Eliminate Impulse Buying With This One Tip
“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.”
As I was pulling out clothes the other day to piece things together, I suddenly remembered just how much I love putting together outfits. I may not get to wear half of what I carefully curate and that’s okay… but what made me sad is how I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it and to be quite honest, I never realized that I actually may be “good” at it. I remember when I worked full time at the salon, people would always comment on my outfit and always looked forward to seeing what I put together. They would laugh and ask if I wore something new every single day. And I would laugh with them in return. The truth is, though, I would wear a lot of the same pieces but depending on what I paired with it, you would never be able to tell because each outfit had a completely different look and feel. Somehow I had lost that part of me. Maybe I was unaware that I was conforming to the world and what I thought I needed to be and how to dress. Maybe I lost that part of me when I became a mother. Maybe I felt like I shouldn’t put that much time and effort into what I wore, that it was looked down upon. Maybe it is laziness or lack of energy. Whatever the reasoning is for losing that part of me, I can’t ignore that it is a part of who I am and it brings me life and great enjoyment.
After a rambling introduction that probably doesn’t really go with this post, I want to share with you something that I ask myself before I buy something:
“Can you come up with 10 Ways to Wear this?”
I use to be so bad about impulse buying. It’s a real struggle, haha. So now to try and prevent that I ask myself that question. When I see something that I like and want to buy, I then think of as close to 10 ways to wear that item, with things that are already in my closet. If I have to buy something else just to make it work, I probably shouldn’t buy it at this time or at least need to think about it longer. I’ve said this over and over again. I am all about maximizing and making the most out of my wardrobe. However, I do have “exceptions”:
1. If it is a special occasion piece. Nicer items for weddings, special events, new years, date nights, etc.
2. If I absolutely love it. I know that if I absolutely love a piece that I will get a lot of wear out of it and it will be a closet staple for many years.
3. A statement piece.
I realize that I probably have more clothes than the average person. I worked in retail for many years, I’m a shopaholic and I’ve always had a love for style. Ever since I was younger I would always ask for clothes for birthdays and Christmas and I still own some of those same pieces! BUT this question still works for everyone, including YOU. You know what is in your closet and you know your own personal style.
9 Looks with One Dress
This dress from Free People is so versatile - the options almost seem endless! I could have kept shooting different looks with this dress but unfortunately the sun told us otherwise. It comes in 4 great colors which made it hard for me to choose which one to go with. #wantthemall
All outfit details will be at the end of this post.
Here We Go…
When you mix and match the options are endless! I hope that the rule I have for myself is just as helpful for you as it is for me and that you are inspired to dive into your clothes to see what looks you can come up with that are right inside of your closet!
xo,
Alison
Photos taken by:
Kara Lowe Photography
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Look One:
Free People Dress, wearing size a small. Available here, here and here.
Long Sleeve shirt is old from Topshop but similar options are here, here, here and here
Bp. Toni Mueles (old, but check Poshmark). Similar ones can be found here.
Look Two:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Long Sleeve shirt is old from Topshop but similar options are here, here, here and here.
The vest is old. The exact link to it is here. A similar option is here.
Look Three:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Black Buffalo Plaid shirt old from Urban Outfitters. Similar options are here, here and here.
Boots Wearing size 40. Go up a size!
Hat
Look Four:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Boots Wearing size 40. Go up a size!
Hat
Look Five:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Boots are old. The suede version is here and this year’s style is here
Leather Jacket
Look Six:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Leather Jacket
Boots Old. Similar are here and here
Look Seven:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Turtleneck is old. Similar options are here, here and here.
Exact booties are here. If in between sizes go with the smaller. Similar option are here.
Look Eight:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Exact booties are here. If in between sizes go with the smaller. A similar option are here.
The sweater is here and a similar option is here.
Look Nine:
Free People Dress, wearing a size small. Available here, here and here.
Exact booties are here. If in between sizes go with the smaller. A similar option is here.
The shirt is here. Wearing a size small.
