I've had enough of your orphans!

I moved house early this year and packed my hanging items into 2 portable boxed wardrobes.  The removalist said, 'you'll need another couple of robes eh love?'  No, I'm done thank you.  He could not believe it stating that I am not 'your average sheilagh'.  Yeh thanks, I think?

As each item hit the rack in the porta robe, I smiled and reflected on the purchases I have made, how long I have had them and how much wear I have had.  My smile expanded into a smug little grin as I congratulated myself on stepping up to believe I was worthy of purchasing quality over the past 10 years.  This decision has actually saved me money, heaps in fact!

Before I moved, my friend Marie was quite shocked at how little is in my wardrobe.  People think that an image professional must have heaps.  Not so.  There are some excellent pieces in there over 10 years old.  Quality cut, fabric and fit.  And there are some items from pre-loved stores and K-Mart as well.  A good sprinkling of great accessories to transform my basics into something brand new and I'm done.  I don't have any orphans.  They are the sale items that don't go with anything in your wardrobe.  They are not part of the plan, have no family and no connections!

Nearly every wardrobe I go into has an entire family of orphans and I'm over it!  So I reckon you need to know a few things .......

It all comes down to the cost per wear.  This means you buy smart - choose quality that will last and give you several wears.  The cost per wear comes down each time you wear it.  When you choose to buy cheap, the garment will generally not stand the test of time.  Many of those chain stores will sell you a top for $30 and you can only wear it 3 times.  Cost per wear $10.  Too much I say.  I want my cost per wear under $5 every time.

Each season I bring in a new piece or two that makes a statement and I replace my basics as they become tired.  Basics are:  black pants, camis, shoes for work, gym gear, chocolate skirt.  A statement piece for me is my new teal trench coat or the animal print summer dress I purchased for $47 last summer (cost per wear so far is under $1).  The red coat on the left is a basic.  I call red a neutral and in my palette it goes with 'everything'.  The red coat is is wool with cashmere and 8 years old.  Cost per wear is now under $5.  It will rock on for another 5 years for sure.

So how happy are you with what you are spending in your wardrobe?  Most professional women do not have a budget to manage impressions as far as their wardrobe is concerned.  They purchase what does not work, never wear it and impulse buy.  Hence the reason many of you are wearing only 20% of your wardrobe.  What did you spend on clothing last year?  And how much of it are you wearing? 

Nearly everyone is a little bit dishonest with themselves about what they spend.

Action:  Be honest with yourself about how you spend; really admit to yourself what you have been spending.  Assess the level of comfort you have about what you spend.   How you would feel if everyone knew what you spent!

Think about how good it would feel if you were completely honest with yourself about your spending
Live in integrity regarding your spending i.e. only spend consciously on things you truly value.  Imagine wearing everything that you purchase?  Think now about how much money that will save you.  It's looking good I think!  If you are not sure about this, head to your wardrobe and add up what you spent on what you are not wearing.  Get out of justification mode, just add. 

Why does this happen?  Because you are not conscious about your shopping choices.  No problem.  You are fabulous at what you do in your life.  There is no requirement to be brilliant at everything.  My clients are smart, savvy business women who are leaders in their field.  They are smart enough to know that they don't have everything covered but they know how to access assistance to get them where they need to be. 

Getting smart about your wardrobe purchases is about having the knowledge to make it work for you.  Choosing to work with a cost per wear formula is about honoring yourself.  You are worth it.  Time to get 'conscious'.

If you are a leader, manager or business owner and would like more information on the 'Leading Woman' Professional Image Package, ask me how you may claim this service as a tax deduction now helen@imagequest.com.au.  With a 100% money back guarantee, you will no longer be attracted to orphans!

In the meantime, are you brave enough to post a comment on how much of your wardrobe you are wearing?  Come on!