Become the Mindful Shopper
Shopping smarter involves not only transforming your mindset but also fostering a deeper connection with yourself and your personal style. I understand the temptation to rush and grab something cute to wear, but relying solely on impulse buys can lead to a lack of diversity in your wardrobe. Have you ever noticed how your go-to outfits can start to feel dull after a while? Then, all of a sudden, you dislike one piece, and it’s like your entire wardrobe loses its spark! Congrats! Your style has evolved ..mentally, NOT physically!
I’v been there and it’s always frustrating to think about all of the money that’s gone down the drain! I started to ask myself, “How can I showcase my creativity when I’m stuck in this repetitive cycle?”
The Answer.. Mindful Shopping: Understanding our attraction to pieces and making sure they fit our evolving style. This can also mean choosing versatile, long-lasting pieces that can be mixed and matched for creative outfits. Prioritizing versatility empowers sustainable decisions and endless styling possibilities.
Establishing clear intentions before shopping is essential. Take a moment to reflect on the necessity of each item and how well it aligns with your style aspirations. Personally, I find it helpful to refer back to my fashion mood board while shopping. This serves as a gentle reminder to stay true to my elevated vision and avoid regressing into old habits. The goal is to ensure, each purchase contributes positively to your style journey, reflecting your creativity and personal image.
Quick Reality Check!
Elevating Your Style Beyond Designers
As much as we love luxury items, the truth is, some of us (including me) can’t afford it all. It’s not just about the labels; it’s about building a wardrobe that works. Focus on building a functional wardrobe rather than chasing labels. Explore emerging brands and affordable options for quality pieces that suit your style and budget. Investing in low-cost hidden gems has been a reminder that style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
What is Timeless to You?
Fashion is subjective—a phrase echoed so heavily. What remains timeless for one individual might not hold the same appeal for another. It’s that straightforward. While I could easily advocate for classic styles like tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, and little black dresses as enduring wardrobe essentials, it’s crucial to recognize that beaded gowns, intricate jewelry, and bold statement pieces can also possess timeless appeal for different individuals. 
A habit I find valuable is asking if I’ll still love and wear a piece in 3 to 5 years. It helps me decide what truly belongs in my wardrobe and to avoid items I might give away after a couple of seasons. Just like our unique life experiences shape our decisions, they should shape our style too. I genuinely appreciate how my wardrobe has been my faithful companion for nine years. Fashion trends will come and go, but you have the power to choose what is timeless to you.
Practicing Patience for the Perfect Sale
Finding peace in the changing trends is a major step in the right direction. Listen, I get it… we are all impulsive individuals one way or another. However, embracing the art of being patient, especially when waiting for those desired items to go on sale, has been a game-changer for me. Each time I save, I’m more confident playing the waiting game.
I use MODESENS to keep an eye on prices for things I really want.
Take, for instance, my longing for the Sportsmax Bouba Max Mara bag over the past 8 months. My patience paid off when I got an alert from MODESENS for the bag being a little over 50% off at Farfetch ($500 (sold out). Now, it’s ($682). It’s a mix of emotions – the wait was tedious, but ultimately rewarding.
Food for Thought
Imagine being on track financially all month long, diligently saving and enjoying your time at home, until you stumbled upon one of your favorite celebrities flaunting the “IT BAG” on your social feed. The urge to have it ran deep, after seeing everyone gushing in the comment section. Your next move? A quick Google search reveals its hefty $4000 tag. Now, you’re faced with a new dilemma: neglect your monthly financial progress and splurge while it’s trending, practice abstinence, or play limbo, singing “how low can you go?” Haha…
Sighhh… I used to fall for trends too. But after some costly mistakes and witnessing designer handbag prices dropping by 30% or more in just a few months, along with extra discounts, I’ve changed my habits. Despite, the tempting sales, discount codes, and cash back, there are times when I hesitate to hit the purchase button at checkout because I knew that I was chasing the trend, not what truly resonated with me.
From Intent to Impact
That was quite a bit to take in, but the final step is to put it into practice! I get it, shopping can be overwhelming. By embracing a purpose-centered mindset, you break the habit of impulse buying.
Screenshot or Save this list for your next shopping trip 🙂
Quick Shopping Guide
1. Budget Check:
Have I set a realistic budget?
2. List Priority:
Do I have a shopping list?
3. Price Comparison:
Have I compared or monitored prices?
4. Quality Priority:
Am I prioritizing quality?
5. Style Fit:
Does it meet my style goals?
6. Fit Check:
Have I tried it on?
7. Mix & Match:
Can I pair it with existing items in my closet?
8. Longevity:
Will I wear it in the future? Is it Timeless to me?
9. Impulse Check:
Do I need it, or just want it?
10. Expense Tracking:
Am I keeping track of spending?
11. Intent Reminder:
Is this purchase intentional?
Hope this helps!
6 Responses
Im guilty of all of the above, I feel people should be thinking about what resonates with them on a personal level, it makes all of the difference in the world when we pay attention and actually think about it.
I resonate with what you said about timeless pieces, specifically that they are timeless to you and your wardrobe. When choosing to invest in your wardrobe, I always found it easier to stay within my budget while also considering the quality and style at the time. Knowing this will last me years (& for many items in my closet — they definitely have!) made the purchase more sensible. I love investing in more unique pieces recently as it really elevates my outfits. When investing in a unique piece I always make sure it fits my style and/or helps ensure I’m able to pair it with a multitude of things in my wardrobe! Thank you for sharing your experience and for the quick shopping guide at the end — it’ll save us a lot of regret and $!
I 100% agree with you! So happy you enjoyed it:) I try to tell people that it’s satisfying when our purchases not only align with our style but out budget too.Now you have a great strategy AND THIS LIST! LOL THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE:)
ugh… The part about waiting!!! omg that is so me… I hate when I see something I just got go on sale the next month.
So insightful, I realized that I do just go to the store and shop without a plan and that screenshot list is VERYYYYYYYY helpful. Do you charge consultation to take deeper dive into my closet and what needs to be tossed? Please let me know.
The max mara bag, they had it in croc brown but I can’t find anywhere 🙁