Wardrobe Misfits: Croquis

I have to admit that at times, I can be an impulse shopper. Last year, I absolutely did my fair share of damage buying clothes I wasn't 100% in love with - it was more of the "idea" of being able to turn something into an outfit. And as a result, some of these clothes are sitting in my closet collecting dust, or, were donated in my latest wardrobe clean out.

I can't shop so much for House Of Jeffers.... like I did at times.

Have any of you ever done that? Bought something on a whim because you could imagine yourself taking outfit photos in it for your blog, or thought you could work it into your closet somehow? Sure, you liked the piece, but you could have lived without it. I'm guilty of it, and this year, I won't be doing it. To say I have a little pang of guilt about it would be true... but, you live and learn.

However, I have clothes in my wardrobe that I can't return, and still want to hold on to. This led me to think about those nifty fashion sketches....

Enter the croquis = the fancy way of saying "those adorable fashion figure drawings".

Sketches courtesy of http://www.designersnexus.com/design/free-fashion-croquis-templates/

Drawing Fashion Croquis Sketches

Instead of standing in front of your closet, pulling out clothes, and looking in the mirror frustrated at changing yet again in the pursuit of stylish outfits, try drawing it out with a croqui. Can't sketch a stick figure to save your life (me neither)? You can find croquis templates online.

Drawing croquis has helped me like whoa. It let's me be creative, saves time picking up after myself and allows me to visualize a look in a new way. Plus, you can save the ones you like and frame em up as fashion art after you're done!

Jedi Mind Tricks: Getting Out Of Arguments Over Shopping With Men

When it comes to spending, my husband is so understanding. He knows that I know my own limits and stretching a dollar is an art form I've mastered.

But moments of weakness, online shopping, impulse shopping, hauls, killer sales - it happens. And when it does, sometimes your guy questions why you went overboard.

I've been there (not often), and had to get out of it. I resort to quick thinking and Jedi mind tricks to reason my purchases.

Next time your dude exhibits any signs of the following, try one of these nifty tricks:

Level 1: Minor Freak Out: Say it was $20. 

* Unless he follows fashion and pricing as closely as you do, you might be able to get away with sayin', "What, it was only $20?!" That is, if you can say it without laughing... and it doesn't have a Chanel label.


Level 2: Knows You Shop And Doesn't Mind: Bring home his favorite beer, food or even a new present to soften the blow. Think of it as a peace offering - beer for boots.

Level 3: The "Why'd You Have to Buy That?": When in doubt, blame it on stress or the new event you're going to that requires a new ensemble.
* This is a legit reason. Weddings, job interviews, special occasion... they count. He'll understand. 

Level 4: Somewhat Miffed: Blame it on your blog. You need clothes for outfit photos. No brainer.

Level 5: Break In Case of Emergency Total Meltdown Status: Say you have your period.
* No way is he going to attempt arguing if he thinks you could PMS on his a$% at any moment. Crisis averted.

Going The Distance: Seasonal Transition Shopping Tips

The weather and fashion go hand in hand. Every year, they change. And on a daily basis, they both influence each other.

As summer comes to a close, the weather is starting to become cooler. While Fall isn't my favorite season, I do enjoy shopping for clothes and accessories to make my style transition into long sleeves, knits and pants. This summer, I was a dress/skirt gal. But since Hurricane Irene hit NJ, I've been wearing my jeans again.

But what about all your summer clothes? How do you get your monies worth for Fall, without leaving your summer duds behind? 

Here are some tips for investing in seasonal pieces, summer through Fall:

All of these items from H&M can be worn in the summer. But with right right fall wardrobe alternatives, they make the transition effortlessly into cooler weather. 

1. While skirts and dresses can always be donned in colder weather, you won't see many people wearing shorts. Yes, some ladies like to wear tights under em, but I stop buying shorts in August. UNLESS they are on sale and dirt cheap, I say save your pennies for skirts that you can wear year-round.

2. Tanks and tees can always be worn under cardigans, blazers and sweaters. This season, expect to see a lot of chunky, open knit sweaters... Basic tees, camisoles and tanks come in handy here. 

Which leads me to cardigans....

Flirty Cascading Cardigan, available at ShopSosie.com

3. Cardigans (like the one I found on shopsosie.com) and button-front shirts are universal weather-wearers. Not only can you throw em on when the summer wind picks up, but you'll be ahead of the game in fall when the weather turns cold.

4. Try not to fall into the summer trend trap too late in the game. If you haven't caught on by July, then wait till next season. I've seen an over abundance of knit short sleeve sweaters this year - even in June and July. Think about it: When it's 90 degrees out, are you really gunna wear layers? Doubt it. Make smart fashion choices that benefit your wallet.

5. Opt for shoes that can be worn throughout multiple seasons. Closed toe shoes, that show a little skin will keep your tootsies warm in the Fall, but keep you looking stylish in the summer. I personally love the Makeelo platform by Sabine... Totally investing in these. Plus, they look sorta like the Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony ones, at half the price!

Available at Piperlime

Happy shopping!