TOP  ||  SANDALS  ||  HEELS  ||  PURSE  ||  YOGA PANTS

Ever used a tube of mascara and stopped to think, “Have I really had this for over a year?!” A good thing to know when it comes to fashion and beauty routines is how often we need to replace things {p.s.—it is every three months for mascara}!

There are no hard and fast rules but these are merely some tips and guidelines I use:

1.} I always tell clients to adopt the practice of buying the best quality you can afford and take care of the items you purchase. Consider your price per wear–the amount you spend on an item divided by the number of times you wear/use it over the life cycle it lives in your wardrobe. For example, I recently spent $195 on Tory Burch sandals which I have already worn them 3 times a week since purchasing them in June. My price per wear is considerably lower due to how often I am putting that investment piece on rotation in my wardrobe. That is the goal!

So besides investing in this summer’s (and every other season in Texas) top sandal, what else should be on your list?

2.} Invest in classic pieces like fun oxford tops, good jeans, and a staple dress. Defining your core style will help with this. Along with basics, always consider the proper undergarments as noted in my recent blog post, When Bad Bras Happen to Good People. By adopting an essentials based wardrobe, you will be less likely to spend money on trendy things that go out of style and more on things that have staying power in your every day rotation.

3.} A little tip I like to share to maximize your wardrobe is to get things altered as your body and the trends evolve. When you consider reinventing hemlines and changing out buttons on older jackets,  sometimes you can salvage key pieces without breaking the bank. Don’t spend more than 20% of what the garment originally cost to make it work for you.

4.} When it comes to replacing shoes, like a classic pump, consider how many times you wear them? You should be wearing your shoes enough that you can see the change but not so long everyone else can too. No more walking around on missing heel caps and putting up with broken buckles. Wear shoes until they show physical wear and tear and then consider replacing them. There is also no shame in rehabbing “loved shoes.” Take them to your local Shoe Hospital and see what can be done to save a torn heel or worn out foot pad.

5.} We all love workout gear, but we don’t always love the price tag. While investing in Lululemon or Outdoor Voices, you will gain a better shelf life than going somewhere like Target. I like to shop places like Marshalls or T.J. Maxx for name brands at a lower price. Remember, you don’t want to look homeless when you are working out, and please COVER YOUR REAR. I ain’t got time to view your whale tail. It is hard enough to get myself to a gym, much less be greeted by your hiney.

6.} Last but never least… Handbags! To keep handbags fresh and extending their lifespan, change and clean them out on a weekly rotation. Know if you buy good quality bags you can always re-sell them later. Rebagg is a great resource I provide to consign high end items if you are interested! I also adore my local resource Fashion Reloved.

Don’t just stop at Rebagg, there are so many options for letting go of the things you are replacing or recycling. Here is a list of my top picks for resale, consignment and donations:

Resale Shops

1. Moss Designer Consignment
2. Buffalo Exchange
3. Still in Style
4. Turquoise and Pearls

Online Consignment

1. Thred Up
2. The Real Real
3. Tradsey

Donation Centers

1. Texas Reach Out Ministries
2. South Austin Pregnancy Resource Center
3. Dress For Success

For other questions on shopping smart, what to replace, or to dig even deeper with my new SHOPPING SERVICE, email me! jen@foreverstyled.com

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young