Notes on Styling | 25 | So I've done a thing...

But also how one little folder can help you focus on buying the right things this season.

You can have the most organised of plans, the best of intentions and life throws you a curve ball..

That’s pretty much been my week - my fortnight really ;-) I have been lost on the posting front the last week as I had a little incident with the stairs! A classic, carrying too many things, thinking I was on the bottom step and bahm, hit the floor. I have a fractured Navicula??! (not a clue? me too..) and this foot brace is the styling accessory I did not need for the next 6 weeks. Oh Joy :-)

On the plus side, less running around and lots of quiet peaceful work and writing routines. Literally.

Do you need your own little styling file for online shopping?

You can imagine how easy it is for me to be tempted (working with clothes all the time) to buy buy buy. There came a point when I needed a plan. So I started a file on my laptop I call ‘buying slowly’.

Great Personal Styling and Style Design should be a simplification of the buying, dressing and wardrobe habits we have. It should give you a visual to stick too, an understanding of what a good outfit looks like for you. It should also help you find ways to manage choosing and buying in a way that feels like there is thought and consideration for your wardrobe and style behind it.

That and jeez the internet is just a crazy place. We all need some style buffers and strategies that slows the whole thing down!

That’s where my ‘buying slowly’ folder comes in.

This little folder acts sort of like a styling filter, helping me deal with the temptation and take the item out of the shopping basket and off the website and into my own little file for me to consider, without buy it now buzzing in my head.

It’s a odd name really - buying slowly. It’s something I called it on day one and it just stuck. I meant to change it but then it grew on me. It does what it says on the tin. Anything I come across online that I love and think would work well in my own wardrobe, I pop the link in my buying slowly folder and I keep it there for consideration. There is simply so much choice on the internet now that links get lost, thoughts get scrambled and buying gets frenzied.

This folder allows me to save the item and consider it in my own time - and then buy if I my feelings for it remain.

Sometimes things sell out before I’ve had the time to consider but I feel there is a certain universal guidance in that too. I’ve got a little video for you today talking through some of the items currently in my file - it seems there are lots as this ‘little’ video turned out to be 10 minutes long! Items are linked and I do hope you enjoy!

(you might need a cuppa!)

Creating your own Style file can help you too..

It takes away the feeling of immediacy we feel online.

You don’t have to buy just because the little man is flashing wildly at you telling you to buy now or else. Websites are very clever at getting us to think the item will be gone in 5 minutes but in most cases it won’t. But to be honest, sometimes it will be gone and you know what, that’s ok too! How many of those items you’ve panic-bought in the past were really worth it?

It makes you feel more like the curator of your style

Taking your time and thinking first of how you will wear it, enjoy it, style it before you buy. Then it arrives and you get to put those ideas into practice, styling it with your own clothes and accessories all around you. This is what real life styling and building a wardrobe that really feels good to you is all about.

It gives space to consider the ways you will wear it

On those sneaky coffee break moments, I like just to have a little look at my file :-) I think about the item, and consider if my feelings have changed, scribble down 3 or 4 ways I can wear it. I also just stare really, with all sorts of thoughts!! It’s all part of the fun of having this little file all to yourself.

It helps you consider your big style picture

Your style is seen in outfits but built one item at a time. It’s so easy to randomly see lots of items you ‘love’ - me too, I get it! But what does your wardrobe need? What will give you more of what you want this season? What will really add the most to what you are building? I take my video above how I am focusing on the word Elevated in the pieces I buy and look at and it helps me to really feel like I know where I am at and what I need.

It helps you feel more in control of shopping online

No matter what our feelings are about it (many have negative, overwhelming feelings) by having little things that help you with how you practically approach it long term means you will buy in a more considered and in a way that feels true to the style you are building. I also have files for lots of different categories of items. A file for example for Loungewear brands I love, Elevated everyday basics, shoes and boots etc. That way when I buy from a shop that goes well or I find a brand I want to remember in the future, it’s there saved—your very own little styling file.

Finally,

Call your folder whatever you like! Smart Buys, Items I Love, Taking it Slow, ‘My Styling Basket’…you get the picture. Have fun with it! It will remain a much-visited folder if you are anything like me….

I edit my folder every couple of months. Realistically, I only buy a couple of items I’ve actually saved, which I guess is why it works beautifully!

Warmly,

Julie x

p.s. If you are enjoying this little home I am creating please do feel free to share with friends.

Wardrobe Hour - I offer a wardrobe hour, which is a lovely chance to connect and for me to answer any specific styling questions you have been dwelling on. It costs £45 and really can be used as you wish in this way (you can do a little try-on of some items if you like!). You will learn more about Style Design through this process and the fee can go towards booking a place on my Style Design Journey at any stage. Just email hi@juliecobbe.ie to book.

Style Design - The Journey - I am now at capacity this side of Christmas. It can be nice to start at the start of a new season, that way when we are at the point of creating your new Styling Boards, we are doing so with all the lovely new season stock. It can also be nice to join in your favourite (or most challenging!) season, as again, those are the clothes you will learn from. I am taking bookings for Spring 2024 so do get in touch if you want to chat more hi@juliecobbe.ie. You can read more here too.