Shopping Rule #5 - Love It Or Leave It
A nod to one of my new favorite home improvement shows, I saved my best shopping criterion for last. My number one priority from now on is to fall madly, passionately in love with every new item I purchase for my wardrobe. This mentality kind of summarizes the whole week's worth of tips into one key point. If you don't LOVE everything about it, don't waste your time and money on it. This is such a simple concept, but one that I think we all manage to forget.
How many times have you been unsure about whether something looks flattering or is the perfect color or will work for a specific occasion, yet somehow it still ends up in your purchasing pile at the register? I'm embarrassed, but humbled to admit that this scenario has happened to me more times than I can count. Maybe you feel like you need something and you'll settle for whatever you can find to fill that void in your closet. But, more often than not, that piece is the one that you never seem to reach for when you're getting ready. Something is off. Or missing. Or just not quite right. And I've finally realized that we all deserve to find joy in even the smallest details of life - like our closets.
Shopping Rule #5: Love It Or Leave It
If you're having any second thoughts about an article of clothing, accessory, handbag, or shoe, you will probably never get over that nagging self doubt. Unless you can practically and reasonably alter the item in some way, there's no reason to clutter up your closet and your life with pieces that don't truly WOW you. You should be excited to wear each new item that you've purchased. Otherwise, it will probably never see the light outside of your closet doors.
More than likely, you have to get dressed every single day. As studies have indicated, you probably also look at yourself in the mirror approximately eight times each day. I want you to love they way you look and what you're wearing. Not in a conceited way, of course, but in a confident way. I'm not just talking about what you put on to venture out in public either. There are 24 hours in a day and you deserve to enjoy every single moment of them. So, if you want to feel sexy in the boudoir, why not go for the silky négligée? Or if comfort is more your speed, maybe you should pick up the softest cotton pajama set you can get your hands on? Don't settle for the ratty, paint-splattered sweatpants that you've worn for years. Create a pleasurable atmosphere within your wardrobe and I guarantee you will find yourself more enthused to get dressed and tackle the everyday tasks that define your life.
If the answer to any of the following questions is no, then put the item down and back away... slowly.
Will I be happy to reach for this piece again and again?
Do I love the way this material fits and feels?
Does the color make me smile or look more vibrant?
Will I be confident to wear this style and will it bring out my very best?
Am I already envisioning how soon I can wear it and how often?
Do I absolutely have to have this item?
I truly hope that these rules and checklists help to make each of our lives and shopping trips that much easier. It's crucial for our budgets and our sanity to have a discerning eye when we shop. Never settle. Love yourself and know that you are worth the very best. Whether it's that super soft t-shirt for $5 or a pair of luxurious Christian Louboutin's for $500 - there is no right or wrong. Only what is perfect for you, your everyday life, and your happiness. Now, go! Shop! And spend wisely!
