I LOVE shopping, but let’s face it, going to the mall just for fun is an exercise in self control. We build money for clothes/shoes into the budget each month, often letting it add up for a few months before updating our wardrobe. This is an area of the budget that gets cut if an unexpected expense comes up, so it is important to use it very wisely!
What frustrates me is that when I’ve exercised self control for awhile and saved up my shopping cash, I tend to throw all the financial planning out the window and buy on impulse. Not that I’m unhappy with the purchases, but they aren’t always the most bang for my buck.
I try to put separate pieces together different ways to avoid monotony, but sometimes I realize there is something I need to complete the look. It’s usually a basic item that could be used across several outfits – like a blue scarf, short chunky gold necklace, or a thin black cardigan. So, I realize I am missing a key piece and then promptly forget about it by the time I go shopping. Instead, I end up with three pairs of shorts! Not the end of the world, but not the most prudent decision.
I think I have found a solution! We keep a grocery list in the pantry and don’t go to the store without it. Why shouldn’t the same concept apply to the closet?
I made a quick closet board to jot down what I need. Now when inspiration strikes, I can make a note. It could be one of those key basics, something that needs to be replaced, or even a new trend I want to try out. I’m pretty happy with the result and it was one of my fastest projects ever. The cork board came with double sided tape, so the whole thing took 5 minutes including installation!
Supplies I bought:
Cork Board (Mine is from Staples Martha Stewart Line – $5.99)
Index Cards ($2 at Staples for decorative cards)
Martha Stewart Elasti-Note ($0.33 – was $3.99 for entire pack, used 1 for this project)
Navy Sharpie ($1.99)
Martha Stewart Labels – Actually purchased for a different project, but I realized I needed something at the top and this was perfect!
I could have just stuck a notepad on a closet shelf, but seeing this on the wall each day is a constant reminder to keep the list updated. And it’s just so darn cute!
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