If you’re not coming shopping with me this season then you might want to ask yourselves these 10 questions before you go…
From buying too much to those rash, impulse purchases, it’s easy to fall into bad shopping habits. So, if you often find yourself trawling through a bulging wardrobe yet still have nothing to wear, make sure you read this before you buy…
- Why are you shopping?
Is it for a special occasion? Are you in desperate need of a new pair of jeans? Being clear about what you want will help you make informed decisions before you start spending. Try and stick to your objective, and don’t get distracted by something you don’t really need. I hand write a shopping list for all my clients after I have been through their wardrobe and know what they need so they stick to it, stay focused and not waste money.
- Do you own something similar?
If your daily uniform consists of fine knits and blue jeans, there’s nothing wrong with adding to your collection, however, repeat buying basic pieces results in a cluttered wardrobe and a less streamlined getting-ready process. I would always recommend you try and work towards a capsule selection with no doubling up.
- Does it fit?
My clients will know that I am all too honest, but I have to be. If I am not in the fitting room with you, you need to be honest with yourself. Forget the ‘ I will lose those five pounds’ or ‘I always wear a ten usually’, and only go for something that looks and feels comfortable. Forget what it says on the label, this really unimportant, the only person that knows what it says is you.
- Will you wear it more than once?
We’ve all invested in that beautiful dress or that fabulous statement jacket that we wear once and then struggle to wear again. When shopping, consider at least three ways you could wear a piece or even better, three events or occasions you could wear it to before snapping it up. It’ll guarantee a better cost-per-wear rate, something I bang out about all the time. I like to invest in some nice pieces but I always make sure I get my money’s worth out of them. I tend to wear the cheaper items far less which if I work out cost per wear, end up costing me more.
- Is the trend going to last?
Whether it’s a silky bomber jacket or off-the-shoulder tops, we’ve seen a lot of trends come and go in the past few months. In an era when fashions transition quicker than ever, I always recommend avoiding expensive trend investments and heading to the high street for a dose of contemporary must haves. That way you’ll feel far less guilty when the time comes to chuck it out.
- Is it actually a bargain?
The only times you won’t find me on the high-street is in August and January, well only with a couple of privileged clients who will only shop in the sales. I meet some ladies who are avid sales shoppers and love nothing more than a bargain. There is no more an obvious trap than buying something just because it’s a good price or discounted. If you’re not going to wear it, it doesn’t matter how good the bargain is, so save your pennies for the pieces you really want.
- Does it need a lot of up keep?
It is definitely worthwhile having special pieces in your wardrobe, but be realistic about them. If you’re looking for an easy blouse for everyday work wear, don’t buy a silk style that needs dry cleaning, or a jumper that needs hand washing and drying when you’ve got the kids all day. Be practical about your time, cost and interest in taking care of your purchase.
- Is it an impulse buy?
It is oh so easy to get an invite for a night out or event and head straight to the high-street. But instead of over excitedly buying the first thing you see, do some advanced planning. Know exactly what it is you really need and ask yourself the questions above, when will you wear it again, do you already have something that will work? Identify the pieces you really need.
- Do you actually like it or are you just bored of your clothes?
They say never food shop when you’re hungry, and the same applies for clothes. If you are getting bored of your wardrobe, avoid the high street and build a basket online. That way, you can go back and check your choices when you’re feeling more rational, instead of making purchases you still won’t want to wear. Remember if you don’t like it or it doesn’t fit when it arrives, RETURN IT!! don’t leave it in the wardrobe with the tags still attached.
- How long will this last?
We all love a bit of high street, but there’s no point throwing money at something that’s destined to fall apart in the wash. This is why I called my business Demi Couture, this means half designer and what I believe a wardrobe should be made up of. Some really beautiful classic investment pieces you can team with the likes of cheaper more affordable items. Shop wisely and invest in good quality pieces wherever possible.
If you haven’t got the time or inclination to address the above and simply want to save time and money, you know where to find me,
Your Fairy Clothes Mother x
