Getting out of your label funk: why labels don't matter on The Shopping Diet

If you've ever been called a "label whore" and have decided you want to go on The Shopping Diet, this post is tailor made for you.
(Yes, you may thank me ahead of time)

Now, I have never been obsessed with labels, ever. My shopping strategy always involves buying what I like, no matter who makes it.
And because of that, I offer this advice:

It is OK to have your favorite labels and brands. Everyone does. And it's even OK to purchase clothing and accessories and shoes by those labels and brands. But my advice per The Shopping Diet, is to not limit yourself to only your favorites because you never know what you might be missing out on.

I shop anywhere and everywhere: tiny boutiques, speciality stores, K-mart, Amazon, Walmart and Target. Department stores. Outlets. Because of that variety I am exposed to a lot of different brands of clothing. Sometimes I look at the label before I try on an item, and sometimes I don't. But I never let it determine if I'm going to buy something or not. If I like it, it fits well, it looks good and is in my price range, consider the item as good as already hanging up in my closet. Because of this mentality, I have learned over the years that many different brands of clothing look good on me.

So how do you get out of the label funk? Well, you're on a diet, right? Part of being on The Shopping Diet involves making changes. It involves adjusting some things to ensure you can still shop with dignity but also pay all your bills (yes, all of them), on time, and still, (yes, still), have money for groceries, gas and your kitty.

So change your mentality now. Labels and brands are cool. But allow yourself to discover a world outside of those labels and brands. You may just find an amazing $12dress that looks amazing, goes with anything, and you end up wearing for four years.

Part of the reason I like to buy different brands is because I thrive off a closet full of different options. I like my clothes to be original, unique and versatile. One day I'll want to wear a polo and pearls, and the next I'll want to wear a crazy zig zag top with black suede booties. And it's different brands that allow this kind of variety.

So the next time you're scanning the sale items at Target, do yourself a favor. Don't only look for Mossimo items. Try on things because you like the way they look. Do this at every store. Even online. Build up a closet (and a mind) full of variety and options.