On wardrobe

I'm nowhere near an expert on fashion but I'd like to share some thoughts about my approach to a wardrobe. You might ask, Where do I start?

In terms of professional wardrobe items, I encourage anyone to take a few moments in your closet and determine 3 things.

• Your go-to ensembles. 
• Inspect their quality. Are they holding up? Look for pilling, holes, etc. 
• Do they fit well? Do they make you look stumpy? An example of stumpy: 

                               

the skirt is too long and should end at the arrow

• Consider minor alterations (shortening, slimming), or else reconsider the brand.
• Can you mix and match between the items? This is a huge point! We want to optimize versatility so each morning can be as effortless as possible!
• Duplicates.
• If you have a lot of similar items, you might want to reconsider purchasing the 2nd item next time.
• Rotating between items such as blazers may wise but if the 2nd item could be in a different texture, cut, or color, that may elevate your wardrobe to another level. Again, my pet peeve is having the same thing in different colors. Quantity is not quality. 
• Example of another khaki skirt but in a crinkly 'safari-hunt' texture, which emits a more relaxed look:

                          

• Colors.
• The more monochromatic, the more scrutiny you should put into the shape and the cut. Make them count!
• Tans, navy, and burgundy could brighten up your closet if you are color-conservative.
• Bright bold colors should be muted with demure silhouettes or simple lines. 

Now after knowing your current status, it's time to draw a game plan.

• What you 'need' vs. what you 'want'
• Let's take a blazer as an example. I think blazers are one of the most versatile pieces because you can style it in so many ways. So let's say you 'need' a blazer. 
• You might 'want' a $200 blazer (like someone here!) but be sure to weigh your other options carefully. Have you checked out other brands? Read reviews and blogs? I love the Theory blazers, but I have been fine with a $40 blazer from H&M. Even with wearing it many, many times, it still looks awesome for school and meetings. 
• How much are you willing to spend on 
• A staple item of superior quality - perhaps saved for an important interview
• An item of mediocre quality - that you might wear it more often
• There is no rush. 
• Resist the 'hottest trends' and try to think 5 years ahead. Would it still be fashionable? Be a Chanel and think timeless.  Don't let media dictate what you are missing, either.
• You don't need to buy everything at once or within the same year. A curated closet is one that slowly builds over time, drawing from various yet robust trends. 
• Cheaper alternatives can be valuable if you're just not that ready to pull that trigger for a designer item. The danger is buying too many of these cheaper alternatives. I would trade 3 H&M wrinkle-prone pencil skirt for a J.crew No.2 double-serge wool pencil skirt. (They are amazing!)
• Keep within your budget.
• It's hard. You can do it!

A lot about shopping is knowing your body type and your style. While 'your style' may be hard to define, know what type of clothes flatter your body most. Take pictures! Play dress-up! And never be afraid to ask for an opinion or two. I hope to share some of my favorite shopping sites and clothing items, but I'm working on a more logical progression towards it. :)