Smart Shopping: Avoiding Regret Buys

We have all been there. You might be scrolling through your favorite site and a flash sale pops up. You find yourself adding plenty of items to your cart. Or maybe you’re wandering around a store, feeling emotionally vulnerable and a shiny statement coat feels like the answer to all of your problems. And the reality is that it wasn’t. This is the world of regret buys.

These are pieces that will live in your closet, with the tag still on, and will also quietly judge you while you grab something else. Panic purchases, impulse buys and it looked good on the mannequin decision are considered.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. Smart shopping is about being intentional and stylish. You can still love fashion, treat yourself, and experiment with your wardrobe without collecting clothes that will only gather dust.

This is how you can avoid those regretful buys and shop with confidence instead.

Image from: https://www.stambol.com/2020/08/17/ar-shopping-solutions-in-2020/

Knowing your style before you shop

One of the biggest reasons we buy things that we end up regretting is because we don’t actually know what our personal style is. We tend to buy what’s trendy, or what our friends are wearing, even what influencers do. And then we believe that we need them right now.

You need to take a moment and look at your closet. What do you wear the most, what colors do you often wear? What cut makes you feel amazing? You need to start by building a mental style profile. This way, when you are shopping, you can filter out what you won’t need. Do it by asking yourself if that fits your actual vibe or just a fantasy self.

Image from: https://www.styleyourselfchic.com/a-style-coachs-top-5-tips-for-shopping-with-ease/

Make a wishlist

Creating a digital or even physical wishlist can be a game-changer. Instead of adding to the cart immediately, add it to your wishlist and walk away. Give it a day, week or even a month. If you are still thinking about it some days after, then it might be a keeper. If not, then you saved yourself some money, space and most importantly, another closet regret.

Wishlist will also help you prioritize. Instead of having ten “meh” tops, you can wait and invest in an item that you truly love. Remember that smart shopping is about patience and not panic.

Image from: https://talkingtrends.blog/2018/01/09/10-steps-to-being-a-smart-shopper/

Beware of the sales traps

Of course, sales can be very seductive. Those 70% off badges just give you a rush of adrenaline and also a false sense of urgency. But the truth is that it’s not really a deal if you don’t really love or need it. Would you want that item at full price? If the answer is no, then you probably won’t wear it either.

You need to train your brain to focus on the value and not the discounts. Ask yourself if you’ll wear that item more than once. Does it pair nicely with at least three things you already own? Will you feel excited when you put it on? If the answer is no, then put it back, even if it’s super cheap.

Image from: https://www.intelligenthq.com/smart-dressing-how-connected-fabrics-will-disrupt-fashion/

The outfit test

Before you buy something, you need to mentally build an outfit around it. Use the clothes that you already own. Can you style that bold blouse with jeans, a midi skirt and your favorite sneakers? Does that new blazer work with your favorite pants or at least one of your dresses?

If you can’t imagine at least 2-3 ways to wear it, then it becomes a red flag. Smart shopping means buying clothes that play well with others. Remember that you are building a wardrobe and not a costume closet.

Setting a monthly fashion budget

This doesn’t really have to be complicated or super strict. You just need to give yourself a limit. It can be $100, $20 or even one new piece a month rule. When you put a cap on your spending then you’ll become more selective naturally. You’ll start asking yourself is that’s the piece you want that month, instead of why not.

Intentional shopping leads to intentional stylish. And that’s the moment when your wardrobe starts feeling more like you.

Continue Reading

Find Balance and Connect to Nature Through Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. It is a great way to achieve a healthy mind and body. Yoga is more than just physical exercise, it is a way of life that can help you find balance and connect to nature. In this article, we will explore the benefits of yoga, how it can help you find balance, and how to connect to nature through yoga.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a holistic practice that benefits both the mind and body. It is known for reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and helping you find inner peace. Yoga can also lead to physical benefits such as improved flexibility, increased strength, and improved balance. Furthermore, yoga has been shown to lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate, and improve respiratory function.

Yang to Yin – balance in a world of busyness

Finding Balance Through Yoga

Yoga is a great way to find balance in your life. It helps to balance your mind, reduce stress and improve your overall health. The physical practice of yoga can improve your flexibility, increase your strength and improve your balance. Yoga also helps to calm the mind, improve concentration, and increase self-awareness.

Physical Benefits

The physical practice of yoga can lead to improved flexibility, increased strength, and improved balance. Yoga poses require you to stretch, extend and hold positions which force the body to work in a balanced way. This has a positive impact on the strength, flexibility, and balance of your body.

Mental Benefits

Yoga can also have mental benefits. The breathing techniques and relaxation practices can have a calming effect on the mind, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Practicing yoga regularly can improve concentration, improve relaxation, and increase self-awareness.

Connecting to Nature Through Yoga

Connecting to nature is an essential way of finding balance and promoting optimal health. Nature has a peaceful energy that can induce relaxation and healing. When combined with yoga practice, it can have a powerful impact on both mind and body, leading to better health outcomes.

Benefits of Connecting to Nature

Connecting to nature has been shown to have mental and physical health benefits. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and boost the immune system. It can also improve happiness, and foster a sense of connection to the world.

How to Connect to Nature Through Yoga

There are many ways to incorporate nature into your yoga practice. You can practice outdoor yoga, hiking meditation, or yoga in nature, all of which will help you to connect with the natural world. You can also incorporate natural materials such as stones, leaves, and flowers into your practice, or use the imagery and symbolism of nature as inspiration for your yoga postures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yoga is a powerful tool that can help you find balance and peace in your life. By incorporating the physical and mental benefits of yoga into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and well-being. Moreover, connecting with nature through yoga can enhance the benefits of both practices, leading to better health outcomes. Practicing yoga in nature is a great way to enhance your yoga practice, and it is a simple and effective way to promote optimal health.

Continue Reading