I am not one to share financial advice, but I feel compelled to share ways you and I can be smarter shoppers this year. We all inevitably feel like we need the newest bag or lipstick that is out, but the truth is, do we need it, or do we want it because it is the latest trend? There is nothing wrong with shopping, but you should feel good about the decisions you make and enjoy what you wear. The shopping remorse is real, but it does not have to be your reality.
SHOP YOUR CLOSET
The easiest way to save money this year is to evaluate what you already own and wear what you have. Taking inspiration from your favorite fashionistas online or on Pinterest is a great way to maximize your wardrobe. Take inventory of what you have and what you do not have. If there are key pieces that are missing in your wardrobe, then you know those are items you should focus on getting so you can have a complete wardrobe. This leads to the next step: build a capsule wardrobe.
BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE
We all know what a capsule wardrobe is. I think it is very subjective, as everyone has slightly different styles and preferences, but it means curating your closet to have maximum efficiency. For example, how many outfits can you make with a trousers and a T-shirt – staples you should own. I have recently shared a spring wardrobe capsule that outlines the key categories of pieces you should own. A capsule wardrobe should not fail you, nor should it make getting dressed harder. It is the best way to get the most out of your closet.
SHOP SECOND HAND
There are so many companies right now that are accessible for second-hand shopping. I think it is a great way to find items you want at a better price, and it is a more sustainable way to shop. For designer items, I recommend looking at The Real Real, Vestiaire Collective, What Goes Around Comes Around, and Mine and Yours (you can use my code Jada_Mine&Yours for an extra 10% off your purchase at Mine and Yours). Online stores Shopbop and Bloomingdale’s even offer pre-loved items for sale as well.
For clothing, I recommend checking out some of your favorite brands first to see if they have a pre-loved section, such as Madewell.
Thred Up is a great place to look for gently used clothing, as well as Rent The Runway sells items at a discounted price!
I love the feeling of giving an older piece a new life, and maybe you might find that you do too! As a reminder, do your due diligence and compare market prices, especially for designer pieces, to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
BUY QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
It is better to have fewer items of good quality to last you years, versus buying a lot of fast fashion that does not have as long of a lifespan due to poor materials used. Quality also does not mean that you have to overspend. My favorite brands include Madewell, Banana Republic, Qunice (used code for INFG-JADANICOLA410 for 10% off your first purchase), J.Crew, COS, and Gap. This is not to say you will not find good peices that can last at H&M, Zara, Mango, etc. (because I still have a few) but it is best not to have a wardrobe full of fast fashion peices since trends are constantly changing, you will feel like you continually have to shop. You can certainly find some “classic” styles at those places too, if the quality seems good enough, they can last for years. For example, I bought a pair of high-waisted belted trousers from H&M maybe eight years ago, and they are still looking good and still relevant to my style (they are pictured above). This is where shopping smarter is important – pick items that are true to your style.
BE PATIENT AND LOOK FOR THE DEALS
I love a good deal, and most people who know me can tell you that whenever I shop, I look for the best deal. I rarely buy clothing, shoes, bags, etc., at full price, and the secret is that I am patient! I will wait for the sale to come along, and if it is in my size, and I still feel like I need it, then I will go for it. But if, after some consideration, I do not have the desire, then an impulse buy is avoided. The goal is always to be smarter about how you spend as not to take away from other important aspects of your life. I go by the motto that “good things come to those who wait,” and by exercising this, I have never been disappointed.
I hope some of these tips will be useful, even as a reminder that you have to do what is best for you (and your wallet). No rule says you cannot look good on a budget. I strive to always share pieces I genuinely love, that are affordable and of good quality, because that is how I shop personally. Let’s shop smarter together.
Shop My Look