Intentional Style: 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Your Accessories
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I recently realised that the most valuable thing I do for my clients is helping them become intentional shoppers. We focus on finding pieces that truly represent them and work for their lives, rather than just filling a basket.
This mindset is even more important when shopping for accessories! You’re not just buying something pretty; you’re buying a statement of your personal style. Yet, so many stylish women make the same mistakes, leading to a jewellery box full of pieces they never wear.
As a Yorkshire lass who believes in getting your money’s worth, here are 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Your Accessories so you can start shopping with true intention!
Mistake 1: Don’t Know What They Are Shopping For
If you don't know what you need, you get overwhelmed and buy random bits. Before you head out (or scroll online!), be crystal clear.
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Intentional Accessory Shopping: Instead of shopping for "earrings," shop for: "A bold, sculptural piece to draw the eye upwards when I wear my simple black blazer," or "A permanent, everyday base layer like a Welded Bond bracelet." This focus ensures every purchase serves a purpose.
Mistake 2: Buy on Impulse
We all relate to the impulse buy—that cheap accessory that seemed great at the time but sits unworn. Impulse purchases are typically the pieces with the highest Cost Per Wear (because you wear them once or twice!).
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Intentional Accessory Shopping: Ask yourself: Does this piece reflect my unique, boho babe style? Does the quality match my standards? If you hesitate, walk away. Invest in pieces you will wear constantly.
Mistake 3: Buy Fast-Fashion Accessories
I get that you want to be stylish, but please avoid fast-fashion accessories for two huge reasons:
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Low Quality: These pieces are often low quality, tarnishing quickly and ultimately ending up in landfill. They are the antithesis of a lasting investment.
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No Uniqueness: These mass-produced pieces mean you look like everyone else! Your unique accessories should represent you. Created By Lau pieces are one-of-a-kind or made in small batches precisely so you don't look like anyone else.
Mistake 4: Treat Shopping as a Hobby
Shopping should be fun, but if you treat it as your only hobby, you end up with a huge amount of clutter that overwhelms you.
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Intentional Accessory Shopping: Spend your time enjoying your already purchased treasures! Instead of endlessly browsing, spend time styling your existing wardrobe with your bold statement pieces and creating new looks.
Mistake 5: Buying Accessories That Don’t Fit Your Lifestyle
You might love a chunky, delicate bracelet, but if you have a job where you’re constantly typing or working with your hands, it’s not practical.
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Intentional Accessory Shopping: If you need a piece that is truly clasp-free and always on, choose a permanent piece like a Welded Bond by Created By Lau. If you need a piece that can withstand your busy life, invest in durable resin or lightweight polymer clay that is built to last.
Mistake 6: Buying Quantity Over Quality
This is the biggest mistake you can make with jewellery! It is tempting to buy five cheap necklaces for the price of one Created By Lau piece. But which one will you still be wearing next year?
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Intentional Accessory Shopping: You must invest in quality. High-quality materials (like my mixed media components) wash and wear better and, most importantly, they stand the test of time, reducing waste and boosting your confidence. Quality accessories are the foundation of a high-end look.
Mistake 7: Buy Randomly – Don’t Buy in Outfits
Random accessory buying leaves you with beautiful pieces that don’t actually go with anything you own.
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Intentional Accessory Shopping: When buying a bold piece, ask yourself: "How many outfits can I create with this item?" and "Does this piece elevate my existing signature style?" Your accessories should always add to your existing wardrobe, never sit randomly unworn.
By avoiding these mistakes and shopping with true intention, you will ensure every piece from Created By Lau is a hardworking, high-impact accessory that truly represents the magnificent, stylish woman you are!