Shopping Strategy: mood board

When I shop, I usually have some items that I remember to keep an eye out for, but I'm mostly moved by whatever catches my eye. When I'm in the dressing room, I do ask myself if I can wear it at least a couple of ways with what's in my closet.

I'm wondering if anyone keeps a mood board each season like designers do when they come up with their collections? Then as they shop, they only buy what relates to their mood board?

(pic source: http://pinterest.com/pin/86975836523835371/)

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13 years ago

Shopping

10 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

Jjsloane

Veteran

I don't but what a great idea AJ! I try to keep a mental list of what I really need/want like white tank, tweed skirt, grey pants... (but I'm trying to keep that minimal). My strategy is turn down corners of magazines for looks/items I like (and forget about them) or "Pin" them (and forget about them) I buy a lot and return a lot. But it's a sport for me. I like to shop.

Love your example board of course. I have the Jcrew striped shirt down at the bottom!

13 years ago

Anonymous

I have a background in Interior Design and I do keep a Design Board full of all the things I love and as I can I purchase them! I like the idea of a wardrobe board for inspiration!

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I keep a "mood' board for inspiration which includes clothing, accessories etc. but also postcards & ads torn from old magazines. I find most of the things I put on my board have a common theme or thread whether it's colour, style or pattern & I find this helpful on deciding what's "speaking to me" right now. When I feel like a change I empty the board & start again but I paste the pictures from my old board into a large sketch book - it's great to see this history of my likes.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I do not keep a mood board per say, but I happen to have my entire closet memorized, don't ask me how, but I do know and remember every little single thing I own. Even if I can't see the item, I know I have it. So, when shopping, I keep what I have at home in mind and like you, come up with alternatives on the spot. I am a serial returner too.

I also keep mental note of those items that I *wish* I had to make a certain outfit complete. Thus far I need: A navy blue polka dot blouse, a mustard blazer - I dyed one to try the color on and yes, it goes perfect - and cognac boots. I have ones from NAS I'm still debating about.

13 years ago

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I love this idea. I love collage-inspiration boards in general! I'm nowhere near as organized and well-planned as you seem to be, AJ, but I love to throw appealing pics into a folder or two whenever I see them.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow. I don't do that, but yours is beautiful!

I love the idea, too.

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I don't keep a mood board but I do keep an inspiration folder on the computer. If I see an outfit I like or an item I like and I can save it, I stick them in the folder for reference later.

13 years ago

fern

Veteran

I do! It's not seasonal per new designer work, but seasonal by what has caught my eye. It's a visual reminder of my shopping strategy.
Here's Fall 2012.

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13 years ago

Veteran

@Jjsloane - I tend to collect and forget about them too. That's why I was wondering if a mood board would help me remember the overall look I want to achieve that season? Maybe I would have less of a return rate?

@caro - Great idea to keep a history of past mood boards!

@Zapotee - I have lots of wardrobe mental notes, that it's starting to get all jumbled in there! Man, a smartphone would be nice to keep my shopping list!

@HelenInCanada and Suz - Oh don't let that pic fool you! That is not my mood board. I don't even have one compiled yet.

@fern - Oh, I can see your style speak through your mood board! That green is your signature color for sure! Thanks for chiming in to tell me that mood boards do work as a shopping strategy!

13 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

A.J. - I guess I've been using pinterest as my mood board. I've been pretty moody lately. Unfortunately, the things I pin are for my fantasy body, which means I can be disappointed by the real thing. Working on that!

Fern -- I love your photo -- some wonderful, earthy items I wouldn't have "seen" myself, but I'm so glad you shared them. Isn't that what's great about YLF? Getting inspiration from the style of others? Y'all are my mood board!

13 years ago

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