In Pursuit Of Fashion
Our culture today sees an increasing number of people purchase fashion online. While I respect its convenience, I personally enjoy the experience of trying clothes and ensuring I have the right fit. However, gone are the days where my time could be spent to traipse around boutiques for hours or acquiring fashion for the sake of acquisition.
They say you should never go food shopping on an empty stomach, I give similar advice when it comes to fashion. I often teach others the art of shopping for fashion, the strategy I employ avoids one from shopping frivolously and spend more prudently.
I used to be a frivolous shopper, perhaps one of the worst, I genuinely had an addiction. I remember some years ago whilst walking back to my apartment in Rome, my eyes made contact with a jacket that had been displayed in a window. I vividly remember how my vision obscured and all I could see was that jacket. Having already spent a ridiculous amount on a new wardrobe prior to my relocation to Rome, I needed to adhere to my spending & budget strategy. I endeavored to continue walking and kept my eyes fixed on the ground. I managed to walk a mere 5 meters before I manipulated myself into believing that “ I did not actually want the jacket, I just wanted to try it on”
It felt as good as it looked and as one does, I started to have visions of the jacket and I. Despite the sweaty palms, adrenaline, and love that I felt instantaneously, I knew I simply could not afford it. I had ascertained what the acquisition would represent. It would mean that for 3 weeks I would not have the luxury of eating anything other than pasta and tomato sauce, it also meant the beautiful Italian wine that I had become so quickly accustomed to, would be served from a carton. Reluctantly I took off the jacket and left. That evening I barely slept, the jacket had left its mark on me, grief-stricken, I felt like Bella when Edward first left her. The next morning, I bought that jacket, and my pasta diet commenced.
My experience and education of fashion have enabled me to create a very strong wardrobe foundation, therefore any new additions will simply compliment the pre-existing. My eye is trained to quickly ascertain what is needed to compliment any look, therefore, when I decide to make an acquisition it is planned.
I will shop for an hour, if not minutes. I know what I am going to buy, I do not shop aimlessly.
Some may suggest it might take the fun away, but I'm shopping with a strategy. Before I would have left my home, I have ensured that I am organized and have done the research. Before leaving my home I know what I am going to buy, what I would wear it with, where I am going to buy it from and how long it will take me to get there. I would have also called them to ensure they have it in stock and would make a reservation for the item so I can pick it up upon my arrival. Just like the last time when I decided to make a cozy present for my tween nephew (it was a pair of fancy gold earrings), they callback me with the purchase details.
To conclude, In pursuit of fashion the first questions you need to ask yourselves are:
— What can I add to my wardrobe or this look?
— What am I going to wear it with?
— How many different looks will I be able to create subsequently?
By employing a similar strategy not only will you avoid wasting time, but you will notice that you will prevent yourself from making any precarious decisions, including acquiring clothing that will be stuck on the back your wardrobe.
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