Oh yes, I am so in this TEAM! What shall we call it, Team No-Plan? Team Impulse shopper?
ANyway, I tried really hard to define a style, which you seem to have figured out. And then I did alot of inpiration searches on the net, found a set of pix that inspired me Then tried to find as much as possible in my closet and determine the missing piece that would give me the same feel as those pic.
I went for a boho-western style that Isabel Marant was/is promoting. So casual with a slight edge. I needed a bit of fringe, a bit of ethnic pattern, and a necklace or two to emphasize the vibe. I assumed I could use jeans that I already had but add a Tshirt, not expensive, and also a leather jacket. (and then I had my daughter make me 'cool' one)
The fringe, ethnic and necklaces, I managed to find, after an entire summer of searching for low prices. These pieces are not floating around, easy to find, in general. It seems to me, like you experience, that those really special pieces, what is shown in mags, does not really trickle down to mass media. Theory, the manufacturers stick to common as it appeals to more people. Sure, SOME special trends filter down, but not the ones I was interested in.
Of course, There are very expensive versions of the statement pieces, but I didn't want to pay big bucks for the parts that make the outfit "have a specific trend/feel" that I might tire of next year.
But the leather jacket I allowed myself to spend more on thinking that it will transcend this look and can be used in many others, like biker chic, or just general chic. So I budgetted for and spent my big money there.
I have NOT bought allot, I put this in my weekend wardrobe which only has to cover the weekends in a month. over 4 months that is 12 wearings (many days are out in the forest gear for me). SO since all the logic says I won't need big wardrobe there, I allow myself to have few pieces and rather use more money on the one piece that SHOULD last many years and can be re-used.
Conclusion for me, I found a good enabling excuse to use a chunk of money and broke out of impulse buying for ONE area of my dressing life.
I am still struggling with wanting everything I see (like forest green and maroon now)...but since I haven't done this same planning for my general work wardrobe (which is the BIG one), I don't allow myself to shop for it. It may have helped that I was/am so distracted with finding the perfect pieces for this small, fun, weekend capsule, that I am able to keep myself under control. It certainly has been a whole NEW way of working with my clothes and my money. And I don't know if it has worked until the season is over. SO please take my example with a grain of salt.