In my 20s, I used to worry about not being able to wear the latest trend in clothes, shoes and bags. Somewhere, my silly subconscious mind tells me that my life is a runway and I was focused on getting the latest trend to the point that I panic and run to the mall on every opportunity I can grab and purchase items without looking at the tag! And because the clothes are trendy - -once the season changed, Goodwill people get boxes and boxes from my stash! It never occurred to me that one day I will be 60, that years from now, I may end up working at Walmart if I don’t change my lifestyle today …Yikes!
I am not a crazy mall rat at this point but if I purchase items I always ask myself two things: Is it at a discounted price? AND can I wear it for another 5 years? Gone are the days when I shop to satisfy my retail craving. Nowadays, I shop as part of investing a look that I can carry for years. No more weekend days that I spend $100 just filling the carts and feeling like I still have nothing to wear! But it’s not too late --- as here’s my shop-less life lessons for the past three years and how I still keep up with fashion (without getting broke)
INVEST ON CLASSIC DRESS UNDER A QUALITY BRAND:
Like a true Audrey Hepburn fan, clean lines go a long way. I have black dresses from Ann Taylor/ Banana Republic/Bebe/Express that I have been using for almost 3 years now and each time I wear it, everybody thinks it is brand new. Last month, I did not resist this Ann Taylor Black Dress (Of course on sale at $59.50 vs original $149) as I know I can wear it forever!
I stay focused on basic colors - black, brown and gray! For parties, I look for bright red and usually stick to a slim cut or tube dress
SUITS , SUITS AND SUITS:
You will never see me in trendy clothes at work. I avoid prints and flower patterns, instead tailored shirts and well cut suits support my timeless look. (Nobody knows that I haven’t shopped ..Yes!)
UPDATE BY SIMPLY ACCESSORIZING:
Sometime, if I crave for a petty indulgence, all I need is a bright color to change my mood. Do you believe that I got this yellow belt and scarf at $10 (original $49 each -coach.com). Occasionally, I will I throw a scarf around my neck and a generic $4 shirt will look like a high end brand
QUALITY AND NOT QUANTITY: I stopped buying color coordinated bags that costs $60-$200 a pop on weekends. Instead, I settled for a timeless brand for daily use.
BLACK STILETTOS GO A LONG WAY:We can never have too many shoes! I stopped counting, but if you found a good 3 inch pair - -grab it and it will last you for years. Also, I arranged my shoes where I can see them lined up in a row like soldiers. In this way, I don’t feel the urge to buy even more
CLASSY NOT CHUNKY: Costume jewelry is a good break from my basic pearls and old jewelry ensemble. However, break the “It’s only $10 habit”. Steer from purchasing chunky accessories that you wear once and everybody remembers it. Instead, go for the high end look on and make sure you display then in a corner where you can see them.
STORAGE FRENZY:Buy $1 storage bins to categorize small items for easy access (headbands, lotions etc). This way, you know what treasures you hide under the makeup closet so you don’t have to buy items when you have some samples stash somewhere.
