The Anti-Shopping List
This is a) a continuation of “How To Create the Perfect Wardrobe for YOU” and b) a repeat post from 2018. I know there are new readers and I feel it’s valuable information so I thought I would re-share.
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We all know how to make a shopping list. It’s a list of things we need or want. Simple. Want to bake a cake? Make a shopping list: eggs, flour, sugar, cocoa, butter, etc. What’s maybe NOT so obvious is an “anti” shopping list – things NOT to buy. You know, those things that keep ending up in your wardrobe cuz you thought you wanted or needed them, but you FORGOT that a, b or c. You forgot that you already HAVE two light-blue Tencel sleeveless summer dresses in your closet. You forgot, as much as you coveted that white denim jacket, that you MUST have a jacket with pockets. You forgot that wearing a sheer top means you must wear a cami underneath and YOU HATE CAMIS. You forgot that fixed seams at your waist aren’t doing you any favors. You forgot to measure the armhole on that sleeveless top to make sure your whole bra won’t be showing. You forgot to do the “sit test” in that button-front blouse and now, seated at your desk at work, it is gaping open at the bust and the v-neck is falling so low that your whole cleavage is showing. Grr.
It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful item…and to overlook the little things that will make it end up on THAT side of your closet again – that side where things go that you never wear.
So I have an “anti-shopping” list. I keep it right on my phone with the regular “want/need” lists, so I don’t get love-is-blind-ed by that perfect color/cut/pattern and overlook the detail(s) that will render it unwearable once I get it home. Some of the things on the list are obvious to me because I kept forgetting and making the same wardrobe mistakes over and over. But to be really thorough, I actually went item by item in my closet and noted what downfall (if any) each item had…so I knew to try and avoid that again in the future.
This is my list. Yours will be different:
Now, these are just rules – not a life and death credo – and sometimes rules are meant to be broken (ha ha). But I like to be reminded of the rule before handing over my hard-earned money to be really really sure there’s a good reason for breaking it.
And My Number One Rule of Shopping: Just Because You Like It Doesn’t Mean You Have to Own It. I think that’s what causes a lot of us to bring home way too many things – clothing, home dec, etc., and then it goes unused, unworn…and just causes clutter and then stress when we realize There’s Too Much Stuff!!!
I hope you consider making your own Anti-Shopping List so your wardrobe stops ending up with mistakes in it!
Linda Root
“No items that require buying MORE items to create one outfit.” My closet purge revealed those mistakes & I got rid of them because they will cost MORE money in the long run. There is a difference between “filling holes” in my closet versus problem solving. I ditched it – problem solved, ha ha!!
bettyewp
There ya go!
Kellyann Rohr
I love your list and could totally relate to all of it! I try hard to make good decisions but sometimes it’s a struggle. This post was a great read Bettye!
xo,
Kellyann
bettyewp
Thanks, Kellyann! Yeah, it’s so easy to get swept up by some wonderful feature – fit, price, color…and forget all the things you DON’T want!
jodie filogomo
I couldn’t comment this on first, because I had to think about it.
One because you and I are SO opposites. I must thrive on buying things that challenge me for some reason.
But I think all of us have items we LOVE and therefore buy over and over. For my mom it’s the white blouse (although I think she’s gotten over that since the move). For me? Hmmmm….right now it’s statement pieces (which means I’m lacking in basics)
And while I understand you don’t want to do alterations, have you thought about the time and money you spend looking for that perfectly fitted piece? Sometimes that alteration can save you money in the long run. Gosh, I sound like my mother (don’t tell her, I’ll never hear the end of it) Yet, if I had to get by on only things that fit without alterations? I’d have a minimalist closet too!!
XOOX
Jodie
Deborah Stinedurf
The anti-shopping list is such a great idea. However you & I both know that I’d never be able to do it…lol! I truly aspire to your level of restraint when it comes to all things closet related…
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Christen Hearn
For high-quality slip-ons that will last for YEARS (Really!) go to: Birkenstock.com.
They will never give you that rolled-over on the side (fried-pie) look. Yes, they are expensive, but again: They last for YEARS!
They are now the only shoes I have worn for the last 20 yrs. or that I ever will wear.
bettyewp
Don’t know if you saw my “what I bought in June” post but I mentioned having my eye on a pair of Birkenstocks! I just want to try them on in person first and so far that doesn’t seem…like something I want to do 🙂
Is it warm where you are…or do you wear them with socks in the cold weather?