Listomania!

I love a good list. There’s nothing better than seeing everything you have to do all in one spot and crossing it off when you’re done. Ah, sweet satisfaction.

Making a list is also a great way to take inventory and budget for your wardrobe needs! I know you want to know how, and OBVIOUSLY I’m gonna tell you.

List Making 101

1.) Start by writing down some of the things you “have to have.” Slouchy boots? Espadrilles? Black Cardigan?

2.) Now go through what you already have. Do you have anything that would eliminate one of your needs that you maybe forgot about? Or even something similar? Cross off what you can. While you’re looking, you may actually add some things to your list. Think about basics – black boots, brown boots, cardigans, oxford shirt, layering pieces, basic tees/tanks, jeans, flats. Are you missing any good solid staples? Add them to your list.

3.) Look over your revised list and divide it into seasonal items. Make Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter column headings, and place each item wherever it belongs. This will help you determine not only when you need to purchase it, but how versatile it is. Something you can wear from fall through spring should be a higher priority – which leads me to #4

4.) Prioritize! Life is all about priorities – why should your wardrobe be any different? Look at your seasonal list. Pick out items that are in 2 or more columns. Now pick out those in 3 or 4 columns. Bingo – these are your top buys!

5.) Budget! Are you sick of me saying that yet? Look at your bottom line. Realistically. Got a car payment coming up? Medical bill? Vacation? Do NOT buy during these times. Wait until a pay period that is less of a strain (ha, right) and buy then. Write down the dates you plan to purchase.

6.) Now that you have your prioritized list and dates in hand, it’s time to Excel that puppy into a respectable, fridge-worthy document.

Make it. Check it twice. It’s NICE!