Posh Tip: Plan Ahead for Special Occasions
It’s so much easier to look and feel our stylish best when we plan ahead for special occasions. We’ve all been there: it’s the final 48 hours prior to an event or special occasion, and we still have nothing to wear; so we tear feverishly through malls and department stores (including some in which we wouldn't even normally shop) trying to find the perfect outfit in the least amount of time.
More often than not this kind of last minute rush fails to leave us feeling as put together as we would like—even if we’re fortunate enough to find something that remotely resembles our vision—and we end up spending more than we might have liked. So why not avoid it altogether?
We generally have a good idea of birthdays, weddings and other special events that might land on our calendar well in advance of their actually occurring. We should use this time to ensure we have the perfect, well curated pieces already on-hand. Here are some ways to do that:
Shop Out of Season
We all know that spring and summer items are on sale between August and October, and that winter items are on sale between March and May—as stores need to make room for their new seasonal inventory. So why not snag that amazing strapless dress that would be perfect for your friend’s June wedding in the fall when it is deeply discounted?
Swear by the LBD
Order Online
There are so many options available online for items that you can’t get locally, and who doesn’t want to find something super unique and special? Take advantage of the interwebs to shop online vintage or specialty stores, or scope out sales on sites like Asos.com where there are always fabulous frocks available at various price points. The best part about shopping online way ahead of your event is that you have time to try things on, and return or exchange them if they don’t fit exactly the way you’d hoped.
Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway (which I posted about here in 2010 when the site was just launching) is a fabulous members only service that allows you to rent designer pieces, wear them to your event and return them. Return shipping and cleaning are included in your membership, so all you have to do post-event is pop the garment into the packaging provided and send it off! And this way you are free from the remorse that comes with overspending on that amazing designer dress that you can never wear again because the event pictures are on Facebook. Easy and cost effective, no?
Make a List
I am a list kinda gal. I have lists for everything from “to do” to “new ideas” to “meal planning”. But my favorite list is the “wish list”. Why not make a list of all the items that you would like to have for your upcoming events and keep it on hand so that you can keep your eyes peeled when you’re out shopping for other things? Then when you see that really great sale, you can make sure you’re purchasing an item you will actually wear—not something you snagged just because it was on sale. Keeping a wish list will help to keep you both on target and on budget!
What are some of the ways you prep your closet in advance for special occasions?