Comments on: Good Wardrobe Things Come to Those Who Wait

By: Ruchi

Ruchi — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:59:29 +0000

Angie,this is precisely what I have been thinking about lately.The post hits the mark.
Hi atrailingspouse,I would like to add my two cents.I moved from a India to US a few years back.I tell you from experience that its all about learning to shop where you live ‘coz it is impossible to shop for the entire year in just a few weeks.I am sure that there are places to shop for things that u need where you are posted.Once you find out about the stores where u can shop for ur needs and visit those shops regularly,u will come to know about the sale cycle.

By: Angie

Angie — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:55:45 +0000

It’s been interesting hearing your wardrobe shopping strategies. I also fully understand when wardrobe compromises are inevitable. I hope everyone finds what they are looking for

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:31:19 +0000

Great post, Angie. I am SO patient when stalking the perfect fashion item. I’ve been searching for a black leather biker jacket for a couple of years now. It can’t be too tough looking, because I’m decidedly NOT tough-looking. But no ruffles. It must be classic. This jacket is one of those “I’ll know it when I see it” items, but I’m not willing to take out a loan to buy it, either!

I typically spend minimal bucks on super trendy items after I decide that the trend is indeed right for me.

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:02:53 +0000

I guess it depends on what it is. When we’re talking about “needs”, no I’m not too patient. I usually can’t stand being short on whatever it is and go on an intense search until I have at least met the need enough to get me through. “Wants”, though… I’ll wait anywhere from months to a couple of years often enough. Then, of course, once I have the item in question I want to kick myself for having waited so long!

By: Scarlet

Scarlet — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:09:27 +0000

I think I rarely wait for the perfect version of something. If there is something I really want, I will search high and low and then get the best compromise available at that time. Sometimes later on I will trade up, but I have always gotten a lot of use out of the compromise item first. Perfect things I usually find when I am not looking for them. I would like some of your discipline, though! Congrats on your fab finds!

By: cecilia

cecilia — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:40:57 +0000

Oh, it is much easier to wait when you have a workable wardrobe, but when you are in the middle of a wardrobe upheaval, trying to finally buy clothing that fits and flatters, rather than squeezing into the old-2 sizes too small size, it is mush harder to wait for the perfect items to come along…

Also, a girl’s gotta have more than one outfit, so sometimes I impulsively buy more and cheaper, so I can have some variety, while waiting to find the perfect pieces that will make up the basics…

Once or twice per year, I have somebody babysit my kids for a whole day, and I go shopping with a very specific item in mind. I do my research online beforehand to save time, then go out to try on every possible version of it. Sometimes I’m not successful, but last year I got the perfect pencil skirt and perfect black pants this way. This year I want to find skinny jeans, tunic tops and boots that work together on my curvy plus-size frame. This will likely take several mini trips with the kids (nightmare!) and hopefully only one day trip… we’ll see…

Sometimes an item catches my eye, and I know I need to get it right then and there before it runs out of stock. I do have a few items in my closet with the tags still on, but I plan on wearing them soon, since these items are bought with a specific purpose in mind (like a beautiful embellished purple satin tank with a coordinating cardigan that I plan on wearing on date night and at an upcoming wedding).

By: Iris

Iris — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:57:22 +0000

After reading this post and mulling over the needs vs wants one as well, I realized that I don’t really have enough work-appropriate, colorful blouses that look good underneath a suit jacket, as well as colorful, comfortable flats/low heels. My smart casual wardrobe is well-taken care of, but I haven’t really found any blouses or shoes that suited my fancy in the past few years. It’s frustrating to not be able to compromise, especially since everything seems to come in the shade of ‘neutral’ nowadays, but hopefully I can find something wonderful in the near future.

By: Madeline

Madeline — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:24:58 +0000

Oh, and I will wait for them until I find them…no time limit!

By: Madeline

Madeline — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:24:02 +0000

Black medium heeled boots are my quest. Thick calves have made it tough, and my requirements for no center seam, no ankle seam (eek), no sky high heels, and wide enough for my generous calves seem to make this impossible. Must have heels as I am vertically challenged and horizontally blessed.

By: Iris

Iris — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:43:46 +0000

Hi atrailingspouse,

First, I recommend reposting this as a new topic on the forum. It’d allow others to see and respond much quicker.

Also, what’s your budget? Don’t feel bad when it comes to costs in the US – I’ve had my fair share of living in other countries, and it’s wild how much a single item can be varied in price across different countries.

When it comes to clothes (except for outdoors) – I love going to TJ Maxx/Marshalls, because not only is it usually half price or less for clothing goods, it has sections in everything possible, from casual wear to suits to formalwear. It’s a good alternative to the wide expanse of a department store, but I find that most department stores are lacking in selection to a well-stocked TJ Maxx/Marshalls.