Last week a client asked me if I’d take her shopping after she’d gotten rid of the clothes in her closet that were not in her new color palette. She was shocked when I said, “Nope. I hate shopping for clothes, even for myself.” (I didn’t tell her I sometimes make an exception for guys, because they’re much easier to please, and the outcome can be transformational.)
Three years ago a stylist friend and I went to Nordstrom with five different clients to demonstrate outfits that did and didn’t work. We did it for educational purposes to post on our blogs, rather than for buying. Here’s one. Links to the series here.
L. Before, R. After. Horizontal line demo on a Patrician Winter.
What’s to hate about clothes shopping?
- The cutest clothes are for women 40 years younger than I am. I may see something in a shop window and go inside to look more closely, only to have my bubble burst when I remember that my waist is no longer that small, and my butt is no longer that big. And sleeveless? Hahaha.
- Too many choices. Even with a palette that limits my options, it’s overwhelming.
- I hate taking all my clothes off, struggling into an outfit that doesn’t do what I hoped, then putting everything back on to see if they have it in a different size, then repeating the process, only to leave with nothing.
- Quality is expensive, but cheap fashion (i.e. short-lived) is ruining the environment.
- Who am I kidding? I live in Portland where we live in jeans and puffy vests. I need to wear something dressy about once a year–who would even remember from year to year if I always wore the same thing?
A Tawny Autumn with her palette
What’s to love about not shopping?
- The creative process of putting together outfits from the pieces I already have. I’ve got enough tops, bottoms, scarves and jackets to mix and match indefinitely. Having a color palette makes this easy.
- My closet has space for my clothes to breathe and me to see what I have.
- Saving money. I get much more pleasure from live music or plays, a good meal, a trip.
- No unworn orphans in my closet–the tags still on them, making me feel guilty.
I confess that every now and then I see something in the window of the tiny but tasteful Goodwill on SW 10th that is in a color I’ve had trouble finding (Pantone’s fault for the way colors cycle in and out of fashion). If the size and quality are right, bingo! I buy it. Most of my favorite pieces have come to me that way. I think the most I’ve ever spent there was for a purple alpaca cardigan in a unique design. It was $50.
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I’ll be in France from May 8 to June 6, so if you need a Mother’s Day gift (best ever!) NOW is the time to call me.
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