Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Exceptions

After bringing up Sarah Palin's image upgrade yesterday, I thought that I'd delve a little deeper.

I do realize the irony in writing about $150,000 spent on clothes just after discussing cost-per-wear and an economical wardrobe. Yesterday's post was an example of the importance of image, not an endorsement of such large expenditures. I'll just come right out and say it...for those seeking a very small closet of their own, this type of purchasing would not be the path to that end!

But it does give me an opportunity to talk about exceptions...
Obviously, Sarah Palin is not on a quest for minimalism or economy in her campaign wardrobe. Nor are the Obamas, nor are the McCains. There are exceptions where the cost-per-wear philosophy cannot be applied with any success. The campaign trail just happens to be one of them.

A wedding could be another. A prom or formal might be another. Being Anna Wintour is definitely an exception...

I bet you all can think of a couple more.

In any case, these "CPW exceptions" will vary from person to person, as will the amount spent. The point would be that unless your job absolutely utterly requires it, don't make it a habit. In fact, avoid it if you can. But if you must indulge, don't feel guilt-ridden about it, either. I know it's heresy , but there are a few occasions where a very small closet won't meet your needs.

See you next time...same blog time...same blog channel....

(For more information on wardrobe planning, please visit my wardrobe planning website.)

14 comments:

Midlife Dating Expert, Singles Workshop Conference Speaker said...

oh goodie! I am SO glad to hear I'm authorized!

Still, even so with my work as a Dating and Relationship coach, while I do require dressing and looking my sexy best all the time (alllll the time, even when flying having been awake for more than 24 hrs on 9 hrs sleep over 3 days... I get a man next to me finding out what I do and HOW I look reflects on my work. even so, he DID think I was very sexy. Jenn, my eyes were like slits I could hardly keep them open, I just started laughing. I was like, my ankles are puffing, my eyes are like slits, and still I am somehow managing to LOOK sexy an appealing. WHERE was my PR agent when I needed him? Reminded me of Dave Lakhani's story at Kevin Hogan's 2008 Influence Bootcamp about when he was "caught" out of his typical bespoke suit uniform, much to his detriment (temporarily, of course). it just spoke volumes about our need for OUR BRAND and OUR IMAGE consistency.

And when your work requires WARDROBE, having a MEDIUM size closet may be necessary! :D

Hugs, love, and deep admiration, one of your fans....

All the best,

April Braswell

Online Dating Expert, Romantic Relationship Coach, Romance Coaching

Online Dating Sites Review, Internet Dating Sites Guide

Matthew Shields said...

For Blogger
Hi , Jenn
Great to know that we do have those exceptions. It really takes a lot of energy to manage all of those cloths though. I’m thinking I’m going to stick with what I have
Happy Trails
Matthew Shields
Hotel Resort Energy Management?
Anything Solar

sabrenafaire said...

I call myself the Queen of the Clearance Rack because I hate paying full price for anything...except for workout shoes or an amazing dress or boots or heels. And I make that exception maybe once a year.

Sabrina Peterson
Personal Trainer and Weight Loss Coach

Philip Graves said...

Personally, I'm very much in the "buy a few items but make them great without being a brand junkie" camp... I'm not sure if technically there is a camp to be in, thinking about it, but that's where I'd be pitching my tent!

For example, there is no point me buying a suit off the peg, it will never fit me properly. But I can find a good tailor who isn't well known to make a great fitting suit for a fair price.
Philip Graves: Consumer Behaviour Expert

Anonymous said...

Jenn,

Nice reminder that there are always room for exceptions and that being overly dogmatic about things (even a virtue like thriftiness) doesn't generally serve us well.

Keep up the good work!

Craig
Real Estate Success Path, Tips & Strategies for Smart Agents

JohnWShoemaker said...

There's always exceptions...and exceptions to the exceptions...and your work is exceptional.

Intuitive John

Robert Kaufer said...

About the only thing I pay full price for is Underarmour.

The rest is all deals, so I think.


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Lisa M. McLellan said...

There is an exception to every rule, isn't there!
Babysitter, Nannies, and Au-pairs

David J Parnell said...

The exceptions are ok, it is when it becomes a habit that we have a problem... ;-)

David J. Parnell | Communication Expert
The Communication Expert Blog

Lena Milukh said...

I don't shop often recently,but when I do it's a real outing day.Sometimes I treat myself buying Jane Norman's clothes.She always have so many to choose from.
Improving Communication in Business and Personal Life
body language blog

gr8skot said...

i am with Sabrina, I hate paying retail for clothes. I know what I like/want and am willing to wait for it to get marked down.

Make it a great one!

Scott Bell

The Road Warrior Travel Reviews Travel Tips

www.scottalexanderbell.com

Susan said...

Until our websites take off and we're all making 6 figure incomes, I think it best to stick to the minimalist wardrobe.
BTW, I still don't have my whole closet cleaned out and it's been over 3 months (taking the baby step thing to literally there!)
The key is to always look the best you can because when you don't, that's when someone meets you for the first time ... baggy butt, flooded trackers with cigarette burns don't cut it when someone rings the doorbell, whether or not you were 'relaxing'.
suecrutcher.com

Jennifer Skinner said...

Hey Sue! Great to see you here! I miss all of your baby steps...
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Good clarification on when indulgences are allowed.

Darryl Pace