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Her Waise Choice

A Vancouver Personal Style Blog by Jen Tam

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Downsizing

June 21, 2011

{Photos by Paul Milaire}

This lace number has been my go-to for about a month now. Worn in its original intent as a dress with colourful jewels or tucked into a pair of shorts for a casual look, it’s the perfect feminine canvas to build a look upon. I really appreciate pieces like this and find that I’ve been re-evaluating my wardrobe for more versatile garments such as this one.

This reminds me of an interview with Alber Elbaz in an issue of InStyle, in which he says that women should “take a high fashion approach to lower priced clothing“. He believes that we should thoughtfully consider each item & buy only the pieces that will truly be worn and cherished, not simply because they are inexpensive & fun. I don’t know about you, but my limited bank account and diminishing closet space is growing to agree with this wholeheartedly. Although it creates more styling challenges (which is arguably a very good thing), I’m trying my best to really consider a piece’s longevity in my closet before taking the plunge. And to be entirely truthful, who needs so much stuff?

What do you think? Do you frequently succumb to impulse shopping? How has being a blogger affected your shopping habits?

Wearing: ASOS dress (as top), Zara skirt, Club Monaco belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, labeless bag

outfits 27 Comments

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Comments

  1. chellemorgan says

    June 21, 2011 at 7:35 am

    Jen you are so right! I recently did a closet purge and having less is actually inspiring me more, especially in my shopping habits. Realizing what I wear the most is key, and I’m trying hard not to impulse-buy anymore. That lace number you’re wearing is absolutely stunning, by the way. You’re gorgeous!

    Xo Chelle
    discoveringelegance.com

    Reply
  2. Camille says

    June 21, 2011 at 7:55 am

    To be entirely honest, seeing all of the nice clothes on everyone’s blogs makes me want more and more! Sadly, I’m on a tight budget too. Wait, who am I kidding? I’m too young to even have a job! Right now, I make the best of what I got by sale hunting and altering old clothes. Cute outfit by the way! And great blog!!

    Camille
    http://distantfreedom.blogspot.com

    I’m from Vancouver as well 🙂

    Reply
  3. Rachel says

    June 21, 2011 at 8:04 am

    I completely agree with this shopping perspective. I find blogging has made me more greedy; so many great style blogs, yet so much shopping stimulation! On the other hand, putting more thought and self-control when investing makes me appreciate each item more. It sort of feels like you’re coming home with a diamond rather than a handful of candy.

    Love your blog and especially this post 🙂

    Rachel
    http://stylegeeky.tumblr.com/

    Reply
  4. Liana says

    June 21, 2011 at 8:15 am

    amazing photos and outfit, that lace top is gorgeous and i really love that green skirt too
    i used to be an impulse shopper, but i have definitely become much more thrifty and i agree that styling the items you have can be a challenge but a good one!

    Fashion Bag 411

    Reply
  5. Nikki says

    June 21, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Blogging actually made me a much better shopper 🙂 I started my blog because I shopped impulsively way to much and came home with clothes that I barely could wear since I had nothing to wear them with. Since I blog I also spend more on jewelry. It makes or breaks an outfit and it makes a simple T-shirt look completely diffrent!

    I totally love this look! The lace top is perfect! I spotted one at F21 that I NEED to have! I never thought of ways to wear lace, but you are a great inspiration when it comes to wearing lace, haha ^^ x

    Reply
  6. pancakeSTACKER says

    June 21, 2011 at 9:23 am

    You are so right. I have noticed that ever since I started blogging, I have added wayyy more clothes than necessary to my closet. My shoe collection has probably doubled, if you can believe that!

    One day I was staring at my closet and thought, “Wow. This is pretty disgusting!” Ever since that moment, I’ve reevaluated my shopping habits. Needs versus wants definitely come into play, and to be honest I don’t really think anyone truly *needs* that many clothes!

    Ah, but it still happens. Once in a while I slip, but I’m trying to remember that less IS more. Thanks for the thought-proving blog post!

    xoxo!
    http://pancakeSTACKER.blogspot.com

    Reply
  7. Ms Bubu says

    June 21, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I agree, I wish I had more versatile pieces. THe problem is I am often drawn to unique pieces, harder to mix. I should learn from my boyfriend: he takes a lot of time to try his new pieces with everything he has and choose what goes well with what. He also think a lot about what he has before buying anything!

    Reply
  8. Closet Fashionista says

    June 21, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Sooo pretty! I love this outfit !!! 😀 😀
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    Reply
  9. purses and puppies says

    June 21, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    i love lace, and this outfit is gorgeous. i constantly buy and sell stuff, so i never have any accumulations that are too much to handle. but i am getting to that point too, where perhaps i should just invest in a few pieces i would wear, as opposed to buying this and that because its on sale

    Reply
  10. Kristy says

    June 21, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    – Do you frequently succumb to impulse shopping?
    YES!

    – How has being a blogger affected your shopping habits?
    I HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT THIS :p It has greatly helped me develop my personal style. At the same time, I always want to buy new stuff, which is not always what I need. There are the pros and cons to it 😉

    Anyway, YOU LOOK AWESOME!!! I love the lace dress as top! 😀

    http://www.monochromachic.com

    Reply
  11. Jess ♡ says

    June 21, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I tend to not really give in to buying clothes that are unnecessary, especially since as a starving student, money most definitely does not grow on trees. I always go out with a plan of what exactly I need, and what I would like. It also helps to throw out one thing everytime you buy something new. 🙂

    I adore this simple outfit and all the little pops of colour! Amazing photos as always <3

    Reply
  12. lauramanda says

    June 21, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    i’m admittedly an impulse buyer who gets scammed into buying super cheap things… i guess that’s why i like lurking in thrift stores…. but i LOVE the lace top – it’s definitely versatile and classic. =)

    laura

    http://www.allthingsbeautyfull.blogspot.com

    Reply
  13. Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) says

    June 21, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    So beautiful Jen. When I first started blogger I realized how much money I started spending and how much time I was spending browsing store websites. I had to put an end to it and just stop cold turkey 😛 I actually don’t like shopping all that much since I always have such a limited amount of time so I allowed myself to go on a spree on vacation. I think if there are any downfalls to blogging, over spending and feeling like I “needed” to have certain pieces is definitely it.

    Reply
  14. FASHION ICE says

    June 21, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I’m pretty good when it comes to impulse shopping but since being a blogger it does at times make me want to buy everything. I’m really into DIY’s and making old items I have in my closet new again. I just did a DIY to a shirt I never wore and love the result!

    Reply
  15. Melissa says

    June 21, 2011 at 4:49 pm

    LOVE that green skirt with the red in the shoes!

    I tend to impulse buy with sale/clearance items, but blogging has taught me a lot about my own style and what works for me.

    Reply
  16. lisa says

    June 21, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    Hmm I’m not downsizing these days so much as streamlining. Now that I know what sorts of things I like, I tend to acquire different versions of the same thing: silk tops, statement necklaces, interesting flats, etc.

    P.S. The Chanel/Jil Sander look with the green eyeliner and red lipstick is totally wearable! Think of your basic cat’s eye liner and swap the black for a bright colour. You won’t look like a clown, I promise. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Sweet Harvest Moon says

    June 21, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    These picture are really beautiful, love the look!

    http://sweetharvestmoon.blogspot.com

    Reply
  18. eloiselabetise says

    June 21, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    Beautiful photos! I love your skirt and your top! xxx

    eloisedephotography.blogspot.com

    Reply
  19. Asher says

    June 21, 2011 at 7:46 pm

    I just love this outfit! Those colors look great together!

    Reply
  20. Meisha.Style says

    June 21, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    this is beautiful! loving the white and green!

    Reply
  21. Kate says

    June 21, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    So pretty, m’dear! The lace & the green is such a sweet combination! Blogging has brought about different phases in shopping for me. At first I felt like I needed to buy buy buy. Now I’m more in the mindset that you are, wanting to fill my wardrobe with versatile pieces that I truly love. But then those days come along when I feel like I have nothing to wear and end up buying something random to fill that need. I do find I do a much better job when I make a list of things I need or feel am lacking from my wardrobe or items that would complete other outfits, etc, and stick to that list while shopping!

    Reply
  22. YvonnaLivianna says

    June 21, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    I am such a big fan of lace so I love how you are rocking it with the rich green skirt. I also love you opted to get a softer color lace for a very feminine and refreshing look. wonderful blog!

    XX!
    YvonnaLivianna
    YvonnaLivianna.blogspot.com

    Reply
  23. aliciafashionista says

    June 22, 2011 at 12:04 am

    Ever since I moved, I’m all about downsizing. Having so much stuff feel claustraphobic! Styling already owned (and loved) pieces is fun and takes great talent. I mean, I obviously love having a new piece or two but keeping those additions to a minimum keep life simple. Love the lace piece you styled up and that skirt is such a pretty shade of green xo

    Reply
  24. alison*elle says

    June 22, 2011 at 12:51 am

    I totally agree with you, Jen! This has especially been so since I’m starting my legal career soon and have been slowly trying to transition my wardrobe into both work-/weekend-appropriate. Not to mention my overflowing closet… it’s been driving me nuts lately!

    xo, alison*elle

    Reply
  25. Cee says

    June 22, 2011 at 2:15 am

    Isn’t this Asos dress amazing? I bought the black version last summer and I wear it over and over (and over) again in a million different ways- it’s such a pretty, versatile and comfortable piece 🙂 I try as much as I can to invest in pieces like it, but I have to admit that I sometimes do succumb to impulse purchases. To save closet space, I take my more neglected pieces to Buffalo Exchange in Seattle. That way I get a little bit back and save my closet 🙂
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  26. sarah says

    June 22, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    LOVE YOUR WHITE LACE SHIRT.

    XX
    SARAH

    Reply
  27. *~melissa~* says

    June 29, 2011 at 1:41 am

    ever since i started reading your blog and I forgot when i started but you have really inspired me to look at clothes and fashion entirely. i had always been trendy and made sure i wore the latest trends and looked pretty, like very girl but after i started reading your blog i realized i had a lot and i mean a lot of clothes that i didnt wear, that were cheap in quality and didnt fit me, i only bought them to keep up with trends and not worrying about fit or quality. i ended donating half my wardrobe and now i shop more wisely looking at quality, cut, shape, fabric, and cost of course. forever 21 used to be my go to store but their quality in clothing has made me stay away. if i do go in there i make sure i really look at the item to see if its worth spending them money. I buy key pieces and pieces that fit me and are comfortable so I don’t have to end up throwing away my clothes. same as you, i am on a student budget as well and things can get really expensive around nyc so lately i have stopped the spending splurge and thought about what i needed verus what i have to have. so thank you jen for giving me inspiration.

    Reply

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My name is Jen, and I'm a Vancouver-based life and style content creator. This is simple space for documenting my making the most of my closet and I hope it may inspire you to do the same.

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