First and foremost I’d acquire the services of a stylist – I’ve been putting it off for years but it is one of the things I have promised to myself in the future. Onwards my fantasy includes a functioning purse closet. I spend plenty of money on shoes, bags, and clothing normally so I’d spend the remaining fantasy funds rounding up accessories like belts, scarves, shapewear, watches, and other stuff I never seem to leave room for in my budget like arm and leg warmers, hats, and vests.

Ha! I spend lots of time thinking along these lines, usually while on the phone with my best friend. (Though we tend to get carried away and chat about what we’d do if we won a huge multi-million-dollar jackpot- and yes, houses, yachts and dream wardrobes are always involved.)

With a mere (hee) $5000? I’d likely spend the lot on accessories, so that my purchases would stand the test of time and always fit- I’d hate to blow all that on a dress that didn’t fit several years down the line. Living in London, I wouldn’t waste any of it on travel- minus £6.30 for a one-day travelcard. I’d head over to Selfridges, Liberty or Harvey Nicks and go crazy. No doubt a classic Chanel 2.55 bag (black with gold hardware, large size), some nude patent Louboutins and loads of fine jewelry would be among my purchases. Probably the only “clothing” item I’d look to get would be a fantastic leather jacket.

This topic is too much fun. Here is what I would do:
- get a Burberry trench
- a pair of wicked Manolo Blahnik shoes
- Hermes scarf
- yes, a Chanel bag
- if anything is left, spend it in local boutiques (must not be a chain store)

I would hire the services of a good tailor and get the basics of a wardrobe made to fit me- a couple of dresses, a suit, a nice winter coat, a trench coat, trousers & a pencil skirt.

Then I would get some good quality comfortable shoes, a tattoo, a massage and lots of clothes from Mango and Zara.

I would have a few patterns for basic garments custom made for me (as well as the garments). I have such a hard time finding clothes that fit well and I sew but haven’t a clue how to customize sewing patterns.

I’m probably sounding like a broken record, but I would seriously use the money to visit Seattle and meet you, Angie. And since I’d have lots of money left over, I’d like you to take me pearl and jewelry (nicer than costume) shopping. I might also need a pair or two of Frye boots. Oh, how could I forget– get a killer hair cut with simple techniques to duplicate it myself.

Nothing broken about it, Patience.
I’d fly to Seattle and spend the day with you Angie. I completely trust you and love your style and know you could help me more than anybody else.
I’d love to get:
Handbags
Boots
Outerwear
and
Accessories
I’m lacking in all of the above. I would also fly my entire wardrobe up there so you could help me make timeless, yet fun outfits.

First of all, I have to say, I WISH.
I live in Shanghai, so after the conversion, $5000 is about 34000 RMB. I almost always buy cheap things, under 200 RMB, so that’s about 170 pieces I can buy, and many of the things I buy are actually under 100 RMB.

I’d probably spend a ton at Superbrand Mall. Knits and sweaterdresses are my current obsession, as well as boots of all styles and materials. Heck, flats, wedges and sneakers too. I definitely need to stock up on basic tees and tanks, some nice skirts and tights.

I’d need to save about a tenth of that money just for accessories and maybe some makeup to play with.

I may actually order clothes online too! Something I’ve never done before. O:

Oh, and skinny jeans in black, grey, white, and bold colors.

That’s all I can really think of right now. Man, I wish life were like this.

Oh Angie, what a tease you are!!!
I would have to find out what Angie’s consultancy fees would be, because that would absolutely be part of my budget. Ideally I’d fly her out to Toronto and have her go over my existing wardrobe, then return with her to Seattle so we could comb Nordstrom’s and the other marvellous stores that don’t exist in Canada. But in the interest of stretching my dollars further, I’d do the wardrobe culling myself/with the help of the forum and just fly out to Seattle. There I would team up with Angie to help me put together the most practical and versatile wardrobe possible. Our purchases would include at least one suit, one dynamite cocktail dress (lbd or otherwise), one formal dress, a few pairs of new shoes to cover all occasions, a couple of jackets in pretty/useful colours, and every-day basics (pants and skirts, tons of knitwear, pretty blouses if appropriate etc). I’d spash out on a great bag if there was money left, but that’s not necessary. I’d actually rather put any leftovers towards pretty costume jewelry.
*floats off into dreamland*

No doubt in my mind: I’d travel to the US and hire you Angie, to help me find a pair of specs!

I would DEFINITELY put mine toward renovating my storage space. I’ve got enough space, it’s just … well, ugly! And spread across several rooms. It would be amazing to have the dough to build a big, gorgeous walk-in closet.

I like Danja’s idea of focusing my spending on local boutiques. I’m in Boston, which may not be a fashion capital by any means, but there are quite a few great local places that I’d like to support–including many that feature local designers.

I would like to be a good fashion citizen and have a local designer make me a perfectly tailored winter coat–wool, insulated, impeccably darted and fitted around the waist (it is so hard to find a perfect winter wool coat that truly fits!)

I’d also get a great bag. Chanel is tempting. But a fabulous coat would be the main priority.

DIAMONDS are a girl’s best friend. And they don’t wear out like shoes and clothes. So I’d take around $3,500 of that and invest in some beautiful diamond stud earrings.

With the leftovers, I’d buy some wardrobe basics: a $700 Missoni knit dress and some black smooth leather 3 inch heels from Choo, Prada, or Blahnik.

If I have any left over, I’d love some Miu Miu jeweled flats.

With that much money, I think a stylist would be a distinct investment! I am used to buying cheap clothes, but would love to have some more quality pieces. I’m a SAHM, so nothing super fancy would be necessary, but we’ve all seen what a good pair of jeans can do to an “average” figure. Although I’m pregnant, so I think that I’d have to save the $$ for my postpartum treat. =)

I would absolutely splurge on accessories, because they would last me years:

1. shoes and coats
2. jewelry
3. belts
4. handbags

However, I already have what I think are reasonable items in all those areas (though I may only own a few in comparison to most, I think I don’t *need* more). Also, I believe that faux-pearls are just as good, and target shoes are fine. So, I may not spend a whole lot of my money yet.

So, my next splurge would be on travel. I would go India, meet designers and stylists and understand how trends in India match or differ from the western trends, and how each influence the other. I may even help someone in India set up a site like yours for Indian fashion!

If I have money left, I would spend it on some great looking excercise-wear. It is amazing how dowdy these can make you look if you are not in the best shape!

What a fun post!
I would first take care of my self:
new hair style;
a Endermologie LIPOMASSAGE;
the complete Channel anti-aging line;

and then I would contract Angie to do me a wardrobe makover!

I believe some dreams do not wish to be shared after having technical problems trying to post!

I would buy a vintage Cartier Tank watch, with the remainder of the money I would fly first class from Edinburgh to Paris to have a bespoke fragrance blended.

Is a certain Valentino handbag on your wish list Angie?

EASY! I’d have the junk in my truck and my thunder thighs sucked out in a heart beat, so I could hold my head high and wear every pencil skirt and skinny jean my little heart desired. (and do not tell me I can do that now…because I absolutely could not/would not)

I’m flying Angie to NYC to help me purchase my Chanel suit (see other fantasy post for reference). Of course, Angie won’t be able to resist the lure of Chanel, so maybe we’ll wind up as Chanel suit twins!

Well, that pretty much takes care of $5,000, doesn’t it? Whew, that went fast! Can I have another $5,000?

This is easy: I would reserve $500 for a custom pair of shoes by these women who make custom shoes for celebrities…if only I could remember what it was called. If they come out great, I’ll use the rest to buy more shoes. If not, I will fly to Europe to stock up on their wonderfully comfy and low-heeled shoes.

I would spend the money on hair and skin care. I would cut my hair super short and/or dye it a high maintenance color like blond or red. I usually avoid really short hair and drastic color changes b/c of the more frequent maintenance required.

Then I would schedule an appt with a dermotologist and spend money on all sorts of expensive skin care products and procedures that I don’t usually purchase b/c those things are always a gamble. A very, very expensive gamble.

Oh, what fun. To get the wardrobe game plan started, I would have Angie help me figure out my best look, what works and what doesn’t work, and then we would set off and spend…quality basics, accessories, shoes, coats… my struggling wardrobe needs everything, so I would depend on Angie’s help to keep the spending smart. Oh- and new glasses.

Oh, love to daydream:
I would first redo my entire closet and create my DREAM closet system(I know, nerdy).
Then I would fly to New York for some serious shopping.I love San Fran so perhaps a trip there too.
My biggest loves: shoes, bags and wicked jackets.
No brand names for me actually, aside from a Jcrew splurge now and then.
I think after the closet splurge I would rather shop in little amounts all year, that’s my style.No big blowouts…

If I had that much to spend at once, I’d make a careful list – kind of a capsule wardrobe – and search for those items in the highest quality and best fit. It shames me to think that I spend $5000 over time on things that are not well thought-out or are compromises in some way, but that I would change my behavior if it were all at once.

I’d probably get basics from Lafayete 148 and splurge a little more on accessories that better stand the test of time and don’t get worn out as much. A Missoni scarf or two would definitely be on my list, as would a gorgeous handbag. Probably no jewelry or shoes as I am pretty well stocked already.

fjt – you’re so right about the diamonds!
but I have those, so I’d do Laser FX on my face and decolletage. Botox on my forehead crease. Whatever remains on some pearls.

I would use a couple hundred to customize my closet space. It’s a good size and basically well laid out, but could definitely benefit from some additional storage solutions! That wouldn’t take much though.

The next thing on my list would be boots… if money was not an issue, I would be a boot girl! I’d want a pair of brown riding boots, a classic black pair low-heeled pair, and a pair of Frye Harness boots.

After that, I think I would prioritize a few classic accessories – the perfect trench, a wool coat, a pair of chic yet comfortable heels, and an excellent bag.

With a few hundred left, I’d head to places like Banana Repuiblic and stock up on good basics – cardis, tees, a pair of jeans.

I’d have to head to somewhere in the US to do most of this shopping, since Ottawa isn’t the most ideal for it. I’d likely go to visit my aunt in NYC, since I’d have the best selection there and essentially no travel costs!

I’d get our spare bedroom turned into a walk in wardrobe and fly to Seattle for a a day shopping with Angie

Sarah and Patience, let’s plan so we can all go to Seattle together!

If I had $5000, I’d buy a tweedy black Chanel blazer. Something like this:

http://www.bagsnob.com/images2.....2004_5.jpg

That would probably take all my $5000, hah.

I would create a brand new Carrie Bradshaw inspired wardrobe including some vintage pieces.

Like so many others, I’d be on a plane to Seattle! I’d ask Angie to help me mainly with outerwear and shoes/boots, though I’d welcome her recommendations in any area!

I’d like to throw everything out and start again!

Or, possibly more practically, I’d get some things that are out of my budget normally – a really good, classy winter coat, a couple of pairs of knee-high boots. And then I’d spend the rest on funky fun items by local designers.

Certainly, I can day dream. Since none of my pre-pregnancy clothes or shoes really fit after having two kids. I would LOVE to redo my wardrobe.

I would first get a fitness trainer or a swim instructor (since I don’t know how to swim). I would get some style consultation, then start shopping locally in Portland.

I would replace all the bras and panties. Get 4 dresses and 4 skirts (with matching tops), 2 pairs of nice boots, 2 pairs to T-strap shoes, a Michael Kors Ceramic watch (to replace my swatch watch that wear now), 2 totes, 2 clutches or wristlets. Last but not least some nice patterned tights. If there is more money left, I would invest in a nice coat.

Dream on, dream on
Dream yourself a dream come true
Dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true
Dream on, dream on, dream on…

First and foremost I would employ you Angie to help me out with your amazing styling, hopefully you would give me a good rate! Then I would head out, with you in tow to stock up on much needed classics for my wordrobe.

to name a few must haves:
classic trench coat
skinny dark wash jeans
killer boots and suede slouchy boots
trousers
lots of fun tops and cardigans
some accessories
a michaels kors bag

and since i teach dance i would reserve some money to spend at lululemon for some yoga pants and tops, cause if i looked fabulous everywhere else I might as well look fabulous teaching too.

I am too excited by my impending imaginary shopping spree to spell check this, so please excuse any errors!

I would go to Seattle. I would update and come back feeling confident and stylist.

I’d build a walk-in closet and get weekly blow-outs, hehe

After my first consultation with Angie, I realized for the first time what a difference shopping makes once you understand your own body type. I personally hate shopping and would see things on other people and be confused why I never looked good in the same thing. Now that I understand I am “pear”, I shop with a certain knowledge about my body and what style of clothing will flatter my shape. I would, therefore, take the $5000 and start my own clothing line called “anjou” (a type of pear), and all the clothing would be designed with the pear body in mind. If successful, I could then branch out into the apple world

Oh that is easy…that money would sift through my hands like sand at the beach:)

I would blow it all on one purchase…A Hermes Birken Bag…I believe 5 grand is their starting point:)

I don’t know where I’d go to shop, but I’d definitely get:

Footwear
Outerwear
Handbags
Jeans
And a day at the spa. I’ve never liked my skin much, and I’d love some treatments & products to help it look better.

I think I would fly to Vietnam to have custom shoes, suits, and jackets made. If anything is left after I’m satisfied with my haul there, I’ll use it to get as many awesome, basic tees as possible.

This is TOUGH!

I used to say all the time, if I won the lottery, I’d have all my clothes custom-made. But, after my recent experience with that, I don’t think I would say that anymore.

If I was only just stumbling on this site, I would use the money to hire you, Angie. But, after spending a year here, I’ve already learned so much.

The custom closet is highly tempting – except we have no room to build one out. So that is beyond fantasy.

I think I would have to say that I would invest in shoes and handbags. I don’t have any brand preferences, since I don’t know my Hermes from my Manolo. I sweep right by the higher end stuff since I know it’s out of my price range. I would probably be tempted to blow the entire $5K on one outrageous high-end item. What that is, I don’t know, but I’d have fun shopping for it and probably take the entire year to decide.

Or maybe I’d take my ENTIRE wardrobe, and have every last piece impeccably tailored. The trouble with that is my body changes so much. Hmm. But, since it’s free money…..

I would love to travel to fashion capitals like Paris, London, and Tokyo and soak up the different cultures and I would pick up some standout items (a coat, a designer handbag that’s classic and could be carried for many seasons, flat leather boots that comfortably accommodate my calves) along the way.

Mmmm. A few pairs of luscious boots; some might have to be custom-ordered so they fit my ample calves. Something along these lines….

http://www.farfetch.com/item10015603.aspx

Some premium jeans, again, with hopes that I would be able to special order to fit my 16L body (I know, i know: most premium jeans brands don’t want people of my size sullying their name by wearing their jeans on our large frames… but it’s my fantasy, so just play along with me, please!)

Several blazers, from chicly conservative (like:
http://www.rebeccaanddrew.com/.....=shopstyle

to a bit funkier, like:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/st....._sku=T22KF

Some workout wear that’s more appealing than my current shorts and stretched-out t-shirt combos.

Some well-fitting basics: cashmere sweaters; white t-shirts that are neither too thick nor too short; camisoles; etc.

And any money left over to be spent on tailoring, dry cleaning, and closet/ drawer/ storage and organizing.

Shiny, you said:

“If I was only just stumbling on this site, I would use the money to hire you, Angie. But, after spending a year here, I’ve already learned so much.”

What a great way to put that! Those are my sentiments exactly. Angie is so talented at teaching, I feel like I can learn from her even this far away. I tell everyone about this site.

I’d like to get a plane ticket so we could have lunch and all go shopping together. I want to pick some stuff out for Angie!

That sounds amazing. I would definitely put it towards a quality set of basics. A classic trench coat, a warm but stylish winter coat, luxurious cashmere sweaters, waterproof riding boots, and a couple of pairs of skinny jeans to tuck into those boots. Clearly I’ve got winter on the brain now.

A new winter coat, more shoes/boots and definitely more tops and pants!!

Oh, and $2000 of it will go towards jewelery. I have so many things I want to buy…

I’m pretty low key, but I would definitely be buying the good quality stuff , and not $10 pants at Wal-mart

Less is more with me. $5000 would be incredible to really update my wardrobe and spice it up!

I’d need more than $5,000 I think.

Well, maybe not – but I do need a whole new wardrobe here – both for fall/winter and spring/summer. Definitely I’d spend the money on a trip to Seattle so I could hire Angie for some serious help with clothes shopping.

Alternatively – if Angie were a ‘traveling’ stylist – I’d pay for the flight to Denver, book some sort of venue and she could run a workshop or something like that where lots of people could attend. That said, I’d still want to have my own personal shopping help as well. See why I’d need more than $5,000 ?

Ok – actual items?

Need:
Coat(s) – I don’t have any that fit – good wool overcoat and nice trench please, then maybe a leather jacket as well
Jeans – struggling to find ‘good’ jeans – would like bootcuts, straight legs and skinnies, all perfectly PPL for various heel heights
Blazers/jackets – again, I don’t have any that actually fit
Non-denim pants – need some of those as well
Fun tops – don’t know where to begin here – something other than a standard button-down

Want:
Fabulous dress – a proper cocktail sort of dress that will last awhile – something elegant and that can be dressed way up, or dressed down a wee bit if necessary
Casual dresses – for both fall/winter and spring/summer
Handbag(s) – something other than standard black – actually, I’d spend $$$ on this, to get something really fabulous.
Statement watch
Two pairs of new and fab specs
Oh, and I always liked the idea of having a ‘cocktail ring’ of some kind. Real or faux, doesn’t matter to me. Just a ‘fun’ thing.

I’d pay whatever it took to have three pairs of perfectly tailored, beautifully fitted, black or charcoal trousers (like lots of us, I’m an awkward shape), two pairs lined for my cool climate, and if there was any change, a pair of immaculate flat but stylish shoes.

I would renovate my closet, hire a stylist and buy Tracy Reese clothes.

I’d put it towards a Mikimoto Tahitian Pearl necklace (graduated pearl size from 9-11 mm in diameter). It’s been on my wish list for quite some time – I manhandled it greedily it last time I was in NYC…

Otherwise I’d probably spend it on items I normally cheap out on – a beautifully crafted bag, investment quality accessories (scarves, nice leather gloves etc), maybe a few custom bras from Cadolle – flights to Paris for the fittings too of course. Oh and a great pair of narrow calf boots – maybe the Pradas riding boots.

A complete splurge: the Bottega Veneta handbag of my dreams. And a sensible splurge: a hooded shearling coat. I would expect both to serve me well over many, many years.

Oh too much fun, never been good at dreaming so here goes…..First, I’d get a Keratin Brazilian Hair Treatment to flatten my thick, course, wavy hair. Next, a laser treatment to bring my aged skin back a decade or two, then I’d find the best deal on a Baume and Maurcier watch! As for the wardrobe, a stylist to help pluck out the wasted clothing from my closet and to add a few key classic pieces to go from day to night. I would then spend the remainder of the money on finding trendy shoes, boots, etc. in my very difficult shoe size, 11. That would eat up the full $5K but ohhh, what an overhaul!

I would enlist your help, Angie, to work on my shoe (in particular boot) and bag collections. I am really hurting in those departments

I’d hire a stylist and go vintage shopping. I’d want to concentrate on mostly accessories (bags/shoes/scarves/jewelry) and a really great coat and dress. That money would FLY away quickly!!!

This would be absolutely the most fun. We’ve had to totally cut back on our “personal” budgets this year, so $100 @ H&M was my huge splurge this year!
And, the answer is easy peazy…

Me + Angie off to Vancouver for a shopping trip. Since I’m already lucky enough to have enlisted your help a year or so ago, it’s time for another round of GOOD shopping. Including one fancy shmancy dress for “occassions”. I need one of those.

thx for the dream angie!!

Just read others’ comments, and Shiny and Ana’s point about Angie being an outstanding educator really resonated with me. I feel like I learned so much here, and no other source comes even close.

This is easy, I would splurge this on a few pricey items I have been lusting over for quite a while:

1. Bag:
http://www.zappos.com/alexande.....cu0y-black

2. Boots:
http://www.zappos.com/alexande.....ack-silver

3. Boots #2
http://www.intermixonline.com/.....y=ourPicks

and 4. leather moto jacket:
http://www.shopbop.com/novara-.....ze-viewall

I would not even have to leave home, just a few clicks on the computer.

Oh my goodness, how fun that would be!

Well, I’d hire Angie for a day and we’d go shopping in some big city where we can hit both department stores and funky boutiques. We’d get the perfect pair of jeans, a couple of chic pencil skirts, a couple of funky little jackets and a whole bunch of beautiful and unique tops and blouses, plus some gorgeous new scarves and maybe a bag. I don’t really crave designer clothes; rather, I’d be going for beautiful, bold, well-fitting, and unique. I’d spend part of the money on getting monthly facials for a year plus a make-up consultant. And then I want to dress up in my new clothes and get a ticket to a fashion show in NYC. I’m afraid the $5,000 will go quickly… and I haven’t even hit the shoe stores!

First of all, I’d purchase skin care products that worked! Then I’d set aside money to have my hair cut regularly, and “budget” for the year. I’d evaluate my current wardrobe to find the “gaps and bottlenecks” and figure out if all my capsules are what they should be.

I’d buy a good quality puffer, another wool coat, at least three pairs of comfy boots, premium denim, summer dresses, good quality woven blouses, and sturdy, classic totes and handbags. I’d also splurge on a watch and specs.

Angie, I would use $3000 to hire you. The $3000 would include your services, any/all the clothes/shoes/etc you suggest for me, and a couple stops for tea. The other $2000 would go toward sessions with a great personal trainer.

I should probably use the $2000 for the personal trainer first, get in shape, and then enlist your help. That sounds like a great plan.

I’d get quality items that worked together, and hire Angie to shop with me so I’d be sure to get entire outfits to mix-and-match. I’d want MOTG stuff mostly, but a few dressier items, like fab dresses, too.

Hey, Angie… I’d love to hear what’s on YOUR list!?

Hmm. Well if I lived closeby I’d definitely be tempted to hire Angie too, but since I don’t I’ll go for
A year’s worth of having my hair coloured
Nice shoes and boots (and new running shoes)
A few good coats
Some lounge wear and gear
I’d try premium denim
A sheath dress
A few outfits from Cue, my favourite Aussie shop that is way above my price range

I would spend it all on a large walk-in closet with a built in jewelry safe & a specialty section just for accessories. Ohhhhh, dreamy!!

What a nice dream!

Like so many others, I would mainly spend the money on shoes, accessories and outerwear. I am seriously hooked on Fluevog shoes right now and would love to have the money to buy a bunch of my favorites.

For one thing, most of those items will still fit me down the road, and tend to last longer than clothes.

For another thing, items like shoes, scarves, jewelry, and coats tend to get pushed so far down my list of necessities that they never get bought! I always rationalize that I can “make do” without proper shoes or accessories while I cannot go out in pants that are non-existent or ill-fitting.

I think I’d spend a good chunk of the dream money on more eyewear. Before reading this site, it really never occurred to me that having only one pair of frames (I wear my glasses every day) is somewhat limiting.

Since I’m based in a good shopping area (SF Bay), I’d probably stay here and do the shopping locally and online, except for the glasses, which I think I’d fly to Seattle to shop for with Angie. Buying glasses solo is way too confusing and stressful, and a talented and objective advisor would be just the thing.

I agree with Mac–it’d be fun to hear Angie’s list!

Ohhh! I would hire a fashionista to help me shop! I would really look at shoes–I have awful feet and therefore the pool of shoes I can select from is very limited. I am tall and would look for long, dressy pants. I find I get very discouraged when I shop and have no luck–which happens all too often; so having someone to shop with and help me would be just fab! I would have a stylist help me to tame my wild mane. Hopefully this would enable me to find things I cannot seem to find for myself. And the best part–is that I would be having a blast while spending it! Yup, I am ready! Bring it on!

I would plan a shopping trip – either NYC or Seattle – with Angie – or fly her into SF for a few days. We do have great stores locally I suppose!

Handbags/boots and stocking up on comfy work shoes would be a priority.
A few new fantastic belts as well.

I would have 5 pairs of the best black trousers I could find tailored to fit perfectly.
Order two weeks worth of work shirts (they are inexpensive) and have them tailored.

Two weeks worth of layering tops for under the work shirts – they have to be off white or white so not hard.

A fab wool pea coat, new trench and killer umbrella.

Watch. I want something in a metallic leather band.

Fun stuff – a little black dress for cocktail occasions, vintage clutch and comfy but gorgeous dress heels. A statement necklace – preferrably vintage (I have stores in mind).

New makeup brushes. Years supply of fave mascara (Shu Uemura).

After all the shopping – a trip to day spa for me and Angie if she wants at Sumbody spa. The atmosphere there takes years off my face and is instant stress releif!

I think I could do this!

What fun! I would put myself into Angie’s hands for hairstyle idea, new glasses (2 pair) and sunglasses, several pairs of great fitting jeans and some tops to wear with them and whatever else she thinks I would look fab wearing.

Does it count if I would use the money to buy materials, tools, and lessons for jewelry making? I’ve always wanted to design and make my own stud earrings.

If not, I’ll be getting myself a double-breasted white leather trench, classic black Louboutin pumps, a great rain jacket, and rain boots that fit my calves.

Wishing and dreaming – well – I would fly to Poland where my mother lives and I would take her shopping with me because she is my best advisor.Wow that would be something!
And she would tell me what to buy – no problem(she loves to shop)

Oh …how fun…

First, I would hire Angie to help me develop new outfits, since I have been working several years to build a solid wardrobe, but I often get stuck in ruts and am not as creative as I could be with the beautiful items I already own. Then, grabbing Angie, off we would go to Nordies to pick out a few things that I would never try by myself, just to branch out and try something new.

As for those things I have been dreaming of… how about 3 or 4 Diane Von Furstenburg dresses, a spectacular Missoni dress and 2 or 3 pairs of fabulous shoes….Jimmy Choo or Manolo…oh no…I think I have over spent (as I sometimes do!) Thanks for the wonderful fantasy!

I think I would fly to India, buy some absolutely exquisite textiles, and have a few of my favorite items of clothing copied by the expert tailors there. I loved that when I lived in India while studying in my 20s. To be able to have the clothes I liked best copied was a dream come true. And, of course, I’d get to travel in India again! Fun!!!

What a fantastic response. It’s been interesting and entertaining reading how you’d spend $5000 on your own style quotient. Loads of footwear and handbag addicts around here!

To answer your question Mac, Julie (Rose & Joan) was on the right track. I’d spend my five grand on two items: a Valentino handbag , and a Chanel handbag. I’m also a less is more type of a person and a TOTAL bag lady, so there is no doubt in my mind about this one.

Big hugs to all of those who included me in their gift of style. I am flattered and touched. I hope to help you all out personally one day

I found this question so hard I had to think about it over night

I think I would spend it on some kind (laser?) of permanent hair removal. To never have to worry about shaving and waxing again would be bliss!

Having said all of that a couple of handbags or some diamond earrings would probably be so tempting…

Love this question and it is fun to read the responses. This is not the first time I have fantasized about 5k falling out of the sky and into my life for shopping, but I still had to think it over before responding. I’d like to have a more creative response but the truth is, I would absolutely use the $ to consult with a stylist such as Angie, to understand in detail what works on me and why, and to go over a plan on how the rest of the $ could be best spent to build a wardrobe of fantastic basics tailored to my body type, career, and lifestyle. I think this would be the best use of 5k for me at this point.
If I knew what worked on me and why, I would spend 5k shopping in Paris and in Copenhagen, the two places where I have most loved and been inspired by women’s street style.

High end bags and shoes.

My own personal hairdresser shows up at my door three times a week as I step out of the shower with wet hair… that would make a bigger difference than anything else to how ’stylish’ I looked because I always feel *amazing* after a blow-dry.

Actually I would spend half the money on investing in three or four great pairs of Tod’s shoes and handbags, and probably a couple of Mulberry handbags as well. Investment dressing that would last me a lifetime.

I’d build myself a fantastic wardrobe! I’m on a budget, so the only new things I’ve purchased this year have been socks, underwear and bras. Everything else is second hand. I’d love to be able to go into JCrew and buy a cashmere sweater and skinny jeans. Aside from that I’d try and build a classic wardrobe of quality pieces and with whatever I had left over I’d buy myself a really nice handbag.

I spent a long time writing my response to this, but it disappeared.

Anyway, the gist of my lengthy response is that I would a buy a complete outfit once a month throughout the year. This would give me about $400 for each outfit. I would also try to shop at a different store each time. This would be loads of fun, and also a huge challenge. Of course, I would love to have Angie along!

I would buy many, many pairs of shoes from pretty-small-shoes.com. I wear a size 2 in kids, and fabulous shoes can be hard to come by in a world full of Hannah Montana character footwear.

Ah, to dream. Since I’m about ready to deliver my third child any second now, I could definitely use $5000 for style in the coming year!

That budget would allow me to make sure I always had stylish, well-fitted clothing as my body morphs back into…well, whatever it’s going to morph into. I could buy new, well-constructed bras as “the girls” change over the next year, and always have the right foundation garments. I could retire the shoes that are just too small now, as my feet have expanded after three pregnancies, and go to Nordstrom and buy the size 12s I now wear that are often way out of my budget and hard to find. What a dream to be able to discard clothes when they no longer fit, and get ones that do, instead of shlumping and rolling and pinning in such unattractive ways that are the sad sign of a mom who’s too caught up in child rearing and not caught up enough in style-making. I try, but it always boils down to budget for me…

I’d also schedule an appointment with the dermatologist to “take care” of some of the skin stuff that has happened over pregnancy. And, of course, start it all off with a really great pedicure…and come to think of it, I’d probably work in a weekly manicure. 52 straight weeks of nice nails might actually halt my 20-year nail biting habit!

Wow, that makes me seem like a really sad sack. I promise, my style could be worse, but $5,000 sure would make it what I know it could be: the best year of style of my life!

This is such a joy, reading everyone else’s choices! The sad thing is, I do have plenty of money for sytle and probably waste a lot more than $5,000 every year on items that I end up not wearing, or do wear and look only-okay (or worse!) in… I’ve been so unhappy with my body for such a long time that I’ve really
avoided thinking about my looks (including fashion) and, as a result, shop/ go to the hairdressers with a minimum of thought, care, or enjoyment.

Angie, thank you for creating a site that allows someone like me to slowly explore the world of style in a way that doesn’t make me feel even more miserable with my shape than i already do. You are gentle, inclusive, encouraging and an effective teacher. I truly think that the next $5,000 I spend will be used more wisely as a result of your instruction.

I’d get either a St John suit (they can stretch them like 6 sizes or something crazy in case I get really indulgent in my later years) – or have a bespoke one made for me.

Also, I’d have to get a crazy luxury item of some variety – I know lots of people will dislike it, but maybe a little vintage fur… it’s just so glamourous… and if it’s vintage it’s already been around for so long…

If there was anything left I’d get either some wonderfully comfortable nude pumps, a piece of Tom Binns jewelry, and some carefully selected NARS color products.

Hey, Mac,

I understand not being happy with your body. But allow me to live vicariously through you (since you say you have a nice, healthy, style budget): start dressing the body you have now and look your best. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for all the ladies out there who are equally unhappy with their appearance at present but who are stuck with what they’ve got, and who will be inspired by you, who can dress to kill, regardless of where your body is!

What fun! I’ve personally been working on a wardrobe overhaul myself. Im trying to focus on clothes that can dress up or down. That said
Jeans- the perfect fit! 3 pairs.
Blazers/Jackets- Im a fan of vintage! 40’s -50’s classic chic.
Winter coat- Mines seen better days so a nice skirted wool coat. Grey or Black
Leather coat- fitted buttery brown color for those fall days.
Pencil skirts- 3 (many colors needed Black, grey, Brown)
Work slacks- 4 (Black, Brown, Pin striped, Grey)
Mens wear vests- 1-2
Shirts! something to go under those blazers!! Floaty, silky bliss.

Finally for the “extras”!
Bag- Structured, vintage design. VERY ladylike
Shoes- black pointed cowboy boots (southern flair) then your basic oxford heels, and flats for work.
Jewelry- Statement pieces but classic (pearls, cocktail rings, etc)
Hose/leggings/tights

Finally I would end with a bra fitting, and some new undergarments! You can build an outfit, but if the foundation isnt right, the outfit will look all wrong!

Julie – what a sweet message. I’m going to try to start dressing this overweight body better but I’m so out of touch with what looks good and the proportions that work with my enlarged dimensions, so I’ll need all of your help and encouragement to figure out what actually looks half-decent on me. I promise to spend if you’ll promise to help me, okay?!

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