You and I know we are living daily with the effects of a recession, whether the media reports the economy to be recovering or not. Our friends and neighbours are paying more and taking home less. So, when we are in penny pinching mode, how do we still feel and look great?
Summer clothing often gets the most wear and tear as we wear it to the pool, park, hiking, etc... Looking at my summer wardrobe, it is clear that it is time for a new look. However, if you feel poor - regardless of how much money you have - it never feels great to spend a lot of money on new clothing.
A new white tank, a white tee, a black, jersey sheath dress that can be worn with a bra, and a cardigan; these are the must buy basics for your summer wardrobe, while being the perfect crossover pieces for fall.
The dress, if black, can be worn with flip flops or a dress shoe, and everything in between. The cardigan should be versatile enough to tie in the front, leave loose, crossover ballet style, or tie back. This will give everything a different look. Grey would be a good choice for the cardigan as it looks good with all other colours throughout the year. Whites should be replaced every season. Chuck your dingy whites or those that have yellowed. You could avoid white altogether, but it is a great basic that will make everything you wear with it, look crisp and new as well.
It is almost August, which means we are in full swing for fall consignments. Take the time to look at your fall wardrobe now. It is probably packed away or at the back of your closet, so it should look fresh to you. donate or consign the items that you are not enthused about, or those that don't fit you properly. Don't waste emotions on trying to fit your body to clothing. get rid of it and get something you will love to wear. A lot of women feel bad for paying a lot of money for things, yet they don't wear them. Nothing will change, other than the item staring at you every time you open your closet, so cut your losses and sell or donate it. If you are not excited to look at your clothing, you won't be excited to wear it! Make a consignment appointment and try consign some items. The money you make from these pieces will be wisely re-invested into something you do like, allowing you to spend zero dollars for something new!
Book a Diva Den at Changes - a free stylist appointment - to save money and time in getting your existing wardrobe to work for you. We will show you the 4 basics that I have spoke about, but will also make these work with your favourite items from home to teach you how to create even more versatility in your closet.
While you're at it, try some hair accessories to stretch out the time between your next hair cut, saving more money. Twist a small amount of the front of your hair back and secure it with a hidden bobby pin. There are plenty of websites online to show you hair tricks and tips. If you let your hair go sloppy and you don't like what you are wearing, you might as well post a sign on yourself saying, "In Hibernation until the money rolls in again!"
Try some of the many bottles of hair products in your cupboard to see if you like them or not. Finish the dregs before buying new stuff. We all have makeup that we received as a bonus in some pack or another. Why not test out the eye shadows to see what you think. Look into your jewellery drawer and try on a few pieces you haven't worn in a while. If you don't like this stuff, then get rid of it, as clutter is another culprit to make the house and mind feel overwhelmed.
There is no question that spending money on "stuff," is fun. As a retailer, I want people to spend money in my store, obviously, but I want people to feel great and buy wisely so they keep coming back! At Changes, there is the unique twist of being able to consign so that you don't have to outlay more money, but rather, get your wardrobe working for you.
Spending your money more wisely at a locally owned and community invested store will be a great win-win. When you feel like you shouldn't spend the money, remember to consign, and never let a thrifty time be an excuse to feel unpolished.
To book a Diva Den, call: 604-222-1505. Enjoy your closet!
