In My Fashion Blog: READing Your Style: The Big Buy Theory (The Investor)

Being that these next two months is about The Secrets of Stylists, I was so fortunate to come across InStyle Magazine’s feature, “The Big Buy Theory”. I found this feature useful because it offers a classification system for the types of ways to approach buying ones clothes. In my fashion, if you are out shopping and finding it hard to find an outfit for a particular event, or just looking for clothes that suit your style, I thought this was an accurate theory of which to base ones decisions off of. Styling the mannequins at Forever 21 this past month, I find I have to put myself in the mindset of the customers who are looking to buy from the store. Forever 21 has a huge selection, and is a treasure trove of clothes for any look, and what I have heard from customers is that they have a bit of trouble sifting through all the merchandise. If you are familiar with Forever 21, you will know that Forever tries to make it easy by coordinating different rooms for different types of girls (i.e. Girly Girl, Grungy Girl, Now Girl, Bohemian Girl, etc.). Based on the selection of clothes each room has, I have to think about what each particular girl would want to wear and present an innovative and inspiring look that entices customers to consider particular pieces to buy. I enjoy showing the ways in which to wear pieces that one might not think to combine together, and in my fashion, no matter what type of girl you happen to classify yourself as, “The Big Buy Theory” applies to each girl and how to approach selecting one’s clothes at the store.

Now, as we all know, the Fall 2014 collections were shown last month, and I have reviewed the collections! This season I wanted to approach reviewing the collections with “The Big Buy Theory” in mind. For those of you looking for inspiration on your next shopping excursion, what I have done here on #IMFblog is chosen designers that I find exemplify each classification of “The Big Buy Theory” and presented my picks of looks worth imitating if you are looking to create a modern, innovative look for yourself the next time you are out shopping. Along with my runway choices, I have reprinted each of “The Big Buy Theory” classification descriptions and InStyle’s suggestions for how to shop based on what you classify yourself as. In my fashion, I find that there maybe a little of each of the four classifications in all of us, but there is probably one of which we tend to gravitate towards the most which make us feel most comfortable in our sartorial journey. If you find that you are a generally a “Trend Spotter”, and want to appear more “Minimalist” use InStyle’s guide to help you put yourself in the mindset of how a Minimalist would find clothes. If you are a “Investor” and want to boost the impact of your look by thinking as an “Accessory Maven” would, there is a bevy of advice to consider from “The Big Buy Theory”. Regardless of what type of girl you think of yourself as, whether you are a punk rocker, athlete, or business professional, each girl can benefit from approaching buying clothes thinking about which classification to approach buying the pieces to complete a look. Hopefully the runway looks I chose help you to create new looks for yourself that keep you current and forward thinking for the coming season.

The Investor

Valentino, Gucci, Balenciaga

You keep an eagle eye on fashion shows as well as magazine pages and ads to anticipate what you’ll want and when best to get it. Yours in not a closet; it’s a cathedral to quality. Fabric and fit must be absolutely top-notch to pass your test. Most of your purchases would be considered safe, but you always add a brave choice or two that skew trendy to shake things up.

Altuzarra, Bottega Veneta, Micheal Kors

Why it’s easy: You often look spectacular, and, well, rich.

Jason Wu, Givenchy, Valentino

Why it’s tricky: The clothes can wear you, and missteps are costly.

Mary Katrantzou, Saint Laurent, Fendi

The Goal: Creating a look that mixes designer splurges with far less pricey finds.

Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Valentino

Plan of Attack:

PRIORITIZE CLOTHES THAT CAN PULL DOUBLE OR TRIPLE DUTY: You’ll never regret investing in an elegant, tailored Saint Laurnet blazer that you can wear to work as easily as you can for dinner later.

Calvin Klien, Altuzarra, Balenciaga

DON’T BE A LEMMING: Some looks are so recognizable people know exactly what designer and season it’s from,” says InStyle fashion director Cindy Weber Cleary. By the time that “hot” item goes from news flash to the stores, it may be so ubiquitous that you look like you’re jumping on the bandwagon. Try lesser-known non-runway designs that have a similar aesthetic.

Micheal Kors, Rodarte, Fendi

BE BESTIES WITH YOUR SAES ASSOCIATE: Looking for that hard-to-find Dries Van Noten skirt? Make it a point to let your favorite store know. Brian Bolke, owner of luxury boutique Forty Five Ten in Dallas, presells about 40 percent of his inventory before it hits the shelves. Communicating will also save you money. “Never be shy about asking us if an item ever goes on sale,” he says.

Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani

SAVE THE BIG BUCKS FOR THAT SHOW-OFF PIECE: Not everything has to cost a bundle. For a plain lack skirt or denim cutoffs, consider Levi’s and Zara so you’ll have enough for that over-the-top coat.