Suffering from Consumer Burn Out
This year I discovered how bad of a consumer I have become…. Or I guess good consumer? So good at buying a ton of shit I don’t need or really want. I looked at my overflowing closets and how it all just sits there and never gets used. It’s not because we are in the middle of a pandemic but because I always bought stuff I thought I was supposed to have or the classic “Oh I’ll wear that to ____ event”. I wasn’t looking at clothes as an investment and just a contest on how much I could consume.
In reality, I wear the same things with slight variations and spice it up when the occasion arises. So during this year of lockdown, I finally got off the crazy rollercoaster of fast fashion. I went through my closets and highly curated the entire thing. I went to Buffalo Exchange and Goodwill a total of 10 times. Half of me wanted to throw everything out and start fresh. I get so annoyed when I go on instagram and it’s all the influencers trying to convince you to buy a bunch of bullshit things so they get a commission. I try really hard to only post about items that I think would be a good investment. As someone who LOVES clothes, there is NO reason I need to have 15 variations of the same piece. It’s madness and we keep buying into it.
LET’s CHANGE YOUR SHOPPING HABITS
1. WHO ARE YOU?
Really look at your lifestyle. Not the one you want or think you will have. Buy for your lifestyle. When you see fashion bloggers wearing a new outfit everyday it is because that is their job and most of the time they are getting clothes for free and getting paid to post to persuade you to buy them. Don’t feel pressure. It’s a sales tactic.
2. SHOP YOUR OWN CLOSET FIRST
It’s been too often that I’ll buy something and a few months later find that exact same piece already in my closet. Having a highly curated and organized closet can really streamline your getting ready process.
3. ALL ABOUT THE CHASE
Stop with the instant gratification and impulsive purchases. Shop around. Take your time. Make it a hunt for the perfect Leather Jacket.
4. INVEST
Invest in the staples and create a capsule wardrobe custom for you, your style, and your life. Then upgrade when that piece is outdated/falling apart. When you think about your clothes as an investment it makes you really think about what you are buying and why. Are you buying it because everyone else is or do you genuinely like it and think it will be a great addition to your closet?
5. TRADE
Try the One in and One Out Method. If you want to buy Black Trousers, go through your closet and get rid of one pant before you buy another. This holds you accountable and blocks you from overbuying.
6. TRY OLDER
Most of the things in my wardrobe are things I found at a vintage store or consignment shop. Giving old clothes a second life is a great way to save money AND find a cool interesting piece that no one else has. You can even take it to the tailor and customize it to modern cuts and proportions.
7. FALL IN LOVE
Your closet should be filled with items you love. You’ll find a way to wear and repurpose them. Marie Kondo is right, it’s a game changer to only have things in your home that spark joy.
8. BREAK UP + UNFOLLOW
Sometimes you just need to part ways. I unfollowed many influencers/brands that don’t line up with my current style or business ethics. Most likely the brands you loved when you were in college are no longer 1) Relevant or 2) Cute. Same thing goes for emails. Look at your promotional emails you are being sent. Way too many companies were sending me things and I was tempted to indulge in their generous 10% off for one day only declarations of love to me. I got on their email list 7 years ago and just forgot to break up with them.
9. TALK TO SOMEONE
If shopping and styling yourself seems too daunting, time consuming, and overwhelming….talk to someone. There are plenty of Closet Therapist, Stylists, and Personal Shoppers who would be willing to help you take this task on so you can focus on other things. If you are interested in Closet Therapy with me, please fill out my questionnaire to get started.
xx
SJ