Hello ;)))

Have you ever struggled with shopping for yourself? I know I have. If you did too, I hope you will find this useful. I am sharing with you how I get ready for shopping and updating my wardrobe in line with most recent trends as well as with my personality and my body.

One of the things we all do in one way or another is looking through a lot of pictures that the fashion world bombards us with from every angle possible. Even if you don’t buy magazines any more (or you never have), even if you don’t watch it online, you will still be surrounded by it (at a supermarket, at a shopping mall, driving around town the, billboards are almost walking all over us… we don’t even need to realize that but it is true). It takes a little work but it is worth it to get a little more familiar with all these messages and TAKE CONTROL! ;))

STEP ONE

One of the things I do and have fun with is making inspiration boards. In terms of clothes I do one and update it regularly. There are things that I absolutely love, that are classic and timeless and they may stay on my board for a long time, but others will come and go or come and stay.

So, whether you do it on the Pinterest, using your phone and make it into collage or the old school way, give it a go and have fun. Pin or cut out images from recent magazines that inspire you and that you like, even things that may be out of your comfort zone. My eye is always primarily attracted to things that I see myself wearing and maybe even know what I would pair it with. I look at all the images and absorb it for a moment.

STEP TWO

I go into my wardrobe and check what is it that I already have that is relevant. I take it out and have a little fun. See how can I make it current. Sometimes accessories may be enough. Sometimes adding a new/different colour and creating a completely new outfit that you have not tried before will make it relevant. You may find you are so on trend that you really don’t need the shopping any more (why not treat yourself to spa as a reward for being so organised ;)) if you decide you still need a little update, have yourself, not the trend in mind at all times!

STEP THREE

I CHALLENGE myself to something new and out of my comfort zone. For example, this season is huge on pink. ALL PINK, that’s a colour that I have grown to love now but I have so far been ‘doing it’ in small doses. Now, this season is about going pink from head to toe. First question is, what is my shade of pink? Can i do pink at all? The answer to most skin tones will be yes but it is important to wear the relevant shade and to pair it right. You can see that pink in most cases in pretty cool (cold). Pair it with violet for winter skin tone, pink with baby pink or baby blue (summer), pink with orange or brown(autumn), pink with yellow or green (ish) tones (spring). These are just examples but I hope you get an idea. I dare myself to try this as a dose of crazy and out of my comfort zone this season but it will probably not become my uniform. That is why I am not planing on spending a lot of money on this part of the trend.

 

STEP FOUR

In terms of CLASSICS. Trench coat is back. Has it ever been gone really? Now, this is a piece that everyone can make their own and it is more than worth investing in. It comes in many shades and can be styles in many ways. They usually come in camel and sand but who said you can’t get one in pink or brown. As long as this is YOU. Go for it. So this step for me is all about the the investment buy, possibly the most important point on the list if I don’t already own one.

STEP FIVE

Another things you may wish to add to your wardrobe and your vocabulary is LSD (long-sleeve DRESS that is).  Oh how relevant for all of us in UK this is? I looooove this. I have few already and I am so excited for updating them. Choose from patchworks, animal print or punchy florals and make it you own. For now, leyer a roll neck underneath and add knee high boots or uncle boots for a mini version and feel fabulous. With ruffles being back and fun again you may be rocking two trends at once if you like too.

 

Bare shoulders are still in and relevant but now it’s all about asymmetry. Again, remember to see what you already have or how can you style a shirt or a jumper and wear it differently this season. Let the trends inspire you to wear what you have differently and make a list of what is missing and what will make you excited about getting dressed and looking you best.

 

STEP SIX

Yes, I said MAKE A LIST. Believe me I am not a natural planner and this did take a while for me to absorb but it makes my life easier, it is better for my budget and it actually adds to fun. I am back from my shopping trips with things I wear and love, every time. Points to remember when you are shopping:

• stick to the list (there will be things you haven’t seen before and you will fall in love ( no you don’t NEED them! )
• think if you can wear it at least 3 different ways (unless you are shopping for a wedding dress)
• if you are buying a top that will go with the skirt you already have (take the skirt with you), if you are shopping for a dress take heels with you (your posture changes)
• try EVERYTHING on
• ask for assistance, try different sizes (don’t stick to one number even if you have all your life, they change, you change, and new styles may also effect the overall shape of the garments and most importantly of your silhouette in them
• take a friends that understands what you like, what you are looking for, what compliments your body shape and your skin tone, how you wish to be perceived and genuinely wants you to look amazing
• take pictures (or have your friends take them, these mirrors and lighting in fitting room are not our best friend)
• move about (make a little dance even)
• enjoy the proccess
• once you are happy and absolutely LOVE IT, then spend your hard working money on it.

 

Now, I would love to hear from you on how you get ready for new season, how you update your style and how you shop. Please be critical of everything you are told. Don’t take everything you see and hear as a fact. Check out different sources. You don’t need to like everything that is new. You actually shouldn’t, plus it isn’t really new. The trends come and go but your style can last a lifetime. What you are wearing needs to represent who you are, how you want the world to see you, it should compliment your body shape and skin tone and lastly you should be considering trends. It is fun and I enjoy the the new in my evolving style (in small doses, a little at the time) but if you have it all figured and feel like you would rather stay there and you are happy, I respect that.

Let me know if you found it helpful and what would you like me to share next. I have only touched on some of the newest trends as I try to keep the posts at certain length but I would be more than happy to elaborate if anyone wishes. Please leave a comment below.

Also don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you need more personal advise (then drop me an e-mail to gosia.willemse@keytome.co.uk)

 

With Love,

Gosia