Budget Wardrobe Building Take Two

As I sat down to write the next post on this topic of budget wardrobe building, I found myself about to give you a list of the must have "basics," but then I realized I wasn't really starting from the beginning, or the beginning as it occurred in my own building process. Then I began to wonder if I had gotten ahead of myself by starting this show with a color post. Well, I can't turn back time, but I will do the next best thing  - start over!  I drew a little outline of what I consider to be the planning and building process. And then it dawned on me, maybe I should start by sharing this list with the readers, and then expand on it gradually. It goes something like this:

Building a Wardrobe on a Budget

1. Decide to build rather than collect 

2. Clean out the closet
3. Organize the closet

4. Determine what type of wardrobe (s) you need (ex. business, personal casual)

5. Take stock of what you have 

      - Play dress up 

      - Take notes and pics

6. Choose 1 or more color story 

7. Make two lists: Need and Want (based on activities, pieces already owned, season)

8. Determine a budget and timeline

9. Prioritize lists

10. Browse retail sources (start at high end) to familiarize with pieces

11. Think outside the box to buy

      - Thrift store

      - Resale Stores (like Clothes Mentor) 

      - Consignment Shops

      - eBay

      - Sales (sign up for email notifications from retailers you like)

      - Buy out of season

So, I'm starting this series over (I can do that, right? Ah, humility...), and I will spend some time talking about each of the things on the list. Now that you have a framework, you can get started on your own if you wish, or move at a more leisurely pace with me. What do you think? Happy Wednesday, all!