Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale is happening right now, but what follows applies to any big clothes sale. (Nordstrom’s sale is especially tempting because what’s on sale is not tired fare from last season, but the NEW clothes for fall.) Of course the other temptation is lower prices.

Before you go to the store (or online), get a grip on reality. Consider:

How much can you really afford to spend right now on clothes? Have that dollar limit in mind.
Cheap is still way too expensive if you only wear the garment once or twice.
Expensive is not too expensive if it’s a well-made classic piece that looks GREAT (and fits or can be altered to fit), AND it goes with many other things in your closet, AND you will wear it over and over and over for several years to come. Slacks, jackets, coats and shoes could fall into this category.
Will it be an orphan? Unless you already own other pieces it will go with, it’s doomed to hang unworn in your closet. This is when having your personal color palette comes in super handy. Because all your clothes are in your color harmony, they work together beautifully.
Will it be just another item in an already crowded field? If you already own 20 shirts, it won’t be worn very much.
Is it for your real life (mother of toddlers, gardener, yoga buff?) or for your “fantasy self” (host at the opera gala, trial attorney, a girly sixteen). How often will you need this?

Once you get to the store, it’s ok to fill your dressing room with a wild assortment of pieces. Try them on, enjoy your fantasies, then keep only items that consider all 6 criteria above. Plus three more:

Is the color flattering?
Does it fit well (including from the backside)?
Does it “spark joy?” If you don’t love it, leave it.

If you’d like to make shopping (and dressing) ever so much easier from this day forward, a custom color palette is the way to go. Give me a call!