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TALES
FROM THE MALL
"I love shopping---it’s
my hobby! But no matter how much I buy, it seems that I have nothing to
wear!"
if you shop often,
you can easily be tempted to buy random items on impulse, attracted by
a hot new color or style, instead of asking yourself how the item fits
into your existing wardrobe and lifestyle. Will it go with other clothes
in your closet? Can you wear it for more than one occasion? A new season
doesn’t necessarily have to mean a new wardrobe. Before you head
for the mall, take a fresh look at what you already have:
Take an inventory
of your clothes and list them by category: suits, skirts, pants, dresses,
activewear. Discard anything that doesn’t fit. Then decide what new
pieces you really need.
- Experiment by combining
your basic pieces in new ways. Neutral suits or jackets in black, beige,
gray, navy, or brown can be revved up with a trendy top or accessory.
- Retro’s the
rage. With designers looking backward for inspiration all the time,
you may want to save some old favorites---they’ll probably come
back!
- After taking inventory,
do your research. Check out the fashion trends in magazines, online
and on television and decide if they’ll fit into your existing
wardrobe. Then make a shopping list and budget and resolve to stick
to it. If you’re easily sidetracked by sales and promotions, refer
to your inventory list and make sure you know how the item will work
with your current wardrobe before you even try it on. Can’t resist
the latest fad? It won’t last long, so shop for an inexpensive
copy.
- Try leaving your
credit card home and pay by check instread. You may think twice about
a purchase if you have to take the time to write a check and get approvals.
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