Hi! My name is Claire and I’m the creator of the Lifestyle site, Home with the Wileys. I’m super excited to be guest blogging for Caitlin today and sharing my guide to smarter shopping while we’re all home.
I see you – behind the screen – with 18 open tabs for your favorite shops – all while your favorite influencers are telling you the things you have to have to feel good and to get by right now.
I see you because I am you.
We all do it – we shop when we have big feelings we aren’t really sure how to process. We think that adding a few things here or there to our carts will lift our spirits, I mean they don’t call it happy mail for nothin’, right?
HERE’S where we have the control; we can put the cart down, close that tab and walk away.
What is Smarter Shopping?
Over the past four months, I’ve been working on shopping with more intention. I’m learning to add things to my wardrobe, home and life that serve a purpose and will be used repeatedly; throughout seasons, trends and time.
Now that we’re all hunkering down at home with the luxury of online shopping in front of us, I thought I’d share a few strategies that have helped me curb my impulsive shopping behaviors and have led me to making really thoughtful purchases.
The Guidelines to Smarter Shopping
- Evaluate what you already have & find the gaps for what you’re missing. Nothing is more eye opening than going through my closet & dresser and evaluating what I already own. I find it easiest to keep track of what I’m looking for, what I need to replace and what I’m swooning over – that way, when I see the J.Crew sale throwing some new striped t-shirts my way, I can say “I already have 8, I don’t need another, but I should take advantage of the sale to replace my torn, white jeans”.
- Pave your own way & develop and curate your own personal style. Just because influencers and bloggers are all talking about the same product, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good fit for you. Find the things that you LOVE and that make you feel GREAT.
- Replace shopping for things with a productive activity. I’ve personally learned that the best method for me to stop shopping for clothes is to fill my time with something that has a longer lasting outcome. I recently started gardening with my sons and I really enjoy the opportunity to be outside with them on nice days, read about what the heck I’m doing on rainy days and use social media as a way to learn more about the craft of gardening and connect with the masters.
- Ask yourself a few questions – Would I even be looking at this if I wasn’t home right now? Does this fill a gap in my closet? Do I LOVE this? Do I need this? How often will I wear it/use it/enjoy it? What’s the cost per wear? Stopping yourself before you hit “Pay with PayPal” makes you re-think about if this product will fill a real void or just act like a temporary band-aid.
- Shop Small – Consider looking into small boutiques that really speak to your style and that can add unique value to your wardrobe. I love Sea Marie Designs, Navy Bleu and sewcialite!
- Sale’s a sale’s a sale – There will be another sale or discount available for what you’re looking for when you are ready to buy!
Shopping from home can still be fun, sustainable and affordable when you do so with intention!
I love helping others pair down their wardrobes! Especially when I can help them find timeless, long lasting pieces they’re going to love for years to come!
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