Are you ready for BICS annual clothing sale this Saturday?! Or does a trip like that fill you with dread? Fear not my friend, let me walk you through the steps I take for an efficient and effective one-stop shopping experience.
I have embraced the wonderful concept of the minimalist wardrobe. If having children has taught me anything, it is that less is more. Buy wisely and your mornings will be a breeze, so will your laundry day. Here’s my list of what to do to prepare for Saturday’s Super Bowl of thrifty shopping.
First, clear the pantry, I mean the wardrobe. Think of your wardrobe as a well stocked pantry. It must serve you tastes, work habits and lifestyle. Keep only your favourite pieces. If you haven’t worn an item in 12 months it’s time to pass it on. Are your favorites too worn or torn? Whatever can’t be salvaged, take note to replace and chuck - or turn them into cleaning rags. Whatever can be mended, bring to the repair shop if you don’t know how to use a thread and needle. Dress shoes need new soles? Get them fixed and wear them for another five years.
NEXT, make a list of what’s missing. Let’s be honest, all we really need are a good jacket, 1-2 cardigans, 7-10 tops, 3-4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes (casual, dressy, runners), rain boots and a bag that matches the shoes. If you choose carefully and make everything work well together, you will have dozens of outfits to work with. The secret is that you need to be able to wear each piece in at least five different looks. If you can only think of one or two, it’s not worth the twoonie. Now once your basics are covered, accessories will be your spice rack. Here’s where the fun happens! A scarf, a belt and bling can turn any basic into an outfit.
Step three is my favourite: research! What’s the new thing? The fashion industry wants you to ask that question. As a fashion designer, my advice to you is when in doubt, choose timeless over trendy. Find your muses: consider people that have a similar shape to yours and that you think dress well. Study the pieces that they wear and the effect of the overall silhouette combinations that they put together. Colour is secondary. You are looking at length of tops, style of pants, if it’s fitted or loose. My favorite places for online research include Pinterest and bloggers. Make a list of the best styles or better yet, print out a few pics of what you have found. Choose a coffee shop, sit and do some people watching. You’re not judging, your researching.
Now you are ready to shop: start with the designer rack and look for high end goods. You get what you pay for so always go for the best you can afford. Merino wool, cashmere and natural fibres are your friend. They age well and keep you comfortable. An acrylic sweater will look good for about 5 hours. Also, don’t limit yourself to your gender’s section. Ladies, a men’s dress shirt belted, worn with slim pants and a little heel has been stylish for the past half-century. Embrace the classics and you’ll never worry about what to wear again.
Wishing you a successful clothing sale and thank you in advance for supporting our community school.
Happy Shopping!
