by

Following Up on Closet Personality Types

Before I delve into today’s post, I’d like to share something with you.  Recently, Imogen Lamport of “Inside Out Style Blog” asked me to do a post for her “Stylish Thoughts” series.  Well, my guest post went live on Monday!  Click here to check it out…

Today’s post is a follow-up to last month’s article titled, “What is Your Closet Personality Type?”  As a reminder, that article was based upon a video from Bridgette Raes on the five basic closet personalities.  In my post, I presented an overview of the various types and shared some personal thoughts and experiences with each type.

At the end of my post, I mentioned that Bridgette had offered to answer questions from readers of “Recovering Shopaholic” on the topic of closet personalities.  I’m pleased to say that Bridgette outdid herself in her responses!  She was very comprehensive and I’m excited to share more of her style psychology wisdom with you today. Continue reading →

by

Project 333 Round Two Recap

Last week, I finished my abbreviated second round of minimalist clothing challenge Project 333.  I’m glad I decided to shorten my Project 333 term from the standard three months to two months this time around, as I was definitely ready to regain access to the rest of my closet.  However, I’m also happy that I opted to try dressing with a capsule wardrobe once again.  I like challenges and I learned some useful things about myself and my closet through dressing with less for the past two months.

In today’s post, I offer a recap of my Project 333 experience.  Unlike my recap from my first round of the challenge, I’m not going to share a whole bunch of numbers.  I wasn’t as compelled to tabulate data this time, although I will share a few tidbits and photos in this summary.  However, my primary focus will be more on what I learned, which I hope will be useful to those of you who also want to cultivate smaller and more workable wardrobes.  In the end, that’s really what Project 333 is all about, dressing with less and loving what we wear each and every day.  A very worthy goal, I feel! Continue reading →

by

February 2014 Accountability Update

The second month of the year is now behind us, so it’s time for another accountability update.  If you’re new to “Recovering Shopaholic,” here’s the scoop…  I’ve committed to posting monthly accountability updates as a way of keeping 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 and how I did with my shopping budget and rules.   I typically write about what I wore that month as well, but since I just finished an abbreviated round of Project 333, I will include that information in a separate post (to go live later this week).

The truth

Accountability can help with our recovery process.

Continue reading →

by

Building a Workable Wardrobe – Part Two

The following is a guest post from Dottie, a regular reader of this blog, who is sharing some strategies for building a workable wardrobe.  This is the second part of a two-part series (read part one here). Part One covered essentials like body type, color palette, personal style, and so forth. This section focuses on a further strategy for building a workable wardrobe. Dottie welcomes feedback from “Recovering Shopaholic” readers, especially those of you who have additional strategies that you’ve used for creating your own wardrobe.

How to Build a Wardrobe Using a Color Palette

Years ago, I had a color analysis, which helped me identify the ideal colors that I should wear. My palette consists of:  black, charcoal gray, medium gray, light gray, white, navy blue, medium blue, red (blue-red), burgundy, dark violet, icy violet, icy blue, icy pink, and a blue teal.  The colors you wear near your face should be the most flattering colors for your hair color, skin tone, and eye color. Continue reading →

by

Building a Workable Wardrobe – Part One

The following is a guest post from Dottie, a regular reader of this blog, who is sharing some strategies for building a workable wardrobe.  In this first part of a two-part series, she focuses on personal style, color palette, and other considerations that can help in the selection of clothing for a wardrobe that “works.” Dottie welcomes feedback from “Recovering Shopaholic” readers, especially those of you who have additional strategies that you’ve used for creating your own wardrobe.

For most people, building a wardrobe that really works may take years of trial and error. A lot of what we buy for our wardrobe is driven by what’s promoted as the latest fashion – and as this is constantly changing, it can be confusing when faced with so much choice. Just think of the options available for jeans: Slim leg or skinny? Dark wash or distressed denim? Bright colors or patterns? Coated or not? Mid-rise, low-rise, or natural waist?

One approach to building a wardrobe is to buy what fits and works within your budget. But you can end up with a lot of clothes that don’t work well across your wardrobe. When I was just starting to build a wardrobe for work years ago, I bought items in pairs – a top and a skirt or pants, for example. I made an attempt to purchase clothes in a particular color palette (the wrong one, it turns out). But, looking back, there was less cohesion – less of a wardrobe than a collection of odds and ends. Continue reading →