It is amazing how easy it is to fall off of your own priority list. The farther you fall or the longer you’re not even on your own priority list, you start to believe you simply can’t have what you desire. This happens a lot with style. You might have looked one way when you were younger, but no longer see that girl in the mirror. You don’t know how to get her back so you believe she and her fun style are gone forever. Or maybe you feel self conscious because you haven’t lost those extra pounds that make you only want to wear baggy and oversized clothes. So you give up.
Then you see the woman who literally makes you stop and stare. How can she possibly look so put-together? You automatically assume a team of experts show up every morning to pick out her clothes and do her hair and makeup. If you live in the real world, and not on a movie set, this is not the case. She knows that great style comes from believing in yourself. Style isn’t just for the rich, famous, and skinny. Looking great from head to toe can be simple and easy. You have to start by believing you can have the style you desire. If you don’t believe in yourself, you’ll never see what everyone else sees in the mirror. How many reality style shows have you watched where women talk about how they couldn’t possibly wear something because of their poochy stomach or fat ankles? You’re watching the show wondering, “What poochy stomach and where are these fat ankles?” We all have our insecurities, but you have to believe and know that there are ways to camouflage your insecurities so that they aren’t the only thing you see looking back at you in the mirror. That is the first step towards having a style you love.
I do not believe in going into debt for fashion, or that you have to spend tons of money to have great style. I do believe that looking at price tags before trying something on can cause you to spend more money.
The first thing you do while shopping is look at the price tag. Usually that price tag tells you it is okay to try something on, the item is a great deal, or it will cause you to put the item away wishing you were an instant lottery winner. The last two cause havoc in your closet and will ultimately cause you to spend more money.
The next time you are shopping try on this new mindset about price and you will discover that you make much smarter purchases and wardrobe investments.
· When you come across a great deal, proceed with caution. Don’t let the allure of a deal throw out your good judgment about fit, versatility, and need. If something doesn’t fit or won’t work for your lifestyle, don’t buy it. Practice only spending money on items that suit all of your style needs.
· When something is out of your budget don’t put it back and wait for the depression to set in. Try it on. The more expensive item could be a better investment than the multiple deals you continue to buy. For example, the perfect fitting pants can be hard to find. You go from store to store settling on pants that kind of fit. They allow you to leave the house fully clothed but are not the best fit. You’ve now bought 4 pairs of imperfect black pants and have spent $200. The expensive pair that you would have never tried on are also $200 and fit like a glove. These are the better investment, and you no longer waste time looking for the perfect black pant.
· Until you try something on and determine it is right for your personal style, price doesn’t matter. Decide if an item fits and will work in your wardrobe, then think about whether or not it is worth the price tag. I always recommend clients stay within their budget but remind them to calculate the cost per wear for items they purchase.
· Don’t let discount price tags sidetrack you from your shopping mission. If you are looking for clothing that helps you create a more put together image for an upcoming meeting, a super cute casual dress that is on sale isn’t going to get you to that meeting with professional style.
Learn how to make smart clothing investments the next time you go shopping by signing up for Charleston Style Concierge’s free ezine, Get Great Style.
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