Earlier this month I spent a fair amount of time reviewing last year's clothing purchases to better understand my spending. My goal was to drill down to which items got the most wear from date of purchase until today.
There were purchases that I was certain I'd wear time and again that have barely seen the light of day, like these "perfect" shoes. Then there were "must haves-can't live without beauties" that when finally ordered, on sale, became "where are you going to wear that?" so I returned them and never looked back.
I spend so much time with fashion it is easy to get seduced, distracted and influenced by aspirational shopping-which for me is a huge mistake. I absolutely LOVE beautiful clothes and I always have. When I was in New York earlier this year I *had* to go to Bergdorfs just to browse and take it in. However, the last time I got dressed up in cocktail attire was in September, during that trip New York. (I know, pathetic, right?) My daily outfit is generally jeans, booties and a sweater, a tee and cardigan or if I'm meeting someone I'll grab a blazer and accessorize.
The purchase review process helped me better understand my needs and accept my (evolving) style, which I hope will result in wiser purchases moving forward.
So what did I wear the most and feel was the absolutely best buy of the year? Nothing fancy here - just an amazing basic - this autumn cashmere Draped cardigan that I bought back in July at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale...yes I bought it on SALE!!! In the fitting room with a friend I declared it the "perfect sweater" and "a must-have" and I was right. I passed on the other items that I was considering and spent my budget on just one perfect piece. It has been with me on airplanes, in my home office, to meetings, movies and out with friends. I am happily wearing it now as I type this post.
What I hope to have learned hope to retain from this exercise is that if I spend money on quality pieces that I know I will wear with almost embarrassing frequency, in the end I won't care about the price. I knew this sweater would be a purchase with no regrets. You see, I have a black sweater in a heavy cotton knit with a similar shape that is it's warm weather equal. I've had the cotton sweater for years and worn it at least 150 times. On the flip side of that of course, when I spend on pretty dresses and heels, even at a bargain price, it is still money poorly spent.
What about you? Do you have a new shopping strategy for 2014? Is your style completely defined? Or like me, do you find your look evolving?
As always thank you for your gracious company.
J'adore this shoes!!!!!Sweater and cardies always get worn and are well worth the price but it's the dresses for me that never step up and work it. I am trying really hard to do classic and not try and get one thing out of every trends which then gets donated. My thing is my wardrobe is pretty small but only because I give things away to sisters, friends, charity and in this way I'm fooling myself. BBy the way I love the new face of your blog - you've changed it, looks fresh and white with a flash of shoe
ReplyDeleteHi-I love the shoes too...just wish I could figure out how to make the image smaller....You are so sweet to share your pretty clothes. I gave a few pieces away last year and another stack is piling up as I ruthlessly get rid of stuff that is too big. I love a cardigan, but never again will wear the classic crew style - they absolutely never work for me.
ReplyDeleteThe shoes are gorgeous! Lovely to see you back!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to shop less in 2014. I did already in 2013. I will only replace items as necessary.
Hi Rose - It seems like a lot of us are on the same page for 2014. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteJulie I adore those shoes and if they were 6.5, I would be knocking on your door! Funny - I am doing a somewhat similar post for tomorrow, so I have been thinking a LOT about wardrobe and my changing life and money and happiness. You can imagine that it will be a short little dissertation! I think we are sisters from another mother, as my best purchases of this fall and winter were my white and warren cashmere cardigans of a similar style. I wear them to death and happily every single time!
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy-I can't wait to read your post. A cozy cardigan is the best.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I jumped over to look at the cardigan and I can see why you're living in it. great find! But I wouldn't give up on the shoes (went to look there too), I'm sure that over time, you'll turn to them again and again.
ReplyDeleteHi Fred-The Coach shoes are really great and I will wear them more as I'm heading back to the office next month. They are really well made and quite comfortable. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteGreat sweater. I don't have a drawn out strategy for 2014. My main goals are to not get sucked in by price and not repeat too many things. If I can do that, I'll be better than recent times :)
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