Holistic Shopping

I've come up with some guidelines for shopping that I am really happy with. Next time I go I am going to implement them. I have never been happy shopping, for various reasons, but now I feel that I can be truer to myself and buy what's going to work for me on many levels. I tried to address each facet of shopping for adornment and am happy with my results.

1. The fabric must be comfortable. It can't sweat, cling, chafe, or be see through (except on a hem). It should be as natural as possible but able be washed and dried at home continuously and still keep its shape and color.

2. The garment should not have been made with child labor or unfair/unsafe working conditions. It is so much easier to buy the cheaper, more plentiful questionable pieces but spending the extra time and money is like voting for a better humanity.

3. It should be reasonably priced for who made it, its fabric, make, and design. I can only afford a certain price range (low, preferably, very low) so shopping around and sales are important. However, buying something at a lower cost that you will not like wearing is a waste. Keep in mind that you wear clothes everyday and they are a large investment.

4. Each piece should make me feel confident and proud. If it doesn't, no matter how much I like how it looks on the hangar, I will put it back. I don't want to feel self-conscious because of how tight it is or embarrassed by how short it is or frumpy it could be.

5. The style should be appropriate to my lifestyle and age. I must be practical. I may love teenage jean shorts and flannels but I'm 29 and need to be aware of how those clothes would make me appear to others. This is a hard line to gauge sometimes,and certain styles are more comfortable than others, but a happy medium can be reached and not all clothes are for work. Looking trashy, cheap, frumpy, unaware, lazy, uptight, or boring should be avoided.

6. The armpit area must not be in direct contact with the whole armpit during wearing because the deodorant and sweat will stain the garment and ruin it. This is very hard to avoid.

7. The style should not be too trendy or too traditional. Medium is best in most cases. Mixing and matching can also work. Prints should be used minimally.

8. Each wardrobe should have working, lounging, and sport outfits with appropriate footwear (comfortable!).

9. Each piece should fit correctly as directed by tailor's rules.

10. Accessories should be used sparingly as accent pieces. I do not wear jewelry or scarves much because they annoy me.

If one puts in the effort there is usually no reason to compromise on your wardrobe. Each shirt, skirt, pant, short, and shoe must be a favorite.