Friday 9 April 2010

Making awards more relevant

It was lovely to receive a beautiful blogger award from Siljes Fashion as in bloggy years I feel I've known her forever. Always the Norwegian beauty Siljes has a very enviable style which she achieves with ease.
Now the point is to reveal 7 things about myself ...now before you yawn, I'm changing it to share 7 no fritter/make do/girlynomics tips.

1. Set yourself an annual clothing, shoe and accessory budget, then divided by 52, this is the amount you have each week to spend. Stick to it. You don't have to spend it every week but it enables you to spend if you want/need to/the fashion universe speaks to you. And you can of course save it up and spend 5 weeks worth in one go.

2. Have a little black book of your fashion purchases in your bag. Have all you clothes itemised and categorised. You should do this two ways - make one list of items as garments i.e. skirts, dresses etc. And then as colour categories i.e white, 3 x shirts, 1 x dress etc. This should stop you buying yet another white t-shirt, pair of black trousers - whatever your pattern is/are.

3. Only shop by yourself. You have to be objective so no being swayed by a friend. Learn to trust yourself even if this means making mistakes. Selecting clothes and developing your own style is like learning to drive a car. You'll pass your test in your own time. If in doubt about an item walk away.

4. Ignore shop assistants. I think I'm the only shop assistant who ever told customers when something didn't work. These days targets means extra money so they are motivated by this. Don't judge them it is the system. Use your eye be you own critic - see above.

5. No shopping on an empty stomach, bad hair days or when you are feeling fat. Don't do it. Learn to recognise the signs, the bit where you are mean about yourself in the mirror. Some days we are just not meant to try on clothes, you are just going to hate yourself in them. It is being hormonal, it strikes everyone even men!

6. When you need a new pair of jeans or dress or shoes, just shop for that one item. Research before you go to the shops. Try as many on as you can in differing places and then buy the item you love the most.

7. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but take it from me, save before you spend. Stay in/on budget. don't buy on credit and you'll be glad of it in the long run even if it means you have to go without!
Then you'll be a beautiful blogger too .....

Please add any of your top tips!

18 comments:

  1. Great reminders. I have spent a lot in the past few days so need to cut back for a few weeks. I was just about to sort my wardrobe out today so instead of taking pics I will make the black book as you suggest.

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  2. Great tips.. I have a pair of boots I am happy with but wish I had bought the pair me friend hated xx

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  3. Hi there-fabulous tips my dear, I prefer shopping alone too, I go into a world of my own, LOL!! Number 7 is a good tip, I'm trying hard still just to buy those 'wow' and basic items, not doing too badly so far-I found a Marni skirt and Jean Muir jacket this week for a total of £10.50!! So you know my top tip is to thrift of course!! Have a brilliant weekend too!

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  4. You really have the best tips and make the most fabulous lists.

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  5. Wise words of wisdom, as ever.x But perhaps we should all be booking shopping trips with you?

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  6. Waceystyle - you should! I really must attempt to garner business via my blog. I'm truly rubbish at selling myself but then I don't think I should mix business and pleasure!!

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  7. What fabulous tips! I recently bought a new pair of shoes and I stuck to 3 and 6 for that purchase and it was a good purchase which I feel very happy with. The black book idea is also brilliant. Makes shopping better to feel like you've really earnt it.

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  8. Point 5 is excellent and worth sticking too - and in the past I have made horrendous purchases due to being hormonal! I got my vintage Dior from Roseberys in West Norwood. They can have some excellent sales - just have to search hard and not be swayed by other temptations e..g 150 giant glass Xmas baubles. They looked amazing but really did I need them? Nope!

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  9. Great tips for making do on a limited budget - thanks!

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  10. Good tips. Only in England have I actually met people who live on credit cards. It's a strange habit and not so well known on the continent, I think.
    I've got another advise: Don't go clothes shopping before your period.

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  11. These are fantastic tips. I really have to pay attention to 3,5 and 6. Ignoring these tips have gotten me into a lot of trouble.

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  12. Love these tips, especially #5!

    Congrats on your award, darling!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  13. Brilliant tips - I wish I could be as organised and clever as you! I just have no willpower at all (although I NEVER shop on credit!)

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  14. Jesus christ, you are so organized and practical. Where were you when I bought the last 500 pieces of useless fashion errors??

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  15. I do the yearly budget thing too. I call it play money, but all my play money is spent on fashion haha

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  16. Make Do Kate your shopping discipline is Inspiring. Am trying to stay on target with the No Frittering. It's a challenge.

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  17. Great advice !
    I enjoy shopping alone...always ignore shop assistants... but, sometimes buy stuff I do not need.
    I am working on it though, I am on a shopping ban - 4 months growing weak ....

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Thank you for commenting, much appreciated. Sorry about no longer offering anonymous comments but spamming had become a very annoying issue. xxx