“Home Shopping” Has a New Meaning: Proactive Wardrobe Planning is Part of the Big Picture

The next time you decide to go shopping for new clothes, visit your closet. I think I had a spiritual experience on Saturday. Instead of spending a ton of money online or at the mall, I decided to visit my closet.

Shopping online at favorite websites seemed like a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. There were a ton of new clothes in my shopping cart when I had to make a trip to my closet to get a pants size. The shopping cart had James Perse T-shirts and cargo pants, Vince sweaters, and Juicy Couture shorts. I was having fun like I usually do when I find a good deal or a good deal.

I was going to buy a new pair of James Perse parachute cargo pants when I needed to check my size. So come downstairs and lo and behold, I went into my closet to see what size I bought last month. That’s when I decided to take a closer look at the clothes that hung neatly in sections of pants, shorts, capris, blouses, dresses, T-shirts, jackets and coats. In reality, my closet looks like a well-organized section of a high-end department store. I’m in the designer handbag and purse business, so I’m in the habit of collecting high-end fashions from every possible cool website and boutique.

My shoes are all neatly organized by designer names and color-labeled on the outside of the box. My favorite sneaker collection is the Nike Rift in wild colors and patterns. Camper leather shoes are very comfortable so I have a lot of neat red boxes on the shelves. Prada Sport shoes range from flats to platforms, and all are color-marked and labeled. Hermes dress shoes wear less, but nevertheless they are neat on the shelf.

I have a soft spot for boots, which is why my collection of Henry Cuir, Prada, Ann Demeulemeester, Mosquito, Robert Clergerie, Camper, Miu Miu, Diesel, Michael KORS, UGG, and Ralph Lauren are carefully labeled and waiting to be worn. . They range from ankle length to above knee style, and I wear them with just about anything when I feel like boots. My favorites are a new gaucho style from Brazil. And of course, you can’t beat Henry Leather’s light weight for warm weather.

My closet is really a fun place to visit and organize. All Hermes designer bags are neatly stored in their orange boxes and labeled on the outside. Of course, my favorite of all the Hermes designer bags are the unobtainable Birkin bags. The Hermes Market Bag is also a fun medium style and is ideal for day or night carry.

While looking for the James Perse cargo pants size, I realized that I had several things that I had not worn with labels still attached. So, I started pulling out items and holding them side by side. Then, without hesitation, I started coordinating outfits from the closet contents. I found tops that I forgot I had. I found James Perse double jerseys of the same color and style! I was having the best time of my life. I suddenly realized that shopping from home had a new meaning. Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten blouses were funkier than ever! Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent and Eskandar’s jackets were fashionable and timeless pieces. Robert Rodríguez’s skirts, crochet blouses and gaucho pants have never looked so beautiful.

It was impossible to coordinate the clothes without trying them on and I don’t buy clothes if they don’t fit my figure, so I knew it would fit me. I just hadn’t thought or taken the time to put certain things together. I tried on all the outfits that I coordinated. It was like buying new clothes. Robert Rodríguez met Marni for the first time and they looked great together. Calvin Klein and Ya-Ya were a couple made of 100% cotton! Dosa and Pinko are ready to wear to a party. As are Gucci and Ann Demeulemeester. One of my favorite combinations is a green silk Bernard Willhelm dress over a pair of Danang cotton leggings.

Most of the time when I am getting ready to go out, I walk into the closet and think there is nothing to wear. Who would have thought that Bernard Willhelm and Danang would make a good couple? I’m usually in too much of a rush to think creatively when I need to put items together and end up using the same thing many times. Now the homework is done. Proactive wardrobe planning is now an integral part of the big picture.

Many of the items matched as if they were meant to be used together. I found an off-white silk Armani asymmetric tunic that I bought for sale at Neiman Marcus about three years ago that I had dry cleaned and never wore. The Armani tunic now hangs over a Gary Graham black silk long straight sheath dress, which has never been worn either. The two elements seem made for each other. The look is up to date, the style is current and I never wore any of the clothes! I can’t wait for a special occasion to wear the new outfit.

Instinctive shopping is a habit because I am a notorious bargain hunter. Buying out of necessity or any other motivation rarely produces good results. So the colors, styles, and designs in my closet blend together creating a personal style. Probably like many creative buyers.

The items that I usually buy today are exclusive, classic, original, pieces that I know I will use or need one day! They range from Danang silk charges to Rick Owens knitwear. The prices are usually all discounted because I don’t believe in paying full price unless of course the price is right! My entire small business was based on retail pricing, so I need to speak personally as well. I really believe that below retail is the only way to buy.

Running a small e-commerce website on the Internet lends itself to simple and comfortable work clothes. Sitting in front of a computer all day is great for comfy, funky garments, cottons, and sweatshirts. So when I go out, I like to add a little more flair and accessories. Marni jewelry and Hermes silk scarves can enhance a plain T-shirt or cotton skirt. For shoes, a simple pair of Prada sandals or a pair of Kork Ease platforms are my favorite shoes to wear with just about anything. It’s hard to believe I’ve been in love with and using Kork Ease for over thirty years! Bringing it all together and making the look on-trend is easy when there’s a closet full of almost forgotten designer clothes, shoes, and bags.

Buying from home has a new meaning. The time I spent matching t-shirts, pants, shoes, and purses saved me a lot of prep time for my next appointment, meeting, date, etc. Most of the quality time shopping at home was spent coordinating items that I rarely wear, leaving everyday, very casual items to a freer-style mood selection process. I no longer care what to wear to dinner on Monday night, or what I’ll wear if he asks me out! It’s all there, and it’s been there waiting for me to take the time to put it all together. I feel relieved? Yes. Do I feel like my time was well spent? Yes. Do I need to buy more clothes? Of course, but not this weekend! I’ll save that activity for next week, or maybe after I’ve had a chance to use everything in my closet at least once!