How I Keep Track of My Clothing: An App for the OCD Fashionista

If you know me, it's no secret that I'm obsessed with clothes.  I carefully organize and re-organize my closet regularly.  Everything is hung by type and then by color in a beautiful rainbow.  All of my drawers are full of neatly-folded items.  I wish I could say the rest of my house was this well-kept.  When I lived in Hawaii, I wanted to keep track of how often I was wearing my swimsuits so I felt less guilty about having so many.  I found an app in the app store called Stylitics (now called ClosetSpace.)  I loved what it did, and eventually I added all of my clothes to it.  I find it super helpful when you need to purge your closet too, because you actually know how often you wear each piece.  Here's how ClosetSpace works:

You take a picture of each item of clothing you have and add in whatever information you want
(price, color, pattern, size, etc.)  I know this is tedious, but it's worth it to have all that information at your fingertips. 

Every day you add what you wore to the calendar.

 

Each time you input an item, it updates the stats so you know how many times it's been worn, how much it cost per wear, what outfits you have worn it in, and more.

You can filter your items by color, brand, pattern, and a whole bunch of other categories.

You can even archive items you don't want to show up on your page but also don't want to have to input again later (such as maternity clothes or seasonal items.)  There are other functionalities (is that a word?) that I haven't even used yet.  You can also access everything on your computer if you'd prefer that over an app.

So now you know the extent of my obsession when it comes to clothes.  Most of you will probably think I'm nuts, and you're probably right.  But if you're just as insane as I am, let's be ClosetSpace buddies.  :)

Oh, and did I mention it's free?

What I Wore: Tulle, Blazer With Jeans, and Lace Pencil Skirt

My cousin said I looked like a ballerina in this outfit.  Ballerinas are beautiful so I'm okay with that.  This crop top pairs really well with a higher-waisted dress.  I know it's hard to tell, but it actually does hit me just below my natural waist.

Pink tulle dress: H&M

Ivory crop top with back lace detail: Forever21

Pink beaded necklace: Forever21

Ivory crochet lace shoes: Kohl's

I love this ruffle top and lace skirt.  I feel great when I wear this outfit, and I think it would look great on anyone!  Black and turquoise are one of my favorite clothing color combinations. 

Black ruffle top: Contempo, found at Plato's Closet

Black undershirt: Downeast

Black and turquoise lace pencil skirt: Forever21

Silver sandals: Payless

Blue topaz and diamond necklace: gift from my dad :)

I love the blazer with jeans trend.  It's one I wish I could talk my husband into trying.  Blazers are very hard for me to find a good fit, and I looked for a long time to find this one.  I gave up on a long sleeve one because that is just too much of a long shot.  My striped top works in so many outfits.

 Black and white striped half sleeve top: Kim's Fashions

Black 3/4 sleeve blazer: Love Culture

Pink necklace: Downeast

Cuffed jeans: American Eagle (extra tall sizes exclusively online)

Turquoise flats with gold flower detail (sorry you can't see them in the pics): Forever Young Shoes

What I Wore: Ruffles Galore, Colored Shorts, Floral Dress, and More

I love this top from Anthropologie!  Of course I bought it on ebay for much cheaper though. 

Mint ruffle tank top: Bisco Falls from Anthropologie, bought on ebay

White crop undershirt: Hapari

Denim shorts: Aeropostale

Pearl ring: bought in Hawaii

My grandma's apricot trees sure make a cute backdrop. :)

Ivory ruffle sleeve tee: Forever21

Turquoise shorts: American Rag from Macy's

Cognac sandals: Old Navy

Flower headband: H&M

The funny thing about this belt is that when I bought it, it fit great.  But now, it somehow stretched out a good ten inches and needs to be pinned on.  I don't know how that happens.

Floral ruffle dress: Forever21

Ivory crop undershirt: Hapari

Tan knot waist belt: Wet Seal

Tan moccasin shoes: Payless

Pink necklace: Downeast

This is one of my dressy/casual outfits.

Ruffle button-up top: Goodwill

Teal cami: Forever21

Waist belt: came with a different top

Leggings: ebay

Silver sandals: Payless

Teal earrings: Forever21

I love pencil skirts.  This polka dot one is versatile and oh so classy.

Mint lace detail tee: H&M

White undershirt: Downeast

Black and white polka dot pencil skirt: H&M

Mint skinny belt: Came with skirt, from H&M

Black lace rosette flats: Forever Young Shoes

Pearl necklaces: gift

How I Find the Best Deals on Clothes

I inherited my love of finding a good deal from my mother, who is a master at bargain hunting.  Today, I want to share a few tips on how and where I find clothes for super cheap.

First, here are the stores I usually shop: Downeast, Forever21, Old Navy, Target, H&M, and also ebay.  I have a different strategy for most of these retailers. 

At Downeast, it's all about the sales, clearance, and outlets (if you can find them.)  Outlets/tent sales don't seem to be as common as they used to be, but if you can find them you will be in for a treat.  They often have shirts as low as $2.50, skirts for $5-7, dresses for $10-12, and swim pieces for $5-7.  It is amazing and I highly recommend going if you ever hear of one.  Otherwise, check out their clearance and wait for sales.  I personally would only buy something full price there if you HAVE to have it, which sometimes happens because some of their stuff is FREAKING ADORABLE. 

Forever21 is one store where I don't do much sale-waiting or clearance rack-ing because they don't really discount much.  Their clothes are already cheap so I am usually willing to pay full price.  The trick here is to be careful and make sure what you're buying is actually a good deal.  Some of their items are priced better than others.  You do have to remember that the quality isn't the best, but since their stuff is usually trendy, I'm not too concerned about it lasting a decades.

Old Navy is a big one.  NEVER EVER EVER pay full price for anything at Old Navy.  They always have sales and things often go on clearance.  30% off the whole store is a common occurrence.  Their clearance section is always large and usually has each item in several sizes.  I once walked out of Old Navy with a shirt and a swimsuit bottom for 48 cents by combining clearance, a sale on clearance items, and a coupon.  Sign up for their emails to get coupons and sale notifications.  Another big tip for other tall girls out there, Old Navy carry tall sizes online, and when your order is $50 or more you get free shipping and in-store returns!

proof

I love shopping Target's clearance section.  They have really cute clothes sometimes, but their prices are a bit too high for me at times.  Their clearance section has things more reasonably priced and often has good selection.  Also watch for their sales.  I like their tees and tanks, and those go on sale for $5-8 from time to time.

H&M has some things that are a great price without any discounts.  They also have some things that aren't so cheap.  For those, it's nice to wait for sales/coupons.  This is another place you should be on the mailing list for as they send out coupons from time to time.  I don't have the best luck with their clearance, mostly because I get overwhelmed, but I'm sure you could find something great if you had the patience.

Ebay is the one you have to be more careful with.  It is easy to let yourself pay too much because you get attached to an item, or forget to factor in shipping costs.  I usually search for brands I like, or if I have something particular in mind I will zero in on that.  I am actually able to find most things I am looking for if I look long enough.  Just remember to be strong and let stuff go if it gets bid up too high!

So that about wraps it up.  There are two things I would like to mention right now.  While I highly value finding amazing deals, it is important to never let yourself buy something you wouldn't be tempted to buy if it wasn't on sale.  Be honest with yourself on whether you will actually wear it multiple times before you buy.  Even if it was cheap, buying something you won't use is still a waste of money and space.  The second thing is that it is okay to have a splurge purchase every once in a while, just don't make it a habit.  For example, right before we moved from Hawaii I had my husband buy me a $30 Heather Brown tank top from Rip Curl that I just adore.  It is more than I would ever spend on something like that, but it is a souvenir from our time in Hawaii that I cherish.  Sometimes it's worth it.  I hope these tips will help you find clothing steals!

What I Wore: Blue leopard print, floral leggings, and more

While I'm not super into animal print, I did love this BLUE tinted version I found at Love Culture.

Blue leopard print shirt: Love Culture

Black tank top: Old Navy

Denim shorts: LA Idol, cut off from jeans I found at Plato's Closet

Silver sandals: Payless

I've been dying to try the floral pants thing for a while now, but wasn't willing to shell out big bucks for something so trendy.  Enter these $10 leggings from Forever21.  I knew I could count on you, Forever21.  I wore it with a long tank top because no one needs to get that friendly with my backside.  Haha.

Gray shirt with tie: Downeast

Long teal tank with lace trim: Downeast

White and blue floral leggings: Forever21

Tan strappy sandals: Forever Young Shoes

Large beaded teal necklace: gift

I love my Target clearance finds!  This dress is super cute and looks great dressed up.

Navy and red floral print dress: Target

Navy undershirt: Downeast

Tan lace skirt extender: Kim's Fashions

Gold studded flats: Forever Young Shoes

Mint braided belt: Wet Seal

Mint flower necklace: Forever21

I love the simple style of this dress.  I was pretty bummed to find that the smallest size they carried was still too big, but it's nothing a belt couldn't fix!

Blue and white striped shift dress: Old Navy

Gray leggings: CottonOn

White ruffle sandals: Wet Seal

Black waist belt: came with another shirt I bought

I love the vintage feminine flair this outfit has.  Lace paired with mini polka dots is perfection.

 Tan lace tee: Forever21

Tan shirt: some small store at the Orem University Mall that I can't remember...

Dusty blue high-waisted a-line polka dot skirt: Downeast

Cognac sandals: Old Navy

What I Wore: June part 3-Striped maxi dress, leggings, and more

I decided this time to include approximate prices I paid for everything (except rings, because then everything would cost as much as my wedding ring, haha) so you can see how much I usually pay for my outfits.  I always have to laugh when I see people on tv showing you how to get a great outfit for 'only $200.'  Cheapskates for the win!

I wore this top along with black dress pants for the wedding I photographed that morning, then changed into denim shorts after because it's hot outside!

Black and cream lace top: Maurice's-$18

Black undershirt: Kim's Fashions-$7

Shorts: LA Idol pants from Plato's Closet that I cut off into shorts-$15

Necklace: Kohl's-$15

Ring: ebay

Nail polish: Abigail by Julep. I LOVE the 'silk' finish!

Outfit total: $55

I love the sequin roses on this dress.  I sometimes have a hard time figuring out what to pair it with, but I think the magenta sweater looks cute.

Sequin rose dress: Old Navy-$15

Magenta short sleeve sweater: Old Navy-$5

Brown leggings: Charlotte Russe-$5

Rosette sandals: Forever Young Shoes-$10

Rose necklace: Forever 21-$4

Outfit total: $39

I wanted to wear something casual and cool this day since I knew we were going hiking later. 

Cobalt blue ruffle shirt: Kohl's-gift

Denim shorts: Aeropostale-$15

Coral flower necklace: Forever 21-$8

Flip flops: Old Navy-$2

Outfit total: $25+whatever the shirt cost

I love this maxi dress!  It was actually long enough off the rack by some miracle, and it even has sleeves and a great neckline.  It's an all-around win.

Green striped maxi dress: Downeast-$25

Gold flats: Forever Young Shoes-$18

Gold skinny belt: Urban Outfitters-$5

Pink necklace: Downeast-$15

Outfit total: $63

I always laugh when I remember that this dress said 'knee-length dress' on the tag.  It's like... a foot above my knees.

Magenta dress: Forever 21-$13

White half-tank: Hapari-$5

Gray leggings: Papaya-$5

Cognac braided belt: Wet Seal-$3

Cognac sandals: Old Navy-$10

Outfit total: $36

So my average outfit was about $44.  Not too shabby, I don't think.  Stay tuned for a post coming soon about how I find the best deals on clothes.