReplyDelete