skirt: J.Crew; jacket: Comptoir des Cotonniers (old); sweater: Club Monaco; shoes: MICHAEL by Michael Kors; necklace: anthropologie
I like shopping. I doubt this shocks anyone reading this and if you are reading this style blog (which, obviously, you are), I figure there’s a pretty good chance that you like shopping too. So, as people that appreciate (really appreciate) new things, it’s important to have some guidelines in place to make sure that those fresh additions are not just one note ponies good for only a few outings but have real variability and add considerable mileage to our wardrobes.
Flexibility is the name of this shopping game. I’ve frequently come across the advice to make sure your prospective purchase can pair with several (or more) different items currently in your wardrobe before green-lighting the expense. While I’ve taken up this strategy since becoming a blogger, I also look for items with seasonal flexibility. The usefulness of being able to coordinate multiple outfits around one garment is limited if those ensembles can only be worn for a couple of months or less.
This all brings us to the graphic printed skirt before you. I spotted it and was immediately struck by it’s all-season utility. It’s perfect for fall with strappy shoes, an army-inspired cotton coat and my go-to glint of gold but I can also see it atop thick navy tights with a heavy winter coat during the cooler months ahead or with bare legs, sandals and a sleeveless top for summer (it’s probably too soon to be wishing for the warmer months, isn’t it?!).
Now that I’ve shared a glimpse into my shopping M.O., I would love to hear your tips to help optimize those buying excursions. HAPPY SHOPPING!
Great shoes!
Thanks! I’m a recent devotee of Michael Kors’s shoes as they are fierce, surprisingly comfortable and affordable… It’s a win-win-win
Like I really need help shopping…more like the opposite! But this is indeed a good tip and one I try to think about. Especially if I’m looking at something that isn’t just a “basic,” I try to pre-plan a couple outfits in my head to make sure I’m not going to have to buy MORE things just so I can wear this ONE thing. Other than that, I think it’s good to have a lower price limit on trendy or daring things that you aren’t sure you’ll love forever. And of course the opposite is true too: spending more on something classic, as long as it’s well-made and worth the price.
Sarah’s Real Life
Love all the points you make. I’ve often stood in changing rooms trying to think of coordinated outfits to justify a new purchase; meanwhile the shop assistant is banging on the door wanting to know what is going on…I’ve been tempted to tell her GENIUS is what’s going on but usually I just mumble something about still trying stuff on. Thanks so much for sharing
Chloe I’m so pleased I clicked through to your blog via Twitter… you are simply gorgeous and I LOVE that red hair of yours!! I’ve been through quite a few of your outfits, all so very, very stylish – I think you’re refreshingly vibrant and original. Can’t quite put my finger on it but I was very drawn to your blog straight away – am now following you on Bloglovin!! I’ll be back for sure!
Meant to say I also love a smiley blogger
Catherine x
notdressedaslamb.com
P.S. I have no shopping strategy. It’s just a constant battle with my index finger clicking on “Add to basket”.
Hi Catherine,
I’m so glad you found my blog. I’ve been following yours for some time and always gawk at the gorgeous outfit/photo combos. I know well that ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ approach to shopping and for me it generally ends with shopping bags bursting and my credit card groaning from the strain. What larks!!
chloe x
Love this print on you and I agree you will get lots of use out of this one! I fell head over heels for J.Crew’s electric print skirt (should be here tomorrow). Love how you have styled this, xo
Lovely outfit. I like those shoes.
love these heels! Great pop of pattern/color!
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