How I actually decide what makes the Buy Less, Buy Better list.

A few of you have asked how I actually decide what goes on the Buy Less, Buy Better list. This week, instead of a pick, here is the process itself.

It has to survive the ‘five year’ test. Not, “is this nice,” but “will I still recommend this in five years, or is it just having a moment”. Most things fail this quietly, without me ever needing to try them on.

It has to work across more than one body and undertone. The single “flattering on me” moment isn’t eough. I’m looking for pieces with genuine range, the kind that could suit several different cliets I actually work with.

The fabric has to hold up to honest scrutiny. I check weight, drape, how it behaves after a wash if I can find that out. A beautiul photo means very little if the fabric won’t survive a season of real wear.

It has to be something I’d actually say no to, some of the time. If everything I looked at made the list, the list would mean nothing. I turn down more than I include - that’s rather the point of a curated list instead of an endless one.

This is the standard I am holding everything to, including pieces I have already recommended. If something stops earning its place, it comes off the list. That’s not indecision, that’s the whole idea.