Dollar for Dollar

July 27th, 2018 admin

Working with clients with a vast range of styles, budgets and shopping cadences for several years, I have heard it all when it comes to defining seasonal budgets. Many clients choose a Hammurabi’s Code approach or “an eye for an eye”, which can be helpful in keeping the size of your closet in check but doesn’t consider budget, making it very easy to bend the rules. Read: that Forever21 tee shirt is not an equitable trade for Gucci sneakers, no matter what your rule is. Keeping my clients’ spending in check is part of my mission, so when they go this route I have to remain authentic and redirect.

Personally, I only allow myself to purchase as much as I purge, and my hard rule is dollar for dollar. This ensures that I have a sharp focus and keeps me in line when I’m in market (and believe me, being around so much beautiful product daily is DANGEROUS). It also ensures that I carefully consider each purchase and the overall impact it has on my seasonal presentation. Here’s how I stay on track:

PULL

I pull all of the pieces that I LOVE LOVE LOVE, isolate them on a rack, and strategize. What type of moody floral skirt works best with my LOVE rack? What color high neck blouse is optimal? Which Western accessory to target? How do I want to incorporate shine?

SELL

I edit the remainder of my closet, isolating undesirables, and filter to the consignment powers that be – theRealReal, MaterialWorld, and PoshMark – liquidating all of the items with which I am willing to part. I give myself six weeks to sell, and then create a Fall Must Have list.

BUY

Using the six weeks of isolated selling time as a “no purchase zone”, instead I focus on finding new pieces that make my heart skip a beat, prioritizing each piece as I go. Once the sales period is completed, I allow myself to purchase, but only as much as I have accrued.

Working closely with what I already own and LOVE is a fool-proof way to keep my assortment cohesive, budget on track, and seasonal look focused. The result: a tightly curated capsule that captures trends and considers my finances.

Any questions? Just ask ali@alicallconsulting.com

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