10 Most Recent Purchases ... is this part of growing up? :)

Today I was wondering if I was getting more boring with my clothing choices, but I feel more of the 'happiness factor' Angie talked about a few days ago when I wear or imagine wearing my new goodies!

I am trying to take a better look at my spending habits this year; and I thought I'd take a look at these 10 things to see if I can discern any patterns. In addition to generally being happier, I am spending about the same amount of money on less things - and I often imagine new ways to wear my favorite things instead of thinking about ways to replace things once I've gotten them! :p

1) Less weird patterns - the only real patterned thing that is weird is #2 with the flamingos - but even that is in a more subtle colour (white/navy).

2) More mixability in pieces - #7 and #8 have proved to me that they are easy to mix already, and #4 is just super fun to wear with any of my tops. #1 hasn't arrived yet so I cannot fully attest to its mix ability, but I thought it was quite cute ... :p #10 just totally jazzes up my casual wardrobe (as small as it is). Also; easy to pattern mix most of these patterns!

3) More expensive pieces - #5 is my first Eva Franco, but I've had my eye on it for forever since Quinn on Glee wore it! Also; I hear good things about Darling UK, so I bit the bullet for #3. Grabbed them then both on clearance ($70 for #5 and $40 for #3).

4) More regular price things - I never buy things at regular price if you had asked me 3 years ago. I would LOL at people who buy regular price. Now, I realize I miss out the WHOLE SEASON when I could just buy one or two things and then wear them all the time! #1, #7, #8 are all regular price.

5) Less 'exciting' colours - and no pastels. I went on a pastel kick in early university and EVERYTHING was light pink. BLEH. I like coral or peach, but that's about it for pastels for me. Cobalt is pretty exciting, though

**Disclaimer: #1, 2, 3, and 5 are still at the post office and I need to liberate them with their stupid fees. GAH.

Do any of you ladies see any other patterns I can use (for good or for evil) so I can make wiser purchase decisions in the future?

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11 years ago

deb

Veteran

Lyn*, these all look good but I would like to see them on. I do not know if self style awareness is a sign of growing up because some people never have this awareness. To me it is a decision that you want to project an updated version of yourself.

Janet

(website)

I think evolution in style is natural... and necessary. You can look at it as growing up, but I think your choices might be reflecting your path in life as you seek to be taken more seriously in your career, etc.

My recent (successful, non-returned) purchases and Pinterest pins seem to be reflecting some changes in my style too that are skewing a bit simpler and more sophisticated than what I was choosing a year or two ago, so I think I understand where you are.

Sarah A

I dont know if growing up is the right term, i think you are focusing on developing a professional credibility in your look. In a relatively conservative field this equates to more somber colors and sleeker profiles. Also, i find that i like mixing and matching things i love. So perhaps you are mixing and matching more because you have put more consideration into your purchases and thus like your purchases better. I guess I am a grown up (is 35 grown up?) And I am still a die hard sale shopper... but YLF is working on changing that

Ariadne

I see a very cohesive, defined, purposeful and beautiful style here. I can't think of anything I'd change, but I can think of a few things I'd like to steal!

Suz

Heheh....Ariadne and I are in a race for your closet! Watch out!!

I don't know if it's growing up...but it's growing. And as a shrink, you know that growth is possible at any age -- and always good.

rae

It does sound as if you are feeling a need to "grow up" your wardrobe - a little more sophisticated. As you said, the neutral patterns seems to be a common thread. I think longer hemlines might be another trend for the new items. I like how your core style feels the same, but these slight changes make the looks feel more professional.

Joy

It looks like all but #3 are women's rather than knits and women's tend to look good longer, as knits pill and get snags. Most shapes of these are simple but the pattern and textures make them special. they are all neutrals (Red is a neutral for Angie.

lyn*

I think #5 is a knit fabrication

I see that now but it looks like a substantial knit with structure rather than draping.

jayne

I see perhaps a 50's style there? the length and cut of the dresses, the fun patterns/prints, and the unexpected like collars and layers in the skirts. I don't know how that helps, the odd items out where the wrap dress and the cobalt skinnies which are more modern and body con.

carolbee

Can't really help with the analysis as don't know your style yet BUT that is a seriously great collection of clothes. #7 top is gorgeous and #5 dress is to die for. Well done.

goldenpig

Looks great, your tastes are evolving and style is becoming more sophisticated which is great for the career stage you're at. You picked some great pieces--6-10 are my faves! I love your insights into your shopping strategy--I wish I had been that thoughtful and deliberate about my wardrobe choices 10-15 years ago!

Kristin L

I'd think of it more as gravitating towards a more sophisticated look. The flamingo dress is still very fun, but it looks like something that can be dressed up. I hope that makes sense.

edit: I'm glad to hear of someone coming to the same realization that I shouldn't wait until things go on sale to buy them!

Amy

Lovely! I do see a change in your style preferences and it's all good.

What is dress #3? It's gorgeous!!

rachylou

I think yes to the growing up question. I can see why you've, oh say, limited the amount of crazy pattern and color. It's like, children let it all hang. They kick you when they're tired and cranky too. Grown-ups show restraint and with good purpose.

I would add to your list "items made from more substantial fabrics." Awesome list BTW.

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