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.
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!
Inlinkz Link Party
You are SO right Chrissy. I am very guilty of buying things yet I have a closetful of wonderful clothes. In fact, I'm the girl that goes into her closet and says I have TOO much to wear (instead of nothing to wear).
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how we can find new and fun outfits just by trying things we never have, or getting inspiration from other women. That's actually why I started a series on YouTube on Ways to Wear.... It makes me figure out different ways to wear a piece or print, and I love sharing!!
XOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh that series sounds so fun Jodie. I need to get over there and watch them! It's been a challenge to juggle my responsibilities and be as social as I'd like in the blog world. I'm bad about technical loose ends...setting up email...I still haven't replied back to you to say thank you for your feedback on that! Sheesh! Getting it together one day at a time! :)
DeleteChrissy, I am feeling all the Spring vibes in so many of your outfits, but I will be sharing winter outfits for a while longer! I need to follow your lead and get in that closet mess of mine and start organizing. I know I will feel so much better after I get it done, I just keep procrastinating because it overwhelms me! Ugh. Keep inspiring me, please!
ReplyDeleteShelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com
It would be so fun to get into your closet and play! All those shoe choices!! That's where I lack. Thankfully, my mother in law added a new pair of flats. I'm so excited. Anyway, back to your closet...I'd love to hang up on those kimonos, ponchos, duster cardigans etc...fun times to be had. Get a buddy who enjoys playing with clothes and make a fun day of it - what a post that would be!
DeleteVery inspiring, my friend! I'm in a couple of FB groups that push me to try new combinations. I'd like to *think* I could pull this off...maybe not. You're going to have to show me how to get spontaneous looking photos <3!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips and some very stylish outfits! You did so well not shopping for 6 months. I did it but made it a challenge, haha, #6monthswithoutshopping. I ended up achieving it for 7 months and it really does show you how much there is in your wardrobe! I calculated it and at a very rough estimate I have like 11 years of outfits in there (assuming tops pair with most bottoms and everything is worn 30 times). It was eye opening!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link up!
Hope that you have been having a great weekend :)
Away From The Blue
Chrissy, you've offer some brilliant and insightful tips for rethinking and reimagining the wardrobe we already have. Thank you for sharing your create and fabulous examples, too.
ReplyDeleteRena
www.finewhateverblog.com
So many great outfits here! I really need to follow your lead Chrissy! I'm terrible for buying things I love without any thought of what I actually need. Therefore I have items that I can't wear because it lacks a vest top or shoe to match. I need to be more mindful in my shopping xx
ReplyDeleteThese are great lessons and tips! I try to shop my closet as much as possible but there are times that are hard because while I can avoid the malls, I can't avoid the internet. Sometimes seeing things from other bloggers is enough to make me feel like I need more and I know that's not the case. You have created so many different and pretty outfits from your shopping hiatus and it is a nice reminder that less is more. I hope you had a great weekend and congratulations on your 1st year of Sunday Link up. Yay!
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
Great job Chrissy and you are so right about shopping our closets! I think if we did that more often we'd realize we really do have way more than we realize. That windowpane coat outfit you re-created is amazing on you and I am still in love with that Eva trends cardigan you chose, great pick!
ReplyDeletexo,
Kellyann
Chrissy, thank you for hosting! I shop my closet regularly because I'm one of those very rare women who hate shopping!
ReplyDeleteYes! I shop my closet and find that neutrals are my jam. It's easier for me to mix and match pieces and really add in some fun accessories!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mylittlenest.org
I really need to do a better job organizing my closet it so it's easier to create outfits. Updating with shoes or accessories can really change up a look! Love all of your fun hats!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink
Great job and good for your for sticking to your guns. You are right about shopping our closets, I just get bored. LOL. You on the other hand killed it!!! XOXO
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed! It's hard to get inspiration from your closet again and again, but it does make you rethink things. I like your idea of reorganizing your closet. I bet that helps rethink how to pair things together. These are all great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteYou always have the chicest patterns dear, especially for the dresses. Love it!
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
I have been trying to shop my closet recently, also purge the things I don't wear. I love all of these looks, especially the your floral dress!! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletexx, Elise
www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Hi Chrissy!
ReplyDeleteI have been shopping my closet this Winter more, but need some Spring items. I love your floral dress, your kimonos, so many great pieces! That is the thing, I think you can be creative with clothes we have, it certainly has helped being in the blogging world.
Have a great day!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com