Spring 2013 Shopping List - YouLookFab Forum

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Spring 2013 Shopping List

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

So I've been doing some thinking about what I need and want for spring/summer in order to refresh my wardrobe. I found that my careful planning with NAS last year worked really well for my fall/winter wardrobe so I'm hoping to use that same sort of process (although I won't have quite the same budget!).

I actually have quite a few things in my closet for spring and summer that I still want to wear and are still current, and a few things that were too tight by the end of last summer that I'm hoping fit better this year (keeping fingers crossed!).

This is what I've come up with:

- White blazer: although I love the idea of a white leather jacket ala Inge/Suz/Sveta, this isn't practical for me as I will just swelter in leather once the heat rolls around and I need a white jacket to be less expensive to clean since I am Mrs. Spilly-Pants! I'm thinking something a little longer, sort of boyfriend style.

- Floral blazer: although I do still have the crazy colourful floral blazer I thrifted last year. But I think I'd like something in blue shades.

- Better white jeans: I ended up loving wearing white jeans last year but my Jeanne Bekker ones are starting to show some wear and tear. Would like to get a better pair.

- A few flowy short sleeved tees in solids and patterns to layer and also to semi tuck.

- Two colourful dresses that can be dressed up or down.

- Printed flats (I have those sorted already and have chosen the animal print/orange trim Arturo Change flats)

- I have my new cream leather Danier handbag from my Christmas gift which I'll be bringing out in spring, plus my Kelly green one. Am wondering about adding the Danier Leather cobalt blue satchel with cream handle (it also comes in red which I could use to replace my quilted Nine West red handbag which is starting to get beat up and isn't the best quality).

I'm still on the fence regarding the Cole Haan Skylar oxfords in the grey tone and am still thinking about the paint spattered Doc Martens.

What do you think? Do you see any glaring holes? Something on this list that you think I don't need or won't work for me? Would love your wisdom!

Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Transcona Shannon

kellygirl

Veteran

Impressive list! Just reading it makes me think the Skylar's would go with all of it--white jeans, floral blazer, colorful dresses, etc.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I only have one thing on my list: a green bag.

Also flat oxfords if they came in my size and fit my fat little feet.

PS - I was obsessed with finding the perfect white blazer for a couple of years. I searched high and low. Ordered bunches online. Searched all over. Finally found one. It is gorgeous. Also has never been worn. YMMV. It is just not a success story for me.

kellygirl

Veteran

Lol! Modgrl just told the story of my white jacket!

Sarah A

Veteran

Sounds like you are very on the ball about preparing, I like how your list is specific -- two shirts that can semi tuck, two dresses up or down -- but not too specific and will thus flexible enough to allow for finding great items. This is a great skill and inspiration.

I dont have the Skylar, but rather the gray cole haan alisa oxfords. As i look back at my WIW -- they are almost everyday lately.

rachylou

Veteran

The bean counter in me counts ten maybe eleven items. Out of curiosity, from when to when is your spring? Any considerations for taking these things into summer?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

A very inspirational list! I'm with you on the hunt for good quality white jeans and a flowy t-shirt. Other items on my summer list is a dark blue denim jacket and a white skirt. Good luck hunting!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Rachy - this list covers both spring and summer so we're talking from mid april through to late August.

Rita - hmmmm.....interesting about the white blazer...definitely something to think about.

Kelly & Sarah - talk about a couple of Skylar enablers - lol!

Ingunn - and good luck with your hunting too!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I echo Rita's white blazer sentiments. I looked and looked, and wanted to settle on that JC Penney one, remember? I haven't given up, but I am no longer actively hunting. Hope you have better luck, and get use from yours!
I like the idea of floaty short sleeve layer tops. Sounds versatile for more than just spring.

Anonymous

I love a girl with a plan. I love all the choices.

Yep, white blazers are hard. I decided to go inexpensive every summer because they are beat up by season end. Also, they need to be washable. Dry clean on white blazer = mucho moola. The cuffs get beat up from working at my desk, no matter how much I clean the sucker.

I have nothing on my shopping list. Spring is my least favorite season, I am not a big fan of the general color scheme, too happy;(

I am going straight to summer with dresses, dresses and dresses.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I can't read! Haha. But I guess I was thinking about how florals and blues have been named spring's trends... and I'm wondering how we all feel about them carrying into summer. I have no feeling for summer so far away from now. I sort of like the idea of a matching floral top and bottom - but not so much that I think I really want to spend on them. I don't know how long I'd want to wear that for. It would be an H&M kind of purchase.

shedev

Veteran

I admire your planning Shannon. I'm not sure if its the temps or lack of excitement over what I've seen thus far, but so far there are only 3 items for spring and summer on my list.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Hmmmm....you all make really good points about a white blazer. And now when I think about it, I didn't wear my white denim jacket as much last spring/summer as I thought I would. Maybe I will move the white blazer into a "tentative" spot.

Rachy - I absolutely adore florals so will definitely wear from spring well into summer.

Tanya

Veteran

What a great list Shannon! Another Skylar enabler here:)

About the white blazer: I got a pretty linen one last summer and wore it rarely. On the other hand, I have an old-ish white cropped cotton jacket (streamlined moto style) that I kept reaching for over and over again. So maybe a non-blazer jacket might work better for you too?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Great idea Tanya! And it's sooooo nice to have you back

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FAB list. Keep it flexible too!

Tanya is spot on - keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of white jacket shapes and fabrications.

As for the shoes - time will tell

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You know, I think the white blazer/ jacket thing depends almost entirely on the kinds of temperatures you are talking about. I actually think as a SPRING purchase (i.e. for mid-March to early June) it makes sense. That is why I am considering the leather jacket (if it goes on sale). Because in spring you are looking for something to lighten and brighten outfits but you still need coverage (in our climate). It is too cold for all the lovely lightweight looks that those in other climates might wear.

But in our summers (hot, humid) there's barely ever a need for any topper (apart from air conditioned environments). Since I don't work in air conditioning, I rarely need anything at all.

I bought my white denim jacket for a song in the kids' department. I didn't wear it in Ontario more than twice. But I wore it constantly in July in the mountains. (Of course, it's washable).

Shannon, as always I am impressed with your ability to plan ahead. I am closer to this stage than I was last year, but still not completely there. I do know I want a fab bag, a pair of shoes, the RIGHT pair of sandals (not easy to find) and some easy summer tops that will fit with my style persona.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Always flexible Angie - with lists and in life too - lol! I just like to have a guideline per se so I don't wander too far off track.

And as for the shoes - the Skylar oxfords in the grey are sitting in my Amazon cart as we speak. I'm going to a local store tomorrow that carries a limited selection of Cole Haan (unfortunately not the Skylar) but I'm going to try a few on to get an idea of fit and sizing since I've never even tried on his brand before.

Suz - you do make perfectly good sense regarding the leather jacket. I'm wondering if I would be smart to do like Inge and try a pleather one out first and see if I actually wear it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Great list Shannon. The only white jacket I ended up wearing (after thrifting a few over the years) is a blazer style off-white denim jacket. White jackets are tricky but worth it if you find the right one.

Glory

Veteran

A great list Shannon. On the white jacket - I had a lovely white unlined cotton linen jacket for several years and it was perfect. Sadly all of my best most adored spring/summer clothing were pinched at the airport. However, another white jacket turned up and it has 3/4 length sleeves, is cropped, unlined and again a mostly cotton, wee bit of linen blend. I wear it to death in the spring/summer. Not so much my jean jacket or my leather jacket due to temps being too hot. I did get it at the Bay when I was'nt looking.- just went to take a pic but it is still stored (sorry). Perhaps that weight, rather than a full fledged blazer might work?

Kyle

Veteran

I want a white blazer, too, Shannon. I just wish I was as pulled together and organized about my wardrobe as you are. Happy hunting, my dear!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

And if you still want it, I found the perfect white blazer for you: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/he.....sultback=0

It might put a dent in the budget, however.

Mia

Veteran

Great list.

I am like the queen of white jackets (4 and counting but they are all different) and I wear them a lot so I'd keep your eyes peeled. I think a lower end piece to try it out might be good. There was a blazer on sale here at BCBG that looked good...

I wear optic white but there are all kinds of options in the off-white and creams that are easy to wear. Yours is out there!

Aida

Veteran

Great list Shannon! The only thing I can think of is, if you hadn't already jotted down your holes at the end of last season, it may be worth perusing your outfits posts from both spring and summer to see if you'd commented on any holes. I find my memory doesn't quite work right for proper holes (I forget the "important" glue pieces and remember only the fun things ), and try to jot down true holes both in the middle of and at the end of each season.

carolbee

Veteran

Great list, does this mean if I hang around on YLF long enough I too could be this organised?

kkards

Veteran

i want to chime in on the white blazer/jacket. like Mia, i own 4 in a variety of styles and fabrics. i would say, they are really are spring/summer go to for me. i would recommend a knit in a blazer style as a good place to start. you get the structure of a blazer, but with a more summery relaxed fabric. the other style that i get a ton of wear out of, is a light weight white denim fabric, but cut as a blazer/jacket .

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thank you all so much on the white blazer feedback - I will need to do some more thinking on this item.

Suz - oh my....that blazer is divine, isn't it? I'm not sure how Helmut Lang fits petites though.

Mia - I'm definitely an optic white girl!

Aida - great idea - thanks!

Carolbee - absolutely!