Hello Darlings,
Last week as I was browsing yet another store trying to find those “perfect” items, but found absolutely “nothing”. As exaggerated as this may sound I did feel quite hopeless. Not only was there zero spark of excitement, I was shopping with purpose to add a few classic pieces. At frst, I was on a mission to find a cashmere sweater and a silk blouse. Now, I am searching for a camel coat.
When I shop it’s with a very particular goal in mind. Finding items can take months and based on wear per cost, I decide whether it is a good idea to splurge or just walk away. Over the past year, I’ve re-evaluated my shopping habits. Although shopping is on my list of my favorite activities, I don’t need to constantly buy new items but rather try making the best of what I already own. Buying something new is no rocket science but creating a classic and practical wardrobe that will serve you in all walks of life… well, now that is a challenge. But one that is definitely worth pursuing.
Nowadays, I am more concerned about being smart with my finances. Looking and feeling wonderful is not something that I am willing to sacrifice. but lately I’ve become much more financially aware. I want the best that I can afford. I am spending wisely, which means staying away from items just because they are trendy and instead focusing on quality.
I will always crave a little bit of cute and quirky in my life! I do not want to sound like a shopping “Nazi” because I do have occasional impulse buys (thank goodness for return policies) but most of the time these days I try to stay away. I feel great because I am budgeting and because I found items that I really love.
Being young is challenging. Appearance is such a big part of our culture. So it’s my hope that by sharing my personal experience honestly and without glamorizing the act of shopping, then maybe I can inspire one girl to look at the world of shopping and splurging realistically and cautiously.
Sometimes having access to a credit card, 24/7 on-line shopping, department stores and of course fashion magazines can overwhelm and create a sense of entitlement. With our culture emphasizing the idea of women being entitled to all things designer and fabulous, we forget that fashion is a luxury and dangerous one. It should be treated in that way, as a luxury and be approached with caution. I will be farther focusing on this issue with a super exciting guest post… I can’t wait to share it with you.
I am wearing: ♥ Mackage “Leane” Lamb Leather Jacket—from Ssense.com ♥ Club Monaco Italian Cashmere Sweater —from Club Monaco ♥ Burberry Dark Indigo Wash Flare Leg— from Holt Renfrew Last Call ♥ Wilfred wool scarf—from Aritzia ♥ Stella McCartney Sock Booties —a gift ♥ Gustto “Cokera” Purse—from revovleclothing.com ♥ Michael Kors Watch—a gift ♥ Marc by Marc Jacobs Jelly Bracelets—from shopbop.comAs for the outfit, it consists of some of my favorites: my Burberry jeans, a leather jacket, a cashmere sweater, a scarf, booties and a spacious purse. All pieces were purchased with a purpose and are not impulse buys, which will explain as to why I tend to re-wear them often. As for the twist, I am wearing my new Marc by Marc Jacobs jelly bracelets.I simply could not resists the cuteness factor.
What do you think about my approach to shopping? Agree or Disagree?
Wishing Everyone a Beautiful Day!!!
With Love…
Marta
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17 Responses to Shopping with purpose and staying on “trend”…
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I completely agree with your approach to shopping and I’m trying to adopt it myself. There are new trends coming out every 2 minutes it seems, and it is impossible to stay on top of them. Firstly, not all trends work for every body type but because it is a “trend” people will buy which is frustrating to me because why would you buy something you don’t look good or feel good in. I think it’s very important to shop with a “list” or with specific items in mind. Not only will it save people tons of money, but will allow them to stock their wardrobe with essential items and this will leave more room for the occasional “impulse” purchase.
P.S. I’m reading the Shopping Diet, this is where this big rant came from, you should give it a read.
P.S.S. You look great as always
Looking forward to the guest post
http://www.misscheriefleur.blogspot.com
Thanks for the book suggestion, I will definitely check it out.
Marta, you are a total inspiration. I am really bad with this actually… some days I feel like I can’t create an outfit I’m happy with unless I find something new to add to it… but I am coming to realize (and so is my bank account as well as my shrinking closet) that it just can’t work that way! Reading your blog always injects a dose of practical-chic into my blood. Thanks!
Thank you so much Jen
I hope that I can keep injecting practical-chic!
I’m so in love with your jeans! They fit you so amazingly. HR Last Call? Wow - so lucky!!
I’m not usually too much of an impulse buyer. Every season I check out what’s coming out and then wait to find it on sale. That’s pretty much my process! ;o)
Thank you so much
I’ve been curbing my impulse buys, it’s a working progress.
Love ur outfit, Marta! I want those jeans!!;) I always enjoy reading ur thought provoking posts. I must admit that I go through phases of impulsive buying (oh gosh, especially two weeks ago, but I’m making returns lol). As I have become older and the reality of finances and budgeting are sinking in, I have been attempting to be more wise with my purchases. I’m a believer in mixing the high and low, therefore I don’t mind splurging a bit for more classic items. I must also admit that I’m still attempting to find that delicate balance:) Thank u for sharing this post!
TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com
I need to get into the quantity over quality mindset! I tend to buy lots of pieces from chepaer stores (like F21). Quality is def lacking…
A couple of things I wanted to share:
1. Read an article on Vogue “Secrets of effortless style” and thought of it when I read your post. It states, “Chic women never shop to fill a void; they buy only pieces they love”. I though every women should try to keep that in mind when shopping, especially when working with a budget. I also think everyone should have a budget, no matter their financial circumstance.
2. Check out this site called keepitchic.com. The cofounder and editor of the website/blog is the same women who wrote the article. I think you’ll like it if you haven’t checked it out already.
3. Also, you have mention a cream colour silk blouse you’ve been looking for and I think I found something that might fit your descriptions. I was looking for something similar but not quite: I found it at Holt Renfrew (Vancouver) about 3 weeks ago. You can check it out at shopbop.
Here is the description (link is at the bottom):
Vince 3/4 Sleeve Blouse
This silk button-down shirt features a fold-over collar and a 7-button closure. Single-button cuffs. 3/4 dolman sleeves.
* 26″ long, measured from shoulder.
* Fabrication: Woven silk.
* 100% silk.
* Dry clean.
* Imported.
http://www.shopbop.com/sleeve-blouse-vince/vp/v=1/845524441882873.htm?folderID=2534374302023887&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize&colorId=13149
Please tell me you’ll at least give it a try b/c sometimes pictures don’t do it service.
All I can tell you is that when I felt it in the store and tried it on…It was Luxurious!! The price is a little high but still decent. I think its a good buy for so many reasons:
1. there is quality in this shirt, much like the way Vince put quality for all their clothes.
2. It’s classic which means it suits your style
3.It’s Silk which ups the glamour factor already
4. You can wear this with almost anything. Wear it with cargo pants = hip, wear it with leather = your a minimalist with a fuck you swagger, wear it with a puffy skirt = sweet like french chic
http://g-images.amazon.com/images/G/01/Shopbop/pcs/media/images/products/vince/vince2084913149/vince2084913149_p3_v1_m56577569832070408_254x500.jpg
Check out Velvet as well. They have similar stuff.
Hi Jayla,
I adore your comment
I really enjoyed reading the article on Harper’s Bazaar … I hope this is the same one you’re talking about. Because I couldn’t find one on Vogue: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/effortless-style-0909 Is this it???
I adore the keepitchic.com as well, I’ve never heard of it but so glad you pointed it out. I will definitely be sharing these suggestions with the rest of the readers. Thanks to you!
As for the blouse it’s perfection
I love it!!! I will definitely try it on the next time I am at Holts. Don’t want to order it because Vince doesn’t always fit it me properly.
Once again, thank you so much for such a lovely comment. Hope to wear from you soon again
Marta
it is definitely from Vogue. The month that Carey Mulligan was on the cover off.
I’ll look into finding it again, thank you
I love how reading your posts always gets me thinking. I have become a more of quality over quantity type person this last year although I still do believe in mixing both less expensive items with items of greater quality. Sometimes if there is something that I know I will put to good use, I will buy it no matter the price tage.
Eternally yours,
Stephanie
heyyyy
you’re so beautiful.. are you a model?
i love your outfit ever
your hair and that jacket really suits to you <3
Xoxo ♥
Pinkie Anggia
http://sugarpuff.jp.pn
Love that animal print scarf and purse
XOXO,
http://outfitidentifier.com/
The title of your post made me chuckle because I just did a post today about how I often shop with no purpose (except today :p…haha) … This was a great post - I really enjoyed reading!
xox
I LOVE those fun Marc Jacobs bracelets! I’m all about basing an outfit around favorite basics, and you look so gorgeous. Those Burberry jeans are so cute and really flattering on you!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com