©Treat Your Wardrobe Like Your 401(k)

I totally support this investment philosophy when comes to buying things for your wardrobe. This phrase is from a recent article on InStyle Magazine. I'd like to share some thoughts about a few of the fashion ideas discussed in the article.

If you look up "wardrobe" on WordNet there are three definitions:

1. wardrobe -- closet, press (a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes)
2. wardrobe -- (collection of clothing belonging to one person)
3. wardrobe -- (collection of costumes belonging to a theatrical company)

Clearly, we are talking about a collection of clothing you may want to purchase for yourself or a place to put such clothing in. We all need to get smart about how we spend our dollars. Long ago, Coco Chanel, a woman who knew fashion like a supermodel had some good advice: "All one needs are two or three suites, as long as they, and everything to go with them, are perfect." In theory she's right. In these days of endless options, you can have roomfuls of stuff and nada to wear. What's important is having an assured sense of your own style and a strategy.

"Treat your wardrobe like your 401k"; simply means, put your dough in things that continue to deliver long after you've bought them. "Plan your long term wardrobe, especially if your budget is limited," says designer Roland Mouret. "Only buy pieces that you can't live without, and don't be tempted to spend a lot on disposable trends."

Investing wisely in clothes you'll wear forever means understanding the difference between everyday basics you can't live without and those singular pieces that you fall in love with at first sight and keep for years. Basics are all about fit and functionality. A wardrobe full of basics is a wardrobe without a soul. Find items that are special, unexpected and unique to you. In other words, find your own style.

If you have a clear understanding of your figure strengths, your lifestyle and what makes your heart beat faster, you'll be able to invest wisely in your wardrobe. The InStyle Magazine has put together a list of questions to ask yourself in order to get a clearer understanding of your wardrobe needs. We'll share the list with you in our next issue of "Tips & Tricks". Or, you can go to visit InStyle.com and get the list there. We strongly recommend that you read through the list if you can.

I totally support this investment philosophy when comes to buying things for your wardrobe. This phrase is from a recent article on InStyle Magazine. I'd like to share some thoughts about a few of the fashion ideas discussed in the article.

If you look up "wardrobe" on WordNet there are three definitions:

1. wardrobe -- closet, press (a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes)
2. wardrobe -- (collection of clothing belonging to one person)
3. wardrobe -- (collection of costumes belonging to a theatrical company)

Clearly, we are talking about a collection of clothing you may want to purchase for yourself or a place to put such clothing in. We all need to get smart about how we spend our dollars. Long ago, Coco Chanel, a woman who knew fashion like a supermodel had some good advice: "All one needs are two or three suites, as long as they, and everything to go with them, are perfect." In theory she's right. In these days of endless options, you can have roomfuls of stuff and nada to wear. What's important is having an assured sense of your own style and a strategy.

"Treat your wardrobe like your 401k"; simply means, put your dough in things that continue to deliver long after you've bought them. "Plan your long term wardrobe, especially if your budget is limited," says designer Roland Mouret. "Only buy pieces that you can't live without, and don't be tempted to spend a lot on disposable trends."

Investing wisely in clothes you'll wear forever means understanding the difference between everyday basics you can't live without and those singular pieces that you fall in love with at first sight and keep for years. Basics are all about fit and functionality. A wardrobe full of basics is a wardrobe without a soul. Find items that are special, unexpected and unique to you. In other words, find your own style.

If you have a clear understanding of your figure strengths, your lifestyle and what makes your heart beat faster, you'll be able to invest wisely in your wardrobe. The InStyle Magazine has put together a list of questions to ask yourself in order to get a clearer understanding of your wardrobe needs. We'll share the list with you in our next issue of "Tips & Tricks". Or, you can go to visit InStyle.com and get the list there. We strongly recommend that you read through the list if you can.