WHAT I AM WEARING:
Forever 21 Dress SOLD OUT ONLINE (similar) (similar) // Lookbook Store Belt c/o (here) (similar) // Sole Society Heels (similar) // Forever 21 Clutch (similar) (splurge) // Bracelets: Sophistifunk Tassel Bracelet c/o (here) & Forever 21 (here) // T+J Designs Watch c/o (here) // Forever 21 Rings (here) (similar)
The minute I saw this dress, I pinned and added it to my shop tab as a reminder of how much I liked it, but wanted to wait until I couldn't stop thinking about it before I pulled the trigger. You see, I have yanked the reigns with tight grip on impulse buying. In the past, I would see something that caught my eye, add it to my cart and run to grab my credit card. Then the shoes, dress, top, pants would arrive in the mail and I'd ask myself, "Why did you buy this?" Said items would sit in a box or the plastic wrapping for weeks. I am telling you, I still have things I ordered online that have not been worn. Shameful, I know.
This dress was ripped from it's packaging as soon as it arrived and worn immediately. It was something that I was still excited about even after the online purchase. No guilt, buyer's remorse or saving the receipt for an exchange.
I am making a conscious effort to be selective of what I buy, whether it's in a store or online. Visualizing in my head, I ensure that there are at least three ways I could wear my soon-to-be purchase. After my brainstorming style session, I was positive there were three options for this dress, if not more.
The first go 'round was with heels and a mirrored belt for a trendy, but professional look. Next up, I am shooting for a boho vibe; picturing it with ankle boots and a cross body. If and when it gets cooler out, I envision tights, knee boots and a blazer. Voila, money well spent.
If you don't already, I suggest adding pieces that you come across to some sort of list. It can be on a pin board, a tab on your blog or to a phone app. It really does help with making wiser purchase decisions, budgeting and removes the hassle of returns. Believe me when I say that my nickname used to be "The Take Back Queen".
Do you have your own tips and tricks on how you eliminate impulse shopping or are you the reigning "Take Back Queen"?
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One of my long time blog buddies is here today, Ashley with Dancing with Ashley. I just know that you and her will become friends today too! She is an absolute doll, genuine to the core, one of the best moms I have ever "met" and never looses faith in the Lord. She is just one of those people that you strive to be like and I tell her that all the time.
Not only is Ashley dedicated to the bigger pieces of life's pie, she is one to turn to when looking for blogging and style inspiration. She co-hosts a quarterly blogger meet up in North Carolina called Blogger Buzz. I always love reading her recaps from these events and like to pretend that I was there socializing and shopping. The ladies always look like they have the best time. If you are a reader of Dancing with Ashely, you already know about her "How to Wear...." posts. She will take a single piece, like leopard flats, and show us how to style the item at least three ways. I guess this goes back to my post today, shopping smarter and working your closet.
Ashley hosts a monthly link up the last Friday of every month called "Favorite Things." You can talk about any faves from the month: moments, clothes, cosmetics, photos, trips or what you ate. Guess what this Friday is? Yep, the last one of the month. So be sure to get your favorite things post ready, link up with Dancing with Ashley and find some new blogs.
Ashley is giving away a $30 credit to ASOS to one lucky reader. All I ask is that you follow a few things in the Rafflcopter below and stop by Dancing with Ashley to say hello.
**If you are linking up today, the only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link
back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends!
Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.
