Fashion Friday: Building Your Wardrobe

For those of you that personally know me, I know that it looks like I shop often but I have been building my wardrobe for years! I find it hard to get rid of clothing so I usually hold onto items until I decide that I am never going to wear it anymore. In these years of building my wardrobe, I have learned some tricks to get the best deals and continue to keep my wardrobe looking fresh.  

1. Buy at the end of the season. Explore the clearance rack when you are at the store, you never know what you are going to find. If you can't wear an item that you find, save it for next year. There is nothing better than forgetting that you bought something and finding it months later.

2. Build a classic collection. By classic, I mean staple pieces that you can use year round. Some examples are: tank tops, leggings, cardigans, and plain colored t-shirts. Tank tops can be warn alone in the summer or under a cardigan or v-neck sweater in the colder months. Leggings can go under a dress or long sweater. Buy these items only when on sale because they are always available and sold at tons of stores.

3. Don't go on shopping sprees. When you are shopping, don't try and buy too many pieces. You want your wardrobe to vary. What I mean is, if you like a style of shirt, don't buy it in every pattern, mix your styles up! If you are looking for a whole wardrobe, you are more likely to buy items that you either won't wear or don't match anything that you own. Save your money and pick up that shirt on a whim instead of charging tons of money at once.

4. Wear knock-offs. Accessories are everywhere! Have fun with costume jewelry and try new looks with outfit combinations. The nice thing about cheap jewelry is when it begins to tarnish, you can throw it away and buy new stuff! And don't forget to check thrift stores for items; Goodwill gets a lot of brand new accessory donations from Target. 

5. Use coupons and/or order online. So many stores offer coupons online just by entering your email. H&M, Charlotte Russe, Old Navy, and even Target (Cartwheel) offer 15-20% regularly plus free shipping over a certain dollar amount for subscribers. There are so many more items available online as well so you will get a more unique style. Don't be afraid if something doesn't look right either, you can always return to the store.

6. Ignore trends and make your own style. As I get older, I fall more away from following trends because quite frankly I cannot afford to update my wardrobe four times a year. I love being hip but nothing makes me feel better about myself than putting on something that makes me feel good about myself because I put it together. Just remember that clothing does not make a person beautiful!

**As always, thank you for reading! How do you shop? Leave your comments below. Have a wonderful weekend!!**