I hope your Cost per Wear calculator is serving you well. Keeping the CPW principle in mind I've come up with a list of Five Items that you should invest your hard earned dollars in (about 70% of your clothing budget). Building the best of these five pieces into your wardrobe will make you feel polished and stylish, and will elevate your entire look even if all you are wearing is a simple tee.
Here they are in order of importance:
- Handbag : A great handbag can elevate your look regardless of what else you are wearing. Buy the best you can afford. Choose something you love, but that also fits your lifestyle needs. Don't worry about the latest "it" bag or a knockoff thereof - if you pick a style that speaks to you, it will define your style and you will feel great everytime you take it with you. Some suggestions below:
Hobo International
Matt and Nat
Juicy Couture
- Fall/Winter Coat: We spend most of our days wrapped in a coat - doesn't it make sense to invest wisely? This is not a place to skimp - buy a great coat that is both beautiful and functional.
- Jeans: Kind of a no-brainer. The growth in the designer denim market is proof that most of us subscribe to this already. A great pair of jeans builds the foundation for your wardrobe (and does wonders for your boo-tay)! In Yorkville, Over the Rainbow and UPC Boutique are great places to begin your search.
- A few pieces of great jewelry: Every girl should own a few pieces of authentic, beautiful jewelry. They don't have to be from Tiffany's, or made of diamonds or precious stones (although that's nice too), but it should be pieces that mean something to you and that are of some value. You should also be able to work them into everyday wear and not reserve them just for special occasions. Some of my examples would be:
- a delicate hammered gold bracelet given to my by my grandmother
- silver bangles I bought on a trip to India
- a diamond and white gold necklace given to me by my husband on our first anniversary
- Shoes: Invest in 1-2 pairs of shoes a season that will go with 80% of the outfits you wear (or plan on wearing). They do not need to be boring, but they should be (KEY WORDS) comfortable and versatile. The result: a closet full of shoes you can actually wear! Some styles I'm loving right now:
Corso Como
Tory Burch
Michael Kors
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips Kena! Most of my friends and I are are that stage where we are just starting to build up wardrobes, or at least starting to be able to afford to. With so many fashion options out there (good and bad), its great to have advice like this to guide us towards making good and stylish choices!
Anika, I'm glad this post was helpful to you! Let me know if there are other topics you would like to hear about.
Kena
Hi! I'm just getting the hang of seasonal dressing. What I can't figure out is shoes - how can one walk around through the snow in those shoes that you posted? I have seen some women wearing pumps in snow - I just don't get it.
L, I would say those shoes should definitely not be worn in the snow! Unless a car is dropping you off right at the door. For winter a pair of flat or low heeled boots is definitely a better option that will still go with jeans, trousers, or a skirt. Or, keep those shoes at your desk at work and change into them and out of your comfy, practical winter boots!
Thanks for reading!
Kena