the 80/20 rule
This week I am taking a break from our European Vacation travel series but have received some adorable photos from Kara in Paris. Read how she implemented the 80/20 Principle and find out what she added to her wardrobe prior and during her visit that exemplifies making the most of your wardrobe budget.
Most of us have heard of the 80/20 Principle in some capacity ~ for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.
My first practical application of this principle was when I was managing a boutique. This became a very important equation in getting the best results from my efforts. “80% of your sales come from 20% of your clients.” Once I absorbed this, I wanted to pay more attention to the 20% of clients that spent time shopping with us at Hysteria.
Last week, during some market research, I ran across an article regarding the 80/20 rule as it applies to women’s wardrobes. I fully expected to see the familiar theory that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Instead, this article was about budgeting wisely and effectively. I thought I would share this shopping tip and also touch on how Kara utilized it with her choices both before and during her trip to Paris.
Taking charge of your wardrobe doesn’t have to be done with a cold turkey approach. So many friends tell me they are guilty of continually purchasing the same items over and over again, season to season and never feel as though they have pulled together some finished looks in their wardrobe. Putting together a list of what is missing in your wardrobe is a great place to start getting a handle of your budget and cultivating quality pieces that will keep you looking polished and finished for years to come.
In the same respect, identifying where you are repeating items is most helpful. Are you a “stripe-o-holic”? Or do you accumulate black tops at a break-neck pace? Once you’ve shed light on your weaknesses, you should try and refrain from those impulse purchases and shop with your thoughtful list of items that will extend your wardrobe. I realize walking away from a great deal on an item you know works for you is tough, but wondering why you don’t have a fabulous coat each fall or a go-to dress that makes you feel like a million bucks every time you put it on is the result of these purchases that only satisfy you in the moment.
This fall, I want to find a leather jacket…and I have one in mind! It would take most of my allocated clothing allowance. This is something that has been missing from my wardrobe (and yes, the world has kept turning and there is still joy in my life), but in practice of the 80/20, I will be adding value to 80% of my existing wardrobe. The one thing I have been dedicated to practicing is not to purchase the place holder version. Acquiring the right pieces can take time and patience. Utilizing a formula can keep you goal oriented in your efforts. With the 80/20, you are allowed to make some sale purchases, exploratory trends and overall impulse buys ~ but with only 20% of your clothing budget (and for those of you that don’t have a budget, establishing one is the key to making the best choices).
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I hope you have been following my travel series that focusses on Kara Delvecchio Youree’s European Vacation. I wanted to share two photos she sent me while enjoying week #1 in Paris. Kara made a fantastic choice by purchasing a Burberry trench for her trip. The style she chose was flirty, youthful, and evidently ideal for what Paris can provide in the way of weather this time of year. This was a long awaited bucket list item, but was the perfect addition to her travel wardrobe and will serve her well years to come.
The second stunningly stylish item she picked up while strolling the streets of Paris with her husband, was an Hermès bangle. The student has officially schooled the instructor! C’est magnifique, Kara!!
