STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Sandy · Kate Spade

Girls who keep spreadsheets:

TheLovelyLady71 · Hermes

You're looking for a 'what you need when you go shopping' spreadsheet, or what? LOL I have TONS of spreadsheets at home, Excel is my BEST FRIEND, since it adds things up for you! LOL Can you be a lil' more specific (my brain is on SLOW mode today for some reason), then I'll try my best to help you.

NCshopper · Hermes

Oh, my Excel spreadsheet is a piece of work, let me tell you!

I got tired of constantly overdrawing my bank account, so I set up a spreadsheet that has a ton of different worksheets within the file. I have a worksheet that has all of my recurring expenditures (bills) on it and when the due dates for each bill is. I also have a workbook with a year and a half of financial planning on it which shows my income, recurring expenditures, and expenditures that are more infrequent (medical appointments, birthdays, contact lenses, car registration renewal, etc) so I can keep track of all that stuff. It also helps me plan big payments towards my credit card so that I can see exactly when I'll have it paid off. I have another worksheet with gift ideas for family and friends, and a worksheet for my shopping.

My shopping is broken down into categories: tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories. When something goes into the worksheet, I put the item name down, the category, where to buy it, expected cost, and any coupon codes available. I also have a column with an expected purchase date (like if I want something, but won't need to buy it until November). If it turns out that I just don't want the item anymore, I'll just strike it out or delete it.

I know a lot of this has very little to do with wardrobe shopping, but I put it in here just in case it helps you. It's helped me a ton to be a little bit more organized. I keep this info on a password protected memory key on my keychain, so it's with me wherever I go. I've found that by keeping a list of things I need/want for my wardrobe, I have a lot more items that I can work with and spend less of my money on impulse buys that I don't really want/need.

Hope this helps! I feel like a total dork, but hey, whatever works, you know?

dot · Marc Jacobs

I just created an Excel file to help me organize my wardrobe. It's been so helpful; its unbelievable. I encourage everyone to take the time out to do one... Mine is a little extreme, but I think taking a minute to really see what you own helps.

My spreadsheet had three workbooks: “inventory”; “want list”; “budget/recent purchases”.

My inventory is of all clothing, shoes, and accessories. I have categories of items (like: shoes, tops, bottoms, purses) and then the next row is subcategories of items (shoes-sandals, tops-camis, bottoms-pants, etc). Then is a description of the item. I merge cells for viewing ease. I also list the season (Fall/Winter, Spring/Summer, or all). There is a column of “what to wear with” for referencing that my Vince tweed blazer has a matching skirt. The final row is for notes. I use this to make note of what needs repair, what is on its way to the donation bin, or what I should sell on Ebay.

My want list follows the same structure as my inventory re: category, subcat, and description of item. It also lists price, vendor, priority, and there is a season for reasoning pro&con. For example, I may see several boots that fit the type of item that I want. This list helps me compare the prices and really think about where my money is going. Like, “yes I love these Marc Jacobs boots but I could just buy these shoes from Bakers that are pretty good and save $600. That way I can buy the new suit I want or this handbag, etc, etc.”

The final workbook, is a list of recent purchases. I will add hold the items on here until the end of the season, so I can see how much I spent. I usually add the item into my inventory as soon as I purchase it, but I keep this list separate to see keep track of my $$$$. It also helps me stop myself from going on shopping sprees. I look at it and say, “do I really need to go shopping now? I just bought something last week.”

I hope this isn’t too confusing. This system works for me, but you should do what works for you.

-- Edited by dot at 13:32, 2005-09-15

Sandy · Kate Spade

NCshopper wrote:

My shopping is broken down into categories: tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories. When something goes into the worksheet, I put the item name down, the category, where to buy it, expected cost, and any coupon codes available. I also have a column with an expected purchase date (like if I want something, but won't need to buy it until November). If it turns out that I just don't want the item anymore, I'll just strike it out or delete it.

This is exactly what I was talking about... thank you! I have spreadsheets for my bills, whose birthday is when/what to get them, and Christmas expenses... I just never thought to make one about what I want/need to buy for my wardrobe. What a good idea!

BargainQueen · Marc Jacobs

NCshopper wrote:

I've found that by keeping a list of things I need/want for my wardrobe, I have a lot more items that I can work with and spend less of my money on impulse buys that I don't really want/need.

I completely agree with you!

I'm going to try your spreadsheet technique, right now my list is on a Word Doc., I don't know why I never thought about Excel, its so much easier w/the drop down sorting tabs.

TheLovelyLady71 · Hermes

WOW - I might create THIS ONE when I get home! LOL I usually just write things down, then forget, so COOL! LOL

Stephanie wrote:

NCshopper wrote: My shopping is broken down into categories: tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories. When something goes into the worksheet, I put the item name down, the category, where to buy it, expected cost, and any coupon codes available. I also have a column with an expected purchase date (like if I want something, but won't need to buy it until November). If it turns out that I just don't want the item anymore, I'll just strike it out or delete it. This is exactly what I was talking about... thank you! I have spreadsheets for my bills, whose birthday is when/what to get them, and Christmas expenses... I just never thought to make one about what I want/need to buy for my wardrobe. What a good idea!

kenzie · Chanel

BargainQueen wrote:

NCshopper wrote: I've found that by keeping a list of things I need/want for my wardrobe, I have a lot more items that I can work with and spend less of my money on impulse buys that I don't really want/need. I completely agree with you!

Ditto, ditto, ditto!

In addition to the 'what i need' spreadsheet, I have a spreadsheet that I keep an outfit log in b/c I hate to duplicate outfits. I'm neurotic, I know, but I'm okay with that.

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 14:18, 2005-09-15

NCshopper · Hermes

I hope the spreadsheet idea helps you guys! It's worked well for me. I feel like a total dork doing that kind of thing, and my husband probably thinks I'm nuts, but it keeps me from overdrawing my bank account and it helps me keep track of what I need/want.

I think in the future I might even go so far as to list the clothes that I already have and categorize them. *do they have a "crazy person" emoticon???*

kenzie · Chanel

NCshopper wrote:

I think in the future I might even go so far as to list the clothes that I already have and categorize them. *do they have a "crazy person" emoticon???*

Sign me up for the crazy person emoticon, too, b/c I've seriously considered doing that, too. The sheer volume of clothes in my closet has prevented me from this undertaking thus far.

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 15:20, 2005-09-15

TheLovelyLady71 · Hermes

WOW - I'd like to do this too - so I'll know ALL of what I have, so I won't do any repeats...Hmm....LOL

NylaBelle wrote:

NCshopper wrote: I think in the future I might even go so far as to list the clothes that I already have and categorize them. *do they have a "crazy person" emoticon???* Sign me up for the crazy person emoticon, too, b/c I've seriously considered doing that, too. The sheer volume of clothes in my closet has prevented me from this undertaking thus far. -- Edited by NylaBelle at 15:20, 2005-09-15

laken1 · Hermes

ok, i tried this "what i need" or "what i want" list thing & here is my question:

What if you see something else that you want / need? Do you add it to your list? What if you already bought everything off your list but you see something else? I just get scared of limiting myself to those things that were on my "List" - like i had gold shoes on my list because i needed them to complete some outfits. Well, i still haven't worn them (thus being on the "want to return" list) and now I can't get other things that are coming out because i bought something i'm not wearing. Does this make sense? I mean, I just don't see how you can limit yourself to a list when you don't know what else is coming in a season.

Do you budget yourself for a month & reevaluate your list? So you can add things all the time if you match up the money? I'm just trying to make this work for me because i feel like i bought MORE when i had the list because it gave me permission to buy things. But i will admit to picking up things not on my list because i didn't know they existed when i made my list, but know i will wear them more than things that are already on my list. Man i feel like a nut case.

-- Edited by laken1 at 17:49, 2005-09-15

NCshopper · Hermes

My list is not a static thing--it changes constantly.

But, in determining what goes on the list, there are a bunch of things I consider: 1) Will it be flattering on me? There are a ton of things that I'd love to have in my wardrobe, but that I just KNOW don't work for my body type. Like those flowy gaucho pants--I love them and could totally fit them into my wardrobe, but they just do not look good on me. So those stay off the list. 2) Do I keep wishing I had it in my wardrobe? If it's something I just really feel like my wardrobe is lacking, then it goes on the list. 3) Does it go with other stuff I already have? Can I wear it with more than one other item of clothing? If not, it's not for me.

The biggest thing though is waiting a little bit before buying. Usually when I get the new magazines at the beginning of the month, a LOT of stuff goes on the list, but as things progress, I find I don't really want them anymore. Sometimes I'll fixate on something for like a week or two and after that, but when it actually comes time to forking over the dough for it, it just doesn't seem worth it.

Also, I just don't have the funds to buy everything on the list at once, so I usually get 2-3 items per month and the rest has to wait. That also helps me prioritize what I really need, as opposed to stuff that I just want.

This process has really worked for me, but it may not work for you. I've also started figuring out my personal style a bit more and that has helped keep me from jumping all over the place too. One resource that's really great for shopping tips has been www.stylediary.net. The girl that runs it has written some great articles in the past about how to shop smarter, which is what led me to making the Excel spreadsheet. Her personal style is nothing like mine, but her methods for shopping is pretty great. HTH!

Maddie · Coach

Ok, you guys got me excited and I just made one of the clothes I have. I did clothes shoes and purses. Do you guys have other accessories like jewelery and scarves too? That will take me forver.

dot · Marc Jacobs

Maddie wrote:

Ok, you guys got me excited and I just made one of the clothes I have. I did clothes shoes and purses. Do you guys have other accessories like jewelery and scarves too? That will take me forver.

I think whatever works for you. I didn't put things like activewear or t-shirts in my list because I don't feel like I have a problem with over-buying, repeat-buying, or always wanting these items. But maybe if you feel like you're putting too much of your money into those things, it might be worth considering keeping track of those expenses.

kenzie · Chanel

Maddie, I think if you have a ton of something, it deserves it's own list. Obviously, this will vary from person to person. For example, I have a ton of jewelry and when I think I need something, I break it down into whether I'm going to make it or buy it (I have a sub-spreadsheet for jewelry that I make for myself in which I include all of the parts for it and costs). On the other hand, I don't have/need/want nearly as many scarves or hats, so they are grouped together.

And yes, my list is constantly changing b/c my needs/wants are constantly changing. My closet is an evolving work, so my list can't be static. I haven't done this yet b/c I don't have a digital camera, but once I do, I will also take pictures of every item and then take pictures of myself in outfits (duh) and also put them into layouts like I do in my articles for ST so I can get a better feel for what I have and what it goes with. If I sound completely OCD about my closet, it's b/c I am.

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 09:41, 2005-09-16

-- Edited by NylaBelle at 09:42, 2005-09-16