10 Shopping Rules

Guest Post by Colorado wardrobe stylist Jill Carter {LISTmember} I wanted to share some of my "rules" that I work by as a stylist. As with most rules, they are more like guidelines and there are exceptions to most of them. I actually like to look for the exceptions more often than not because there is a feisty side to me that likes to prove people wrong. :) The number one rule though, has NO exceptions... 1. No Negative Self Talk. That's right, I know you do it because we all do. We stand in the mirror and say "I wish my thighs were thinner", "I hate my stomach pooch", "My arms are too fat to wear sleeveless tops", "I look like a whale", "I'm built like a football player", "I hate my wrinkles", and so on. Here's the deal - I don't allow my clients to say things about themselves that they wouldn't say to a best friend. It's that simple. You'd never tell your friend that her boobs are saggy or her teeth are too yellow for her to be smiling and laughing all over the place. So don't do it to yourself. Okay? *Exception: No exceptions. I mean it. 2. Everything In Your Closet Has To Be Useful. The first thing I start with during my Wardrobe Consultations is the clothing my clients have hanging or nicely folded but aren't wearing. These pieces are like false hope, setting you up for failure. If you stand in your full to overflowing closet demanding of your flustered self "why can't I find anything to wear?!?!" this is likely your problem. As I take pieces out, I recommend either Letting Go or Restyling. If my client doesn't want to let go, they have to tell me if they are willing to spend money tailoring the piece or they have to store it elsewhere. Your closet is only allowed to hold pieces that fit and are useful (will be worn more than once a month). Everything else has got to go! *Exception: My closet does hold some things that I rarely wear or use but are there for inspiration. An example is my collection of vintage handbags and shoes. They make me happy so they get to stay! 3. You Can Mix Patterns. Just keep them in the same color family. I promise, it's okay. Play in your closet! Clothes are the easiest way to express yourself. Even if you weren't a little girl who loved to play dress up, you can learn to play in your grown up closet. Just turn on your favorite music, open a bottle of wine, and see what happens. :) *Exception: Maybe not polka dots. I just don't know if I want to see anyone over 18 years old rocking head to toe polka dots. Case in point - my 9 year old daughter Ava, pictured above. Can you imagine me in that outfit?! Ha! 4. You Can Mix Neutrals. I love gray and brown together, black and navy together, etc. I know there are some old rules out there but try tan boots with your grey sweater, you'll like it! *Exception: A navy and tan outfit with black boots would not be my favorite thing. But somehow a black and white outfit with tan boots would look great. Maybe it's personal preference. Again, play! 5. Dress For Your Body Type. Not for the body type you wish you had or the body type your style crush has. The reason you admire Kate Middleton is that she wears tailored outfits that are perfect for her body. But we can't all wear size zero pencil skirts, can we? I work with my clients to understand how clothes will look on their shape and how to create a shape that is flattering. *Exception: I can't think of one. Maybe a Halloween costume? 6. Belt All The Things. Just about every top or dress looks great belted. And I'm talking about belted At The Waist. We are not in the 90's wearing jeans and belts slung low across our hips anymore. Thankfully we are back to embracing the lady-like silhouettes of the 50's and 60's. Your "natural waist" is where your rib cage ends. That sweet spot where you curve in before curving right back out towards your lovely hip/butt/thigh roundness! *Exception: A mod dress or trapeze dress are the exceptions here. Those are meant to be free fallin'! 7. You Are Not A Certain Size. You're not. And it's not your fault. A size 8 at the Gap is like a size 10 at J.Crew. You can't go shopping with one number in mind. When I shop for clients I ask what size they "most often" are. And if that size doesn't fit, are they more likely the size below or above it. What matters is that a garment fits. I have sizes 2,4, 6, and 8 in my closet. Go figure. 8. You Get What You Pay For. This is oh-so-true and will never change. If you buy cheap tops, you will regret and probably resent your cheap tops. The fabric won't hold its shape, it will tear, the buttons will fall off, it will shrink, it will fade, and so on. This is also true for denim. If you want a pair of jeans that you can wear twice a week, that don't fade or lose their shape, and are comfortable, you'll have to spend some money. Here's the good news.... It will be worth it! Invest in timeless, classic pieces and throw a little fun money at trendy pieces. 9. Buy Quality Undergarments. This is really so important. Your lady parts deserve high quality fabrics and comfort. They go through a lot, wouldn't you say? My clients get "homework" to get their boobs to Nordstrom for a professional bra fitting. It's a lot more fun to try on shirts and dresses when your girls are up where they belong. I have friends who refuse to wear thongs (you know who you are!) but there truly are comfortable ones out there. A visible panty line will always be one of my major pet peeves. Exception: You can buy cheap lingerie - it doesn't stay on for more than 2 minutes anyway. ;) 10. Shopping Should Be Fun. Some of my clients hate shopping. A lot. And I know it's because they've never had a truly successful shopping trip where they felt great and found lots of wonderful things. Half the battle is psychological and the other half is strategy. Go shopping when you're well rested and focused and with a list. Wear the proper undergarments to try on jeans and dresses (no granny panties!) and a nude bra. Know that if something doesn't fit, there is something wrong with the garment, NOT SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU. The garment is the wrong size, cut, fabric or style. Move on. If you see something you want to try on take At Least Two Sizes to the fitting room with you. Maybe three. Your mind and heart will already know "I love this and I'm gonna buy whichever one looks most amazing on me!" You will set yourself up for success if you let rigid expectations go and are willing to try a range of sizes. *Exception: If you have to wear khaki's and a polo shirt to work there is no way to make that fun and I am really sorry. I recommend wearing really pretty scarves in your hair and wear your best shoes. (And maybe we should get you a new job.) Guest Post by Colorado wardrobe stylist Jill Carter {LISTmember}