When a bargain isn't a bargain

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

A thought to ponder;

Finding something on sale, on clearance, or with a big discount is sorely tempting. A $10 rack is an undeniable thrill, but don't be fooled.

No price, high end or bargain basement, will allow anything to fit you better, flatter you more, or make you want to wear it or get more use out of it. 

Bargains can be false economy and lead to wardrobe clutter. 

Intentionality

Creating an intentional wardrobe isn't only about the clothes within it; it's about gathering a collection that speaks to you, supports your lifestyle, reflects your personality and values, and makes getting ready for each day, whatever it may bring, effortless. 

Regardless of if your aim is to curate a streamlined capsule wardrobe, seasonal wardrobes, or just to have your clothing arranged so beautifully that picking out your outfit is like stepping into your very own boutique each morning. Adding impulse items from sale racks simply because of their price is ultimarlytly going to lead you to feeling cluttered, and disconnected fromyour true personal style. 

Having a wardrobe that works for you and supports your style rather than one that adds stress of confusion.

We want our clothing to make us feel confident and positive and to serve us well and effortlessly in our daily lives. 

A key example if when you find something that works perfectly for you- its worth considering buying mutiples. I have recently purchased 2 new pairs of the Sam Edelman GiGi tee strap sandals that I've worn faithfully each summer for over 6 years now-  they are so versatile- for super hot summer through to early autumn and late spring - and in their natural almond patient can work with almost any colour. As they are so minimal in terms of foot coverage they also pair equally well with a floaty summer dress as a pair of tailored pants or shorts.   I branched out this year on two pairs as I needed to order from Nordstrom with a shipping cost incurred - so I purchase the old faithful almond patient and in addition a leopard skin pair. (love a bit of leopard!) 

It was around mid morning this past Tuesday it occurred to me: I had had a busy productive morning at home- chores/ lunches/ hanging laundry/ making beds, then walked the 2km to work, where I’m Mostly on my feet, that I was wearing brand new footwear that was so comfortable I’d forgotten! 

These were well worth investing in and even paying the shipping as I knew they’d fit and I’d get much use out of them.

 However, I have most certainly made the error in the (recent ) past of an impulse by driven by a great discount or price and almost always live to regret it. 

While it’s great to have a list of items you need to fill gaps or update in your wardrobe- so that when you come across that something you can try it on objectively and make and informed choice as to if it meets your requirements, an impulse buy of something not remotely on your radar, based solely on its price point, is usually a poor one. 

For example I was thrilled to pick up some black tapered leg crepe-ish pants in Melbourne recently as they were on my list of potential buys. I’m actually wearing them today- but I have a few pieces in my wardrobe which are niggling at me- I know I purchased them in haste with the little rush of the thrill finding a bargain -but in truth, I don’t think I’ll get much- if any- wear from them. Maybe they are ill fitting as they were purchased on line without trying on, perhaps they are a colour that Doreen’s suit me or work with my wardrobe palette, or simply just not me-they don’t make me feel good. And life’s too short to not enjoy wearing the clothes you choose for yourself! 

So while it is a thrill to find a treasure-be it from an opportunity shop/ second hand/ good will or on consignment or just a regular sale in store or on line: try to be mindful about what will actually serve you, comply with your current wardrobe and fit with other pieces- and your unique body. 

A bargain won’t necessarily make it fit better or flatter you- but it may weigh on you as clutter…. 

Next time you have a (hopefully regular) editing and organisational session- just down what gaps you need to fill and keep it handy- I keep mine in my phone so if I’m out and about I can refer to it. And if you’re too nervous to ruthlessly cull- pop any questionables into a bag and tuck it away. If you don’t reach for any of the items during the next month or appropriate season- it’s time to let them go and make space for what you can use, and enjoy!