The Good Buy Guide

How many of us find an item in a shop, while we’re in a rush and think ‘that’ll do’? It seems to fit, kind of does the job we wanted, and it might even be on sale too. Home it comes and there it stays. Wardrobes are full of those ‘that’ll do’s’ that quite frankly won’t do. They’re the ones that we shove to the back while we continue to wear the 15% of our wardrobe that we actually like and properly seems to fit the bill. It’s costing us though. And I don’t mean in terms of the till price we paid which we won’t necessarily see again but it will cost us to have it sitting doing nothing in our wardrobe. It will be adding to the stress in the morning as we run our eyes frantically through our clothing deciding what to wear, as well as preventing us seeing the items that might in fact be useful! So have a careful think before you rush to the till with these thoughts: • If you’re in the market for an investment item, higher price like a coat, boots, handbag buy it in a neutral colour or a WOW colour. This will mean it will be able to work with everything else in your wardrobe easily and you are much more likely to get serious wear from it. (Find your WOW colours in a House of Colour colour consultation) • Buy quality. I’ve recently written about it but it’s worth mentioning as clothing will look better for longer. • Is it going to work with other items in your wardrobe. If it’s in the right colour and right style for you it’s highly likely that it will work with lots of other things. When you buy something new try making it into 10 different outfits as soon as you bring it home. • Buy less buy better. Be choosy about what you buy. Try and avoid ‘hobby shopping’ and end up buying for the sake of it and avoid shopping with those you know who might pressure you in the wrong direction. • Don’t sacrifice on comfort. We wear uncomfortable items about three times before we give up. When trying on clothes sit down in them, really move about. If it’s not working in the changing room it’s going to be worse when you’re out at dinner. • No more ‘that’ll do’. Does it not only fit you properly, but is it your style? Be honest with yourself and walk away if not. If you feel you aren’t sure enough about what really does work for you, and gives you a real boost then embrace a style session and remove the doubt. • Do you love it? Have a wonderful Easter break!

Article by Jennie Billings – House of Colour House of Colour has a network of stylists to help you update your look – find your nearest at houseofcolour.co.uk/find-a-stylist