Brianna, I like your strategy so far. I have also been looking for flat ankle boots, but they always seem to be so dowdy. If I find any that I like, I will definitely let you know (and you should do the same!).

I have some moccasins from Me Too that are one of my most comfortable shoes. They are the shoes I wear when my feet need a break. Mine are not available anymore, but they always have a similar version available since they seem to be popular. I know they don't look terribly appealing in the pictures, but they are actually very cute under pants and I swear they feel like slippers. I got mine in 2005 and wore them to death so I really should get an upgrade:

For some reason they only seem to have brown 5.5's available everywhere, but this is sort of the idea:

http://www.6pm.com/product/7254288/color/231
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/31464578/c/231.html

The newest version has a very Pocahontas fringe that I could definitely live without, and the color selection is disappointing. Maybe they'll come out with something new next season.

I'm starting to plan, too. It's sort of good news/bad news- I only have a few items, so I am starting from almost scratch. The hard part is that this will be a mostly disposible wardrobe, because I still have quite a bit of weight to loose. So, I'm concentrating on basics- jeans (maybe skinny ones), tunic sweaters/sweater dresses, heeled ankle boots and flat knee boots. I'd love a moto vest if I can find one cheap, and I really need some quality base layers (long underwear/tights)
I've fallen in love with these Timberland boots:
http://www.shoebuy.com/timberl.....497/590161
but it's going to be a while before I can save up enough to look seriously at boots.

Sounds like a good plan, Chewy. I love those Timberlands. Definitely worth saving up for.

Maya, there are a bunch of Me Too moccasins/loafers on the Canadian Zappos site that I like. I may go for them instead of ankle boots, since they basically serve the same purpose. Check them out:
http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d.....92082.html
http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d.....13812.html
http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/dp/36509180/c/89.html

I particularly like the patent Nexis...

I'm thinking a trip to Washington outlet stores and maybe a DSW or Nordies will be in the works for the fall. I'll have to take my sister and leave the Chickadee at home b/c she can't get a passport yet! Could be a fun girls' day (or two).

That sounds like a fun trip! I am seriously itching for the stores to start getting in fall clothes, even though I probably won't be able to wear any until November. I don't think that I am going to buy anymore summer items, so shopping right now is pointless.

I'm also looking for ankle boots, ladies. If you find any will you please post? One word of caution on the mocs/loafers, they're not really a look that works with socks. I think. Please correct me if I'm wrong on that. Using that assumption, that's why I prefer the ankle boot because I want to wear socks in cold weather.

They might work with trouser socks--the kind that are similar in weight to tights. You're right though--they're probably not the warmest option :)

I just found a pair of Sudini Mattie's for $40 (including the shipping) on Overstock.com
http://www.overstock.com/Cloth.....u=11645417
There was only one pair, and it happened to be the size/color that I wanted, but it's worth looking at the other boots that they have.
For real leather at that price, I couldn't resist. I'll let you know how I like them when they arrive, Alicia.

I need a nice suit and dress shoes, preferably before September.

I've not put a ton of time into thinking about this yet.

Here's what I had on my list at the end of winter: Camel & Black wool pants (need a smaller size - yeah!), tweed fitted blazer, cognac boots (small heel), JEANS (needed desperately still)

Here's what I've added recently: Black pumps (2" heel), Black skirt, Brown skirt, Leggings & Tights, different color moto vest or jacket (cognac maybe?)

Fun things to think about! I need to go back through my closet for fall/winter! :)

Brianna, those Doc Marten's are going to be KILLER on you. I love your attitude.

This is a great thread! Well eum... I am rebuilding my wardrobe with a few classic pieces. I am thinking of buying skinny jeans, I want in dark grey and black. I need winter boots that will last me for years so I have to see what color and what style I want. I'm planning to do a lot layering for fall and winter so I have to buy pieces that are easy to mix and match. Will post more later on when I look through my closet to see what I need.

I'm due with this baby November 26th, so I'll be about 1 month postpartum for the Boxing Day sales! From my experience last time, I'll be starting to think about picking up some good transitional staples at that point. Also, it looks like I'm going to gain less weight this time around... yahoo!

I won't be looking for the perfect jeans yet, but once I hit target weight again, I'm definitely on the trail of some great ones. I've had so-so jeans for too long because I've been shifting baby weight, etc. Also, I'll be hunting down a great jacket (maybe moto?) when I back at target weight as well.

On the list:

- Fresh camis
- A couple of tops with ruffle or some other detail - great for camouflaging baby weight
- A couple of basic sweaters in great colours, also cardis
- Boots, as always (possibly Frye Harness ones, which I think would be great for mycurrent style and lifestyle)

- I need a couple of really long necklaces that are sturdy - but I think I'll pick those up soon.

Since it doesn't look like I'm losing more weight, this fall may be the time to start replacing some of my thrift and consignment pieces, but I hope to be disciplined and very picky. I want to concentrate on basic wardrobe staples in three-season fabrics and probably neutrals.
I'd like to find that ellusive red suit with pencil skirt, the perfect sheath dress in a neutral other than black (charcoal or silver grey), and the perfect microcheck pants. I'd also like to find flat black boots with a narrow (13-13.5") shaft. My calf measures 12.5" at the widest.

I’m digging these lists! Well done everybody!

I did major damage at the NAS so I won’t be doing too much more shopping. But I’ve been trying to replace the following things for two seasons:

o Cream ankle boots (mine are finished)
o Cream puffer jacket, long with fake fur (mine is finished)
o Cream wool coat (mine is finished)
o Slouchy one-inch heeled chestnut riding boots

I am always in the market for good layering polo necks in colours, but am very fussy about the fit and they can't itch either!

I have two pairs of flat riding pairs and they don’t look dowdy at all. You’ve seen the grey ones! It’s all in the cut of the style and how you wear them.

Alecia, I was under the impression that high vamp shoes were OK with socks, just not ballet flats or other low vamp shoes. Actually, you know what, I'll start a new thread about that.

Angie, let me know if you find cream ankle boots--those might work for me too.

Loving everyones' lists!

My list has some pretty pricey items on it, so it will really depend on dh's job situation & if he can get a teaching job.

Anyway:

-Puffer jacket (my winter coat is 7 years old & due to be replaced with something more stylish & less worn)
-Boots - both winter/gear type & fashion. I've never owned fashion boots before, so that will be fun & new for me.
-Black high vamp shoes of some type - maybe booties
-Black pumps
-Black cardi (and maybe red too)
-some buttoned work shirts, striped & a couple of colors, which I'm hoping to sew myself
-I can always use more blazers. I've had wonderful luck thrifting these lately, so hopefully that luck will continue
-Wool day dress (hopefully sewn by me as well)

I'm still working on building basics (as you can see). I've also got a pretty long 'to sew' list. I'm having so much fun getting some sewing done!!

Great thread. My must-haves for fall/winter are:

- new boots (I'm still wide open wrt style and color, but I want to be able to tuck skinnies into them)
- a non-black winter coat (maybe a bright houndstooth, but open to other styles/colors)
- jeans (straight or moderate boot cut, high rise, non-distressed, dark or medium blue, "the perfect pair of jeans" for every day, willing to pay for premium denim)

I expect to spend quite a lot of time looking for these items, starting with NAS and then while I'm in Europe in August.

My would-be-nice list is topped by a winter day dress. It will be hard to find, since I don't wear any wool, cashmere etc.

And then of course I'd love to pick up a few pieces that just freshen up my wardrobe, like a new pencil skirt, cardigan/sweater (non-wool), layering pieces, fun tights...

Last but not least I want a hot pink item, whether it's a piece of clothing or an accessory. I probably won't spend much money on it, since it's a very trendy color and I might get sick of it again after one season, but I sure look forward to its resurgence this fall.

"Cream ankle boots (mine are finished)"

Really, Angie? How finished? I think I called shotgun on these a while ago so I hope you find a replacement :p Yes I am very selfish.

I have to add a puffer to my list, and some snow boots with great traction. I'm gearing up for the elusive sweater dress hunt again, but I am pessimistic. My demands are a few too many.

The ones you saw in the YLF Swap picture look and feel brand new, Maya. Sorry! No swapping just yet! They have plenty of wear left in them and are bedroom slipper comfortable. A VERY hard find in that colour. I have another pair of cream ankle boots which I got in HK many years ago that I keep on repairing because they are fabulous – those are the ones that I need to replace.

I was going to get great snow boots too, but my docs did SO WELL in the Seattle and NYC ice, slush and snow this year - I have crossed them off my list.

Oh, boo! Well, I'll be patient then :) I was wondering how you managed to wear down those fab boots so quickly! I would love a new pair too. I am not crazy about mine. They have been rendered wardrobe orphans. The height is just awkward. I was actually going to offer them to you Angie but I forgot and wasn't sure if they would be too short on you, since you are taller than I am and even I find them too short. But if you are interested in trying anyway, they're yours. I have tried a million ways to make them work for me and I am just not loving them.

Walking around the city is easy as pie. It gets plowed (ploughed?) thoroughly and I have never had a problem with getting around. My problem isn't snow and slush, it's ICE! Getting down my driveway and around my street is a nightmare. I'm sure you recall that I was late to the YLF convention because it takes forever to get cleaned, and when it does, it's hardly thorough. My driveway is terrible...very steep and VERY icy. My parents have missed work because they just can't get down. Sometimes you can't even WALK down. It sounds ridiculous, but it's true.

I have some yak tracks so I can continue to wear those since it is only a short distance, but it would be nice to have a pair for warmth if nothing else. I'll only be considering snow boots if I get a job ("if"...how pessimistic do I sound).

I'm struggling with this one, because there are so many things I really want and could probably justify buying. This site has opened my eyes to deficiencies in my wardrobe, but the shopping bug is an expensive pest to purge! :)
Ok, here are the things I feel I'm missing.

Wool winter coat (will heed advice about avoiding black, but welcome suggestions for other colours. Am thinking dark grey with a texture of some kind, as I feel too enormous to wear red or other brite colours right now)
Long boots (hellpful for Toronto winters. Would like a pair of low-heeled burgundy ones for every day and higher-heeled pair in black to swank up dresses etc. Am hoping to get the black pair cheap as I'm confident the burgundy will be hard to find in my ridiculous calf size).
Premium jeans (will try and snag David Kahns when I'm in the states for guide dog training)
Pair of patterned or textured pants (tweed, maybe)? Colour uncertain.
Winter day dress (never had one, but think it would be great for work)
Must update tops (will have to look at inexpensive yet good-quality knits... Oh dear).
Jackets: only have one long-sleeved black jacket that will work for winter. Obviously at least one more will be needed.
Denim skirt
Cardigans in pretty colours: come on, Reitmans, don't fail me now!
Shoes: I always have problems here. Will need a pair of metallic flats for fall. Could use red pumps. Possibly black too (I think mine are dowdy, but will have to run by y'all. Would red flats be worth it? And what shoes to wear with navy or ink blue? AAACK)!!
Stylish black purse (I'm thinking either snakeskin or quilted chanel-esque pattern. Will almost certainly shop consignment for this).

All this, of course, will have to be adjusted around the weight I hope to lose, but I'll need to bite the bullet eventually no matter how much progress I've made (which isn't much at this point. :( ).

I have not been posting regularly but have been following this thread religiously to attempt to build my own. I might have to start a whole new thread though because I face the not so much fun predicament of living in Florida where the winters are short and mild. I have always LOVED wearing fall/winter apparel and boots from my years living in Virginia and miss them so. I would like to explore the possibility of wearing boots, tights and skirts etc. without looking like I am trying too hard to pretend it is cold enough :-)

Fall is my favorite season but here in SF Bay it does not really start until November. September and October are like our summer lol.

It's hard to plan since I have no idea if I will be working again (depending on environment I may need to revamp) or not.

The one item that is a carry over from last year is new flat or 1" riding boots preferably in cognac/dark brown. Couldn't find any I loved last year.

Second item is a new trench - my wool coats are fine and don't get a ton of wear here. It would be fun to get a rain shoe (a boot possibly or something like like Sigerson Morrison rubber flat) also.

Most likely I will apply the "add accessories" strategy and maybe a few new tops/sweaters if I am not working.

Hmm, well I'm already off and running from NAS, but a list of my big-ticket items still to get are:

-new long puffer (I might look at creams this year, but they tend to wash me out)
-brown/neutral (chestnut, taupe, etc) dress heeled boots (for dresses and skirts)
-sweater dresses
-moss/olive/green leather bag (bucket style preferred)
-SKINNY JEANS (it will be time soon enough, eeeeee!)
-one chunky statement sweater (this is a maybe, depends on if I happen across the right one)
-new brown/neutral booties. I want a killer pair of these. And no suede!

Then I need just regular stuff:
-long-sleeved cardigans and sweaters
-grey skirt and/or pants
-winter pencil skirts
-lined pants in neutrals
-button-downs (white and colored)
-silk turtlenecks

And just about everything else. You guys, I just had to buy smaller underwear, AGAIN. When I say I have nothing to wear, I am not kidding around!

I hear ya Kristen! I pre-buy stuff like undies when they go on sale. I have actually been waiting for Target to mark theirs down so that I can buy the next size down- not that I need them right now, but I know that eventually I will. I found a new sweat suit (aka winter PJ's), a pair of skinny jeans and a couple of cami's at Old Navy yesterday. Between those, the ankle boots that I ordered, and the outerwear and pair of wool pants that I already have- I am halfway there. I plan to really buy a minimal wardrobe for the fall/winter this year. Now I just need sweaters and one pair of bootcut jeans. I am haunting ebay. I'm still trying to save up for boots, but they may have to wait for next year.

Khris, I have bootcut jeans out the ying-yang, and in every size down the scale! It was the one thing that everyone gave me when they gave me hand-me-downs, and the one item I had plenty of in smaller sizes myself. I haven't bought a pair of jeans this whole time.

Email me your size needs and we can arrange another package. Just cover postage and you can have them! Sweaters too -- tell me the colors, sizes, weights, type, etc you are looking for. If I have them, I'm happy to share!

I'm adding knit tops to my list. They must be LONG (babywearing pulls tops up), inexpensive but good-looking, machine washable, and non-cap- or puff-sleeved. Ideally I'd like to find a few good wrap tops in white, black, and cobalt.

I got my high ticket items at NAS as well and really don't need much. I also have already gotten a few things I found on great sale. I have my eye on:

a couple of fall maternity tops that should work post partum as well
a pair of not too high booties-- I didn't have much luck last year so I'm not holding my breath on this one
*maybe* a cardigan or two
maternity jeans for tucking into boots

I really think that's it and I'm sticking to it. The only issue is there's always the possibility of growing out of my current maternity clothes, particularly jeans, in which case I will size up with just one pair.

Autumn is my favorite time of year for updating my wardrobe. It's probably due to fond memories of school shopping with my mother and also because I love structured pieces and layering.

Since I no longer work outside the home, I have to keep costs down. That means I'm trying to turn a blind eye to the incredible leather jackets I'm seeing on the Nordie's website. *sigh*

I need a couple of pairs of new jeans. I'm going to be haunting a couple of thrift stores for these. I've had good luck finding hardly worn designer jeans in the past :)

I'd like a couple of woven tops and waistcoats. I've also developed a passion for belts. And pearls--real or fake.

New shoes would be nice. I think I'll invest in this pair of pewter flats.