Style Beyond Measure

It goes without saying that March is a great time to shop the abundance of sales going on right now in retail stores, catalogues and on the internet.

And if you decide to take advantage, by all means take these two pieces of advice along with you as you shop…buy what you need, buy what you love.

By that, I mean be a savvy shopper and look for items that will round out your “end of winter” wardrobe right now – i.e. anything that your wardrobe is lacking that you will still need to get through another month of chilly weather. Perhaps it’s more sweaters, a quilted vest, long sleeve tee shirts, or another pair of gloves?

If you loved a particular turtleneck you purchased from a catalogue this past fall, chances are really good that you can pick up another one (or two!) at a reduced price now. Buy one in the color you currently have (as a ready-to-go replacement for next Winter) and then splurge on the yummy color you passed up two months ago in consideration of your wallet. See? Good things do come to those who wait!

This strategy is the “buying what you need” part and is a smart way to continue to build upon your basic wardrobe without having to start from scratch each season. Remember, if you loved the way this season’s turtleneck looked and fit you; then you’ll be glad to have another one for next winter and not have to start the search all over again.

The second strategy is “buying what you love” and it means just that…buying what you really LOVE. If there was a pair of outrageously gorgeous shoes that you drooled over in October, but they had an outrageous price tag to go along with it, then in the name of true love and soul fulfillment, re-visit the scene and see if by chance (“Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope” with eyes squeezed shut!) they have been marked down and they still have your size. This is especially do-able for catalogues and Internet sites.

Who knows? True love may rule the day and you’ll find those shoes are still there waiting for you in the perfect size and perfect price! Bottom line: it’s always worth another try if you loved it and missed it the first time around.

The one thing you don’t want to take along on your sale-shopping expedition is the “It’ll Do” mindset. (If you’ve forgotten or aren’t familiar with “It’ll Do”, check it out in my “Pages” section of this blog…“The Curse of It’ll Do”).

“It’ll Do” is particularly insidious during sale periods. All those lovely markdown racks are enticing you to spend, spend, and spend on stuff that you don’t really want or need. Succumbing to their siren’s call will only deplete your cash and begin to clog up your closet with clothing that doesn’t inspire or excite you.

It’s a much better strategy for your wallet and your peace of mind to save your money for that really wonderful item you know is just ahead on the horizon that will beckon you with a true soul calling - something that you will LOVE to wear, will look great on you and garner lots of great compliments.

Remember – buying what you need and what you love is one of the best ways to begin to create the “Closet of your “Dreams”.

In the meantime, just keep chanting this mantra as you walk through the maze of this month’s sale racks, “If I didn’t need it and/or love it three months ago, why do I need it now?”

By adhering to these strategies, chances are good you will move through this potentially threatening territory relatively unscathed and feeling a little richer, and a little more fashion savvy going into 2007.