Stop the shopping
Yes, this is coming from a wardrobe stylist. If you know me, you know I’m a minimalist. What I’m suggesting is that we all take a look at what’s in our closet first. Can we shop from the closet? If not, let’s be clear about what we need. There’s a huge environmental impact on the clothes we’re discarding and we can all make a difference. I’m learning where our discarded clothes go and it’s not pretty. The good news is that a portion gets turned into rags that get re-sold. I’ll spare you the details on the bad news. There’s a book called Unraveled: The life and death of a garment if you want details. Recently I’ve been selling clothes on Poshmark and OfferUp as well as utilizing consignment stores. It’s a way to give used garments another shot at life.
Recently I added two new items to my spring wardrobe. I didn’t own a pair of straight-leg jeans in indigo and since jeans are my uniform, I went for it. I found the “Victoria” jean at Velvet to be perfect. It’s a high rise which I like and…..made in California! Less carbon footprint. I live in my jeans so investing in a new pair makes sense. I’m also happy to support quality clothes made in the U.S.A. That’s not an easy feat. Another item I added is a dolman sleeve top, another new wardrobe staple that I’ll be wearing a lot. When shopping there are a few things to keep in mind that will make a difference in the long run. Here are a few tips and as always, I’m here to assist!
When you find a garment you like take a look at the quality. Are there loose threads or uneven stitch lines? Those garments aren’t going to last.
Look to see where the garment is made. Mostly you’ll find it’s China but often a happy surprise awaits such as my new jeans. Look out for and support black or indigenous-owned companies.
Does it make you feel like a million bucks? I call that the A++ test. If so, I say go for it. You’ll wear it for many more years than a ho-hum find.
Does it fit properly? Find a tailor and have an expert tell you. Another way to make that purchase last longer and bring you joy.
Spend more and get more. Imagine less clutter in your closet and high-quality garments that last decades. I actually have clothes from the 80s that I still wear on occasion!
Work with a wardrobe stylist to help clear the clutter and create a wardrobe you love. I work in-person and virtually ❤️