By contributing writer Latashia Figueroa
In April, my friend, a major spender, paraded me around the streets of Manhattan to buy her new summer wardrobe. Store after store she bought countless items: shoes, blouses, jeans. I bought a wallet.
Last week, this same friend and I went out for lunch and afterwards it was my turn to shop. I too needed some updated summer pieces. I am now on a budget so I must buy wisely. Being unemployed for two years, no longer can I run up my credit card with the confidence that my next check will pay for my fabulous new purchases.
Once we arrived at the mall, I walked with purpose to my favorite stores: Ann Taylor, J.Crew (I worked in the corporate office for over three years) and Banana Republic.
- Photo: Cori/LadyBowTie
I have been in the Fashion Industry for fifteen years (I consider myself retired now) so I have learned a thing or two along the way.
It is important to know that I am a long and lean girl. Five foot nine, all legs and small frame, the stores I focus on compliment my slender silhouette well.
Since I am very aware of my size and long length, I knew there was no need for me to run into stores that did not cater to these specific needs (pants and dresses must be in long length).
I brought with me pictures of some items in my closet; items from last summer that I knew I could wear again if updated correctly with essential pieces from this season.
This kept me focused on what I needed and not what I wanted, avoiding sporadic buying. And since stores are already trying to push out summer merchandise for their Fall goods, I knew I could get good deals.
You see, when you shop for seasonal items, especially summer apparel, you should know that by May, stores have already been placing orders for Fall. By mid July you will begin to see sweaters and jackets. You do not want to shop for your summer wardrobe too early (as my friend did in April) because you will pay more for them (advertised as “New Arrivals”, “Key Pieces” or “Must Haves”).
You do not want to shop for summer items too late in the season to catch deals, you limit the time you can wear your new pieces.
Know your size and know your budget. By knowing your size you eliminate going into stores that do not compliment your silhouette, any item you do not look good in no matter what the price, is money you have thrown away.
By knowing your budget and sticking with it, you avoid buying unnecessary (trendy) pieces that you will probably only get to wear a couple of times. Buy pieces known as classics. Classics can be updated with a few trendy pieces easily and it will not cost you an arm and a leg to look fashionable.
My friend spent a large amount of money in April for her updated new trendy wardrobe, while I on the other hand spent much less and paid cash, not credit (another lesson we need to learn people)!
Times are tough; we need to be smarter with our dollars. Remember when you see a sign in a store or catalog that advertises “Seasonal Must Haves” check your closet… you may already have them. Shop wisely my friends.
Do you want to hear more from Latashia? Let me know. Also, if you have something fun, interesting or provocative to say about fashion, shopping or style send me an email cori@ladybowtie.com. I would love to hear your thoughts and you too could be a contributing writer. Hey, everyone has to start somewhere, why not here?
