Did I TICK You Off?

A few months ago I sent out an Insider News called "Which Watch Makes You Tick?", where I presented 3 personality types regarding style. Since my personality was 100% design-focused, I thought everyone else would also have a clear personality type too.

Well, I stand corrected. I got a note from my Client Jennie (Hi Jennie) and here is what she said.

“In your article, you say there are 3 types of people - those who value luxury, those who like luxury but at a lower cost, and those who prefer design over luxury.
 
I am constantly trying to weed things out of my closet, and I am frozen with indecision because I am trapped between being the type of person who values luxury and the type of person who prefers design over luxury.
 
In my closet, I have some things that I got back when I didn't have the same income I do now, and they are cute styles but with lower quality fabrics - they don't feel as soft or wear as well, for instance.
 
I also have things that I spent a good chunk of change to buy but I'm not crazy about them anymore.  Some of these are from as recently as last year.  I am not the kind of person who sells things, so I would just donate them.  That's ok with me, but I hate to let go of expensive things if I'm going to regret it later, and I don't trust myself to make good decisions!
 
So, what's your advice?  Do I get rid of the styles I like because they're not of the quality that is important to me, and/or do I get rid of higher-end things that are just ok style-wise because I know they're good quality and they will serve me well?  If I hate something and will never wear it regardless of the quality it's an easy toss, but if something is just ok - high quality or not - I find it hard to get rid of because I don't want to have nothing in my closet and then feel unhappy because I'm wearing the same thing all the time!”

My Reply -

“I guess just like when you take those personality tests, often people have a mixture of personalities.

Now, remember this advice is coming from someone who prefers design over luxury. Personally, I have tried many high-end items and can say that often I like the less expensive version much better and have found them to be truly durable. You will probably hear from other stylists to invest in quality pieces blah blah blah. I think each item may be a case on its own.

So I think you may have to review each low-priced item and see if it “sparks joy”, feels comfortable, and makes you feel great when you wear it. As long as it doesn’t look cheap and you like it, it is a keeper. I am always secretly smiling when I get compliments from people who I  know to spend a lot of money on blah clothes or ask if something of mine is a specific designer item.

As for the expensive pieces if you think you are not going to wear them, or you might out of guilt, but don’t really enjoy wearing them, then I recommend you give them away. But before you donate them, would one of your friends or family want them? I know I always prefer to give items to someone I know first if I know it will make them happy.

Going forward, after you have purchased something you may want to take it on a test run -  wear it around the house for a while. Then think about if you were wearing this item and ran into an ex-boyfriend or someone from school that you hadn’t seen in a million years, would you feel great in this outfit or would you be like “damn I wish I looked better”? (Hair not included in these thoughts).

I hope this is helpful and I guess for everyone it is not so cut and dry. I am a clear design person, but for you, the lines are a bit greyer.”

I would love to know your thoughts. Do you agree or have further questions? Why not write a comment?

So now I have promised you a FREE Offer.

Did you know that Nordstrom’s Anniversary sale is going on? Preview items are live now!

Would you like my help in shopping the sale virtually?

Great, just click on my personal request link.

Please remember, I am not a mind reader. Don’t forget to send me some detailed notes with preferences, favorite brands, approximate budget, and whatever might be helpful for me to find the best items for you :)