If you know me you know I’m a returns girl. There I said it. No shame. I will return anything that I can that I don’t like, don’t wear, or doesn’t fit well; and I will take advantage of any return policy in order to only have items that I really like. My rule is to only give yourself two weeks to make a decision.
Before you start judging or worrying that I’m returning used items (only a few times) that were passed the return policy date and then I got an extension (once), please hear me out.
My issues with overspending
We buy too much in our consumer-obsessed culture. I am super guilty of this myself, I spent years as one of Aritzia’s top clients (a fact I still am ashamed to admit but we’re all about being honest here!) because when I liked one sweater I’d buy it in all colors, when the new season’s Super Puff came out I needed it in a new color. When my SA would text and tell me a new collection was in I’d make a point to get to the store or shop online with her. And when I’d walk into the Aritzia at Bellevue Square everyone would greet me by name. Yes, I had a problem. I would love to tell you that I found self control and got over the addiction on my own, but the truth is that my problem left when my SA did. Bless her for leaving!
My point is as I reveal some of my darker moments is that I have been guilty of over purchasing, and it’s something I’m still working on. But I’ve created a rule to try and help keep myself from retaining the items I purchase, and only keep what is absolutely necessary. I have a rule where if I don’t wear an item within the first two weeks of owning it then I have to return it. Unless it’s for a very special event and I know that’s the thing I’m going to wear then I have to make it work in my current life.
I have a rule where if I don’t wear an item within the first two weeks of owning it then I have to return it.
How the two week rule works
You might be thinking “well what if I don’t have anything special going on?” then that piece won’t work for your everyday life and you should probably return it! Even if you’re just going to work or to the grocery store if the item doesn’t fit into your life you’re probably not going to wear it.
Take this fabulous denim trench that was on my wishlist. It’s been a week since it was delivered and I’m still trying to find ways to wear it in the middle of summer. While I love a trench look with a short or a skirt underneath that’s not really a look I’m comfortable in right now (and that’s ok!) so I’m working to figure out how I can wear it for an evening outting without overheating in this rare 80 degree Seattle weather. And since I’m still staying home for the most part postpartum styling a coat right now is really difficult! But we’re on this journey together so let me break down my styling thought process for you.
Example time: to keep or not to keep the denim trench coat?
Since the trench is oversized and a bit thick in the shoulders I want to juxtapose that heaviness with something light underneath. This could mean a linen pant with a tank top or a shift dress. I also want to think about my footwear because the trench is so long (also I’m 5’4) it touches the ground just the slightest bit on the bottom. In the fall I’m excited to wear it with a platform or a chunky heel, but that’s not really what I’m wearing right now. Instead I have these platform sandals that are easy to slip on while I have baby in my arms and they look great with a linen pant draped over. I’m also considering wearing the trench with a pair of light wash and oversized denim but I’ll need to throw on a belt and perhaps tuck in a tank or something thin that won’t make me too hot. And don’t forget to throw on some hoops! If you see me standing in line for an iced (hot in the afternoon gives me a stomach ache) oatmilk (the best, stop hatting on oatmilk) decaf (I already had my one shot of espresso in the am and I’m trying to be good for my child) honey (the best alternative sweetener when a cafe doesn’t make their own syrup, but all cafes really should do that, take some pride in your drinks people!) cinnamon (good flavor, good for different things in your body look it up) latte (yum) please stop and comment on how fabulous you think it looks. I really spent a lot of effort putting the fit together.
Styling
Whether it’s a denim trench or the new Miu Miu x New Balance sneakers or the Bottega Veneta Orbits in that fun green with gold the things you purchase shouldn’t sit on a shelf waiting for you to wear them. Some people collect handbags for fun and never wear them. And as a handbag hoe I can’t necessarily say don’t do that, but I would recommend not letting the beautiful things you purchase die on a shelf unloved.
For example, I purchased the Gucci monogrammed Tom sling backs with the stellar square toe last fall but didn’t wear them in the first two weeks. This meant I tried wearing them with an outfit about two months later (passed the return period and passed our golden rule!) for a fashion event in Seattle with a wide leg jean and my second hand Balmain leather blazer from The Refind and the weather forecast called for rain but I was feeling bold and told my dear friend Tim we’d park close and well, I was screwed. Not only did the shoes get wet but the delicate heel got stuck in every crack I managed to walk on and was totally torn up. I haven’t worn the shoes since.
My advice: ask a friend, ask your stylist (me!)
If I had stuck to my rule then I would have realized the issues with the shoes. They are beautiful and so on trend with the square toe and kitten heel but I didn’t have enough outfits or moments to make them work. Also I purchased them at the worst time of the year in Seattle. If I was giving my best friend advice on the shoes and she didn’t have outfits to wear them with I would have told her to wait a season and then purchase them; or two seasons in Seattle because the rain wouldn’t have stopped until just about summer time. If she still loved the shoes and could think of outfits and they were available then it would have been a great purchase. One that was trans-seasonal and smart. She also would have prioritized wearing them and then would have worn them!
If you have something you’re considering purchasing and you a) don’t know if you should b) don’t know how to style it or c)need help finding it drop me a note and let’s chat! Be better than me.
