H&M jacket; Target shirt and boots (similar); Zara pants (similar); Lemons and Lace headband; Curious Creatures necklace.
I went out shopping this weekend with my sister in law and when we got back we got into a discussion about what we buy and why. She and I ended up buying really different things! She is really funky and eclectic and bought items that reflected that. Her style is amazing! I mean, she has a lavender tipped, platinum pixie cut. Awesome.
We talked about what my thought process is when I buy a plain grey tee and denim jacket as opposed to her more bold choices. She thought I should post about how I decide what to buy and why I make the choices I do. Side note: free post ideas are always good.
I am by no means an expert, but I do have a system I go by that helps me when I am out in the stores.
You see, I can be really distracted by all the pretty things out there. I have bought things in the past that have caught my eye and they become an impulse that goes to Goodwill six months later. Not good! I’ve recently started to figure out what I need and how I want to create a look for myself that makes me feel good and uses the inspiration that is around me. I re-wear items a lot and like to create a wardrobe that is interchangeable. I don’t have crazy items or things that can’t be mixed in. I’m a mom of two running around like crazy and I need to feel comfortable and cute. I love fashion, love creating looks and adore seeing how others pull things together. I use Pinterest for inspiration a lot, along with favorite bloggers and style magazines.
Here are my steps to narrowing down what I really need:
1) The first thing I do is to gather images that inspire me. I cut out pictures from magazines, print off photos from Pinterest and tape them into a sketch book I keep in my closet.
2) Next, I look at everything I put together and try to figure out what the pictures have in common and what is shown that is missing from my closet. I write notes about what looks are attracting me right now(it changes pretty often!) and how I can achieve these looks.
3) I make a list of what I want need. I notice that I like printed pants (floral, polka dot and tie dye) worn with simple gray tee shirts, or a chambray button down half tucked into denim shorts, and easy cotton skirts with a fun print.
I am also really loving the hippie vibe for summer. This means I wanted needed a new pair of perfect denim shorts, headbands to wear over long hair, funky tees, layered jewelry with an edge and simple sandals. I also would like a new tote for Spring/Summer.
4) Once I’ve figured out what I need to create the look I have in mind I can go out and shop. I don’t shop a ton and I spend a lot of time just looking. I look a lot online and see what is out there before I commit to buying anything. I am not above spending a little more on something I think is perfect and I will wear for a long time, or spending not much at all on trendier items. I really like buying things at the smallest price point that I can. Most jewelry, hats, scarves, shoes and sunglasses come from Target or Forever 21. My favorite place to buy slouchy tee shirts is H&M or Target. My favorite place to buy pants is Zara. I love their fit!
5) It takes me awhile to get all the things I am looking for. I only buy things that will fit my real life and don’t buy/wear things that I don’t show on my blog. Those are real looks that I wear and are not styled only for my blog photo shoots. I buy things that can be worn different ways and what you see is the real me. I love items that can be re worn and styled different ways. You will see a lot of items over and over again in my photos, I think this is real life. I do have a lot of clothes, but not enough to never repeat.
6) So far I have bought the most perfect denim shorts, a cropped denim jacket, a slouchy gray tee, head bands and I am eying some fun jewelry (loving arrows, chevron and feathers.)
I am also coveting these Tom’s shoes, these neon sandals, this Zara tote (or this Madewell tote… in my dreams…), this chambray top, this faux leather accented tee, and this slouchy tank from Printed Palette.
I’m guessing my style inspiration this summer is Casey Wiegand? I just love her!
7) Lastly, I shop on a budget and I am very careful about what I buy. I use a plan because this helps me choose things that will create a look I am going for without wasting money on unnecessary items. I am still figuring out who I am and what works on me! I make mistakes and shake my head at past outfits, but that is half the fun in clothes, right?
Tell me, how do you shop? Do you have a plan or do you just wing it?
