Planning Purchases For My Wardrobe

It's not even 8:30, I'm sitting at Starbucks, the sun streaming in as it bounces off of the shopping center parking lot outside.  Shopping centers, places where too many people buy too many things they don't need.  I've become quite annoyed with the consumerism I see every day, where people shop not for something they need or even really love, but to try and fill a void, to find a distraction, to look like everyone else.  I've fallen in that trap before and found it leads no where good.

 

 Emma Watson in one of the most awesome spiked trench coats!

So I was thrilled when Rebekah did a series about planning for a wardrobe, using a database concept.  I actually ended up doing this for myself one day while waiting around for G.  I thought long and hard about the sorts of clothing I really love, what looks best on me, what brings out the personality I prefer.  After discussing it with the husband, I decided that the best way to describe my style was Feminine European with an Edgy Rock 'n' Roll Twist.  Taking that knowledge, I'm working on going through things I pulled from magazines, images I've saved from online, and compiling a wardrobe binder.  I do this for our home, so it makes sense to do it for my closet as well.  In doing so it really helps you see what you love, and then think about whether or not it will work for you.

Not necessarily a fan of the actress, but this outfit is splendid!

Because here's the thing with me, my dream "uniform" that if I could I would wear every day would be fluffy, flouncy cocktail dresses in bright jewel tones (this is where my bohemian leanings come into play) with Louboutins and a leather biker jacket.  I would curl my hair into some more volume, smudge my eyes and go about life as if I'm moving from one glass of champagne to another.  However, for the day to day, that is wholly unrealistic for me! 

Love Undergarments from Agent Provocateur.

So I did as Rebekah suggested and typed up a list of everything for this wardrobe of mine, including pieces I already own and pieces I'd like to own.  I need to look over it and check to make sure I haven't left anything off, but I was pretty thorough.  From smaller diamond studs and sheer nude matching undergarments to a trench coach and a spiked leather bag.  I let G look over it, and he agreed the list was completely "me," and more so, the best version of "me," where he sees me at my happiest.  Knowing I was on the right track, I continued. 

Picture this in black, J.Crew perfect fit scoop neck tees.

I've begun prioritizing the items I need to purchase, either in addition to what I already own, or as replacements (my black t-shirt type tops nearly all need to be replaced).  I first begin researching good quality items, reading reviews, asking those I trust about this.  Then I start to list the order or importance on buying these items, and how quickly I think I can obtain them.  For instance, black leather flats are first on my list, because I desperately need new ones.  But the undergarments, new jeans, and Burberry trench coat are having to wait until later this summer/fall.  I'm spending this time learning better eating and moving about habits, so that once the weight is off I can easily maintain it, thereby making my purchases good investments.  (and in doing so, I'm saving money, which I will use for the planned purchases!)

I know that this sounds like it's too easy, and it is.  As in, perfectly easy!  I really had my doubts, but in the last few weeks, when shopping, I've found it so easy to say no.  No to the item I don't need.  No to the item on my list that doesn't look great.  No to the cheaper version.  Sure my current dream handbag is a huge chunk of change, but G has told me if I can put away the money, I can get it (it's spiked and gorgeous and we joke that it could literally fend off a mugger...and we're serious).  I thought there was no way this will work, but it's saved me so much money from unnecessary spending these last few weeks!  So I'm using this system not just for my wardrobe, but for my bath/beauty items and home items. 

The big items on my list to save for include items like the Burberry trench coat, dark wash J Brand jeans (they look awesome on me), Frye boots, leopard print heels, and warm, soft, oversized cashmere sweaters.  I found one that is both striped and off the shoulder and I'm trying to figure out the brand's sizing.  It would kill 3 things on the list in one go!  (cashmere, striped, off shoulder)  I'm also trying to decide whether or not I want to save and splurge on the Aegean necklace from Tiffany.  I've tried it on a handful of times, it looks perfect, but it's a decent down payment on a car.  Hmm.  So right now I'm looking into what I would wear it with, how often, and doing a cost analysis.  In the end, I want to be completely in love with every item in my closet.  If that means I have to build very slowly, so be it.  I'd rather have a couple pairs of jeans I adore than 5 so-so pairs.  I'd rather have only a half dozen sets of undergarments than a dresser full of pieces that don't do their job as well as they should.  And I'd rather have a few great pieces of jewelry than enough to open my own store. 

If you could save for one major item in your closet, what would it be?  And have I convinced you to go ahead and do just that?