6. SPLURGE ON CLOSET STAPLES
Where you'll want to save money on your basics, on the other hand, you'll want to invest in some quality closet staples. I love wearing denim and leather jackets so the two items I invest in are premium denim and third pieces (jackets, vests, etc). When you spend a little bit more on quality pieces that you wear a lot, you'll be able to tell the difference in how they feel on your body, and how you look wearing them. Splurge on these items because you'll have them for a long time. Make sure you're paying for the quality and not just the label, look at the care instructions and the materials that the item is made out of, but most importantly make sure you feel amazing in it! Splurge on timeless accessories as well. If you want THAT particular designer bag, save up for it instead of settling for the knock-off or for one you aren't as stoked about. You'll be happier with the item, you'll feel so accomplished for saving up your own money for it, and it will be much higher quality than any other knock-off! Price per wear it will pay off in the long run!
7. DON'T SPEND ON TREND
Trends are tricky. You'll see bloggers all over Instagram wearing the newest, trendiest pieces, and it's hard not to want them when you're bombarded with a million girls wearing the same new trend. My tip does not include avoid trends all together, just make sure that you are shopping at the right places for these trendy pieces. You won't be happy about dropping $200 on the new fad for it to suddenly go out of style next season (trust me, I've made this mistake before). Shop at discount stores/off price retailers such as Nordstrom Rack, or Saks off Fifth, Forever 21 and H&M are both great for affordable trendy pieces, Zara is also a personal favorite of mine.
8. WHEN IN DOUBT, DONATE
Clean out your closet as often as you can! I usually go through my closet once a month and get rid of things that I'm unsure about. If it has been 6 months since I've worn an item, bye bye! If the piece is ripped, stained, or damaged beyond repair, toss it. If you don't reach for something because you don't feel confident in it, or don't like how it looks on you, sayonara! Only keep items in your wardrobe that make you excited to get dressed, everything should fit well and make you feel great, no exceptions! Once you start to regularly clean out your closet, you will notice yourself feeling less overwhelmed when getting dressed and more excited about the process. It will also take much less time when you love every piece that you own! You can even make money on items you don't want that are only gently worn. I use Poshmark to sell things that I don't wear anymore, and then I can use that money to budget into buying new pieces that I need!
9. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHES
Final and most important tip! Take care of your clothes! Lint roll when necessary, iron or steam out the wrinkles every time! Wash and hang dry to extend the life of your clothes (I hang dry everything). Store your clothes correctly, hang them when you can, and stuff your bags with paper to maintain shape. Expensive items can easily look cheap and bad when they aren't cared for correctly. Your Forever 21 top can look just as amazing as your top from Nordstrom as long as you make sure it is clean, and wrinkle free!
Overall, just be super conscious of what you own, what you love, and what makes you feel amazing! None of these tips are set in stone, they are just what I like to follow as a general guideline, and have worked for me as I curate the perfect wardrobe for my lifestyle and budget!
Happy Thursday!
xo
Here are a few of my favorite basics and current wardrobe staples: