Dear Reader, I apologize for keeping you in the dark this month. A number of exciting and terrifying things have gone on in the past few weeks which have unfortunately shoved writing & photography to the back of my mind.
To begin with, I took a wonderful trip to NYC. J and I visited old friends there and rediscovered our favorite spots from our last visit. We packed light, which meant I had to leave the nice camera at home. Trying to experience less through my smart phone and more through my own eyes resulted in few pics to share from my journey, but I will try to post the few I did take soon.
One week after my return, I was flying high on vacation breather time and celebrating the sunny weather Seattle graciously loaned us for all of 5 days. It was only fitting that at the end of this glorious week I found my front bumper lodged in someone else's car door, cursing the day I decided to stay in a city without a subway system. This was my first ever car accident, and a fully week later I'm still shaky from it, even though I'm (thankfully) okay. Needless to say that's stirred up some distraction.
Finally, I started rehearsals for a new show, The Grimaldis, which I'm very excited to share more about soon! For now, I have to plod on with life, so I'll leave you with these brief words and a plea to check back soon! I haven't gone for good!
xoxo,
R
3.27.2014
3.10.2014
Fashion Budgeting 101: The Goods
So far in this 101 series I've covered wardrobe culling and determining your cash flow. Now there's only one step left: shopping your budget.
This should be the fun part. Give yourself permission to explore, splurge, and experiment as your new wardrobe takes shape.
The collages below offer an example of my most recent budget purchases. When winter weather arrived in December, I was seriously lacking in the sweater department. I threw away about four tops from last year's stock, then I filled in the gaps with versatility: a cable knit sweater, a thick cardigan, and a lighter graphic print pull-over.
I also wanted a casual coat that would serve as warmer alternative to my trench. I've seen anoraks like the one below floating around several of my favorite fashion blogs. When I spotted this one online during Black Friday, I heeded inspiration and jumped on the deal immediately.
Throughout fall, I often found myself in need of a black shoe and a simple flat, so I consolidated by purchasing these black ballet flats.
On occasion, if funds allow, I'll make a preemptive buy for next season. While I try not to do this before I've reviewed my wardrobe needs, shopping out of season can be a great way to find deals. The crop tee below, for example, was about $5 at Express in mid-January. Crop tops might not be as in-vogue this summer as they were last, but a classic color like white is a safe bet. This will stay in storage until the weather warms up again.
This should be the fun part. Give yourself permission to explore, splurge, and experiment as your new wardrobe takes shape.
The collages below offer an example of my most recent budget purchases. When winter weather arrived in December, I was seriously lacking in the sweater department. I threw away about four tops from last year's stock, then I filled in the gaps with versatility: a cable knit sweater, a thick cardigan, and a lighter graphic print pull-over.
I also wanted a casual coat that would serve as warmer alternative to my trench. I've seen anoraks like the one below floating around several of my favorite fashion blogs. When I spotted this one online during Black Friday, I heeded inspiration and jumped on the deal immediately.
Throughout fall, I often found myself in need of a black shoe and a simple flat, so I consolidated by purchasing these black ballet flats.
On occasion, if funds allow, I'll make a preemptive buy for next season. While I try not to do this before I've reviewed my wardrobe needs, shopping out of season can be a great way to find deals. The crop tee below, for example, was about $5 at Express in mid-January. Crop tops might not be as in-vogue this summer as they were last, but a classic color like white is a safe bet. This will stay in storage until the weather warms up again.
 |
| Cable knit sweater - LOFT / Cardigan - H&M / Anorak - Old Navy / Stretch camisole - Grane / Ballet flats - H&M / Merino wool socks - Kirkland / Crop tee - Express |
 |
| Glitter Tights - HUE / Circle skirt - LOFT / Sweater dress - Max Azaria / Burgundy tights - HUE / Stud earrings - World Market / Graphic sweater - Forever 21 |
These other purchases were replacements, Christmas presents, or
wish-list items from fall. I'm a big believer in putting some time
between inspiration and investment. Unless it's the last of its kind,
almost anything will still be available a week after the fact. Taking a week will
give you some distance to consider whether you really need whatever you were lusting after. (It also removes you from the overwhelming stimuli of the mall, which can cloud any rational decision....) When I first saw the graphic sweater above, I was shopping for my fall wardrobe. Within that budget, I couldn't rationalize buying another top. So, I snapped a picture on my phone, then bookmarked it online. I checked in every couple of weeks for sale prices. I even hinted at it for a Christmas gift. When it was still on my mind three months later, I decided to spring for it. Now I love it all the more!
Absent from these collages are all the items I purchased and then returned over the course of the season. This is another important skill to master. If you take something home and it just doesn't feel perfect, do yourself (and the environment) a favor, and take it back. It will most likely be perfect for someone else, and you take pride in putting their wardrobe soul mate back on the market.
Well, I hope you found these past few posts useful. What are your budgeting and shopping tips? Let me know in the comments!
2.24.2014
Fashion Budgeting 101: Calculating Your Budget
Certainly the most important thing to determine before you go crazy with your credit card is the budget itself.
There's no hard-and-fast rule for calculating budgets. For some, clothing is just as insignificant as what brand of flour they buy. Others will drop $2000 on seasonal favorites to placate their style cravings. A variety of factors will determine the correct budget for you, such as climate, occupation, background, and -- perhaps most of all -- salary.
Personally, I'm of the belief that whatever your income, your wardrobe budget should be a percentage of your earnings from the previous season and should remain consistent through the year. It just doesn't make sense to spend money you don't yet have. Especially on fashion. I don't care how much you (or I) love it.
For example, imagine if you spent $180 on clothing last summer. In fall perhaps you spend $210. It would be reasonable to estimate $200 as your seasonal clothing budget, right?
Only so long as your income is consistent, and the rest of your budget is predictable.
Let's say on November 29th you find the perfect wool coat for your winter wardrobe. Assuming you'll have $200 to spare, you purchase the coat as soon as December hits. On December 15th, your car won't start and you pay $300 in repairs. On December 20th, an unexpected holiday gift arrives and you have no choice but to return the favor. All of a sudden you could really use an extra $200... When you budget before the fact (save for fall spending in summer, winter spending in fall, etc.), you sidestep this problem. You're spending what has already been determined excess.
Budgeting a percentage of your earnings, rather than a firm figure, will allow for flexibility within your income. If you make $3000 a month, setting aside 4% leaves $360 to spend for the upcoming season. Say one month you come up short, at $2500 -- Just apply the same percentage for an adjusted seasonal total of $340. This strategy keeps your spending habits in line with what's actually available.
Adapt your budget to suit your habits. I'm quite practical-minded when it comes to clothes; factors like weather and daily to-dos weigh quite heavily in what I purchase. Thus, a seasonal budget suits me best. If you're prone to spending money as soon as you have it, creating a monthly budget might work better for you. If you live somewhere with unvaried climate, or if you hate shopping, a yearly or biyearly budget could be ideal.
Finally, once you've budgeted your funds, don't be afraid to spend them! If you don't use it all, you can always roll the excess money over to next season.
Coming Soon: Shopping Tips!
There's no hard-and-fast rule for calculating budgets. For some, clothing is just as insignificant as what brand of flour they buy. Others will drop $2000 on seasonal favorites to placate their style cravings. A variety of factors will determine the correct budget for you, such as climate, occupation, background, and -- perhaps most of all -- salary.
Personally, I'm of the belief that whatever your income, your wardrobe budget should be a percentage of your earnings from the previous season and should remain consistent through the year. It just doesn't make sense to spend money you don't yet have. Especially on fashion. I don't care how much you (or I) love it.
For example, imagine if you spent $180 on clothing last summer. In fall perhaps you spend $210. It would be reasonable to estimate $200 as your seasonal clothing budget, right?
Only so long as your income is consistent, and the rest of your budget is predictable.
Let's say on November 29th you find the perfect wool coat for your winter wardrobe. Assuming you'll have $200 to spare, you purchase the coat as soon as December hits. On December 15th, your car won't start and you pay $300 in repairs. On December 20th, an unexpected holiday gift arrives and you have no choice but to return the favor. All of a sudden you could really use an extra $200... When you budget before the fact (save for fall spending in summer, winter spending in fall, etc.), you sidestep this problem. You're spending what has already been determined excess.
Budgeting a percentage of your earnings, rather than a firm figure, will allow for flexibility within your income. If you make $3000 a month, setting aside 4% leaves $360 to spend for the upcoming season. Say one month you come up short, at $2500 -- Just apply the same percentage for an adjusted seasonal total of $340. This strategy keeps your spending habits in line with what's actually available.
Adapt your budget to suit your habits. I'm quite practical-minded when it comes to clothes; factors like weather and daily to-dos weigh quite heavily in what I purchase. Thus, a seasonal budget suits me best. If you're prone to spending money as soon as you have it, creating a monthly budget might work better for you. If you live somewhere with unvaried climate, or if you hate shopping, a yearly or biyearly budget could be ideal.
Finally, once you've budgeted your funds, don't be afraid to spend them! If you don't use it all, you can always roll the excess money over to next season.
Coming Soon: Shopping Tips!
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