Save vs Spend

So how do these work?

Very Frankly, they are not exciting. Even shopping for them is no fun. But from the time I have realized what important role these essentials play in my wardrobe and styling, just can’t do without them.  I know I can never go wrong with my plain staple pieces. For example, you have a plain white shirt, you can add Red heels & earrings/statement neckpiece, or wear it over your denim for a chic look or wear it under your business suit for the leadership look.

Few guidelines to buy wardrobe basics:

• Check your wardrobe. Before going on a shopping spree it is wise to check the wardrobe and review the contents. Read my article on “ Wardrobe Organization”, so that your clothes and accessories are easily accessible.
• Every single garment that you purchase should suit your lifestyle.
• Get at least 2 of each, so if a white shirt is your basic get 2 white shirts in a different pattern, style/fabric.
• Get each essential in a neutral colour, so if you want to buy a formal pant, buy black first then move on to beige/green.
• Avoid fancy detailing in the basics.

Same applies to accessories, bags and shoes. Always have basics like black and tan in your wardrobe, these colours go with most of the formal wear and have Gold/gold- silver mix for traditional.

Save / Spend

Save or Spend… Wardrobe basics understanding is done, what are basics for your wardrobe is done, now we understand when to save and when to spend.  So load up on basics, have patterns and get a special dress for that special occasion. Now next time you are out shopping and thinking about whether to buy a dressy tunic or a lovely shirt think about this and use the save or spend funda.

Bottoms:

Denim: Spend

Every wardrobe irrespective of age has this versatile piece of clothing. The fit has to be perfect. Try as many pairs as you want and then buy the one that just feels right. Don’t look at the cost then, it will be your second skin so spend not splurge though ☺

Black / Brown Pants: Spend

Any working lady, the importance of black pants. They have a slimming effect on the lower body, it’s a universal colour, several Shirts & blouses go with it. So when in doubt wear black. Boardroom meeting black pants and a blazer, party time- black pants and a shimmery blouse. So spend good quality and fitted pant.

Coloured Pants: Save

They are trendy and in fashion right now. So unless it’s a very basic colour like brown don’t spend on corals or red.

Smart Shopping: Save / Spend (Cont.)

Tops:

Tunics / Ethnic Tops: Save

You are not going to repeat the same tunics every alternate day, so don’t splurge. Get good quality fabric and a couple of colours and style to change your look every day. You can also get a common white /beige/silk tunic on which you can spend.

T-Shirt: Save

We wear tees close to our skin, washing and washing ruins the shell life. So unless it’s a basic black tee, don’t spend much. But don’t get very flimsy fabrics either.

Dress: Spend

If you like wearing dresses to work, then get a knee-length shift dress in a dark colour like black, brown/deep blue. Combined with a basic jacket and you are all set for the office or combined with a jazzy scarf or bolero jacket and all set for a nice dinner party.

Jacket: Spend

If you stay in the city where you have winters, unlike Mumbai where winters are a joke ☺… Spend on a good style, high on comfort. If you have heavy bust don’t opt for cropped jackets.

Silk Sarees: Spend

Original silk is all-season all favourite. So get at least one silk saree in the colour you love. I prefer Red because it just adds festivity to the occasion.

Smart Shopping: Save / Spend (Cont.)

Lingerie

Bra: Spend

A well-fitting bra can make or break your outfit… So ladies especially mothers please go to a nice place, get yourself measured properly and invest in 2 wired bra’s (black and nude)… No whites, please.

Panty: Save

The simple reason is we need to change them often and replace them often… So get a couple of styles for various kinds of bottoms your wear.

Accessories:

Work Shoes & Bag: Spend

Whatever your style is, peep toes, pumps, kitten heels… Spend on the pair of shoes that you are going to wear every single day and for a minimum of 8 hours. Choose comfortable shoes, good fabric, classic colours.

Evening Shoes & Bag: Save

Depends on your lifestyle. If you are the party and fine dining kinds or if you too many weddings to attend than invest or just save.

Stud Earring’s: Spend

Real Diamonds / American, have at least one pair then you can just wear every single day if you have to.

The list goes on and on… The idea here is for you to know your lifestyle is and then decide on the save and spend, the utility of the purchase.

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