Shopping: We’re Doing it All Wrong, Part 1

Listen up, ladies: I can’t keep your secret anymore.

It’s high-time I tell the world what you’ve been telling me all along, and I’m climbing atop my soapbox – megaphone in hand – with some righteous truth. Think of me as your liberator, as I am about to dispel a myth so pervasive that it has become part of our cultural identity.

Here goes. Ahem …

Women aren’t as in love with shopping as you might think. In fact, we hate it.

:::record scratch:::

Yes, world, it’s true. The past-time of shopping doesn’t mean to us what you think it means. Contrary to popular belief, we’re not bouncing around the mall, gushing over this-and-that, trying on clothing in dressing rooms with our friends and splurging on something special because … why not – it’s FUN!

No – that’s teenage girls spending allowance money you’re thinking of.

Instead, the women I talk with don’t enjoy shopping because it represents pressure. Yes, pressure. The pressure to: A.) buy the right thing, something they’ll get the most value from and B.) avoid over-spending. They also think of it like a joy-less chore; one client I have compared it putting gas in her car.

See, it’s not easy to get excited about clothes or shopping when you’re trying to make strategic choices, but aren’t equipped with the tools to make the best purchasing decision.

The problem isn’t our fault; we’ve been programmed to follow trends as if they’re gospel, when not every trend is right for every woman. Conversely, we’ve also been programmed to obsessively stock up on wardrobe “basics.” The idea being that we can have a “foundation” of basics and rotate out trends as the come and go.

Here’s why that doesn’t work.

First, we don’t focus enough attention on the quality of basics we’re buying. How many times have you seen a 2-for-1 cami deal? Or deep discounts on plain cardigans? Often we think that we can get by on basics which are boring, bland and fairly disposable – because, hey, those trendy items we’re buying will be the star of the outfit show, right?

Wrong.

For starters, let’s stop calling them “basics” and instead refer to them as essentials. These essentials should be timeless pieces you’re proud to wear; they should have interest – but not necessarily decoration. They’re a valuable part of your wardrobe and need to be carefully selected and cared for.

To explore the cheat sheets I put together on wardrobe essentials, click here.

Next week in Part 2 of “Shopping: We’re Doing it All Wrong” I’ll explain why and how we need to get off the trend hamster wheel. Until then, take a peek in your closet and identify your best wardrobe essentials.

Hey peeps, registration for Style Camp is open for April! And word on the street is this is probably the last month that introductory “launch pricing” will be available. So, if you’re thinking about taking control of your personal style and using it to make amazing things happen in your life, claim your spot now!

The program includes my Style Camp workbook, 2 or 4 one-on-one sessions with me, access to our private online network of style-campers and your very own, custom-curated pinboard of looks especially for you.

To read oodles of testimonials and see the amazing things program participants have done with their wardrobe, visit the Style Camp page and sign up for April’s session!