(in no specific order)
5. Try everything on before buying. I have a big issue w/this because when I am shopping, time is always not on my hands. So it’s a rarity I get to try things on. So it leaves me with tons of returns which in-turn is a lot of gas spent and time wasted driving back and forth. I could just easily save myself the hassle by just going into the fitting room to begin with. This obviously does NOT apply if you are shopping online.
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6. Don’t buy based on price. Anyone guilty of this? Hahaha because I sure am! This rule kind of goes along with Rule #2. I sometimes will buy things just because it’s dirt cheap and then guess what happens? You guessed it- it sits there, tags attached and then ends up at Goodwill. I can’t even tell you how many times I have done this, continue to do this and have that sick feeling of regret. I am working on this one!!!
7. Buy quality vs. quantity. If only everyone could see all my closets filled w/clothes that are just crap. How sad and so much money has been wasted. Thank goodness for blogging because it forces me to really stop buying all the poor quality, ill-fitting clothes that I used to. I went from shopping at Ross Dress for Less, Marshalls/TJMaxx and any discount stores I could get my hands on. There are some great finds at Marshalls/TJMaxx so please don’t take this the wrong way. I am not a snob even though I may sound like one right now. I have found 2 Vince cashmere cardigans at TJMaxx which I love and wear all the time (Runway Collection).
8. Buy things that will go w/other items in your closet. This is a tricky rule because I think you should definitely try new things, styles and colors. What I don’t believe you should do is buy an item and then have to buy more items to go with it that first item. For example, I love the idea of some red pumps (classy ones not the hooker style) but I know it won’t go anything I own. I could wear them with an all black or even gray outfit but would I really do that? It’s a bit bold for my business but I do love the idea of it. So then I would have to buy outfits that go with those red pumps. Result = unworn red pumps that collect dust.
9. Buy things you feel good in. I know what makes me feel good and I hope most of you do to. I feel GREAT in skirts and dresses so I don’t bother with pants. I have a couple pairs of LOFT pants that I feel somewhat decent in but other than that, I have given up on pants all together. Every time I wear them, I feel weird and self-conscious in them so why bother?
10. Give yourself a budget/Make a list. Instead of spending sporatically every month, I suggest a list of of things you really want/need to buy. Set a budget and stick to it. I personally don’t have a budget now (in progress) but I do make a list for myself of things I want. It’s amazing when you actually write things down, they come true! Before getting my beige Chanel, I had on my list: Chanel beige flap and what do you know, it’s in my possession now:)
Which items have I excelled in? Definitely #3, #7 and #9. I definitely have to work on the rest! Blogging has really helped me a LOT and I just want to say hats off to the ladies that blog and the twitter friends that respond when I am in question whether to buy something or not.
And if you haven’t entered my $100 LOFT gift card giveaway, please enter HERE. There’s not that much time left! Ends on April 1st!
Readers: Which ones do you need to improve on?
These are really great, practical guidelines and I'm going to have to refer to your list periodically for self-therapy since I have a really bad online shopping habit. 😛 The problem is I'm still young and not really a "classic" type of dresser. The novelty of new trends as well as the challenge of incorporating them into my existing wardrobe are kind of the most exciting part of fashion for me, rather than finding timeless pieces. So I end up spending way too much. I should at least try to stick to your guideline of buying things that actually (not almost) fit, since I spend so much on alterations too!
This is really helpful!!! I laughed with #3. I used to buy things because it's cute and not because I need it lol. But I've been pretty good with my purchases. I stopped buying too much makeup and I'm actually investing on good basic pieces that will last for a long time.
very good tips….i need to buy more things that i LOVE and look forward to wearing. that would help me get out of my slump…my sizing is so off, it's like in between plus size and normal which doesn't help when trying to find things that are SHORT enough for me since i'm 5'1.
Vonnie
http://www.socialitedreams.com/
Great list. I'm like you – I get blinded by the Sales Monster. The result is a lot of clothes that don't fit and don't flatter. I should have just saved that money and purchased something great instead of something "okay.. but it's on sale!"
Solid list Annie : ) I have this similar mental list in my head. It's funny though, since I started following all of you petite bloggers, I think my closet has exploded 😛 Kind of the opposite effect – haha! I'm going to be with you on sticking to a budget and sticking with it.
The sales lately is the one that gets me… but I'm trying to be good 😀
what a great post! i totally agree on number 7, that's something i need to work on! i think it's just because something is cheap that i jump all over it, not thinking about the fact that it will probably only last 5 minutes 😛
ps. love the new header, you look gorgeous 🙂
Fashion Bag 411
Hahaha Oh, Annie… A perfect time for you to write this! Pretty much suffer from all the same weaknesses as you! I think the last really silly thing I bought was a really beautiful strapless black cocktail dress just because it was on super sale and was, originally, very expensive… 1. I have nowhere to wear that. 2. I don't wear strapless dresses because I don't have the boobs to hold them up and 3. I had to have it hemmed! And the bodice isn't quite tight enough to be comfortable either. lol. Oh dear.
Perfect time for this post, really. Thanks lovely!
i need to work on: buying things i really love and buying things that work with other pieces in my wardrobe. 🙂
You could totally wear those red pumps with that gray dress you pictured above. And it's good to know that I'm not the only one who's given up on pants!
Excellent tips. I too have a list but am very bad at sticking to it and I'm sucker for cheap stuff =/ I really should wait for the higher quality things more often.
What a timely post!!! I just bought an AT dress this weekend that I didnt need–mistake #1…got it for less than half price after discounts–great! But I didnt try it on at the store–mistake #2. Once I did try it on I didnt love it but wanted to keep it since I got it for such a great deal–mistake #3. It definitely needs alterations (which are going to be $$$ especially since its lined)–mistake #4. After reading your post I'm definitely returning it…even with the unbeatable price! Sometimes we get so caught up…Thanks again!!!
~GRITS
Great list..I kind of have the same weaknesses. Overall I have become much better (point #3). I used to buy whatever I thought they were cute. I still have a big issue with "quality vs quantity", so many cute items are not made from good quality materials but I bought them anyway.
I love #3 (being practical) and #7 (quality over quantity). With you 100% in those areas, which is why you don't see me buying platform heels (#3) or shopping at the Gap (#7, worst quality ever).
However, I need to work on #1 and #2, I am a sucker for sales, and my frequent internet shopping finds me bringing items to the shoe repair or tailor to make them fit correctly!
My rules are pretty much identical to yours, although I rarely try things on in-store. LOL I hate lining up for the change rooms! Thankfully most of the time, the things I buy fit : )
Great tips! I need to work on getting clothes that fit well on my post pregnancy bod! 🙂
I haven't been here in a while. Hope you've been well!!!
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Great post, but like Jessy I usually don't have time to try things on. I kind of just pop into stores while I'm doing something else buy then return – or online shop and return too!
I don't have a budget but I don't think I'm a huge spender but making a budget and a list of wants is a very good idea.
YAY!! Thanks for mentioning me Annie! SO fun to hear your rules:) This post came just in time, I needed some reminders. I'm currently debating whether or not to return some clothes and feeling the pressure b/c the return time period is almost up. One is an expensive blazer on sale that needs alterations. Another is a dress – I tried on a dress that the SA told me was "made for me" and that "if I buy anything today it should be THAT dress!" It was the last one in my size and I'm such a sucker so I bought it…now when and where am I going to wear it? Learned another rule…don't bother trying on clothes that aren't practical…that way you can't fall in love with them and then you can avoid making an impulse purchase. It's as if I went to try on a wedding dress that was on sale for $1 marked down from $5000 (not like I would b/c I'm already married) and the SA told me it was made for me…even though it looked great, I would NEVER wear it! LOL:) Maybe I need to look at impractical clothes as if they were wedding dresses:)
Luckily, I have a mother that taught me all these things from the time she allowed me to shop for myself in middle school. I will diverge here and there, but so far so good.
I can't wait for you to pass this on to mini-Annie. Wink Wink! (#twitterconvo)
^^oh crap, I realized ppl might think you're currently pregnant from my comment. I just meant "future mini-Annie." Don't get too excited peeps. If you wanna see a preggos petite, refer to SPG's blog.
I always get sucked into a good sale! And end up buying things I didn't really need. Another thing I need to improve upon is not to lust after something just because someone else looks really good in it! Thanks for sharing your rules!
@hugstiem
I totally hear ya on the alterations part! OMG- I get sick just thinking about all the money I have wasted on non-worthy alterations:(
@EveryDay Makeup blog Thanks Becky! And good job on slowing down on makeup purchases! I did start to notice you started investing in good basic wardrobe pieces and I am so proud of you!! 😀
@socialitedreams I wish I had your height! That 1" makes a world of difference! Hehehe Def buy things you love- then you wear it or use it often which makes it worth the money 😀
@Well Heeled Blog LMAO re: Sales monster!! Hehehe I am soo guilty of this and try so hard but I def need to work on it..hehehe
@grace Hahaha mine too except I did get rid of a TON of crappy clothes and then had to replenish 🙂 And the sales- oh the sales…can't help myself Grace! LOL
@Liana I do that all the time Liana! I say gosh its so cheap and then never wear it..LOL
And YAY- thanks for the compliment on the new header…..I'm not 100% happy with it but it will do for now:D
@Aubrey LOL I don't like strapless either- even if you have boobs to hold them up- it still slides down because of the bodice..LOL We can suffer together Aubrey! 😀
@Leena That's a great one to work on! Thanks Leena!
@Jennifer You too? Yup- pants are no go for me unless it needs no alterations which is rare- like the LOFT wool pants I had to fry in the dryer:D
@Jackie That's what I have been trying really hard to do Jackie! Investing in high quality is so much better than having a ton of cheap crap 😀
@Anonymous Hi! I agree- I vote return too even if it's a good price!!! I get caught up all the time…we girls can't stop shopping..hehhehe
@Nelah My weaknesses over power me most of the time but I am trying…LOL Def quality vs. quantity is a huge lesson I have learned this past year 😀
@Faith J. Hi Faith! Hahaha I hear ya!!!! I am sucker for sales too!! Love me a good sale:D
@The Little Dust Princess OMG I used to love trying on things and now I just have no patience or time…but I am forcing myself to do it so I don't have to do returns 😀
#1, 3, 8, 9 – Still working on it
#2, 5 – Used to be pretty good, until I joined Twitter. You girls are seriously on top of all the sales!
#4 – I'm a pro. My wallet doesn't think so sometimes 🙂
#7 – I'm on the fence about this. Sometimes I don't mind buying cheapies for trends, but I do believe in investing in classic items
#10 – I really should start… but I'm afriad it'll be a reminder of things that I've forgotten I wanted lol
these are great tips, annie!! i'm definitely working on the quality over quantity. i'm trying to find nicer, high-quality items at are classic styles instead of buying the latest trendy item. blogging has helped me find sales and deals at the nicer stores so this one is coming along nicely!! and my budget has really helped me re-evaluate my spending each month and justifying whether i really need to purchase something. i spend an extra $150 at the end of last year after only blogging for 3 months so a budget had to be put in place before it got out of hand. 🙂
cute & little
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@Amy Stewart OMG Hi Amy! It's been SOOOO long!!! YAY you had a baby!! Congrats 😀
@Curls and Pearls I am with you and Jessy- I don't try things on but now am forcing myself too:) And I don't have a budget but def should because I do spend way too much! Hehehe
@Jane YAAAY! Jane! My inspiration for this post! Everyone seems to really like this post so thank you for the idea/suggestion and sharing with me your rules! You rock!:D
@AubreyOhDang! LMAO! OMG I seriously almost peed my pants when I read this comment(s)!!! You are soo funny!!!!! Your 2nd comment almost killed me with laughter! Thanks Aubrey!!! LOL
@Lisa – respect the shoes I do that too! I lust over something that I see on someone else and then obsess until it's in my possession….LOL
Your shopping rules are all a definite must Annie….what a great post!
I ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH YOUR BLOG!!!
IT´S GREAT
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http://WWW.1SILLAPARAMIBOLSOBLOG.COM
These are all great rules..I am so guilty of a few of these and as a matter of fact just today I sent a a bag to Salvation Army of my indiscretions! I still am addicted to TJ Maxx and Marshall's but now I think a lot more before I buy. If it's something I want anyway I get it (like my nude leather peep toes) , but if it's impulsive I don't!
These are such great rules and a great post! I am especially guilty of #2 and #8 but I am really working on #4!
amazing post!! i was cleaning out my closet last week, i definitely need to improve on all of these!!
Great post! Agree with them all!
For tip #6…here is my suggestion I have yet to follow, but will try next time…pull items off the rack that you love, but do not look at the price until after trying everything on and making your purchase decisions.
#7 was not snobby of you at all. For petites, it is especially difficult to find anything that fits at those stores, since those sizes are a rare occurence there. I would rather not spend an hour of my time in that type of environment…women oddly sifting and pushing somewhat-rudely through clothing racks. I walked into a Nordstrom Rack for the first time in downtown Seattle recently, and walked right out. Now I am the snobby sounding one! :p
This is a fantastic post hun, I am actually book marking for future reference! I love all your tips and gotta admit, been guilty with a loot of these regrets!
Btw, I am still searching for number 3, any recco?
xox
Great tips Annie! By the way, I see you featured on LOFT facebook AGAIN! http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/photo.php?fbid=10150111673850677&set=a.10150111673345677.279125.26483215676&theater
http://tinaseverydaystyle.blogspot.com/
These are such great tips! I'm a new follower and am SO thankful to have found your blog. Especially to have read this particular entry on the get-go. I'm brand new in the corporate business world, so I'm in the process of building my own business attire. I have the nasty habit of looking at the price and thinking that's is just so cheap, I have to buy it. Also, writing a list of things I want to buy and strive for those items will definitely be another tip I will be taking away from you entry. Thanks again, doll 🙂
Btw, I found you through the LOFT Facebook page! Love your outfits!
These a great tips for anyones closet! So nice to have them out in a list…one of those things to post on your fridge before you go shopping to remember the rules : )
great post!
You don't have how many rules that you have just said (ahem: buying things on sale and buying things that don't fit) that I'm SOOO guilty of! I especially liked the last rule about making a list. Both you and Elle have a list and it just make shopping more organized!
Great list of tips! I break 2, 3, and 10 all the time, I should bring this list with me when I go shopping next!
-Lor
Informative post!!! Thanks for this darling!!!
Fashion Panache – Patiala Salwar Bottoms
You right!!
Lovely outfits!!
xoxo from Spain!
http://myshowroombyp.blogspot.com/
What a fabulous blog! I am so happy to find help for petite frames…sometimes I feel overwhelmed when shopping because I find it a bit difficult to find the right clothing. Your blog is a perfect tool in helping me re-organize my closet 🙂 xo
Great post 🙂 useful tips, but some are so hard like letting sales cloud your judgement :L
Excellent tips.
Great post! I definitely think it’s important to find the right fit and buy things we really love! That’s how we look and feel our best! Thanks so much for this post!
Sonia
http://www.everydaypetite.com