Hello My Loves,
It’s nice to be back writing to you all weekly. I’m 4 months into my Sunday night rom-com marathon, and tonight’s watch was Bridget Jones’s Diary. I don’t know how or why I haven’t watched this, but I have now entered a rabbit hole. My favourite scene is when she catches her situationship cheating, and the lady has the cheek to say:
“Oh, so this is Bridget; I thought you said she was thinner.” All of a sudden, she’s in the gym, getting a new job, cutting out smoking. It’s funny how someone else’s standard of you can alter your decisions. It is important that we don’t lose sight of our own goals, and in turn alter the decisions we make emotionally and financially.
With a topic like this, we reach a crossroad or a junction if you might — Style, Financial Health & Mindful Consumerism. Firstly, you are not alone; if you have no one, then we are dead. This is a common theme for women in their 20s/30s and definitely not a foreign concept to me, Justine Kwezi, the queen of overspending. Hopefully, these tips can help you re-strategise or at least think about your financial well-being.
I’m not here to tell you to create a budget when planning your wardrobe because, quite frankly, that’s ridiculous. As an advocate for emotion-based fashion decisions, I will never restrict you to a budget. You can, however, build a quality wardrobe without breaking the bank.
We can’t ignore choosing investment pieces over fast fashion. Indulging in short-term trends can be tempting, but the lack of durability leads to this repetitive cycle of you constantly buying. You want wardrobe staples and timeless pieces that never go out of style. For example, Oxford shirts, skirts & denim you can mix and match, a black dress. All things that can be styled in different ways to achieve a different outcome.
Knowing when and how to buy is key. I know buying off the rack and directly from the store is all part of the experience, but sometimes it’s just not the best option when trying to cut back on the pennies. Utilise end-of-season sales, sample sales, designer outlets, and Black Friday deals to secure your dream wardrobe. Yes, this may involve a little planning in advance, but if you want to splurge the money you work tirelessly for, the item should be worth it. If you can’t wear it next summer when your holiday comes around, maybe you shouldn’t buy it. Shop smart.
Just because it’s designer doesn’t mean it’s worth your money. Yes, every girl should have a range of high-value pieces, within your means of course. Think about the pieces that require the most investment. For example, a coat. I have had coats in my wardrobe that I bring out every season; that’s a wise investment. Another is accessories — sometimes the outfit elevation you need is in your bag and shoes. You don’t need a £500 Pucci scarf that you will only wear once every 5 years. You don’t want items that will tie you down; you want versatility.
Think about a personal uniform, your go-to style formula, if you will — a solid rotation. This is another way to combat random buying. The goal is to change your buying behaviour. If it helps, write in our comment box below how and when you shop now, and we will respond! Do you shop on occasion? Do you shop as a reward? Recognise why you shop the way you do and put in place small changes that suit your needs.
Ultimately, prioritise. Fashion is so amazing you can easily get lost; don’t make decisions that will affect your future. If the end goal is to be a millionaire business owner with Rihanna’s closet, some sacrifice now will ensure fashion will never run out in your future.
WEAR YOUR CLOTHES. From one shopaholic to another, I know you have plenty.
Use this week to sift through your wardrobe; there’s still hope…
With Love,
JK xox
P.S. Today’s article picture is me not taking my own advice and buying the outfit same-day delivery for a girl dinner. However, I will be wearing the shorts again next week to get my money’s worth and for years to come. So, hi, my name is Justine; I am a shopaholic.
