From Browsing to Buying

How I decide what makes it into my wardrobe

Happy Mother’s Day!

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This year, I put a hold on clothing purchases throughout Lent. For forty days—from early March through late April—I added nothing new to my closet, not even accessories. Instead, I kept a running wish list: a mix of items to fill practical wardrobe gaps, long-considered wants, and a few seasonal whims. Without the impetus to buy immediately, I had time to sit with each piece, assess how it aligned with my wardrobe and style guardrails, and decide whether it truly belonged in my rotation.

By Easter, I’d whittled that broad list down to a small, thoughtful edit—pieces that felt right for both the season and my lifestyle. Below, I’ll walk through the process I used to refine the list, the questions I asked myself along the way, and the items that ultimately made the cut. I’ll also share a few I admired from afar but left behind—and why.

This Lenten pause turned out to be a powerful reminder that a great wardrobe doesn’t start with impulse. It starts with clarity.

The process

Whether I’m sourcing for a client, gathering research for an article, or building the future state of my business, I’m constantly perusing what’s available, what’s new, and what’s interesting. Browsing is a significant part of my job—and like anyone surrounded by beautiful things, I’m often tempted by them.

But during the 40 days of Lent, instead of acting on those impulses, I thought more critically about what I truly needed and wanted. When I came across a piece that made my heart flutter, I didn’t buy it. I ran it through a set of filters before adding it to my list:

Does it align with my style guardrails?
This is the framework I created to evaluate every wardrobe choice, built on three personalized inputs: your coloring, body architecture, and aspirational aesthetic. (Read more about the components of this framework here, here, and here.)

Does it serve a purpose in my calendar?
Between work, my son’s weekly double-headers, and some upcoming adventure travel, I need pieces that work for real life.

Will I still want to wear it a year from now?
Ideally, anything I add should have staying power—relevant both now and next year.

Can I style it at least three ways with what I already own?
Versatility matters. If I can’t build at least three outfits around it, it probably doesn’t belong in my closet.

The final cut

By the end of Lent, my list had narrowed to a small, intentional selection—pieces that felt exciting, but also stood up to the filters I’d set. Some filled practical gaps, others added interest or versatility to what I already owned. All of them made sense for the season ahead—and for my everyday life.

Here’s what made the cut:

Silver flat sandals

After several years of wear, my go-to flat sandals were looking tired. When I came across a nearly-new pair of silver Gucci flat sandals at a discounted price on The RealReal after Easter, I didn’t hesitate. I’ll be able to wear them for years, but they’ve already proven to be a workhorse: pairing seamlessly with denim, dresses, and tailored shorts. The cool-toned silver adds just enough polish—and a subtle edge—that feels right in step with the rest of my wardrobe.

Teva sandals

Clearly, these sandals aren’t as glamorous as the new Gucci pair, but they are practical. With a trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River on the horizon, I needed footwear that could handle the terrain, so I set out to find a pair in colors that would complement my wardrobe. They’re not my usual look, but these sandals sit comfortably at the edge of my style.

Tailored navy shorts

At the start of the season, I realized I had only one pair of shorts suitable for my son’s baseball games. I found a great tailored navy pair that checks every box: easy to dress up slightly with a blazer and sandals or to pare down with a tee and sneakers for a weekend double-header. Plus, deep navy is one of my best neutrals, so they coordinate well with the rest of my wardrobe.

Cropped red vest

This piece felt like a bit of a wildcard—but a strategic one. The structured cut and cropped length create an ideal silhouette for me, and the cherry red hue adds instant energy to otherwise neutral outfits. It’s the kind of piece that turns simple jeans into a full look. It layers well now and will stand on its own as the weather warms.

Nothing here is a scene-stealer on its own, but each piece adds versatility, edge, practicality, or personality to my warm weather wardrobe. Most importantly, each one passed the test of clarity over impulse.

What I left behind:

Not everything that caught my eye made it onto the final list. A few items were beautiful but redundant. Others failed to align with my wardrobe’s direction—or my actual lifestyle. Here are a few that I admired, even considered seriously, but ultimately left behind:

Theoretically perfect heels

I had a pair of plum Gabriela Hearst heels in my cart more than once. The color was right, the design was beautiful, and they’d work for events. But in the end, I don’t wear heels often enough to justify the cost-per-wear, and these felt more aspirational than practical.

“Oh Boy” Tee

I loved this cheeky tee for casual wear, but sometimes the fit just misses the mark. I ordered it, and when it arrived, it didn’t sit quite right on my broad shoulders. In my book, if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.

Floral mini

This adorable mini tempted me more than once. The colors are right in my palette, the shape suits my frame, and the print is fresh and fun. When it came time to commit, I paused. I wasn’t sure how often I’d wear it, or whether I’d reach for it enough to justify the purchase. For now, it stays on the wish list. Leaving something behind doesn’t have to mean forever.

Clarity over impulse

This Lenten pause reminded me that personal style is built one thoughtful choice at a time. In the end, I brought home four new pieces—each one earning its place through function, versatility, or joy.

Far from a shopping haul, it was a considered edit—the kind of intentional approach I fully stand behind. If you’re looking to build a wish list with purpose, or refine what you already have, I’d love to help. Reach out to learn more about my personal styling services.