Hello Fashion Lovers!!!
Spring is almost here! After enjoying a cold winter full of coats, turtle necks, gloves, tights, over-the-knee boots and everything in else that comes with it; I am ready for a change. I do hope that you are as excited as much as I am even if you are still working on getting rid of those last extra pounds someone dropped at your doorstep over the holidays. I am revamping my summer wardrobe this season and I am extremely excited! There are so many collections to choose from this season and they all look very promising. However, this is not the time to go crazy, below are 6 steps I recommend you follow this season:
1. Take a look at your closet.
First look at all your Fall/Winter pieces and decide what needs to be stored, thrown away, or repaired. Can any of these pieces be transformed into spring looks? If can be transformed, make use of them. If not, pack away the staples, and give away, sale or discard the rest. Remember, we all have limited closet space so it needs to be utilized in the best possible way.
Now take a look at all your previously stored Spring/Summer pieces. Are all the pieces wearable? As much as you might not want to hear this, if it does not fit, get rid of it. No one has ever looked stylish wearing a size too small, even if it was designer. On the other hand if the piece is a bit too big, take it to a good tailor. They can work their magic and transform it into the perfect piece.
2. Make a shopping list.
This list should include all the pieces you need first, and anything else you may want as well. This will give you a pretty good idea of what needs to be at the top of your shopping list. Pre-determine a budget for each piece or at least a total budget. After all is said and done, you do not want come home come home to an amazing closet over-clouded by credit card debt.
3. Review a few of your favorite spring/summer magazine issues.
Magazines are a great source of inspiration when it comes to the pieces you should be investing on and all the new fashion trends. Now that you know the trends for Spring/Summer go back to your closet. Check to see if there are any pieces that you might already own, which can be incorporated into your Spring wardrobe. Also, if you saw any looks in the magazine that might interest you, tear the pages and put them together with your shopping list.
4. Take a look at what’s in regular stores/boutiques and online stores.
This is not a shopping trip, so if you think you might be tempted leave your wallet at home or only carry a very limited amount of cash. Make sure that you bring your shopping list and the magazine cutouts for inspirations and ideas. Compare prices, quality, and design between stores. Write the name of the best store next to each piece. That way you will not run the risk of forgetting where you saw the best bargains or that one-of-a-kind blouse.
Bonus points if you try the pieces. This will give you an idea of how they actually look and feel, will enable you to amend the list, and evaluate the purchase before making any commitments.
5. Shop with prudence.
I will say it again: shop with prudence. Just because the time to shop has arrived does not mean you should throw caution out the window. Use the shopping list as a guide. If any particular piece goes over your pre-determined budget “sleep on it”. Do not buy something because is on the list or because is a trend if you are having second-thoughts about it. The whole point is to buy pieces that you have fallen in love with, are functional, accentuate your assets and hide your flaws, and are timeless and comfortable.
6. Don’t forget the essentials.
Get to the stores in the morning, the sales people are still energized and everything in the store still in order. Wear versatile, yet simple undergarments, such as a black pair of panties and a black or nude convertible bra. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and easy access clothes. The last thing you want is for your feet to start hurting 20 minutes into your day or be wrestling in a changing room. Bring a pair of heels, such as simple nude pumps. They can turn an ok outfit into the perfect one.
Make sure you hair looks the part, trust me; it will make a difference when looking at yourself in the changing room mirror. Simple make-up will do, the last thing you want is make-up stains all over the new clothes.
Finally, enjoy every moment of this experience! When you look your best you feel your best. Do not be afraid of trying new trends or sticking to what works best for you. In the end, these pieces make the wardrobe you and the rest of the world will see you in for the next few months, so be wise!
May you have a happy shopping experience!
xoxo,
Evie
