I don’t know about you but I am getting pretty antsy for Spring to arrive. And while I don’t necessarily want to go shopping for a bunch of new (or used) stuff, I do want to find ways to add some punch to my wardrobe this season. The plan: to shop my closet and perhaps add one or two core pieces and new accessories. To help me get geared up for the challenge, I have found this book very helpful:
While I wouldn’t say there is anything all that new to learn from this book, I do like the positive energy it exudes. Lois Joy Johnson has some great advice on sprucing things up…and she doesn’t mean we have to go shopping for new things (unless necessary). The biggest tips I am taking to heart are investing in more long tanks (for layering) and shape wear. I borrowed my copy from the library but if you decide to buy it, Amazon’s price is a good deal on this book. It is a big book and would be a good resource for your style library.
While waiting for Spring to blossom, I have bought a few accessories (all on Ebay–because I love to buy used first!) to add my own “blooms” to my clothes. Before I share what I have bought, let me confess to a slight transgression.
A long time ago I read in a financial planning book that if you really want something and save the money for it, it can be a fun, guilt-free purchase…no matter its cost…because it has not been purchased on credit. I decided to save money for a new camera. I researched many brands/types and decided to save for one of the new compact camera system/mirror-less ones. They can perform as well as digital SLRs but are smaller and thus easier to tote around and use. I saved for a few months, found the one I wanted, bought it, got it, took about 10 photos and it died. No lie. Back the camera went and in my post-camera saving/buying depression, I sort of went browsing on Ebay where I found a watch, scarf and handbag—in that order. So instead of a new camera, I used my hard-saved dollars for my Spring accessories.
Yes, I am fully aware I need therapy. But why not look cute while mental?
I am a Seiko fan so this is the watch I bought:
Now I have a dressy and casual Seiko watch. You may remember in this post about finding my lovely vintage Gruen watch. I don’t wear it…I love it but it just isn’t practical for moi. Sad, huh? I will be selling it in the near future.
Then I found this gorgeous Hermes scarf. I put in my maximum bid, fully expecting not to win it…but I did:
I have already worn it a few times. It has great colors and design…I am in awe of its beauty. And the art deco time period? Love!
And then the “new to me” handbag:
(this one is listed on Ebay)
A few months ago I sold the red, vintage Coach handbag that I had. I have no idea why…rash moment of minimizing probably. I love having a red handbag. Since then, so many times I have gotten dressed and thought, “Hmmm…too bad I don’t have a RED bag to go with this outfit–moron!” I saw this particular bag being carried by a woman (who has fabulous classic style) and asked which “model” it was. Once found in red, it was a done deal.
So now I am broke again. I have restarted my camera fund (currently at $68–a long way to go) but I don’t regret my choices. I know I will get years of use out of each thing I have bought…unlike the seconds of use I got out of the original camera purchase. Hmmmph!
And in other encouraging news…my hair is getting long. I didn’t really think it was until I straightened it the other day. LOOK!!!:
Shocker! There is so much curl in my hair that it is hard to tell when it is getting length. Curly hair tends to grow out instead of down. And some of my curls get more corkscrew-y as the hair grows.
So, spill it! Any planned Spring purchases for your wardrobe this year? Is it possible to exist without a red handbag in one’s wardrobe? ; )
~~Heather~~
