How I Shop My Closet & The Sunday Showcase Turns 1!

Hello! And welcome to our twelfth Sunday Showcase link up with Ada, Kellyann and returning guest host, Shelbee! The Sunday Showcase is an opportunity to feature whatever you like; it's Sunday so let's be chill, right? Well, I'm happy to be closing out our year anniversary with tips I learned from an unplanned "shop my closet" adventure! This adventure lasted almost 6 months with the exception of a couple of tops, pieces sent to me for review and gifts from loved ones.   And I didn't come to this realization until I went hunting outfit hunting for a blogger event I attended this past weekend (more to come on that soon!).  Why and what did I learn from this adventure?  Read on for more...

Why? Time flies! I've been distracted with projects around the home and the schedule is full with homeschooling, grocery shopping for this family of six, which leaves little time to go clothes shopping.

Why Else? Money. One of my goals for 2019 is to revamp our budget completely and until we do, I don't know what my budget even should be. Our cost of living changed drastically since our move, so this is always in the back of my mind.

What did I learn?

• I have more than I realize. I don't like to think about it, but I can go a lot longer than I think without purchasing more clothes. 
• A well organized closet leaves space for creativity and brings on numerous options. I cleaned out my closet several times over the last year, keeping items hung by type (tees, cardigans, pants) and then color. This was a game changer for me. 
• A few good pairs of updated shoes go a long way! I had found booties, casual sneakers and a couple pairs of heels over the last few seasons that kept me feeling current.
• I gained more insight into my ever growing style. Yup, I tend to fluctuate between boho, romantic styles and even some edgy. 
•  I discovered a few items that my closet lacked. And just when I thought I had all the staples and best colors suited for my skin tone!
• I appreciated the "eye catching" pieces so much more. For instance, my cardigan from Eva Trends, my kimono from American Eagle, and my kimono vest were styled several times.  It's a shame to let pieces like that collect dust in my closet.

Cardigan by Eva Trends

Thinking about ShoppingYour Closet? 

Trying to save money by cutting back on clothes? Here's what helped me, especially when I felt frustrated by the lack of anything new or fresh.

Do a style challenge on Instagram or link up with other bloggers. Last month, I joined up with 5 other bloggers to showcase hot pink. I didn't have a lot to work with, but I came up with an outfit I had never put together before. Also, when you just don't know what to wear you can always ask a friend!

Recreate an outfit you've already worn.  I love my navy joggers and have thrown together quick looks by switching out shoes or a coordinating top or adding an outer layer - and we know what a good pair of jeans can do in this situation!

Try layering sweaters over summer dresses...a fitted sweater or a flowy dress or a flowy sweatshirt/sweater over a fitted dress! FYI, this is another outfit put together b/c of a blogger link up to showcase your "hearts".

Take some time to play around with your favorite accessories to make new looks. I grabbed my Panama Hat and pink purse one morning and styled several outfits...

Get out that pencil skirt! Comfy pencil skirts are great for casual or dressy looks!

Hat from the GAP for $6 around Christmas

Take a favorite piece and search Pinterest for new inspiration.

PopSugar 

Windowpane plaid jacket sent to my from Five Girls Fashion

Truly, a lot can be gained by taking a break from shopping. Besides saving money, you'll have a better idea of what you need, and of course the reward will be so much sweeter. I know because my mother in law is in town visiting and we went shopping. I felt like I was going to Disney World or something! Alright my friends, I know there's lots more but this is a fine place to start!

How long do we go without shopping before we consider ourselves truly "shopping our closets"?

Now link up and hop on over to see these lovelies...Ada, Kellyann & Shelbee!

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