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Calling all "list shoppers"

Thistle

Veteran

List shoppers, how do you do it? I am trying sooo hard to get to this point, and I am still not there after well over a year of trying.

I rock at making a weekly grocery list and mostly sticking to it (yeah, don't look at the raspberries that hopped in the cart). I make a list of what I buy everyone for Christmas. I even made extensive lists of what I would need when having a baby.

I live lists, yet, I can't seem to do it for clothes.

For those of you who are list shoppers, what is your secret. For those who aren't, what stops you?

Shopping

40 replies

Latest reply was from Caro in Oz

carter

Veteran

Outstanding question for a post! I'm with you, Thistle. I make lists for everything and have no problem sticking to any of them except clothing. For some reason, I tend to view my clothing list as more of an "at a minimum, I need" list. So yes, I work to check items off the list, but not buying something because it's not on the list is just impossible. After all, I made the list, I can add/change it if I want to. I'd really like to fix this for 2015, so I'll be reading the brilliance here with great interest!

deb

Veteran

Thank you for this question. The only time I am good with a clothing list is for undies. And I am a die hard list maker.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I sorta am a list person in the sense that I have a wishlist/budget text file, and I definitely buy from it. But I also buy things that aren't on the list, or that I never bothered to put on the list. (If I find a pair of jeans that fit me really well and are on sale, I'm going to buy them whether I need them or not; that sort of thing. Needless to say I'm not recommending this approach, just being honest!)

Sometimes I think specifics on clothes shopping lists can be a little too narrow: for example, if you put "maroon straight-leg cords" and you never find maroon straight-leg cords at a price or fit that works for you, but you could have gotten bright red cord skinnies or aubergine heavy twill pants that would have served the same purpose, then is the list helping or making you overlook possibilities? What really should have gone on that list, in this case, was "winter bottoms, probably corduroy, that are not black and look good with my gray and navy sweaters and that I can wear with boots" but figuring that out is a process in itself.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is fascinating. We all seem to suffer from the same disorder!

I'm great at all kinds of lists -- groceries (yeah, Thistle, I do pick up extras, too) and cleaning supplies, and jobs to be done -- you name it!

But I can't seem to work with a shopping list for clothing, either.

I think it may become a little easier for me now than it used to be in the past. Why?

1. I have a decent "baseline" wardrobe. My closets used to be so bare that adding just about anything would be an improvement. So I would buy just about anything if I fit, I liked it, and I could afford it!

2. I also have a better sense of my style and my actual, practical needs.

But I suspect I'll stlll purchase "off list" as often as on!

Astrid

Veteran

I don't have a list I buy from either. Writing those items down makes me want to rebel and buy something that's not on there instantly. But then my wardrobe is small enough that I know without a list what I really need. And if something would only be nice to have. I do have a bookmarks folder in my browser called "possible items". I basically save everything there I like (doing quite a bit of online shopping), not just clothes but other items too. All thingsI I love but can do without go there. I'm culling that folder regularly and I'm really falling out of love fast with many things. Sometimes items get promoted to need and I buy them.
Or I have some fun money to spend and go for it. But most of the time the links end up dead and buried in time.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'm not really a list maker when it comes to fashion either. I try sometimes and make a list of a few things, but then I don't keep it or I don't stick with it. I guess because it seems more like "wants" instead of "needs" and that keeps me from taking it seriously enough to make a solid list. The only difference is if I have some big event coming up and I need to make sure I have what I need such as traveling to a place that requires specific types of clothing or gear - or if I'm going to be going to several formal events within the same summer or something like that. For day to day clothing, I rely on the lists in my head (which is more like my main idea of colors, shapes and such that I want to look for).

Alassë

Veteran

I'm in your and Carter's camp, Thistle. Great at lists otherwise, and hoping to improve in 2015.

shedev

Veteran

I've kept some mental lists, but this is the first time I wrote it down. Some are specific things and some are more general. I also have some room for surprise finds. I don't think boxing myself too tightly would work for me. I also agree with Suz that this would be really hard to do without a pretty decent baseline to work off of.

Here's how I'm going to try to stick to stick to the list. First, I'm going to browse a little less. Second, I'm going to make my searches more specific. Once I find the coats on my list, I'll stop looking at coats. I also reserve the right to change my mind about the stuff on my list.

Deborah

Veteran

Great thread. I am list writer for almost everything... and for my clothing shopping.

I have a list that I keep on my phone. I like to think of it as a "living" list because it is fluid. Things go on it, they can be removed due to change of mind or having actually purchased. I find it very helpful and it keeps me focussed on the things that I want. I also keep a file on my iPad with links to items on my list. I find this very helpful because I can frequently refer back to the items and review them. Sometimes after a few looks and considerations I realise the item won't be suitable so it gets deleted. Time and money saved:)

I do purchase items that are not on list but I do that knowing that spending my money on X means it will be a little longer before I am able to purchase Y.

Lists work better for me now that my wardrobe is in a good place. The needs are not so great and it is more about the wants.

For example this was my summer list and the results:

Birks x 2 in black and white
- purchased Target version to try out in both black and white
New Open Toe Bootie Sandals (to replace older ones)
- purchased black Emelia Block Heels from Rubi. Perfect
Harem Shorts
- these are a HEWI and I am still looking for them. If anyone wants to throw a pair of Rick Owens Harem Shorts my way, do feel free
Cullottes
- Couldn't find any I liked so had a pair of black wide leg pants I already own altered and I love them.

Following my list has helped bring greater satisfaction with my wardrobe.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Well, I have a List and then I have a list... LOL. My capital-L List is sort of a master blueprint of things I know I really like or would be really helpful making certain outfits and that just sits in my phone notes and every now & again I look at it to edit it in some way or maybe check something off if I have purchased something. This list is pure fantasy insofar as it has no budget or season attached to it, the items are only vaguely described and it would take thousands of dollars to buy everything on it. Not to mention make me crazy trying to find everything in a short span of time!

My little-l list is what I'm considering for the season at hand. It's a Pinterest board with pictures & prices. Here's where I have to make hard choices about price & try to create some sort of editorial POV. I often start out with lots of higher end choices here, knowing full well I can't afford them ALL. Then when I'm out shopping I can start making substitutions when I see similar items. This fall I walked around with a pair of $200 anthropologie cognac d'orsay flats on my pin board for about 8 weeks. I really thought they were going to be essential; as luck would have it I encountered a very similar BCBGeneration pair on clearance at TJMaxx for $20! If I find something terrific I hadn't planned on buying I add it to my pin board list after the fact and maybe bump something else. There are always items leftover or unaccounted for at the season's end. Some things get rolled over to the next season and others I make a note to revisit the following year.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

PS: I really can't imagine shopping for clothes without a list. I would rather brave the grocery store without a list than the mall! Mistakes made in the grocery store seem minor in comparison...

Runcarla

Veteran

Love lists, calendars, charts, etc. I like an illustrated list so snap pics from pinterest, or clip items from magazines, etc. I'm at a point where I am doing some replacement/upgrades, so that is easy and I can be specific: replacement mariner-t, replacement Chelsea boots, better quality trench coat. Also, I keep a small closet and am a mostly classic dresser. My stuff tends to be more iconic, then trendy: black pencil skirt, white jeans, black ponte trousers, Jean jacket, leather moto, low heeled tall black boots, etc.

When I want to experiment, my list might be more along the lines of: items in wine - two tops, one bottom ( trousers or skirt), one wildcard ( patterned) dress, shoes, scarf?

Of course there are always those impossible to find items that are always on the list. I'm still on the hunt for a winter white skirt, and a coloured wool coat ( mustard?)

deb

Veteran

OK, if we count Pinterest, (and why not?) I have 161 pins on my fall list. Hmmm.... seems Pinterest will not work as a functional list for me.

Staysfit

Veteran

List? What list?

Just kidding, I use lists all the time. I use the list function on my phone. To do lists, grocery lists, menu planning, and even some clothing lists. I don't stick to my lists though, I am very flexible, my lists are guides not gospel.

E

Veteran

I have my HEWI list, of things I'd really love to find. And I do create a list for footwear, as I spend much more money on that & prefer to have a smaller footwear capsule & therefore need the most versatile shoes/boots possible. It's easy for me to stick to that list, because a $100+ impulse buy is just not happening in my fiscal world. I'm sure if I had more money to spend though, I'd have much more trouble.

I've cut down on my impulse clothing buys since I moved, simply because I haven't been in a brick & mortar clothing (thrift) shop since September! Instead I've been buying via Ebay, which tends to be pricey enough that my budget only allows for 1-2 items a month. And thanks to their fabulous refinement options, I can do searches for HEWIs without being distracted by random pretties. Whereas if I tell myself I'm only going to pop in to a physical thrift store, check for HEWI items, and ignore everything else, that almost never happens unless I also limit myself to say $10 cash in my wallet & leave all plastic at home so it's literally impossible for me to load up on random pieces. Otherwise, I can rationalise buying anything I like, even though my closet is already large, and logically the more I buy the less frequently I'll be able to wear any one item. Basically, I have no will power in b & m thrift stores, and the only way to stick to a firm list is to avoid/strongly limit temptation in the first place! hehe

I'll be following this thread to see what other people have to say. I'm hoping to learn to sew garments in the next year, and that will require making seasonal lists, which isn't something I've done a lot of in the past, so I'm eager to learn from the successful list makers.

(ETA: like many other posters, I am a big list maker for grocery shopping & any other shopping I do & have no problem sticking to those lists.)

carter

Veteran

So, E brings a up a good point. For those of you who stick to a list, is budget the driving force? Is it closet space/number of hangers? Is it some specific number of items like Gaylene? What compels you to stick to the list?

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Hi fiving Deborah - I do the same.

I never used to make lists & generally bought want I liked but got really sick of having great items that didn't work with my other clothes.

There are two kinds of things on my list. Specific items like "nude tee-shirt bra" for example. Or I use it more as a prompt as in "cashmere tee to replace jade tee - must work with jeans, harem pants & tuxedo pants". Sometimes I do buy items off my list but I'm much more selective about when I do that now - the item has to be really special. My summer list consisted of casual dresses & a new swim suit - I've found two of each.

Oops I cheated - I did update my sandals. I bought x2 pair from Nordstroms at the end of your summer, but they came out of my winter budget

rachylou

Veteran

I've struck out on culottes too.

The hardest part of a clothes shopping list, I find, is that you never know what's gonna be in the shops. Not even for basics - you would not believe how long it's taken for Heattech thermals to start trickling into Uniqlo here. Don't make me talk about my Target undies.

Tania

Veteran

I'm a relative newbie to clothes shopping. I keep a running list of things that interest me or that I think I need, but mostly to hold my thoughts/ideas.

I find that I am constantly revising the list. The urgency to buy often passes once I've written it down and waited a few days. I often find it easier to buy one thing at a time (or one outfit) and then see how I play with the various components, learn from that, and then update the list.

DH and I are working on a bigger goal and that helps keep my spending in check too. I often ask myself if the purchase is worth delaying the goal.

So, I use a list but it is not set in stone.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you made a list of your wardrobe holes, Thistle? I believe that T-necks were of that list. (Have the Gap ones worked out?)

Then think about what needs replacing as your body is changing after pregnancy. Do you need a few items to tide you over before your pre-pregnancy closet fits - or are you able to wear those clothes already?

How are you doing in the footwear dept? Do your shoes for the long cold Winter fit? If not - pop the right styles on your list and go from there. xo

abc

Veteran

I replied to you on my thread but yeah. It took me taking a break from shopping to be able to shop from a list. But you're post baby so you might still be in a wardrobe building phase IYKWIM.

DonnaF

Veteran

Grocery lists are easy, esp. for places where I shop all the time like Trader Joe's. I know what's available. Fit is not a problem.

Clothing, incl. footwear, is a whole 'nuther thing. I may (think I) want something, but then it turns out to be a HEWI because what I've found may not fit or flatter. I agree that not being overly specific may lead to greater success. The other thing is that I am not always able to figure out what might make my wardrobe work better until I actually see it online, and then I have an AHA moment.

For example: After years of not having any, in the last couple of years I've bought a number of pullovers. But then, I noticed my neck gets cold. I don't think the ones I bought look especially good with scarves. But layering over shirts works! But I only have a couple of shirts. Put shirts on the list.

Deborah

Veteran

Caro, not surprised you do similar:) In some ways it's been the making of my wardrobe and has eliminated a lot of wasteful spending for me.

Dimity

I couldn't figure out why it was so hard to get dressed each morning, so I followed Into Mind's wardrobe fixing process. I figured out what items I needed to make the silhouettes I wanted to wear and put them on a list. I shopped knowing that if I didn't buy what was on the list, I'd still have nothing to wear. It was good motivation! In a manner similar to Deborah and Caro, the items weren't totally specific, more like 'collared shirt that works with navy'.

It's been fabulous. Dressing is so much easier now.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Late night question: what are you hoping that shopping from a list will get you? Put another way, what are you not doing/getting now that a list seems like it would help with? Saving money? Not making shopping mistakes? Shopping more efficiently? Being able to make outfits more effectively?

I think answering those questions would lead to whether a list would be helpful and what kind of form it would best take.

anne

Veteran

Well I have a list though I don't always write it down. It consists of
1. things that need to be replaced as they have worn out, broken, etc - LOTS this year - boots, shoes, pleather jacket, leggings heeled sandals and knickers just for a start
2.Might need to be replaced if I have grown out of them! (certain bottom half items)
3. things I identified in a previous season as wardrobe holes - sundress for hottest summer (2 isn't quite enough) casual shorts

4. things that are suitable for a changing lifestyle - eg I need more presentable super comfy evening clothes - a poncho

5 fashionable things - a floaty tank

It that the sort of list you mean?

Anonymous

The problem I have with lists is that there's always something I forget to put on the list, and then remember that item once I get back home from shopping. I really need to be more organized.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Oh, I'm a big list maker!

I think I've always considered my lists to be minimums. When I grocery shop, it's the things I must NOT forget. I have no problem picking up things that are on sale (if they are non perishable things I will use) or getting inspired by fresh fruit. I've never over shopped for perishable items, so this has never been a issue.

My chore list is more to keep me focussed... and feeling like I've accomplished something. I most definitely see no problem with doing things not on the list, if they need doing! (As long as I can write them down then cross them off so I know I did something useful ) Unless of course there is only so much time and things that absolutely need to be done.

The whole clothes shopping list - well lets just say that's something I haven't ventured into. I do have a small list on my ipad of things I think of as "holes" - to evaluate as time goes on to see if I'm right. Obvioulsy this means I'm more of an impulse shopper... guilty! Something to work on next year.

abc

Veteran

Oooh, Laura really hit something with me - WHY do we want a shopping list for clothes? Other than to satisfy our organized approach to life For me, I realized I was in a constant cycle of buying - partly due to lfestyle changes, body changes, etc, but I quickly fell into the trap of "buy, buy, buy" and I definitely suffer from the wantsies. I was partially forced into my shopping hiatus by not having any business trips to the US from Aug to now, but I also consciously decided to wear what I had to so I could really SEE what I needed, not just buy the next pretty thing that I liked and I thought fit me. It's been fairly easy for me during the hiatus, too, because 99% of the time all I had to dress for was WFH/MOTG. I had an event or two, but I was able to shop my closet and use work-appropriate dresses I already had. My work capsule is pretty decent, it was the more casual side that still had holes, which I realized. Mid way through I wrote down on a whim my ramblings in a post. I ended up going back to it AFTER I did my shopping and sure enough, most of what I bought filled those items I discussed. So by taking a break, I was able to identify the holes, quantify what I needed/wanted, then methodically go find them. Now, that might not always happen, and I will ALWAYS leave room for surprise items / love at first sight items / gotta have it NOW items, but....I will be much more conscious about them due to this exercise.

So for me, shopping from a list for clothes is for these reasons:
-ability to go with what I already have (less/no one-offs / closet orphans)
-focused, not haphazard
-spend less (or at least more wisely)
-fill needed holes once discovered/confirmed
-take me to the next leg of my style journey (example: upgrading standard fitted t-shirts with fluid tees made of better quality fabrics)
-of course leaving room for fun and random items

I'd be curious to hear WHY you want to shop from a list. That was really interesting for me to think about.

And about the list - I've always had a running "living" list on my phone; usually for items I know I need to get the next time I'm in the states. I started adding things several months ago, which means I think I was moving on the maturity scale (for lack of a better word) in my closet, but after this exercise, it's been way more focused, detailed and I am more certain of what I need/want than ever before.

Good luck and check back in with us if you can.

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