STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Kitty · Hermes

Shopping mantra!

halleybird · Hermes

These were big ones for me:

1. Don't buy anything that doesn't fit well (or can't be easily altered)

2. Don't buy anything on sale that you wouldn't pay full price for (this isn't the same thing as "couldn't" -- i.e., a great bag that was out of your price range, etc. This is more for the $7 shirt you find at Target, etc.)

ILoveChoo · Hermes

don't look at the price right away. once you decise you love it, figure out what you think the price *should* be- then look at the tag. If it the same or less (or like $5 more) go ahead. If not, you already decided it's not worth it!

Kelly · Hermes

ILoveChoo wrote:

don't look at the price right away. once you decise you love it, figure out what you think the price *should* be- then look at the tag. If it the same or less (or like $5 more) go ahead. If not, you already decided it's not worth it!

That's a really good idea!

kenzie · Chanel

Never be seduced by anything that isn't first rate. First rate meaning it makes you look and feel fabulous and it will work in your warbrobe, despite the price (whether inexpensive or not). If you don't love it, don't buy it.

shopgirl82 · Chanel

i make a list of what i want and i don't detour from it. i have a spreadsheet as well as pictures of things i want.

also, probably my favorite is to pick a friend, or celeb who's style you admire and say, "would so and so wear this..."

lately i've been trying to do basics and letting my accessories shine (because i need accessories), so i've been saying, "would Jennifer Anison wear this..." i think she's the queen of basics, so since i'm trying to stay basic, i'll think of what she would wear. i have a friend who wears simple colors, but they always have amazing details (think Catherine Malandrino) so i think of her when i shop for going out clothes. those are styles i admire and i think are somewhat me as well.

hth.

montmarte · Kenneth Cole

These are questions I ask myself when I shop:

Do I absolutely LOOOVE it? (my problem is I love too many things!)

Does it work with my wardrobe? Can I wear it over and over again with different outfits, or would I let it sit in my closet?

Is it of good quality? Can this piece stand the test of time over the next 2-3 years.

twinkle · Coach

It's all about the cost per wear for me. I'm willing to spend alot more on a bag, a coat, a versatile pair of shoes, etc. if it has a good cost per wear price.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

Just because it's cheap doesn't mean you should forgive the fit or fabric. Do you want to be stuck with a lot of so-so's or a few really nice items you will wear plenty?

If you came shopping for a shirt, steer clear from purses or shoes! If you don't browse then you don't know it's there!

kittenheels · Coach

These are fun. If only I could stick with them! The only one I really follow is cost per wearing. Because it's so true. I have bought some stuff on sale that I just haven't worn - EVER. But, I have a few of more "expensive" things that I wear every day (like bags) or weekly - and literally wear them so much that it's pennies per wear at this point.

NCshopper · Hermes

I saw the BEST mantra in InStyle yesterday:

"When buying quality, you only wince once."

erin · Chanel

NCshopper wrote:

I saw the BEST mantra in InStyle yesterday:
"When buying quality, you only wince once."

that's a really good one! i think i need to keep that in mind....

lilyann · Dooney & Bourke

I really try to stay on track now with pieces that will work with what I already have, and also ask myself how practical it will be in my wardrobe. So many times I have bought things that dont go with what I already own, it ends up taking space in my closet and never gets worn. For example: I know that I wont wear dresses, Im just not into them, and therefore unpractical to me- I do have five in my closet- and for the most part, they hang there. But, I will wear skirts, so I will buy one if I really like it. Now if I buy a piece , it must go with at least three other items in my wardrobe, so it will be sure to be worn.

atlgirl · Gucci

Know Thyself.

I don't do a lot of trends because I like more classic-oriented clothing (I don't worry about whether things are in or out, like the pointy-vs. round-toe question, but I also am not doing leggings (did them once already!) or the dress shorts because IMO they're too "of the moment" for me. I don't want to have to ditch something once it's deemed passe.

I stick to items that I *know* work for me. Thus when babydoll tops/dresses are in, for example, I don't buy them, because they don't flatter my figure. Same with a lot of the super-long tanks & tops that are in right now. I know which items work for me and I don't get sucked into buying things because they're "in", but because I love them and feel good in them.

theotherjess · Chanel

This is probably really bad but lately I think my motto has been "Why not?". I'm awful.