How to avoid the pitfalls of shopping online - Part Two
Written by - Samantha La Porte
Knowing what you need?
When following a recipe to make a dish, there is a list of ingredients that you require before you start. Generally you take stock of what you already have in your kitchen first, then write a list for what you are missing, before you go shopping for those ingredients.
Following your own recipe for how you want to look is much the same. You need to know what you have in your wardrobe first before you go shopping. Taking stock of your wardrobe is more than just looking at what items you already have, it is making sure that each and everyone one of those items work for you.
Divide and conquer!
As explained in part one of this series you need to be clear on what your style goals and outcomes are, this makes this process much easier. Dividing your wardrobe into seasons and categories will also help to reduce overwhelm. Since we are heading into the cooler months maybe it might be a good time to do your Autumn/Winter wardrobe with the focus on either work or leisure, or if you are feeling up to it maybe you could do both.
Before you try your clothes on, look at the state each piece is in, this will help you to look at your wardrobe with a critical eye and cut down your trying on time.
Check for any repair issues or stains and decide if it is worth the money and/or time to bring them back to their former glory. If not it maybe time to just ‘Elsa’ them and let them go (cue music)!
Once you have gone through this phase of critically looking at each item, it's time to try on.
Keep calm and try on!
The trying on process can be daunting for some but this is the time to really have a non emotional attachment to your clothing. If you have an emotional attachment to a particular item, for example, you bought it when you were travelling through….? Or a loved one bought it for you and you can’t part with it? Don’t sweat it, just put it aside, care for it and look at it on a later date.
However, if the emotional attachment is based on the amount of money you spent on the item then this next step should make it very clear on how to avoid falling into the trap of buying things that don’t serve you!
Look at each of your pieces critically and ask yourself these questions:
How do I feel in this piece?
Does this reflect my style?
Is it versatile and can I wear it with other items in my wardrobe? (Return on Investment piece)
Do I need another item to go with this piece to make it work?
Does it need to be tailored to fit my shape? This is especially important when it comes to jackets and pants.
By this end of this process you should have 3 clear and distinct piles of clothing which are: The ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘maybe’ piles.
The ‘Yes’ pile
This pile goes straight back into your wardrobe, it is on good rotation and meets all of your criteria.
The ‘No’ pile
This pile receives 3 treatments, these are sell, donate or repurpose. Consider each item carefully to determine what the best approach is.
This process is designed to change our mindset from ‘throwing away’ to ‘extending the lifespan’ of each and every item that we own.
Sell
Selling an item is a great way to recoup some of the money that you may have spent, this can be done via a few avenues. One way is through a consignment store, another is via an online platform like ebay, each will take a percentage (commission) of what the item sells for - this will vary between both. Another option is to sell at a market or have a garage sale, this option usually works best for clothing that is priced low, as most buyers will haggle with you to try and buy the item at the lowest price that you are willing to go.
The best results for selling your pieces either of these ways usually come from having designer items or items that have a reference to a seasonal trend that may be happening at that time, this also includes vintage pieces. Each of these avenues have their pros and cons so choose which one is the best fit for you.
Donate
If the item is not worth selling or consigning then another option is to donate it to a charitable organisation. There are many organisations around like St Vincent De Paul and the Salvation Army and they like clothing that is in good condition which they can sell in their stores. It does not have to be designer but it should be clean and free from stains. Some major retailers also have donation bins in their stores too, where they collect unwanted items to reuse in the fabrication of new materials and/or items.
Another type of charitable organisation is one that is specifically designed for helping those in the community that require outfits that they can wear for interviews and to work. These charities are really after work appropriate attire that is in good condition including shoes and accessories. There are a few organisations around the country, though the two that I have dealt with are Dressed for Success and Fitted for Work make sure to check out what is available in your local area.
By donating to these organisations you are not only saving the environment by reducing landfill, you are also helping people to get back on their feet and feel empowered through the gift of clothing.
Repurpose
The third way to look at the ‘no’ pile is to try and find other uses for these items. Repurposing them as rags, making arts and crafts or even using them to make totally new items, extends their lifespan. Try calling your local animal shelter or wildlife centre also to see if they need anything as well.
What you are really trying to do here is find other ways to use these items before you discard them and they go straight to landfill.
The ‘Maybe’ Pile
The ‘maybe’ pile is the pile that does not go back into the wardrobe (just yet), this pile is kept aside and referred to when you're shopping to see if there are any items that are needed to make them work. This pile also contains items that may need a little altering for your shape.
Before you alter anything make sure you find a good seamstress or alterations person who can look at the item and tell you if altering it is going to work. Ask them to give you a quote on how much it would cost too? This can get quite pricey so make sure that the item fits your outcomes and goals as well as makes you feel your best when you wear it.
If you don’t think that this will be the case then it may be worthwhile selling or donating the item instead and looking for something else that will fit your outcomes and goals.
Find the gaps!
Now you have dealt with this process you start to see what gaps have formed in your wardrobe. It could be something like, you need a new tailored jacket or a pair of tailored pants, perhaps it is a new work top or winter coat, or even a pair of mid height, block heeled, closed toe shoes in black patent leather, whatever those gaps are, be specific!
Ask yourself and write down what it is you actually need.
For example - Tailored jacket
Style? - Single breasted, blazer that is fitted
Colour? Navy
Fabric? Wool or wool blend
Price? Up to $ (whatever that is for you!)