| Every now and again, I get a client who wants | | | | Occasional Activities |
| toknow what, exactly, should be in her closet. | | | | Parties |
| Shewants a precise list of pieces so that she | | | | Going to the ballet or opera |
| canfigure out what she has, determine what | | | | Weddings, graduations, funerals |
| sheneeds, tick off the list, and never worry | | | | Seasonal stuff like swimming, hay rides,skiing, |
| aboutthe matter again. | | | | berry picking |
| When I tell her that no such list exists, shegets | | | | 2. Check Your Closet |
| annoyed - as if I'm trying to be coy or | | | | With list in hand, go flip through your closetand |
| amwithholding vital information for no other | | | | compare your typical activities to thecontents of |
| reasonthan to torment her. Truthfully, I'm not. | | | | your wardrobe. Do they match? Orare they way |
| The reality is that everyone's needs aredifferent. | | | | out of balance? Chances are,they're somewhere |
| Heck, your own needs today areprobably very | | | | in between. |
| different from what they were tenyears ago, and | | | | 3. Identify the Holes |
| what they will be ten years fromnow. Lifestyles | | | | Put a star by those activities where |
| change. So do your wardrobeneeds. | | | | you'rehard-pressed to come up with something |
| Instead of asking yourself: "What should be in | | | | decent towear from what's in your closet right |
| mywardrobe?" perhaps the more appropriate | | | | now. Is ityour casual wardrobe? The evenings |
| questionis, "Can I go everywhere I need to go | | | | out? Thefunerals? How about your outerwear |
| with what'sin my closet now?" | | | | wardrobe? |
| For most women, the answer is, "No." | | | | See any holes? |
| Most tend to spend the bulk of their | | | | 4. Brainstorm Mix and Match Possibilities |
| clothingallowance on their work wardrobes and | | | | Before you head to the mall or start clickingaway |
| then lookrag-tag during off hours. Many women | | | | online, determine which pieces you have thatcould |
| who work athome or stay at home tend to | | | | work for multiple activities. Could youpair some of |
| short-change theirown wardrobes and spend the | | | | your dress work pants with a casualtop for a |
| money on their kidsor in other places instead. | | | | great weekend look? Could you wear adark suit |
| When either group isfaced with a new situation | | | | skirt with a beaded or lace top for asnazzy |
| like travel, a specialfunction, or a dramatic | | | | evening outfit? Could that dark suit alsowork well |
| weather change, they'retotally unprepared. That's | | | | at a funeral? Could you pair one ofyour work |
| when they go lookingfor a list so they won't be | | | | blazers with a sweater and jeans for agreat fall |
| caught short again. | | | | weekend ensemble? |
| So how can you develop your own list? | | | | Write down (or snap a photo of) whatever you |
| By taking a few minutes to jot down your | | | | comeup with, put it in a small clothing |
| needsand then compare that list to what's in | | | | referencenotebook, and keep that notebook in |
| yourcloset. You'll find those gaping "holes" | | | | your closetor some other handy place for easy |
| rightaway. Here's how: | | | | reference. |
| 1. Write It Down | | | | 5. Confirm Your List |
| Jot down a basic list of activities you do in | | | | Now you should have an idea of what you |
| anaverage week, month, and year. You might | | | | REALLYneed to fill out your wardrobe. Start with |
| alsoinclude occasional activities. | | | | theitems that will have the biggest impact FIRST |
| Here's an example: | | | | (weekend wear if you have no casual clothes, |
| Weekly | | | | awinter coat if you have none), and then move |
| Work | | | | onto the other items as your budget allows. |
| Church | | | | Beforeyou know it, you'll have everything you |
| Exercise | | | | need tosee you through. |
| Take kids to their activities | | | | Building a functional wardrobe takes a littletime |
| Errands | | | | and thought, and is subject to change asyour |
| Eat out | | | | needs change. Whether you're in school, ina |
| Monthly | | | | demanding career, staying at home, or |
| Volunteer at library | | | | enjoyingyour retirement, you need to build the |
| Association meeting | | | | wardrobethat's right for YOU, that will take you |
| Host dinner party | | | | whereveryou need to go. There is no magic |
| Luncheon with friends | | | | "one-size-fits |
| Go to the movies | | | | -all" list. You alone can accurately determineyour |
| Annually | | | | needs, so take a little time to see what youhave, |
| Association Conference | | | | what you need, and how to get from Point Ato |
| Cross-country trip to in-laws' house | | | | Point B in the most cost-effective mannerpossible. |
| Beach vacation | | | | Remember: you don't need to have alot to LOOK |
| Ski vacation | | | | like you have a lot. You just needthe right pieces |
| Autumn weekend in the mountains | | | | to get the job done. |
| Summer stock theatre tickets | | | | |