Common Mistakes When Shopping for Clothes

How to Avoid the “Fashion Regret”

Have you ever experienced a fashion regret? Trust me you’re not alone! I've fallen into several traps over the years. I have been drawn in by designer names at times and I've purchased things on vacation I didn't really need. I even bought outfits for “that event” that I thought I might attend.  These kind of heat-of-the-moment purchases are what leads to fashion regrets. 

Online ordering is another pitfall. Have you ever ordered something and been surprised by how different it looked in person? This is also similar to not trying things on in the store while shopping. There’s no way to know if it will fit well, or suit us, until we get home. Add a sale to the mix and you’ve got yourself a minefield of bad ideas.

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So how do we avoid these regrets? How do we shop for good style investments?

When I buy clothes, I want to make good investments. I want the clothes to be timeless in style, to last a long time, and to spend more time on me than on the hanger. I have learned how to do this well the hard way. There isn’t anything worse than making a purchase, then regretting it and feeling like I just wasted hard earned money. I have a few questions to keep in mind while you’re shopping to ensure that you won’t make another Fashion Regret.

Download my free Stylist In My Pocket Guide below. It’s my favorite fashion tool in my pocket that I use on my shopping trips.

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Here are some questions I like to think about before making a fashion purchase.

Does it fit my body well?

I can’t even count how many times in the past when I have purchased an item of clothing, only to realize it doesn't fit properly. One recommendation I consistently share with my clients is to try things on to save you the hassle of a return. If you are planning on making countless alterations, you may never be satisfied with the final product. If you are trying to make a decision between sizes it may be best to pass on the items and not purchase at all.

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Will I be comfortable wearing this item?

I often pass on wearing an outfit knowing that is uncomfortable. When I decide what to wear I will ask myself a few questions. Is the jacket too snug in the shoulders making it difficult to drive? Can I walk more than 10 steps without holding onto my husband? When you make a fashion purchase you want to make sure your purchase is comfortable. Move around in an item. Sit, cross your legs, bend squat do whatever you do on a daily basis to be sure the item you are contemplating is comfy. Wear shoes around the department store and don’t just walk on carpeted areas, walk on hard floors too. If there is any doubt, leave it at the store!

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Does this match MY style?

Have you made a purchase based on styles that you admire on other women, rather then the style you know and love? My clients have shared so many similar stories about their fashion regrets based on that same feeling. I encourage my clients to experiment with style, but when it comes to making a commitment to a new look, experiment with one item at a time. Know YOUR OWN STYLE first and think about if you would really wear this new look before making the purchase.

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Does it fit my lifestyle?

Take a moment to really think about your lifestyle….

The early morning school run, cleaning the house, sitting at a desk all afternoon; are your clothes built for this? If you’re not likely to wear your pearls and Chanel to the grocery store, it may be best to stick to some basic staples. On the other hand, if you’re always out on the town or at dinner parties, do you really need another pair of jeans? When you know YOUR style that matches YOUR lifestyle you will see yourself making less mistakes.

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Can I afford it?

Working out if you can afford something goes deeper than the money in your purse. Can you afford to wear the outfit regularly without fear that you’ll ruin it? Can you afford to get it repaired if you do? Sometimes we treat ourselves to clothes that we never end up wearing, because we’re afraid of wasting that money. But clothes are made to be worn, so find a comfortable price range and stick to it.

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Do I have a place to wear it?

A big factor in why a lot of our garments lay unworn, is because we buy them for an occasion that may never come. I see many formal dresses that I feel are perfect for weddings and dinner parties, but I tell myself to hold back until I actually have the event to attend.

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Does it fit a purpose, and fill a gap in my wardrobe?

Now here is a tip for you that will change your shopping experience. Go to the store when you need something will save you a lot of time and money. Pinpointing what you need and why you need it, will help you avoid repetitive buying. Hold the item you’re interested in and ask yourself; what purpose will this item fulfill? Where will I wear it? Will I wear it often? Is it something I don’t already own? Is there a deeper reason to purchasing it than ‘I just want it’?

P.S I offer a Virtual Styling App that you can load your entire wardrobe and scroll through as you’re shopping!

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Can I wear it with at least 3 other things in my wardrobe?

Three is the magic number! Before you buy an item, think about what you have at home to pair with it. Imagine what the garment will look like with 2-3 other pieces. Can you match this item with your favorite jacket? Or does the top fit with your favorite skirt? If you can pair this item with least 2-3 items, you will be more satisfied with this purchase.

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Don’t fall for that BOGO sale every time! Do I really want this item, or is it just part of a tempting deal?

Impulse sale buying can definitely lead to fashion regrets and clothes you don’t wear. How often do you buy clothes that are part of a buy-one-get-one-free deal? That free item...do you wear it often? Deals often trick us into thinking we are saving money! Don’t fall for it if you weren’t planning on buying the item anyway, you’re only spending more money, and giving up more space in your closet. Closet space is so valuable so think about that when a sales sign catches you.

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Does the brand name matter in my closet?

It can be easy to be drawn to an item because it’s a name brand. The newest “It” bag or The must have designer shoes of the season are so beautiful and on everyone’s wish list. Does it mean we have to have them or are you drawn to them because of the logo? Imagine taking the name/logo off the item. Would it still be as appealing? This might save you a few dollars when you get tempted by that favorite brand name.

Fashionably Yours,

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Top 10 Items to Purge From Your Closet This Winter

Almost everyone I know participates in some form of spring cleaning, whether it's organizing the medicine cabinet or overhauling the garage. In my opinion, however, winter is an even better time of year for cleaning and getting organized. Think about it: most people spend more time inside and have more "downtime" during the winter (especially this year!). Why not turn that idle time into something productive? 

My personal favorite "winter cleaning" project is purging my closet. Maybe it's just in my head, but something about the new year just beginning helps bring into focus that saying, "out with old, in with the new." I just love the look and feel of a closet that's been freshly-organized! It may seem like going through your closet is fairly straightforward, but I've picked up some tips and tricks that will make the process much easier. 

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Believe me, I've been there – you have every intention of purging your closet, but quickly find yourself justifying why you shouldn't get rid of anything. I wore this to so-and-so's wedding. Blue is my color. Oh, I love this dress! Truthfully, regardless of how much you love something, it isn't benefitting you at all shoved in the a drawer or hanging in a crammed closet where you can't even see it.

In order to properly purge your closet, you're going to have to be brutally honest with yourself. If you've only worn something once or can't remember the last time you wore it (or IF you ever wore it!), it's time for it to go. Along the same lines, if you rarely reach for a certain piece and can't picture the next time it will be worn, you should probably get rid of it. You may have heard a rule that if it's been more than a couple of years since you wore something, you should part with it. Personally, I don't totally agree with that – if it's a timeless, unique piece that you genuinely love and you honestly believe you'll wear it again, hang onto it. But that's the key question: will you realistically wear it again? 

I know it can be difficult, but on the bright side, purging several items from your closet means you're making room for one or two more that you really love!

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Or coats that aren’t very warm. Winter fashion has come a long way in recent years. Even puffer coats are much more compact than they used to be! Consider getting rid of any that are noticeably bulky, as well as any that simply don't keep you warm. 

The term "fashion hurts" is a thing of the past. I no longer keep shoes that require grabbing someone nearby to steady myself! If a pair of shoes hurts or causes discomfort, say goodbye.

If you wouldn't leave the house in it and you only wear it to “bum around”, it's gotta go. There's no need to keep any clothes just for "bumming around!"

Items kept out of guilt. We all have them. They aren't our style, but we hold onto them because they're from someone we respect. However, someone else may get lots of use out of that new-with-tags sweater you'll realistically never wear.

Graphic tees have a lot of wonderful uses in fashion, but it simply doesn't make sense to wear your "Single and Ready to Mingle" shirt years after you got married or walk around in a tee for a band you no longer listen to.

This one is along the same lines as "bumming around" sweaters. Just because something is specifically for exercise, doesn't mean it has to be plain, worn out, or in poor condition. Plus, cute new workout clothes can be extra motivating!

Delicates aren't made to last for years and years. Treat yourself to new intimates at least once a year, and get rid of any that are stretched out.

Accessories fall into that category of things most people accumulate without even realizing it. Keep one or two good winter hats and gloves, and get rid of any that look dated or worn out.

Some items simply can't be tailored and sometimes, we mistakenly try to get them to work. If you're still not wearing it, just let that mistake go.

Although I'm a huge advocate of timeless styles like a great denim shirt, even I can't resist hot, on-trend items from time to time. Their lifespan is short, though, so get rid of a few pieces each time you purge your closet. Bell-sleeve tops and cold-shoulder sweaters are great examples.

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Now that you've successfully purged your closet of clothes you no longer wear (yay!), the next step is deciding what to do with them. Items that are obviously worn out or damaged should simply be thrown away, but everything else should be donated or recycled. This is an easy thing you can do to be more sustainable, as it helps keep clothes – which are generally not biodegradable – out of landfills. Plus, other people may be able to give your items new life!

Churches and homeless shelters in your local community are probably always accepting donations. If you need more ideas, I found this one from Good Housekeeping to be very thorough and helpful. 

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I hope these tips have helped inspire you to purge your closet this winter. I know I'll be doing my own! I'd love to see which tips you use, plus hear about your own tricks of the trade, so please tag me and let me know on Instagram @therealchachaolivia! Happy purging, friends!

Happy purging, friends!

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10 Tips for Wardrobe Success

Setting You and Your Closet Up for Fashion Success.

Most women are familiar with the aggravation that comes with walking into your closet and not being able to easily piece together a stylish outfit that you feel comfortable in. When your closet is full of items that are ill fitting, stained, outdated, and unorganized, getting dressed becomes an aggravating and longer routine. 

Setting you and your closet up for fashion success can be accomplished with these 10 tips – 5 from Theo Pace, founder and personal stylist at Chacha-Olivia, and 5 from Jess, professional organizer and founder of The POP Home.

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Before embarking on any type of style work (or organization), I recommend a good closet cleanse. If you're good at staying on top of your wardrobe and regularly assess what you own and wear, then you may only need a little "touch up." 

1. Don't keep anything with holes or stubborn stains.

Keep a running list of the items that need replacing so you can search them out and fill any gaps they may leave in your closet.

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2. Don't keep things out of guilt.

Hand-me-downs are notorious for taking up space in our wardrobe. If you feel comfortable, ask the giver if they'd like it back or would like you to donate it. If you haven't worn it and it's not really you, it doesn't need to take up real estate in your closet and your mind!  Remember this tip the next time you accept a hand-me-down. 

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3. Do keep your basics

White tee shirts and blouses, layering pieces, classic blazers, and trousers are always great items to have in your wardrobe. 

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4. Do not keep uncomfortable shoes

If you never wear a pair of shoes because they hurt too much or you need to hold onto someone while you are walking, it is probably time to let them go. So, let them go.

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5. Do not keep anything that doesn't make you feel confident. Period.

If you are always questioning how you look (or feel) in an outfit, chances are you will never feel confident in it.

"I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence." -YSL

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Once you have completed a thorough closet purge, leaving only the best of what you have, it is time to organize your wardrobe. Establishing an organized closet space will not only allow ease when getting dressed, but it will also make your closet a beautiful space. 

6. Organize by occasion and then by color

I recommend three main departments of hanging clothes in your closet that make getting dressed a breeze. 

Department One: Everyday Wear
The clothes for everyday life, taking the kids to school, meeting with friends, running errands, etc. 

Department Two: Business or Business Casual Attire
The items you would wear to a meeting or possibly a charity event or school function. 

Department Three: Cocktail and Formal Wear
Items that are not worn as regularly, so they should be kept further to the back of the closet. 

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7. Color code to beautify

Once you have the items that you would like to keep separated in the departments, order them by color. In my own closet, I take it one step further and organize by sleeve length as well, it goes from tank tops to long sleeves. 

Though color coding is not a totally necessary part of organizing your wardrobe, this step not only makes it beautiful, but it allows for you to easily find exactly what you need when you need it. There is no sense looking through green business blouses when you need a green tank for a kid’s baseball game. 

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8. To maximize space, use drawer dividers and shelf dividers

I LOVE both of these tools and feel that they are far underutilized in master closets. The drawer dividers are a lifesaver. 

The KonMari Method of file folding may work in some homes, but it does not work in mine. With my husband and I both folding the laundry, there is not always a consistent technique. The drawer dividers ensure that each item stays in its place within the drawer, keeping it from turning into a mess of clothing. They are a practical solution for organized perfection.

The shelf dividers allow for open shelving to remain organized and more importantly, utilized. This is valuable closet real estate that can be used in many ways, including for purses, scarves, and shorts. 

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9. Use the same hangers

This one seems so simple, but makes the BIGGEST difference. There are options that fit every budget. These are my favorite and typically run about $40 for a pack of 100. They are durable, don’t leave annoying creases in the shoulders of blouses or sweaters, and maximize space. Also, they look great!

Pro tip: when you remove an item from the hanger, do not leave the hanger in its place. Designate a hanger spot where all the empty hangers live until they are to be used again. This will keep the racks neat and orderly and help you cut down on the time you spend searching for hangers when putting the laundry away. 

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10. Get your shoes off of the floor

No matter the size or style of your master closet, there is a shoe storage solution that will work for you. 

If you are storing shoes on shelves and need to maximize your space to allow for more shoes, I recommend using these Shoe Slotz. If you’re lucky enough to have tons of space for your shoes and need to keep them all in their place, the Stackable Shoe Drawers are awesome. 

Over the door solutions are really great if you do not have any space for shoes, and you are storing them on the floor. 

The goal here is to get the shoes off the floor to get rid of the clutter. You will be far less likely to toss your dirty clothes on the floor if nothing else is there. 

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A purged and organized closet that is practical, organized, and perfect is attainable for everyone, if these 10 tips are followed to create your perfect space. If you are having trouble tackling this project on your own, reach out for a consultation – we would love to set you and your closet up for wardrobe success! 

To find out more about The Pop Home and founder Jess’s offerings, head to her site here.

Happy Organizing!,

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A New Take on the Dreaded Closet Purge.

So many people offer suggestions on how to take on this project...probably because it is (in my opinion) one of the worst jobs to tackle. Interestingly enough, I could purge my kids closet, a friends closet or my mother in laws closet with no problem. I am great at telling people what to toss, what to sell and what to keep! When it comes to my closet it is a whole different story.

This is such an overwhelming task. And, quite frankly, I don’t find it fun.  It was actually Anton (LOML and biggest fan) who suggested tackling this with some friends. I love this…we are always looking for ways to get together with girlfriends, right?  And, if you’re reading this blog you are probably all about fashion, right? And, we usually hang with like minded women, right?

Here’s how you go about it…

(Remember, these are difficult times and you might have to adjust the way you tackle this. Maybe your friends meet over Zoom or Facetime, maybe they come to your house and you wear your masks and try to stay distant. There are safe ways to tackle this project and have fun all while doing it safely!)

1. Pick 2 of your closest friends. You know, the ones who know you best. The ones who get your lifestyle and your fashion sense. The ones who aren’t afraid to be honest with you.

2. Make arrangements to have a “girls night in.” Find a sitter. Buy some champagne or wine and some easy appetizers that you don’t mind serving in your bedroom.  

3. Before the guests arrive pull out all the “question marks” in your closet. This means anything that needs altering, anything you haven’t worn in a while or anything that you are having trouble pairing up with other things in your wardrobe. You might find a rolling rack and a folding table helpful.  

4. Start a donate bag and a toss bag. You can also start a “sell section” for online consignment to get a little cash back.

5. No need to waste time on things that are worn out or stained. Start the “toss” bag before the guests arrive. If it’s something that you love and you need to replace because you wore it a lot, start a “need to replace” shopping list. The same goes for worn out costume jewelry. Toss it!!!

6. Shoes are a little different. If they really hurt and you don’t wear them or can’t walk in them... life is too short for uncomfortable shoes! Leave these out for a suggestion on donate or “sell” or maybe one of your friends will find them comfortable.

7. When the guests arrive put on a fun playlist and start a fashion show. Remember the scene from “Sex and the City?” Let your friends help you decide...is it worth it to alter it?  Maybe they can pair up that item that’s not getting wear? Or maybe they will tell you to “just let it go?”

8. A nice thank you for your girlfriends could be a gift card to a favorite store, or
gift them a couple of your “donate” or “sell” items. I think it’s always fun to see
someone enjoy something that I wasn’t wearing and make it their own.

9. Pick a friend to bring the donate bag to the donation drop. If it hangs around
you may be tempted to pull things out.  Don’t look back!

10. Have fun and maybe your friends will ask to host the next one!

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If you need to tackle this project alone, I totally get it. It can be done! I’d love to send you my list of helpful tips on how to make this a painless solo project, see below.

Fashionably yours,

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I challenge you...to shop your closet

Several years ago, I ran a shop in Massachusetts with a close friend of mine. We frequently did what we called "Bloomingdale's runs" after work to buy little things we didn't carry in our store, like makeup. One day I asked her if she wanted to come with me and she said no because she was on a "gas and groceries diet." When I asked her what she meant, she explained that she was committed to buying only what she absolutely needed for the month – gas and groceries. I was floored. How brilliant! And wow, what a challenge! 

I have since made the "gas and groceries diet" my own January tradition every year. It's a perfect time to implement this because I'm spent out from the holidays, both literally and figuratively. I'm going to venture a guess that many of you feel the exact same way, yes? If so, I'd love to have you join me in this year's challenge. The New Year is a wonderful time to try something like this because most of us are recovering from the "holiday spending hangover." It's also not a traditional "resolution" that you need to stick with all year long. Plus, you have my help!

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As you may have guessed, my personal version of the gas and groceries diet is centered around clothes. In the winter months, it's easy to quickly get bored with the clothing items we keep pulling out to wear. That initial excitement from the fall about wearing chunky sweaters and tall boots is long gone, replaced by annoyance over yet another cold, dreary day and having to wear our warmest winter coat again. 

This is where "shop your closet" comes into play. Much like the gas and groceries diet, this challenge requires that you don't purchase new clothing unless you absolutely need it (and let's be honest, most of us don't truly need any new clothes). Instead, you challenge yourself to look at your wardrobe with a fresh perspective and repurpose items that you don't typically wear. A closet refresher like this can help you hone in on the clothing items you gravitate towards, as well as determine which items you should keep, donate, and/or sell. 

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So, are you intrigued enough to want to join me on this fun challenge? Fantastic! I'm creating a private Facebook group to guide people through it, so you'll have my support and help every step of the way. I'll offer tips each week throughout January to help you get more use out of the clothing items you already own. Together, we'll be able to identify what's missing from your wardrobe and we may even redefine your personal style. I'm always amazed after doing this at how I can suddenly love something again that I hadn't worn or even reached for in ages! During January's challenge, I'll also help you take advantage of can't-miss sales on true wardrobe necessities, like jeans and other staple items.

Joining the shop your closet challenge gives you the opportunity to take advantage of free styling advice from me for the entire month! You'll have an all-access pass to me, so you'll be able to ask any questions about styling or fashion that mystify you. I'll share lots of good reads and insider tips throughout the month to walk you through the challenge, and I'll also do a few live Q & A's. 

Want to join in on the fun? All you have to do is drop me an email or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know you're interested. I'll add you to the private group before the challenge goes live on January 11th. You can also subscribe to my email list to download the free "shop your closet challenge" guide. Remember, I'm doing the challenge along with you, so I hope you'll join me. Happy new year, and I can't wait to get this underway!

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