If you've been here for a while, you know I love the Notes app. From filing screenshots to documenting purchases, I rely on my meticulously organized system of folders to house ideas and inspiration so I can easily refer back to them. Today’s post was going to be a straightforward check-in evaluating all my purchases year to date, but then I had a better idea. I’m going to share how (and why) I do this, instead of just focusing on the actual results. First, we have to start with the following baseline info:
Over the past three years of rebuilding my wardrobe, I’ve kept a running note in the “style” folder on my phone documenting every purchase I make. It’s organized by month and year, and I include clothing, shoes, jewelry, bags, and accessories. When something inevitably gets sold/donated, I don’t delete it, I just put a strike through it. Why do I do this? Well, for starters, I love data. But beyond that, I like to search for patterns in what didn’t work out to avoid making the same mistake twice. However, as I find myself more and more satisfied by the state of my wardrobe, I’m noticing my analysis shift towards identifying commonalities in what is working for me. And that’s honestly a lot more enlightening!
So that’s the “Inventory by Year” note. But there's a second note, titled "Evaluation,” and it's been the biggest game changer in my journey of building a wardrobe I genuinely love.
At the end of every month, I go to the “Inventory by Year” note, and I rate the purchases from two months ago. This gives me enough time to actually test things out, and the shininess of a new purchase has somewhat worn off. My rating system is incredibly sophisticated:
Zero-hearts = sell/donate
One-heart = good
Two-hearts = really good
Three-hearts = best.
These are the questions I think about before I give a rating: Do I feel good when I wear this? When I put it on, do I take it off in favor of something else? If I could go back in time, would I buy it again? Has this gotten me closer to my dream closet? Is it easy to wear and maintain?
Here’s an example of what this note looks like (p.s. clearly, one of these purchases is off the charts and I went a little heart happy):
Now, I could stop here. These hearts give me a lot of intel, and they allow me to notice trends. April? Not the best. May? Every purchase is a winner. Then I can ask myself “why?” and really sit and think for a few minutes. But if you’re like me, thoughts are fleeting and therefore not incredibly useful for the future. So here’s where it gets actionable.
I add the website of every three-heart item to my Chrome bookmark folder called “THE CUT.” Here’s a screenshot of this folder if you’re curious:
This is an easy lift, and really gives shape to an otherwise amorphous idea of the brands that are three-heart worthy (to me). You obviously don’t even need my notes app system for this, you could just sort your physical closet and then create a bookmark folder based on the brands in your “favorites” pile.
Then I also have a folder for the two-heart brands, called “THE CUT - OCCASIONAL.” Because these brands tend to fall more into really good territory, and I’m focused on having a closet with as many best items as possible, I try to be a bit more judicious when I shop from these stores.
One quick note before we move on- my goal is to grow these lists, not limit myself to them. But having these brands saved in this way gives me a good spot to start when I identify a need in my closet and want to see what’s out there.
It’s finally time to explain the aforementioned “Evaluation” note. This note is a chart, and instead of separating it by month, it’s by category, sorted highest rating to lowest (also by year). For example:
Let’s pause here for a minute. As you can see, I have a lot of one and two-heart tops. This is where a mid-year (or monthly) check-in is incredibly helpful. Tops are my biggest struggle, and also the biggest category. Seeing this data and being aware of this, I now want to course correct and be more intentional with all my purchases in this section for the rest of the year. I can lean into this checklist for any new tops, and also refer to step three below.
Moving on.
Ok- a much stronger category for me! No notes.
This 3:2 balance is perfect. I don’t think I need to make any shopping strategy changes here.
Actually using this data to inform future purchases!
Lean in on the three-heart brands to improve the balance of any section of your closet that is tipping towards one-heart (or zero). Emphasis on the word improve. Building your wardrobe is a long game! Adding one three-heart item in the next six months is better than five one-hearts.
Looking at the top-rated items and identifying commonalities. Then using those as a check-list for shopping. Since I struggle with tops and I know this, the next time I am about to buy one, I can pause and reflect. Does this hold up against my Comme Si button down? Why/Why not? Or does it feel more like the one-heart items? It’s a worthwhile exercise!
And now for a quick overview of my three-heart items YTD!
1. Secondhand Celine coin pouch
2. Secondhand Park Tote in large via TRR
3. DVN clutch
4. TWP blazer
7. AYR denim
9. Loulou de Saison jacket
10. Buck Mason cotton top
12. Dorsey Petite Casta necklace*
14. Secondhand TWP jacket via TRR
16. BR top that makes me happy every time I wear it
I hope this was helpful! Let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns (lol).
Talk soon :)
Emily
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