Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy
Know Your Style
This is the first time I’ve ever had on a Missoni piece.
It’s pretty wild. The knit is lightweight, possibly a viscose blend and excellent quality. I can see where it would last forever.
Look at the cut!
Insane right?
I believe I can fly! LOL
It’s like I’m wearing an oversized cardigan made for SpongeBob SquarePants.
Doesn’t everyone take their fashion cues from SpongeBob?
SpongeBob understands the style hardships of being short waisted.
It’s not often that you see how to dress a square body shape. Rectangles yes, squares not-so-much.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy
Initially I thought I wanted to hang onto this designer cardigan as I’m unlikely to come across another in the future but I came to realize it’s just not my vibe.
It’s taken me a long time to learn what works and more importantly, what I’ll actually wear.
What Works For My Body And My Life
My days often consist of walking the dog and photographing/listing items in my Etsy store. My daily stay-at-home outfits need to be pug hair friendly and easily tossed in the wash. That usually means jeans
, a tee and a sweater or hoodie. Not very blog-worthy but they are practical.When I go out thrifting, to meetings or appointments I wear the outfits I show on my blog.
Most days though only my pug and husband see me and although Zoë can be judgemental I find as long as I’m not late feeding her she doesn’t care what I’m wearing.
Know Your Style Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Buy
1. Do I love it more than..?
A great way to tell if something works for you is to ask yourself, “Would I reach for this piece over everything else I own?” That’s a quick way of knowing where it stacks up in your priorities.
2. What’s wrong with this piece?
Thinking of all the reasons you wouldn’t opt to wear a piece will help you cull your wardrobe and avoid adding pieces that take up valuable space.
3. Does it work with what I already own?
Obviously if it doesn’t work with other pieces in your closet you shouldn’t be buying it. That’s a given. Don’t trick yourself into thinking otherwise.
4. Does it fit my lifestyle?
If you dress casually 99% of the time you don’t need a closet filled with cocktail dresses. I will admit that I struggle with this sometimes and find myself taking home items that are better suited to someone that attends red carpet events and galas weekly. I blame some of that on my love of vintage. There are so many fabulous vintage gowns just waiting to be worn.
5. Do I own something similar?
I mean how many bold print maxi dresses does one really need?
Don’t answer that.
6. Does it make me feel good about myself?
This should be a no-brainer. If something doesn’t make you feel good about yourself you won’t wear it.
7. Does it fit me correctly?
Items that pinch, hurt, make you sweat, ride up or otherwise make you constantly adjust yourself should be an immediate no.
8. Do I feel like myself when I’m wearing this?
We’ve all been there, you put on something only to see some unhappy stranger staring back at you in the mirror. If it doesn’t feel like you don’t buy it. Bottom line, you can do better.
Missoni Cardigan
This cardigan is a groovy statement piece and will make a fine addition to someone’s closet, just not mine.
Are you good at recognizing what fashion works best for your body and life?
I’m heading off to visit family and friends out west soon, I’ll catch up with you again upon my return.
If you want to see what mischief I get up to I’ll most likely be posting to my Instagram while I’m gone.
Learn how to create your own Style Statement.
Linking up with Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
That is a beautiful and memorable piece! Love it, but I agree with how you walked through the steps and decided it wasn’t your favorite.
Number 5 on your list is my downfall. Now that I love a white linen shirt, I am tempted to keep buying them. How many shirts does one woman need? (just one more, right?) : >
Love that picture of the world’s most adorable dog. The camera loves her! xox
I struggle with a few of these issues!!
This fashion advice is smart and, due to my relative lack of experience, needed and appreciated. Thanks for helping me ask the right questions. Your blog is the best!
Excellent advice. I fall down on #4, which is inextricably related to #6. I like to be dressed up and my current lifestyle is casual. Hoping to change that!
It helps to shop with someone who can raise these questions while you’re in a state of bliss about a new find.
The Missoni looks great on you with your coloring, and the box shape drapes surprisingly softly and flatteringly. But although you often show us bright colors, this piece is different (bolder? more geometric? less feminine?), and I’m not surprised you aren’t hanging onto it.
you can drag me out of bed in the middle of the night into a shop/clothes storage etc. and i will find the for me perfect pieces within seconds….. or so. ;-D
BUT! this knowledge will not hinder me to try out “exotic” styles once in a while – just to be sure that i´m still alive – life ist change, ya know.
@fit: if the piece in itself is fab – color(s), fabric, style – i sometimes buy ill fitting stuff – there is not much i can´t change with scissors and a sewing machine.
the cardi is gorgeous – but you are right – to geometrical for you 😀
xxxx
This Missoni cardi is a totally stunning piece, I love those beautiful colors and cool shape!. Glad that you found it and could enjoy it for a while before selling it!. Loving it!
And you always give the best advice!. I’m totally guilty of buying pieces that doesn’t fit my lifestyle (bring me those sequins!), and you know what I’m going to answer to the #5 question. A girl can’t have too many bold print maxi dresses as I’m concerned. Not very sensible myself!
But totally agree that all we should keep on mind these questions when buying. All we deserve clothes that make us feel better, that don’t pinch or hurt and that improve our own fabulousness!.
besos
Sound advice, Suzanne!
I do ask these type of questions of myself when I’m looking in the charity shops and find I do it more often than I used to. How comes my wardrobes are still too full!? I need to be more strict with myself!
Love that cardigan, btw.
Have a great trip!
xxx
I didn’t read the shopping steps because as soon as I read you weren’t keeping it, I slithered over like Golum to your Etsy because that sweater HAD TO BE MINE presciousssssssss. And it is. Woohoo!
…reading your post…
Concerning #5, you can’t have too much of a good thing if it works (as long as it’s in different colors. Heh).
I definitely have #7 problems because of my sewing ability. A good print will sing its siren song and resistance is futile (if the price is low enough).
#2 is a good way to look at your closet at any time. And sometimes there’s a friend who would love the item more than you ever could. (The 90’s dress I passed along to Patti, for instance).
Whahaha funny Anne. It will be great on you.
Greetje
I can definitely see Anne in that cardi – it’s gone to the perfect person!
How adorable does Zoe look? Very!!
Great advice regarding the shopping tips.
One of the reasons I search eBay for newly listed garments as opposed to ones ending soonest is that I can watch things for a week or more, view them daily and ask myself if I’d wear it today if it was already in my wardrobe. Often by the time the auction finishes I’ve often talked myself out of it as I already own clothes that I’d chose to wear.
Have a fab trip! xxx
Yes I ask myself the question, don’t I already have something like that? I did last week shopping with my sister and came home with items I didn’t have. And I chose less but better quality! Yeah learning all the time!
I liked your question number 6 (Don’t answer that hahaha.).
All your questions are really good. I will type them and bring that piece of paper with me next time I will go shopping.
You have styled the cardigan very well with the white trousers and yellow pumps. I am tempted but the colours aren’t very good for me, so I will let it go. (Just found out Anne Bray bought it.)
Regarding question 4… that might become a thing in the future as I am going to stop working at the bank on April 1, 2020. But I am already looking for another job with less hours/days/pressure. What else am I supposed to do?
Greetje
Awesome cardigan! You’ve styled it so well but it will look fabulous on Anne too. So great to keep it in the family. Heh. I fall down on each of those rules at one time or another and find myself pulling pieces from my wardrobe and asking, whaaaa…? But it doesn’t happen as frequently anymore for a bunch of reasons. These are all good questions to ask myself when I’m paring my stuff too. Great list!!
Ooh, that Missoni cardigan really is something else! And I see it has already been snapped up too! As for those questions to ask yourself, I do try to stick to a handful of rules, to keep myself from snapping up everything which has a colourful flower print. I know it is my signature look, but I’m getting so much better at not buying anything which doesn’t fit properly or doesn’t make me feel great. I’m guilty as charged when it comes to # 3, though. If it doesn’t go with anything that’s already in my wardrobe, I’ll surely find something which does on a future shopping trip 😉 Yeah, I know I’m hopeless! Have a great trip, Suzanne! I’ll be going on one of my own next week! xxx
Great Post!! I do struggle with the answers to some of those questions. Now that I am not the shopaholic I once was, my main question is: Do I really like it enough to try it on? The mirror usually helps me out. Before I take out my wallet though, I have to Love it.
In answer to your question….I’m terrible at this. I want what I want and I’ll figure out how to wear it later…LOL!!
I am a problem child, let’s just say that. My rationale?? I’m helping the economy…ha ha!!
Now the question is how much are you asking for that sweater??
XOXO
Jodie
I too was smitten by the great primary colors and their happy message. I don’t think this sweater is meant to be taken seriously. It’s a mood booster and screams to be paired with crazy socks or high top sneakers. I like a heavy dash of humor in some garments and their purpose is to squeeze my self image, tickle my heart and bring a smile to ALL. Sometimes that’s my dogs and husband only 🙂
I’ve missed you Suzanne!
HI Jude,
I was wondering what happened to you. I think you must have missed the last few posts as I’ve been here : )
Ah…dogs always put a smile on our faces don’t they?
What great questions! Thank you for giving me such food for thought!
That sweater is so fun! The colors are totally you but I can see how the shape isn’t quite your style. I’m glad it’s found a happy home with Anne! She will rock it and illustrate it and give it a completely new life.
Sure wish I was hanging out with you and the Mel part of the gang this weekend! Have a great time and Post! Post! Post! So I can live vicariously through you. 🙂
Hugs,
Sherry
Ha! You had me at Spongbob! I needed a laugh this morning as stiffnes has set in to some of my joints from the cold weather.
I love the colors and the drape- along with your pairing of yellow flats! I do ask myself these questions and have changed my closet a bit from other years. I was buying dressier dresses and realized why? I am at home no need for bodycon dresses. I do ask to I love it, do I have other things to go with, will I wear it often and is it me? I have been loving longer dresses and do enjoy wearing them.
Enjoy your trip! I’ll check oiut your IG with your travels.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I used to ask myself all of these questions but I’ve been slacking off lately and ended up with a bunch of things I thrifted over the summer being donated back because I didn’t consider them more carefully. I’m trying to be more ruthless with any new acquisitions, and with what is already in my closet.