As we step into 2023 (I can't quite believe we are already on week 2 as I write this) I always think about what goals I would like to achieve at the start of a new month or big milestones - like the start of a new year or my birthday. I don't like committing to a lot of goals or "resolutions" at one time, as I feel so much pressure to fulfil them that I end up quitting and feeling really guilty about it. Small goals just feel much more achievable and manageable. I very much believe small actions amount to big changes...
Buy designer items preloved
I buy all my designer items preloved. I will occasionally buy vintage if I find exactly what I am looking for or if it is a high end designer brand - generally I find vintage much harder to source. I will not buy designer items brand new from a store, as firstly, I simply can't justify the extortionate prices and secondly, I love the story attached to the items I buy preloved. I generally only buy accessories like handbags, shoes, sunglasses and occasionally jewellery preloved. I prefer mid range designer brands like Michael Kors, Tory Burch or Coach and DKNY. Chloe sunglasses are my favourite and Aquazurra shoes are my go-to. I tend to look at these brands first when preloved shopping. When it comes to high end designer, I am only interested in Chanel (very specific) or sometimes Valentino - depending what the item is...
Elevate your basics
My style is minimalistic. I like to keep my basic outfits neutral in plain colours and simple styles - adding pops of colour and prints with only a few on trend pieces. I buy good quality basics and stock up on my favourite items. You will always find multiples of my basics in my closet and sometimes in a few (neutral) colour ways. Items like jeans, white singlets, black leggings and black dresses. Shoes and handbags are also in either black or leopard print...
Take more risks with footwear
I don't wear heels and prefer either flats or flip-flops. I am not mad on trainers either and when I do wear heels, it is only a small kitten heel. I also don't like shoes that are fussy or fiddly when you tie them up and therefor love a mule or a slingback. Comfort is key and I will not wear anything that hurt my feet (been there, done that). So, when I recently discovered these wedges, that not only look elegant but are also super comfortable plus give me quite a bit of extra height, I snapped them up! They go with everything in my closet and elevate all my outfits...
Buy from small businesses
Instead of buying from the high street and fast fashion brands, I much prefer to support small businesses that are local and run by amazing women entrepreneurs. I love building relationships with them and some even become good friends. I have a long list of women owned brands I support time and time again and I am a very loyal customer. I love their brand stories and their passion and their service excellence far exceeds any Zara or H&M shopping experience. Their customer service is personal and I know that I am contributing and spending my money where it matters...
Only buy what you absolutely love
This is especially relevant when SALE shopping! It is easy to get caught up in reduced prices and end up buying items that are either not in your size and doesn't fit quite right or is not your style, and in most (all) cases these items end up in the back of your closet unworn taking up valuable space. When I buy anything in the sale or from a fast fashion brand, it must be something I absolutely love and will wear over and over again. I recently had a look at the Zara sale and ended up buying a handbag - that's it! It is the black one above and I know I will wear it loads plus it fits in with my style - now that is smart shopping!
Commit to the one in, one out rule
This is hard at first, but I have been doing this for some time now - every time I buy something new, another item must come out of my closet! This ensures I wear everything I have and avoids my closet becoming cluttered and over crowded, filled with items I either won't wear because I can't see them or items I wear over and over again because I don't know what is in my closet. It also makes me question whether I need something and how it is going to fit into my everyday style...
Only wear something if it is comfortable
This is my absolute number one requirement when getting dressed - I have to be comfortable, my clothes must fit me perfectly and my shoes must not hurt my feet - if any of these requirements are not met, I simply won't wear it. Gone are the days I will suffer for fashion!
I hope you consider a few of these smart goals when you next get dressed or go shopping encouraging you to be SIMPLY STYLISH...
Written by Antoinette Chorlton 16/01/2023