Wardrobe - planning, Tips for Shopping

WARDROBE

A wardrobe, also known as an armoire from the French, is a standing closet used for storing clothes. The earliest wardrobe was a chest, and it was not until some degree of luxury was attained in regal palaces and the castles of powerful nobles that separate accommodation was provided for the apparel of the great. The name of wardrobe was then given to a room in which the wall-space was filled with cupboards and lockers, the drawer being a comparatively modern invention. From these cupboards and lockers the modern wardrobe, with its hanging spaces, sliding shelves and drawers, evolved slowly.

Wardrobe planning : The purpose of wardrobe planning is twofold: first, to create a list of outfits that quickly allows one to pick ones clothes for the day with a minimum of effort and second, to invent ones wardrobe to be able to eliminate unnecessary items and to more easily purchase items missing from the wardrobe. This process can be fairly time-consuming but one will find that this one-time investment of a few hours will pay off enormous dividends in time, money and sanity.

Part 1: Wardrobe Inventory : The first phase is to pare down ones wardrobe. Open ones closet and drawers, take each item that one haven't worn in a year and place it in a box. Don't think about it - just do it. These are probably things one don't need but we'll deal with them later. Now, see what one have left. First separate clothes into casual pieces and work pieces and then hang like clothes together (skirts, pants, jackets, etc). Now hang similar colored clothing together and then use the Wardrobe Inventory to list the items in ones wardrobe. When creating the inventory, describe the clothing items one know exactly which piece one're referring to. For example, if one have several white shirts, indicate if they're long or short sleeved and any other unique characteristics. Also, indicate what shade of color a particular item is so one know if the blouse is navy or pale blue. The idea is for one to be able to select an outfit and immediately be able to pick the items from the closet.

Part 2: Creating the Outfit List : Using the components in the Wardrobe Inventory, make a list of the outfits one have. Organize the Outfit list in any manner that makes sense to one but it might be easier to start with one item (like ones navy skirt) and build every outfit one can think of around that skirt.

Part 3: Wrap-Up and Future Steps : Once one're done with the Outfit List it can either be typed up or re-written if necessary to make it more organized. Then post the list inside the closet door or someplace that's easily accessible.

When one have some time, go ahead and create those new outfits and add them to ones. Be sure, however, to create a new outfit with any new clothes one buy and add it to ones list. And, when shopping clothes, buy items that will build a new outfit rather than end up unworn in the back of the closet.

'Think of your wardrobe as a Collection'

USE THE INFORMATION BELOW TO GUIDE YOUR PLANNING AND SHOPPING

 Underwear : It is essential that the bra and underwear fit well for the wearer. A professionally fitted bra will make a huge difference to how well ones clothes fit. Underwear that is too small or poor fitting will create bulges under the clothing.

 Colour : Limiting the colour palette to one's wardrobe to 3 or 4 main colours will add sophistication to ones look and make clothing easier to combine. Only purchase clothing in colours that flatter your skin, hair and eye colours - if you're finding it difficult to determine which colours suit you best, consider obtaining professional advice from a colour consultant. Before buying, check how potential purchases look on you under natural lighting if possible, as store lighting can be deceptive.

 Layering : Layering pieces and accessories bring your wardrobe to life. For example, a white shirt on its own is simple and elegant but lacks personality - adding texture using pieces such as a vest, a waist belt, or beautiful statement necklace will create your individual style. Layering short sleeve and long sleeve tops under short sleeve/sleeveless tops and dresses creates different looks and extends your wardrobe.

     Tips for Shopping

               Go shopping with a list of pieces to purchase that will enhance your existing wardrobe and stick to it

               Consider taking some of your own pieces (including shoes and accessories if necessary) with you to try with potential purchases

               Check clothing colours in natural lighting if at all possible

               Check store return policies before you buy

               Wear clothing that is easy to change out of

               Only shop with friends and family whose style you admire

               Remember that store lighting, mirrors and sales staff can be deceptive!

               If it doesn't make you look and feel wonderful and combine with at least 3 other pieces in your wardrobe, put it back

 Fashion : Use seasonal trend pieces to give your wardrobe a lift and further increase the possible combinations. It's difficult to create a workable wardrobe around fashion items only, and can leave you with an 'I've got nothing to wear' feeling.

 Care : A key idea is to start thinking of your wardrobe as a collection - and treat it well. Appropriately cleaned, ironed, repaired (professionally when necessary) and correctly hung clothing will last longer and give you greater pleasure. If you are machine washing fine gauge clothes that don't require drycleaning or handwashing, use lingerie wash-bags (with clothing turned inside-out) on delicate machine cycle, as this will reduce pilling and stretching.

 Storage : Consider having your wardrobe space re-designed to correctly store your clothing. This will prevent crushing, exposure to dust and grime, and susceptibility to mildew and moths. If this is not possible consider changing to wooden hangers and specialty hangers that provide correct support without causing damage.

CONCLUSION

Every member must also know how the family income is budgeted. Through budgeting, family members learn to spend money wisely, thus, saving money which could be used for other family needs. Resources such as time, energy, and utilities are also used well when income is budgeted. Every family member has different clothing needs. His/Her activities and family status in the family must be considered.