Wardrobe balance - Where to spend (Part 1)

Staying stylish is an expensive act if you're not sure where to spend and where to save! The key is to balance good quality items with inexpensive ones. I have what I call my "money items", the four items I spend money on and build my wardrobe around - the classic shirt, coats, handbags, and shoes! They have the ability to upscale any outfit and cannot be skimped on. The aim of achieving wardrobe balance is to build your wardrobe with a couple of items in each category and here's how:

1. The classic shirt - Make sure that you have at least one timeless, crisp white shirt. Fit and quality is non-negotiable! White shirts are so fresh for summer and so classic in winter. It can be quite challenging to find the perfect white shirt, but when you do, buy it! A classic black shirt will also take you a long way and it's great to wear at the office or with a fun flirty skirt on evenings out.

2. Coats - If you only have room in your budget for one coat, the trench coat is it! Everyone needs a great trench! It's classy and sexy and can be thrown over virtually anything! If you must have another, like every woman lol invest in a knee length black coat. It's the most versatile length and color and great for any occasion. Ultimately, the style you choose should make you feel and look great!

3. Handbags - It's the hard truth ladies, but one handbag is enough. You have to go neutral (black or tan) if you want it to compliment every outfit. Let's face it, we do really only need one, it's hard enough to find our keys, we don't need more handbags to look for them in! That said, however, we do need a clutch for smarter occasions, but we can totally get away with spending less here!

4. Shoes - A bit more complicated...all women have a private love affair with shoes and it's a bit hard to cut down, I totally get it! So here's where the balance is really important. Do not skimp on these three basics - black heels (open or close toe), black/brown boots and a classic pair of pumps. These are the shoes that would take you from season to season so make sure it's comfortable, timeless and worth the price! Feel free to hide your pennies when buying trendy shoes or casual summer sandals, their life will sadly end with the season.

Remember, when shopping for money items, keep the styles you choose simple and timeless especially with shoes! No chunky or platform heels, no shiny or loud prints. You should be able to wear your money items with anything else in your wardrobe. If you can't, it's probably not a money item. The price would far outweigh the wear and it should probably be left alone. Last but not least, fit fit fit! Make sure all your items have great fit!

The key is to buy a few treasure items and take good care of them. Make sure that you love every item, you're going to have to wear it for a while. This way you can stay stylish season to season without breaking the bank!

Once you have your money items you can use it to compliment more inexpensive pieces and really have fun mixing and matching and creating your own style!

I've always been a sucker for a bargain and I've gotten most of my compliments on items that I spend the least money on! Can't wait to share my tips with you on getting more bang for your buck in my next blog post - Wardrobe balance - How to save (Part 2)!

Photo credit - Shop online at Spree.