How to shop smarter and get the right pieces for you

 

I love the change of seasons. There’s natural shift in the air to embrace change and let go of things that no longer work. 

And of course, it’s a perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with a few new pieces that fit you and make you feel good right now. But if it were only that easy.  One of the most common things I hear from women is that it’s so hard to find pieces that both fit them and they also love.

Think about it… how many times have you settled on an item because it took too much time and energy to keep looking?  Or you bought something that you loved at the time, and it ended up hanging in your closet unworn…

I know finding those “perfect for you” pieces is hard. Your’e not alone. It takes time and patience and lots of trying things on. I hope these tips help you shop a little smarter so you invest in pieces you’ll wear again and again.

Keep a list on your phone

Have you ever gotten dressed and thought something was missing to finish your outfit.  Maybe it was a pop of color or the right shoes, a bag, maybe a jacket. Make note of those pieces and start a list. I like to put them in the notes on my phone so it’s super handy if I’m shopping in a store or online.  It will keep you focused so you fill a gap in your wardrobe of something you actually need.

Ask yourself if you have a better version

When I stopped shopping for a year, (read more here) I often realized that I had a better version of something already in my closet (nicer fabric, better fit)  Think about it, why buy another version of something that’s not as good as what you already have? :)

Take a selfie

I get it. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if something looks good on you. Here’s my favorite tip: Take a selfie in a mirror, but don’t look at it right away.  If you’re at home, wait a day and look at it.  If you are in a store, take a walk around the store or go to another one and look at the picture with fresh eyes in 15 minutes.  Stepping away and looking at a picture of yourself can help you be more objective with your silhouette to see how something is fitting.

Buy less, buy better

When was the last time you found “the perfect thing” but didn’t buy it because you felt it was too expensive for what it was.  So instead you bought a bunch of things that you didn’t like as much, only to realize you could have bought the actual version for the same price. Buy the one you love - you’ll likely wear it all the time and the cost per wear will be totally worth it.  

Don’t overthink it

You know that moment when you find something that fits, you love it and you know it will work for your actual life? It’s a no brainer. So, if you find yourself unsure and you have to think about it, chances are your gut is telling you it’s not right.  Move on.  

Bottom line, be really selective. Know what you need, take your time to find and invest the pieces that work for you.  Then, you’ll wear them and love the way you feel.   

xo, Laura 

 
Laura P Barker