Happy (almost) Weekend, lovelies!
It is still summer here in the Midwest/South, temperatures are in the mid to upper 80s, humidity is high, and the pollen count is up. While most of us are longing for fall’s crisp weather, I am thankful that we have had a relatively mild summer and that it is still here. Especially when I can still rock my neon pink skirt! 
Changing the subject a little, I would like to announce that I am making progress towards breaking my shopping addiction! So the story….
My friend Steph from White Coat Wardrobe and I had a little girl time yesterday, and like typical girls, we headed to the mall for some Jamba Juice and shopping. I went in with the intention of helping Steph snag this adorable sweater and to be around “pretty things” at J.Crew, as we call it (sometimes being surrounded by J.Crew is all you need to feel happy)! However, when I saw Anne from Indy’s Old Navy Edition of Pieces I Love yesterday morning, I knew it was going to be a tough day. You see, I have already spent my budget for the month…ok,maybe I went a little over my budget…but the cute fall pieces keep calling my name!
SO, I went in with every intention to not spend a dime, and to just be there for Steph. A very noble thought. First mistake was walking into Forever 21. I saw plaid everywhere (you know I have a weakness for plaid), and stripes, and polka dots…also my weaknesses. Like a hobo drawn to a ham sandwich, I was caught. Sooo, I grabbed a few pieces of clothing (bad Whitley), and walked around the store with them trying to talk myself out of buying them. You might think this would be dangerous, but walking around the store with the items in tow actually forces me to think about and discuss whether or not I really need to buy them…or if I should.
I always ask myself these questions:
1) Do I already own something like this?
2) Is it a flexible piece? (meaning, could it be worn to work, out, with pants, skirts, etc.)
3) Is it a good price point?
4) Does it flatter my body?
5) Do I LOVE it?
If the item passes the first two questions, then it’s off to the dressing room to try it on (usually the second question disqualifies most of the pile). If I try it on and it passes, I ask myself “Do I LOVE it?” Not just do I like it, but do I really really love it so much that I would be remiss if I did not buy it at this very moment and I would have to keep myself from wearing it every day?
“Woah, Whitley, love’s a pretty strong word for a piece of clothing you’ve just met!”
You know what I mean. I will have to say that even though I have gone over my budget a couple of times, I have only stocked my wardrobe with pieces that pass all four questions. I used to buy clothes that passed maybe one or two of the questions, creating a wardrobe filled with ok pieces that would be worn once or twice and couldn’t be used in many outfits, thus creating the “I have nothing to wear” dilemma.
So long story short, I tried on three tops and a faux leather jacket that was only $15 (used to be that would have been reason enough to buy it), and I asked myself those five questions. They all passed the first three but when I got down to question number four, “Does it flatter my body?”. that is where most of them got axed. One was boxy, another had pockets that were doing something funky with my chest, and the pieces that looked ok on my body, I asked the last question: “Do I LOVE it?”. None of them had the wow factor. Now, not all pieces need to have the wow factor (I don’t think any of us try on camisoles and think “Oh my freakin’ gosh, I absolutely MUST have this cream colored cami, look how amazingly plain it is!!”), but I think if you’re living on a tight budget but want to maximize your wallet and wardrobe, the excitement level needs to be up there.
PS: Don’t forget to enter this wonderful Ara Nicole giveaway!!
So proud of you, Whit! It's a tough battle but you did great yesterday – I'm looking forward to going back out when we can AFFORD to indulge!
xoxo, Steph
White Coat Wardrobe
So proud of you, Whit! It's a tough battle but you did great yesterday – I'm looking forward to going back out when we can AFFORD to indulge!
xoxo, Steph
White Coat Wardrobe
So proud of you, Whit! It's a tough battle but you did great yesterday – I'm looking forward to going back out when we can AFFORD to indulge!
xoxo, Steph
White Coat Wardrobe
Loving the pink & navy – you look so cute!
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
Loving the pink & navy – you look so cute!
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
Such a cute skirt, perfect paired with pink!
Such a cute skirt, perfect paired with pink!
You look so cute! I'm really trying to focus on buying because I love it and not because it's a good deal.
Ginny
You look so cute! I'm really trying to focus on buying because I love it and not because it's a good deal.
Ginny
That skirt is so dang cute! Love it with the nude heels.
Visiting from the Summer Style Link-up!
Jessi
http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com
That skirt is so dang cute! Love it with the nude heels.
Visiting from the Summer Style Link-up!
Jessi
http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com
Navy and pink is a fantastic color combo – love it!
Navy and pink is a fantastic color combo – love it!
Navy and pink is a fantastic color combo – love it!
This outfit is gorgeous and I love the combination!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
This outfit is gorgeous and I love the combination!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
I am so proud of you! It's definitely a tough battle. I ask myself the same 5 questions. I also think about how many times I could wear it, and if I can't come up with three outfits immediately, then I don't get it. I also try to determine the price per wear, which has totally stopped me from buying things because they are "such a good deal." I also try and always have a good inventory of my closet, so I can keep working towards the 70/30 split between classic and trendy. That's a lot to consider while shopping, but I try! I am not always successful, but I am so much better than I used to be. Anyway, now that I've rambled…I love the outfit! The top with the skirt is a great combo! Thanks for linking up with Three-fer Thursday!
xoxo Meghan
http://www.everydayfashionandfinance.com
I too have shopaholic tendencies. I have decided to keep my "fun" pieces to a minimum and focus on purchasing more quality pieces that will last at least a couple of years. I love this pink skirt! Can you wear this with tights or is it a warm weather skirt? Have a great weekend! Susan
I too have shopaholic tendencies. I have decided to keep my "fun" pieces to a minimum and focus on purchasing more quality pieces that will last at least a couple of years. I love this pink skirt! Can you wear this with tights or is it a warm weather skirt? Have a great weekend! Susan