New season, old clothes…
Shops are full of new season clothes and accessories, and fashion magazines tempt us with the latest trends. Every fashionista is busy writing wish lists and test driving the IT piece of the moment. And here I am wearing an old dress and a poncho, both of which have been featured on this blog before…
Well, I like to shop my closet first, before hitting the shops, and keep the wish list as short as possible. There are two reasons for this. First, I have neither the funds nor the closet space to get a whole new wardrobe every time the season (and trends) changes, which is probably the case for most women. And second, when I do hit the shops, I look for classic, quality pieces with longevity.
I suppose I could say that I am careful with money. But that would be a lie. The truth is, I’m perfectly capable of spending a lot of money on clothes (and especially on accessories) without a second thought. But I’m also just as likely to return a €700 coat as a €5 t-shirt if it doesn’t meet my expectations. I think it makes perfect sense: whatever I buy must not only fit my lifestyle but also meet my criteria for quality.
The truth is I’m a terrible snob
There, I said it. Yes, I’m a snob and I refuse to be apologetic about it. Cheap, poor quality clothes make me shudder. I don’t want them anywhere near me. Besides, throw-away fashion is just as bad for the environment as it is for the soul. On the other hand, I find it ridiculous to pay thousands for a dress. And anything that needs to be dry-cleaned… Oh well, let’s just keep that to the minimum. So, obviously some sort of a compromise is in order…
Most of the clothes that I buy are good quality but low-maintenance, classic in style, and in colours that I like irrespective of what the colour of the season is. This means that about 90% of my wardrobe has a very long shelf life. This includes bulky items such as coats, and simple wrap dresses. And bags… Well, bags are for ever, so I try to limit myself to buying a new one once or twice a year. Bags are also my greatest weakness, so I’m not very successful at that…
Anyway, this is my philosophy as far as clothes are concerned: I will happily spend money on whatever I think I will still love in a couple of years’ time. And as far as accessories are concerned, they should last a lifetime and give me joy every time I look at them. And if I stick to these principles, I’m happy to shop my closet first (most of the time, anyway), instead of chasing trends.
The dress has been featured before HERE and HERE (and the same dress in blue HERE), the poncho HERE, and the bag… well, the bag has been featured so many times that I’ve lost count, but this post gives you an idea how much I like it.
Outfit details:
poncho: Marja Kurki (old) / dress: Baukjen (old) / bag: Furla (old) /
shoes: Clarks (old) / sunglasses; Michael Kors / necklace: Masriera
How do you feel about shopping your closet first?
Tiina
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The wrapp dress is always charming! And that poncho is the perfect Fall item isn t it. I hate to wear a coat so a poncho is wonderfull!
Oh, I wish I could wear just a poncho and not a coat! It's getting too cold for the poncho now, though…
I agree with you, good quality clothes last and are also more beautiful. You can wear them for years, accessorizing to change the style.Jasmine x
Quality over quantity, that should be the motto for more style bloggers, I think.
I like your philosophy, Tiina, and all your clothes look well-made and fit you wonderfully! I still fall for cheapies now and them, but much less than previously. xoxPattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com
Oh, I fall for cheapies, too, but not too often. It's the same with everything: you can't be too hard on yourself; you must allow an occasional treat of sweets/burgers/fast fashion.
Investing in well made clothes that fit perfectly is smart. I try to do that with my staples but for trends I go for the inexpensive shops. That dress looks amazing on you and I love your poncho!JillDoused In Pink
That makes sense: you wear the staples more. And it makes no sense to spend a lot of money on something that is obviously a one season hit.
Tiina, we share the same thoughts on shopping the closet first. I am finding more and more that what I already have is so much better in terms of quality than what is available. Buying better and therefore less is so much more worthwhile for all.
It also takes more skill to style and restyle old clothes again and again. But you know this well, and have mastered the skill.
Such a pretty color! Love the wrap paired with the dress!http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thanks, Ruth.
I think it's perfect sensible to shop your closet first. It's all too easy to get carried away with constantly buying new things and never really appreciating them so that you end up chasing the next big thrill. I too want longevity from many of my pieces and some of my favourite jewellery and shoes have been with me for donkey's years.Love the photo of your poncho in full swing!http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
That is so true, there's always something new around the corner, and it's a never-ending vicious cycle if you're not careful. Creating a functional wardrobe is a long-term project, and I think it's better to look at the big picture rather chasing whatever the hot ticket item of the moment is.
Shopping your closet can be so fun! Hope you have a lovely week =)Blessings,Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
I couldn't agree more! Thanks!
Great outfit! 🙂 And I agree that poor quality, throw away clothes are just a waste of everyone's time (and money).http://natalieslife.com/2016/10/party-season-fall-fashions
Thanks, Natalie.
You look fab, and I totally agree with checking the wardrobe first. I like to add new items here and there to match with many garments. I try to shop for middle range clothes, but agree if it's not suitable good quality it goes back, whatever the price! Nice to link with you. Jacquiwww.mummabstylish.com
That sounds like a good way to shop. I also favour mid-range clothes, adding something new every once in a while to mix with what I already have.
Your poncho is a beautiful statement piece and certainly grabbed my eye! It looks fab with your pretty bright dress. Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka DotsCome join me each week for the Fabulous Friday Link-Up!