Thursday, February 28, 2013

The 70/30 Rule

I have been evaluating my closet a lot lately. In December, I cleaned out my closet and got rid of items that I no longer wore or that no longer fit. I had bags upon bags of clothes. In hindsight, I should have put some of those items up on Poshmark and made some cash, but I was happy to donate it all. It really got me thinking though...when I clean out my closet those couple of times per year, I shouldn't have bags upon bags of things to get rid of.  Even though I have gotten better at shopping for myself and focusing more on classic and timeless items, I guess I still have some work to do.

On Monday, I shared with you my price per wear tip (see post here) for when you're faced with the "should I buy this?" dilemma (this applies to both the splurge and the steal, by the way).  Another rule I am trying to apply to my own closet is the 70/30 rule: 70% of your closet should be classic pieces and 30% should be trendy pieces. Try to save on trendy pieces because they have a short closet lifespan. Purchase these items for less at H&M, Target, Forever 21, Old NavyAsos and Etsy (for jewelry). Splurge a little or go designer on classic pieces such as handbags, coats/blazers, regular denim, timeless sweaters, certain shoes and certain pieces of jewelry. My favorite places to splurge on classic pieces are J.Crew, Tory Burch, Kate SpadeMichael Kors, and Marc Jacobs. I also like to incorporate more affordable, yet still classic pieces from places like Loft, Banana Republic and Gap. Follow the sales, and you can most always get the classic investment pieces you want at a discount. And guess what? You will find that you wear those pieces the most and longer, bringing the price per wear down considerably and getting you the most bang for your buck!  I love how these rules interact!

Here are some of my favorite classic pieces worth the splurge:


Classic Pieces Worth the Splurge

I still have some work to do to apply the 70/30 rule to my closet, but I think I am getting there. I try to be very conscious of this rule when shopping, while also applying the price per wear tactic. If only 30% of your closet consists of trendy items, then you're getting rid of less and saving money! Plus, you also have some great classic pieces that will stand the test of time. Pretty ideal for the girl on a budget, if you ask me.

What about you? Do you think your closet meets the 70/30 rule? Do you think you'll try to apply it? Let me know!

9 comments:

  1. Love this rule! Thanks for sharing all your great ideas on how to save some money. I agree, it's important to not load up your closet with trendy items. The classics are where it's at! :)Good thinking to buy the trendy pieces at F21 and H&M! Love as always!
    xox
    Renee
    www.stylewithastory.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Renee! Definitely all about the classics! Really trying hard to make my closet quality vs. quantity and to have great classic pieces to mix and match! It's almost easy these days to get good classic pieces for less with all the sales. TB is the hardest to get a deal, but that's what good husbands are for ;)

      xoxo

      Delete
    2. Haha yes! I'm making my list for the next holiday/ occasion! Hmmm... I think that'll be our anniversary in July;)

      Delete
  2. Totally agree with the 70/30 rule! Currently working on that too by a major closet clean out on Poshmark! It's kind of sad when I ask myself 'what was I thinking' about some items! lol
    xoKatie

    www.SuburbanSparkle.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you! Definitely trying to ask myself that a little less ;) I need to start using Poshmark! I should do a closet clean out now pre-spring!

      xoxo

      Delete
  3. such great advice! I have been trying for literally years to make myself do this, but I can't pass up deals on stuff I like! But I'm trying! I really hope to have Tory Burch flats and a handbag someday! I did apply the rule this weekend and I splurged on a Kate Spade handbag and matching wallet for my birthday! I'm not going to carry it until the actual day in March!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Really good advice. I need to stop spending so much on trendy items!! JCrew is my weakness. :)

    http://www.glitzandgold.com/

    XO

    Kati
    Glitz & Gold

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kati! J.Crew is dangerous for me too! :)

      xoxo

      Delete
  5. I am in the process of unpacking everything I've had at college for the past 5 years, which has been mostly clothes. Most of my wardrobe consists of trendy items, college t-shirts, sorority apparel, jeans, and sweatpants. What are classic pieces so I know to save for them? and what type of trendy items are good to keep and which kind are better to give away? Also, many of the items in my wardrobe are from high school or older, so I definitely need to upgrade my wardrobe!

    ReplyDelete

 

design + development by fabulous k