Month: May 2014

by

Packing for Travel: Reader Tips and Useful Links

In my last post, I wrote about how closet “cheat sheets” can help us to better manage our wardrobes.  One of the applications I mentioned for this type of wardrobe aid related to packing, and a number of readers shared that they use a cheat sheet or checklist when they travel. Since I am preparing for a trip later this week, I decided to focus today’s post on the topic of packing for travel.

Although I used to travel quite frequently, my trips have been few and far between in recent years.  In fact, the last trip I took was the one I wrote about in “On Packing, Travel, and Wardrobe Gaps” back in December.  Sadly, I found myself woefully unprepared for the cold weather I encountered during my trip to the Lake Tahoe area to visit family.  Although the primary topic of my December post centered on wardrobe gaps, I received many helpful packing tips from readers, many of whom are seasoned travelers.

Packing for Travel

Do you struggle with packing for travel? I know I do!

Continue reading →

by

Get Dressed Easier with Closet “Cheat Sheets”

Sometimes we need to get dressed quickly and get out the door.  We often don’t have much time to put together new ensembles, so we tend to stick with the same “tried and true” outfits we’ve worn countless times.  The fact that many of us are perpetually short of time goes a long way toward explaining why most women wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time.

Creative Solutions to Closet Conundrums

Wardrobe Management Tips

Do you reach for the same combinations over and over?

I have more time than a lot of people, but I still find myself reaching for the same combinations time and again.  However, since I’m working toward cultivating a smaller and more workable wardrobe, I really want to make sure all of my closet items are earning their keep.  If things aren’t getting worn, I either need to find ways to make it easier to wear them or pass the neglected pieces on for donation or consignment. Continue reading →

by

2014 Purchase Analysis – January though April

This post launches a new feature on “Recovering Shopaholic.”  As most of you know, I’ve been sharing what I’ve bought and what I’ve purged from my wardrobe since the genesis of this blog.   In recent months, I’ve also started sharing my reasons for both my purchases and the closet pieces I’ve let go.  However, there has been one missing link from the equation…  I haven’t taken the time to analyze my purchases after the fact to see if they ended up being good buys – or buying mistakes.

January - April 2014 Purchases

I’ve purchased these 20 pieces since the beginning of 2014.

We Think Our Purchases are Good When We Make Them

I believe that most of us think we’re making good purchases at the time when we buy something new.  However, for a variety of reasons, that doesn’t always end up being the case. Sometimes our emotions get in the way of our rational thought, or we may be pressured into buying something by a salesperson or the friends or family members with whom we shop.  We may also inadvertently purchase something that’s very similar to pieces we already have in our closet, or we might rationalize buying a particular item because it’s on sale or is in line with a current “hot” trend. Continue reading →

by

April 2014 Accountability Update

A new month has begun, so it’s time for another accountability update, this time for April 2014.  If you’re new to “Recovering Shopaholic,” here’s the deal…  I’ve committed to posting monthly accountability updates to keep myself honest and on track with my wardrobe and shopping goals.  These posts include what came into and left my closet during a given month, what I wore, and how I did with my shopping budget and rules.

Honesty and Accountability Continue reading →