Will I Still Want This in 6 Months?

The million dollar question.

I posted this video a few days ago, unboxing an Alexander Wang bag I bought after falling in love with it in NYC. The unboxing took a very fast turn, because when the bag was actually in my possession, I started asking myself: Will I still want this in 6 months? Ultimately the answer to that question was no.

I can’t take credit for this shopping method, it actually stems from my Mom. Up until the last year, I was always buying clothes and turning around and selling them 2-3 months later. 9/10 times it meant I was losing a large cut of what I originally spent. Now, I’m obviously not perfect and this still happens to me (kind of often), but just LESS often than before. It’s a W.I.P., and we’re definitely working on it.

I’m usually not one for second opinions on pieces; getting a second opinion usually insinuates initial hesitation. However, if the piece passes the will I still want this in 6 months question, I have 3 people (total), who I occasionally lean on for purchasing advice. One person in particular calls me out on my B.S.; you need someone like this, I promise. Why only 3 people? The more you add into the mix, the more opinions you’ll receive. Even when asking, I’m still 100% aware of my own personal style, what I want to wear on a daily basis, and whether or not I think I would get use out of something. Too many people = too many complications.

So, let’s take a look at my iMessage graveyard from these 3 convo’s, to see what pieces I’ve bought that have passed, and failed the 6 month rule.

The Khaite belt. Possibly the most worn piece/accessory in my closet. There were a few comments like, “you paid HOW much for a belt?!”, but nonetheless I think I’ve gotten my moneys worth. Passed with flying colours.

The H&M sweater. Originally this passed the test, and then it didn’t (this will be a common theme- and this is why the question is SO important). I initially loved it so much that I kept it, and then I never found myself gravitating towards it. Ended up selling before 6 months was up.

These unisex Snow Peak pants I tried on in NY. This was a yes? (a yes with some hesitation behind it) moment. I thought I would get a lot of use out of them, I liked the material, but something was still throwing me off. Finally, my no B.S. person answered the 360 video I sent them, and responded with “those are not flattering”. After that I couldn’t unsee it.

The softest vintage dress. Vintage pieces are most often where I ask for advice. You have to move quick, and you don’t want to wake up a week later and go “shit I wish I bought that”. I sent this photo after buying, because I was still unsure. This has passed the test (still in my closet), and became one of my most worn pieces of the summer.

American Vintage Cardigan. In Paris, sleep deprived, itching to buy something. I knew on some level I didn’t want this, but had to consult just to set it in stone. Another example of my no B.S. person saving the day (see why you need someone like this—your wallet will thank you). Did not pass and I am quite happy I didn’t bring this home. It was itchy, and not my colour.

Camper Loafers. I think I had sent 20 different loafer styles to my Mom alone. Ultimately I decided on these ones, and they have been on my feet ever since. Pass! Pass! Pass!

Vintage fleece, and vintage denim. These two didn’t even need consultation, I was just sending pictures to show what I had bought. Both of these have passed, and are still with me today. It does make me want to cry though, that my jeans with the aggressive rip in the leg, once upon a time looked like this.

Khaite Abigail/Danielle jean. I actually can’t remember which style it was. In theory, these should have passed- as I got the green light “finally jeans that are not falling off of you”, and “those are super flattering- buy them”. However, I knew deep down that the $700 price tag would guilt me the next 6 months. Left behind, and I am not complaining.

Pictured on the right, Cordera sandals I scored for 60% off. I was sold because they felt like clouds, however, I was hesitant thinking they might have been a 1/2 size too small. Thankfully they loosened up with wear, and have passed the test.

Deep down, you’re always going to know what you want and what you don’t want. But sometimes you need an extra push one way or another to fully justify your decision.

What has passed/failed your 6 month mark test?