How to shop & shopping flowchart (SYCers may be interested)

Some of you may have already seen this link on AlreadyPretty, but I thought that it was worth linking to Orchids In Buttonholes' post on How I Want To Shop, including a very intelligent shopping flowchart that epitomizes exactly how I'd like to think over my purchases before I hit the cash register.

(I've got better about some aspects on the chart, especially on holding out for sales or discounts, but have definitely have fallen for some of the other items such as buying pieces that are nearly identical to something already in my closet - and not when I'm intentionally duplicating a favorite item.)

I thought it might be particularly useful for fellow SYCers who are taking a temporary vacation from or are becoming more restrictive about clothes shopping. I know I'm certainly evaluating how I shop and why I feel the need to bring something new into a wardrobe that, frankly, is in pretty good shape right now.

One item that the flowchart doesn't capture that runs through my mind - I do think about what will happen if an item goes on further sale after I buy it, and whether I will regret it, but I consider this more carefully for certain stores than for others. For example: Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor Loft have been pretty generous about after-purchase price adjustments in the past, such as when I bought a dress from the sale rack, and weeks later it went down $30 in price. I'm sure many of us know as well how generous Nordstrom is with price adjustments. In fact, recently I spotted a couple of online purchases that later went on further markdown, and was able to get a price adjustment either over the phone or through the live chat tool. Knowing that a store has very generous policies towards price adjustments definitely makes me more loyal about shopping there often.

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Thanks for sharing that!

Lynne

gosh, how logical is this? I don't know that I would have the stamina to go down to the nth degree about it going on sale, but I love how you get the price adjusted if you notice further reductions. Have never asked before, Kari, but now I will. European policies might differ from the US, and if it's something I'll love and use, that's ok

Kate

The flow chart also doesn't capture everything I consider before trying something on, but otherwise it's perfect!

I would include:

Shopping Mantra: I only have room in my wardrobe for items that are my colors and have a flattering AND modest cut.

- Is it an autumn color or does it work with several autumn colors?
- Is it a v-neck, scoopneck, or other flattering neckline for me?
- Are the sleeves and shoulders right for me? (no cap sleeves, flutter sleeves, or shoulder pads)
- Is the dress/skirt long enough to be worn without leggings?

Shopping Mantra: I only have room in my wardrobe for items that fit with my current lifestyle.

- Can I wear it to teach and/or attend grad classes? (not casual only or fancy only)

Kari

I know - it makes me feel rather guilty about some of the things that I *knew* were impulse purchases! I don't know that I'd literally go through every possible variation on the flowchart while I'm shopping, but I'd like to consider more of these options.

What Lynne said about making sure a purchase is something you will use and love really hit home. I've had purchases that I loved for a couple weeks until I found that an item really wasn't well made or didn't fit me as great as I thought it would, or that it just didn't gel with my current wardrobe. I need to be more cautious about what I'm adding and why to avoid accumulating a collection of orphans.

I like your additions, Kate. Yes, lifestyle is a key criteria. While I wish I could dress as if I were en route to a cocktail party every day, that just isn't practical for what my lifestyle is actually like!

Kari, you're everyday outfits ARE pretty glam

Okay, Lynne, guilty as charged...

MsMary

I really like that flow chart!

Yes, Kari, you are very glam but your lifestyle seems to support that! I am realizing that I am pretty lucky to be able to dress up every day for work because that is the look I really like!

I would also add that I had a great experience recently with Macy's. I bought a formal gown for my cruise, and after I bought it (during the after-Christmas cleanup at the house!) I found a coupon they'd sent me in the mail for $25 off. I took the gown and the coupon back to the store, and not only did they honor the coupon, but the gown had gone on sale in the meantime and I walked out with a $65 price reduction on an item that had originally cost me $160!

Jonesy

I love the flow chart--thanks for sharing it.

Kyle

No flowcharts for me in my personal life!!! Not that I couldn't benefit from a more deliberate and rationale approach to shopping. YLF has helped me become more focused and thoughtful about my purchases, but I will resist flowcharts, spreadsheets and similar. I'm wired as a creative, and these approaches are just not my style. More power to the flow charters of the world, though!

MaryK, that is great! Personally, I always feel so much happier when I have an item that I already love, and then I can get it adjusted for an even lower price. It makes the effort of sale-stalking all worth it to me.

Kyle, I wouldn't literally go through the flowchart when I'm shopping in a store, but I do mentally run through some of these criteria while shopping (Is it killer? Do I love it? Does it fit? Would I still love it if I paid full price? How much will I regret it a month later if I don't buy it now?)
However, I also tend to forget about some of the important, practical aspects (Does this really fill a void in my closet? Do I have a similar item already? Can it wait until another season?) in the heat of the moment. The flowchart basically just represents some of the decision making strategies that are a good idea for overshoppers (like me) to think about before we swipe our credit cards.

You seem to do pretty well with your creative approach - you certainly look as if your wardrobe is streamlined and well suited to your needs rather than bursting at the seams.

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