my inspiration board

Many times I am asked how I decide what I am going to wear or how do I put my look together? Here today, I want to share my passion for fashion and give you a glimpse of how I prepare for a new season by showing you my inspiration board.

First of all, I subscribe to about 5 fashion magazines. They each have a different approach to fashion. Vogue is great for couture and Lucky is freat for how to get the looks for less approach. Elle, Instyle, Glamour, and many others also have their own niche, and I devour them all, especially the March and September issues. They are the large issues with tons of fashion photos and articles on every topic you can imagine….beauty, must haves, what the stars are wearing, street style, best denim, shoes and so on and so on. March and September are the kick off months for the next seasons fashions. I also subscribe to a Monday through Friday news publication, WWD , that mainly talks about the business side of the fashion industry. My husband actually enjoys ready those articles.

I love to cut out pictures from these magazines and pin them on a cork board that is located in my closet. I have another one in my office, but I like having it near my dressing area so I can remind myself of some clever ideas from the pictures so I can incorporate into a look.

I often cut out pictures of a skirt, top, jacket, pant, etc. that is similar to something that I already have in my closet. It gives me more ideas on how to restyle those pieces in my closet. I also cut out pictures of the new color palettes of the season. This season I am seeing ultra brights and beautiful pastels. We haven’t seen pastels in several years. I am loving it! It is so fresh!

My board in this picture has transitional photos. Pieces that can transition into spring season. Now that I have just gotten most of my March magazine issues, I will be adding many new spring/summer looks to my board. I call it my inspiration board or idea board.

One reason I love to do this is that it helps me decide what I need to add to my wardrobe for the next season. I have been known to impulse shop. I might buy a certain item, but what am I going to wear with it or where am I going to wear it? That is what you need to ask yourself before you pull out your credlt card. I now make a list and try hard to shop my list. Making a list also helps keep me on my budget, which you should have going into a new season.

Another great tool for researching new spring trends is the internet. There are so many websites out there. On the right side of this page, I have a list of places I like to shop. Just click on there and just surf the net clicking on dresses, handbags and shoes. You might trip across some deals that way as well. You will find my must haves or my currently obsessed list also on the right side on this page. I like to make a wish list as well. This spring I have several events I will be attending, so I have to decide if I am going to buy something new or am I going to restyle something I already have. As much as I love something new, I really love the art of restyling.

One more place I would like to mention that helps manage your research or shopping is your smart phone. There are so many great apps out there. I will do another post soon on some of my favorite apps and what they are good for.

Here is a great link to Nordstrom for top trends. Just click on the banner and shop til you drop!!

For a couple more days, you can grab some great deals by clicking on this link from Nordstrom.

I hope you enjoyed this blog. I know everyone has different levels of interest in fashion, but I hope I inspired you to pick up a March issue of Elle, Lucky, Vogue, or Instyle and see for yourself what they are showing for spring and what might work for you!!! I am ready for spring……are you????

…….more choices for this look……