Love Plus Logic: The Secret In Buying Clothes

“Don’t you ever buy anything just because you love it?” questioned a woman following a presentation on consumer buying skills.

 “Well, of course I do,” came my quick reply.  “Oh, good,” she sighed.  “Now I know you’re human like the rest of us!”

Human, I hope.  But buying something “just because I love it” doesn’t mean it’s going to be a mistake.  Goodness knows, there have been many clothes I have “loved” but not bought because I knew they wouldn’t work for me.  And the ones I knew would work, I certainly may have bought on a “love at first sight” impulse.

For the most part, when you find an item of apparel or an accessory you’re tempted to buy, stop a moment and think before you buy.  Carry on a mental conversation with yourself.  Don’t just ask, “Do I like it?” There are other factors to consider.

Between now and your next schedule to your favorite shops, become well acquainted with your clothing needs, budget and preferences.  Then when it comes to buy, consider the following points:

• Does it make ma feel good on the inside?
• Does it contribute to or boost my self-acceptance, self-esteem and self-confidence?
• Does it accurately express my personality?
• Does it perfectly reflect my values and attitudes?
• Is it appropriate for the place where I live?
• Is it proper for my personal and professional roles?
• Does it make me feel good on the outside?
• Does it feel comfortable as I stand, sit, and otherwise move?
• Is it functionally well designed? Will it help me be more effective in the performance of my tasks and activities?
• Is it appropriate for my physical environment?
• Will it allow me to be more comfortable in the prevailing season and weather?
• Is it appropriate and comfortable for the forms of transportation I use?
• Is it artistically well designed and harmonious in the arrangement and coordination of line, shape, color, pattern and texture?
• Is it a short-term fad item that will look quickly out-of-date or a long-term classic that will remain in style?
• Is it appropriate for my age?
• Does it fit well; enhance my face and figure, camouflage and lead attention away from any figure variations? What other piece of clothing can I pair it with to make it work attractively for my face or figure?
• Does it enhance my personal coloring? What other colors can I pair with it to make it work attractively for my coloring?
• What is the fiber content? Will the fabric wrinkle, shrink, fade or fray? Is it appropriate for my intended use and the wear-life of the garment?
• According to the hangtags, what type of care will it require? Can I afford the time or cost of care and cleaning?
• Is the quality of construction appropriate for my intended use and the wear-life of the garment?
• Will it give me good return for my money? Is the cost-per wearing reasonable, justified and appropriate for my budget?
• Will it coordinate with other clothing and accessories in my present wardrobe? Does it provide opportunities for creative expression and versatility?

On occasion, you may not need long-term wear or creative expression.  On occasion, you may be willing to spend more time or money. The point is to think about your purchase just long enough to know if it will, indeed, meet your needs.  With practice, you’ll know your needs so well that it takes almost no time to think it through.

Love plus magic works!  If you make wise choices before you buy, your wardrobe will present you well wherever you go and whatever you do.  Enjoy!