Shopping Plan + What To Shop For Regularly?

The idea of being intentional and sustainable in my shopping choices has been a steep learning curve for me. As someone who uses style as a means of self-expression shopping/clothing had always been an integral part of my life. Until recently when I became aware of the costs (environmental, labor, etc.) are involved in my decisions. Having spend majority of the posts lately writing about Buy Nothing Day, or Shop Your Closet, I thought it might be a good idea to also share when and what do I shop for.

Shopping Plan

My shopping mantra is to either buy necessities (bra, socks, etc.) or invest in pieces which will last me a lifetime (and then some). 

1. Shopping Budget: When you have a number to work with, it’s easier to plan your shopping trips and avoid overspending. One way to make a budget is to list all the clothing you think you’ll need to buy in one year, then estimate how much you’d like to spend on each item. Once you have a total, hold yourself to it, and don’t spend more.

2. Wish List: Keep a running list of clothing items that you want or need. When you go shopping, glance over the list to remind yourself what you’re actually looking for. Shopping from a list is usually more successful than heading out with one specific item in mind—you may not find everything you want on the first try, but over multiple shopping trips, you can generally check off most of the items on your list. When online shopping, bookmark your favorite items and return to them when the brand has a sale.

3. Measurements: Keep a note on your phone with your hip, waist, and chest measurements. This will help with online shopping, allowing you to compare your measurements with a store’s size chart. When clothes shopping in person, you can bring a measuring tape to check if a piece will fit before you even try it on. This is especially helpful when shopping secondhand, since vintage sizing can be very different from modern sizing.

Moral of the story? Always be prepared before you go shopping.

Next - 

What to shop for often/regularly?

Intimates - There are a few factors to consider when gauging the lifetime of your bras and panties. As a general rule (and the industry standard), your underwear assortment should be refreshed every six months to a year. However, you also have to consider how many core pairs and styles you have in your rotation. If you tend to buy individual undies throughout the year, just be sure you’re also discarding older ones as you go. When it comes to bras, it really depends on how many you wear regularly. You want at least three — one to wash, one to wear, one to spare. This count doesn’t include specific solution pieces like strapless bras and sports bras.

Two of my recent favorites have been from Soma Intimates. First is this Wireless Unlined Bra which is true to size, soft, and comfortable. The band stays put and you don't realize you are wearing one for most part of the day. Wish it came in more colors. The other one that I really like is Enbliss Bralette. It is my everyday bra. Soft, comfortable, and supportive.

Workout wear - On average, a typical pair of workout leggings/bra last anywhere between 6-8 months, when you're wearing them regularly during consistent activity. If you're wearing your leggings at least once per week during any type of physical activity, then the life of them is going to be shorter than if you're just wearing them for everyday lounging and out and about running errands.

You may notice the elastic begin to give, and you may have to start pulling clothes during activity. Sometimes you'll notice the fabric start to age a bit, and the fabric may start to loosen. Hence, it is a good idea to regularly update your gear if you have an active lifestyle. The have shared the three recent leggings I have added to my closet in my post here. I especially love the color of this one and wish it came in more colors. 

Sleepwear - During the night, our body can shed millions of skin cells and produce other bodily bacteria. Our health is important, so the research shows it's vital to adopt a habit of changing our sleepwear often. Before I make a case for why you must replace your night wear frequently, read why you should never wear same PJs two days in a row. It is a matter of hygiene and over all skin health. So if you wash and wear a set of PJs regularly you will reach the end of the lifespan of the fabric in 6 to 12 months. Hence, why I invest in new PJs yearly. And in this post I am sporting a set from Soma Intimates. I believe this is the first outfit post on the blog in night wear. :)

This Satin Long Sleeve Pajama Set, is not only soft and luxurious, it fits really well and is true to size. I am wearing Small (S) for reference. Soma Intimates are having a Semi Annual Sale Event with items up to 70% off.

Sweater Series: Sixteenth Installment

As promised, this is my sweater with 'special use'. I have had it for a few years now. While it shoes the wear and tear upon close inspection but it is still quite cozy. Hence, I decided to wear it at night time with my PJs. During winters, when I refuse to leave home unless absolutely necessary, I am usually in my PJs right after I shutdown my computer after work. This is a cozy, neutral and super soft sweater, which needless to say goes with all my PJs. Ha! :)