Yes, writing a huge list of what you want to buy could actually end up saving you money. Studies have shown that people who walk into grocery stores with shopping lists are more likely to stick to the ingredients they have written down and are less likely to be impulsive shoppers. Why shouldn’t this rule apply to shopping in other areas?
I’ve written a shopping list for the next three plus years (yep I’m a planner). I will only buy things off this shopping list though some items are flexible (e.g. jewel tone work worthy shirt).
This strategy makes sense because:
1. Patience pays off
You can patiently look for an item that you want across a spectrum of retailers. For example, an item on my wish list is a work-worthy top in a jewel-tone color. I am receptive to different styles and price points while also building up a few favorites on my wish list. I also have the luxury of waiting for these items to go on sale enabling my wallet to save for the next purchase (though hot or limited edition pieces don’t follow this philosophy!)
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2. Think with your closet (or home) in mind, not your wallet
I’ve fallen into the “Ooh it’s on sale so I should get it!” trap without necessarily thinking if it would be a valuable part of my closet. I won’t be doing this any more. When I constructed my list, I really thought about my wardrobe and lifestyle and constructed a list that reflects my needs without knowing if the item existed or not. But I knew the item would make sense in my closet (e.g. a trendy midi skirt that would make sense at work for years to come.)
3. It’s set, but not set in stone
My list started out as a list for the year, then for the next two years. Now it’s my three year list! I don’t think the timeframe is as relevant, but it is the list of all the stuff that I think would really add to my wardrobe pre-family planning. I continually edit my list to add or subtract items that I think will really make an impact or would really fit with the rest of my closet.
Here’s a subset of my list (the full one is long, but one I’m happy with). What is on your ideal wardrobe list?
Handbags
– vintage Chanels and Hermes Kellys (if I get the big promo) are on the list!
those are great tips !!
have you seen my latest post ?
http://v-fashionwise.blogspot.com/
Popped in to say hi! Those are great tips–especially the think with your mind, not wallet!
I like your way of thinking! a list! You’re absolutely right its important to note what you already have, and what you need versus what you want 🙂
going to be using this trick myself…now I need to figure out what it is I actually need 😛
What a brilliant post and I really love your list. Totally going to use your tips. Thanks, darling
So, so useful! Love this! I do something similar with my must-have lists so I don’t have “nothing in my closet” syndrome. Yours is definitely much more elaborate (and resourceful). Thanks for sharing.
Thankyou for sharing! That’s a nice tips!
I’ve been trying to do this – albeit unsuccessfully – it does help to prioritize your purchases.
Great advice! I am also trying to do a better job of judging how valuable an item will be in my closet before buying it, rather than grabbing it just because I like it and think it’s a good price.
Great list! I am in love with my Pour La Victoire Irina nude pumps, and my co-worker splurged on a Burberry trench last winter. She said it is the best investment ever because it keeps her bone dry during the heaviest of storms!
i use all this shopping tips to control my budget as well !! i also reduce impluse buying by going home and allow me to think whether I should get it or not 🙂
http://www.glisters and blisters.com
Great tips!! I really need to go through my wardrobe and see what’s there, I had been stuck in maternity stuff for a while and now back to my own clothes, so a look through is needed to keep me from buying un-needed things!! Great post!! xx
I also sometimes fall into that category of buying things on sale just because it is lol. Sample sales can be my worst enemy haha. Great advice!
I must try and make this list at some point. I am a bit too lazy I have realized. Your’s really sound efficient!!!
♡ from © tanvii.com
Okay these tips are awesome, thank you! I’m keeping them in mind next time I shop.
omg you are so organized – i have a teeny version of this list though I tend to do by season – this is amazing and so inspirational! Thank you for posting 🙂
wow…ive never thought about itemizing what i want/need in my wardrobe. that’s probably why i have a lot of items sitting in my closet that i’ve never worn or only worn once!
This is post of perfection, really. I LOVE this. And, that Alexander McQueen dress? Bless you. And him.
Aboslutely wonderful tips! I couldn’t agree with you more.
On my dream list, just a few of the items are: a Chanel quilted 2.55 medium bag (black), a pettiskirt (in blue or yellow), the perfect black pump, the perfect trench, Hunter rain boots, and rosebud lined umbrella.
Amber
Ambersmouthwash
I definitely believe that planning your shopping events can help you save money. If you go into a mall and plan to buy a skirt, then it helps you focus JUST on skirts rather than on shirts, pants, shoes, ohhhhh and a handbag and jewelry … Focus usually helps.
Usually.
Sometimes?
I can’t focus when I shop. I have shopping ADD. I buy it all.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
What a GREAT list! Patience is a huge part of my problem so I tend to veer off my lists frequently…need to stay on track! xo
Good advice! I try to follow these guide lines but sometimes its sooo hard!
Wonderful advice! Planning and prioritizing my purchases is something that I am working on, too. I’d love to save up for a Burberry trench and a Mulberry bag.
Bonito post y buenos consejos!!
I like your blog!!!
Besos, desde España, Marcela
girl if I only had you shopping with me, soon as I see a pair of shoes my eyes light up and it’s all over! lol. I am trying to buy things that I feel are more timeless now than trendy. Which is helping a bit. a bit though! xo
great tips! i agree about the patience. a lot of the items i want always go on sale 🙂
LOVE this! I need help! And you just might be the one to help me. You wrote a list 3 years in advance??? Amazing. You’re definitely the girl for the job 🙂 xoxo
Love your tips..I pretty much follow the same thing.
xx
Heel in Mint
Wow this is great advice and I could have used these tips a few years ago when I was going crazy with my shopaholic ways! Lol.
To answer your question from earlier, the Irinas have a five-inch heel but a one-inch platform at the front, so they are actually pretty comfortable. I’ve walked about 10 city blocks in them and not felt any pain. I recommend them 🙂
Oooh great shopping tips here! I should try them . . . I always impulse buy lol.
Enjoy your week love!
Wow 50% off?! Amazing! I say go for the pink ones, too! 🙂
-j
sorelle in style
This is great shopping advice! And your shopping list has a lot of worthy picks. hope you are having a nice week 🙂
i love the selection of shoes. and i agree, patience does pay off. i saw this blazer in h&m and had to have it–it was $50. a few months later i saw it again at h&m on sale for $20. ugh, lol.
Oh wow what a great idea! I’m such an impulse buyer. If I fall in love with it, then I have to snatch it up. But I’m trying to be better to see if I really love it a week later to avoid clutter in my closet.