Here we are at the end of the first work week of 2011 and I suspect that for some those New Years resolutions are already in jeopardy. The “I want to lose weight and look hot in a swimsuit by May” resolution was suddenly put to the back of your noggin during the mid- week cocktail night out with the girls. Or perhaps that goal of saving more money went out the door when you found that amazing pair of ankle boots….. not on sale!
So if you are already rethinking your list of resolutions here are some of my personal tips to help you stick to your guns in the spending department and stay on track through the year!
It’s easy to say that you want to save but actually doing it and getting those Benjamin’s safely in the bank is another matter. If you shop so much that you make Rebecca Bloomwood the character in Confessions of a Shopaholic look like an amateur, you need an ironclad anti-shopping plan.
First – Take time to assess what you already have. This might mean cleaning out your closet (or at least organizing it) so that you can take an accurate inventory of the items that you own. Make a list of items that you have and a smart list of basics that are missing ie: crisp white button up shirt, pair of basic black heels etc.
Second – Set a budget for monthly expenses, specifically wardrobe expenses. This step takes a bit of work, but it’s well worth it in the end. Figure out a realistic amount that you can comfortably live with, without going hog wild. And while you are at it, add a “savings” category to your budget and be sure to stick to it each paycheck or each month. Try to make the savings at least 5-10% of your monthly salary.
Once you set your wardrobe budget create an envelope specifically for that purpose and stash your set amount of cash in it each month…once it’s empty, your shopping time is over!
Third – Pick out 5-10 of your favorite pieces and create at least 2-3 outfits with each piece (complete with accessories ie: shoes, jewelry etc). Take digital images of each outfit and hang them on the inside of your closet door kind of like a “look book” of sorts that you can refer to each morning. Once you have mastered this, try to add another 5 outfits to the list.
Fourth – Now that you have an inventory list of what you own and at least 10-25 outfits options put together, set your sites on your “missing” list and make those purchases a priority over the next several months (depending on the length of your list of course). This will help curb your need for impulse purchases.
Fifth – Once all this homework is done, your mission from now on is to avoid the mall unless you need something, forget about “just browsing” or “window shopping” which always leads to impulse buys. And learn to toss all those catalogs after your peruse them the first time.
And if you need more help to stay on track, fans of super stylist Phillip Bloch are loving his book The Shopping Diet or try one of Nina Garcia or Tim Gunn’s great guides to building a perfect wardrobe.
