Seasonal Style On A Budget...
Published on Thursday 22nd March 2007
I admit that pre-Brittique several friends suggested therapy for my shopping addiction. It wasn’t that I had a taste for designer handbags, but for quirky, quality pieces that I “had to have” in order to create a new and exciting outfit for every occasion. As a result, I spent a pretty penny or two feeding my addiction – sums that are no longer available now I’m on my own payroll!
Reading recently that the average woman spends £305 on unworn clothing a year, adding up to £7.3bn across the UK, made me think about the price per wear of my wardrobe. There’s the Diane Von Furstenberg metallic gold wrap mac (approx £125 per wear), Kors by Michael Kors suede platforms (£300 per wear – worn once, too scared it will rain), a sheepskin coat (shudder to think - ditto about the rain). Each of these items has hardly seen the light of day but they fill my wardrobe along with dozens of other purchases. But you never know, one day I just might feel like wearing them.
Now that I have more limited access to funds, I have to be more careful with my shopping. I allow myself one to two more fashion forward purchases per season (spring, summer, autumn and winter of course). This keeps my wardrobe fresh and up to date without being a slave to fashion. For spring/summer I’ve bought the wardrobe staples such as skinny and boyfriend jeans then added various styles of t-shirts and vests from Gap for layering, cashmere cardigans and sweaters by Hamish Morrow, ballet pumps and converse trainers.
So far my extravagant purchase has been some Gucci wedges and I’ve also got my eye on a pair of Roger Vivier sunglasses in bright red. Add a couple of dresses from Nicola de Main and Tata Naka and a blouse from Camilla Staerk and my work wardrobe is also sorted.
For casual days I can team the skinny jeans with Gap separates and my converse trainers. For more dressy occasions I can add the wedges and sunglasses. During the week I can either team jeans or a dress with a Hamish Morrow cardigan. With a little planning my spring/summer wardrobe is now organised with very little wastage. Now I have enough money left to book a spa day…
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