Dries van Noten – F10 – Style – Marcio Madeira – FirstView
Are you ready yet? Fall is not just for coasting into winter…it’s a time for renewal! Let’s breathe in that brisk air & take charge! Here’s how to put together a clear cut game plan for a self-confident and functional fall wardrobe that conveys our ‘new possibilities’ enthusiasm. And one that is a wise investment of our hard earned dollars to boot! Yay for us! Herrrrre we go….
1. WOW…WHO AM I TODAY
Take a moment to reflect on where you are now. What’s your life look like this year compared to this time last year? Do you have a new job? Is your calendar full of frequent travel obligations or more speaking engagements this year? Are you working extra or fewer hours? Have you recently set aside more time to date? Compare this year’s lifestyle to the previous year.
For a little (fun!) homework, create your very own LifeSTYLE diagram, designed last season by yours truly, and divide it into as many sections as necessary.
2. OH NO! NOT THE CLOSET!
Yes, the Closet! Don’t fret! This step doesn’t have to be a big deal. A quick closet scan should reveal our best pieces. We can even simply recall what we wore last year and decide which items will once again support us this year. Of course, if you would like to expand this step, check out these full blown closet makeover techniques.
3. HMM…WHAT’S FASHIONABLE THIS SEASON
Scouting the trends is always the most fun step! It’s a good idea early in a season to start thinking about which trends you really want to participate in. All too often, the best seasonal trend pieces sell out fast.
Now, is the perfect time to flip through the gargantuan September magazine issues, stroll through the fall merchandise currently entering stores and/or browse the vast selection of online goods. Plus, we mustn’t forget to sign up to receive our daily dose of inspiration and ideas from our favorite fashion blogs too. (Hint…hint.)
4. HOLY COW! HOW MUCH DO I HAVE LEFT TO SPEND
Once we have objectively assessed where we spend most of our time, selected those pieces in our current wardrobe that will transition well into this fall season, and investigated our favored upcoming trends, we now have what we need to create a reasonable & balanced budget.
What does reasonable & balanced mean for you? For example, let’s say we are spending even more hours at the corporate office this year than last, consequently, we can consider spending less money on weekend wear.
Check out comparative shopping sites ShopStyle and Like. Join membership discount sites such as Gilt, Rue La La and Ideeli to follow special deals. Even sign up for e-newsletters from our favorite retail stores to get sale notices. There are a whole host of shopping strategies to help us complete our wardrobes successfully and keep us on budget.
5. WATCH OUT WORLD! HERE I COME!
Don’t procrastinate! When we look the part, we feel more relaxed, competent and joyful about meeting our goals. Now is the time, to take action and build an effective, flattering and fun fall wardrobe that visually displays our dynamism and ensures our sense of empowerment. Move over summer, we’re ready for something new!
Have I encouraged you to breathe deeply and begin thinking about how you wish to present yourself to the world this fall season? Let me know what you think of my LifeSTYLE tool & whether it helped you focus.