How I Shop

I recently had a reader ask if I could create a post about how I shop and keep track of things on my wish list and when I choose to buy.  I thought it would be a fun post to share with you all today.

Shop Online
First off, in the last year or so I've really had a major shift from shopping in stores to shopping online. Now I know this isn't for everyone, but it's the stage of life I'm in-with two kids I don't have a lot of free time to go out and shop on my own.

Know Your Body
I feel like I'm able to shop more online because I know my body and what looks good on it. I did a series of posts on this, you can check them out here and get some tips for how to dress for your shape. I do try to avoid buying pants or jeans online, though. They fit so differently, I will scope out what I like online, then try on in stores. I know some people will just buy two sizes online and return one, but often times its the fit I have to worry about, not just trying on two sizes.

Get Inspiration
I don't spend as much time on Pinterest as I used to, but I do pin outfit ideas there, you can follow me here. Pinterest can be a time suck, but I really only pin outfits if I already have similar pieces in my closet for inspiration or tips on how to style it.  Take these flares for example.  I love that flares are on trend again, but it's like I'd forgotten how to wear them, so I pinned some flare jeans looks to gain inspiration.

Shop ThredUp
If you read my blog regularly you'll know that I'm a huge fan of thredUp (Use this link to get $10 off your first purchase). It's honestly my go-to site.  I like that you can search by type, so if I need a "cream sweater" I can search that and it'll show me every one they have available, and the prices are so affordable too. You can also search by brand, which I like to do too. They also put the measurements of each piece, so I know if it will fit, since sizes can vary from brand to brand.  I created a post with shopping tips for the site here.

Stick to a Budget
In most cases I have an unwritten rule that I don't spend more than $30 on any one piece of clothing, that rule doesn't apply for shoes, or with purses, where I really look to use them for an extended period of time and will wear them frequently. However, with clothes I usually follow this rule.  To help me stay within that budget I sign up for emails to my favorite go-to places, like Loft, J.Crew factory, Old Navy, and Target.  Loft and J.Crew's clothes never fit my budget if I pay full price, but if I wait for an email blast with a sale, I can score what I want at the price I want.

Shop with Purpose
For me, a lot of shopping is about patience, as I want to get as much value for my money as I can. Waiting for sales really helps, and honestly staying out of the stores keeps me from shopping the sale racks and buying things solely because they are on sale and not because they fill a hole in my closet or are uniquely special or different. This is definitely a shift for me, because a few years back my closet was full of "it was on sale" clothes that didn't get worn.

There you have it, do you have an tips to help me shop better you think I missed? I'd love to hear them.

Sometimes you put on a piece of clothing and it feels like it was made for you, that was true with  these flares. I knew I wanted to get a pair of flare jeans, and found these at the Loft outlet for $20, sold! I love how they feel on and think the shape is very flattering too. For me, the best styling has been with a simple look on top to keep it fresh, no long cardigans or non-sense. I got this top last year from Target and it's one of my favorites! I love the ease of these pieces together!

Top: Target similar

Jeans: Loft  same 

Necklace: Stella and Dot

Bracelet: Kendra Scott c/o Roxsbox

Earrings: Nickel and Suede

 Shoes: Aerosoles c/o Chipmunk same

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What I Wore Wednesday