Well assuming for the sake of the question that such a win (I never buy tickets) would result in a higher clothing budget, my first thought is that I would replace a lot of things that are wearing out. That's what I'd do anyway over the course of time, but a higher budget would mean that I could do it quicker. And I guess I could experiment more. One thing I'd like to buy is more pairs of Ziera orthotic shoes. They are so expensive I only buy one pair a year at the moment.

Once I read everyone else's replies I'll willing join the "hire Angie" bandwagon idea! Sartorially speaking, what could be better?

Gif I won the lottery, I would no longer need work clothes. Woohoo!!

So, no, not at first. I would I would just buy a few more jeans to be a SAHM.

I don't play the lottery but the SO occasionally does and we've talked about what we would do if he won. Honestly, I don't think my wardrobe would change much because I would likely go back to graduate school-- which would mean that my clothing needs would stay fairly similar and I wouldn't want to be walking around in $450 pants.

That said, I would probably upgrade items that I love and wear often (GAP jeans to premium denim) and items that are essentials but I don't love my current version (some of my knitwear, etc.). I would keep a small wardrobe but it would allow me to afford more tops and shoes and more of favorite items like wool coats and leather jackets.

Shopping would be easier if I could walk into Nordies or J Crew and was able not to look at the pricetags (heck, shopping would be easier if I could travel to the city to shop!).

Basically, in my real life I'm moving in this direction. If I can get my wardrobe up to a size that keeps me from constantly replacing I can put more of my funds upgrading my favorites as they wear out and into areas where I would really like more variety (i.e. 2 workhorse jackets, not one) but don't have the money atm.

Fun question!
I would need all new sizes, because having a personal trainer and a personal chef would probably take me down a size or two.

Then I would get really nice fitting jeans and T-shirts, in lovely fabrics, maybe even custom sewn.

Wow, what a great question, Sarah! And how happy to realise that my wardrobe won't be that shocked, at least not regarding 80% of my colthes wich I am pleased with. But my shoes, bags and outerwear! Now this is completely other (&shocking!) animal! I would replace most of them, for sure.

If I was handed a big bag of cash, I'd have some clothes custom made. Especially since I sew, I would love to see that process and have some custom items that fit me perfectly.

I'm kinda in the same boat as Janet. My household has done pretty well financially in recent years, and I've been able to buy a lot more clothes and more expensive brands and pieces than I ever did in my 20s. It's been interesting because some more expensive items have been worth the price and some definitely have not. So I'd imagine if I started buying designer stuff I'd find the exact same principle. It might be fun for a piece or two, assuming there are high end designers that deign to make clothes for a size 14.

I'd probably get some higher end shoes, as it seems like pricier shoes tend to be more consistently higher quality than clothes do. And hiring a stylist would be an interesting thing to try, too.

I think it would result in fewer items; I'd feel more secure about giving away things, buying a few quality workhorse garments that I could afford to tailor if necessary, and having a few pairs of custom-made shoes to fit my feet.

@Gradfashionista: That is a great point. Financial security would help me get rid of a lot of 'just in case' place holders in my wardrobe.

Fun question, Sarah. I'm humbled to have been mentioned as part of the lottery expenditure.

I don't think my wardrobe would change that much, but I would probably spend even more money on shoes and bags. I would travel more - with Greg of course - and shop in my favourute places around the world more frequently, picking up treasures along the way:

• Hong Kong in general (best shopping destination of all)
• Japanese department stores in Tokyo
• The streets of Le Marais in Paris
• Selfridges and Whistles in London
• de Bijenkorf in Amsterdam

I'd probably also have fun in NYC, Boston and Los Angeles. The shopping is really good there too - and I could rendezvous with most of you. xo

I am at work on lunch so will take time later to answer everyone. Thank you all SO much for playing alomg with me. How fun! Quick question for Angie: what is it that makes Hong Kong have the best shopping? I'm so curious...

Thanks, Sarah, for throwing out something both fun and thought-provoking at the same time. I needed this to lift my spirits today:) You know, if money were no object, I would love to toss it all out, and start fresh with only the best, fewest pieces. I like to think I don't need a ton, I don't wish and want for MORE, i just wish and want for the right things. I think that having extra $ would allow me to sit down, take the time to think, and really plan a small, tight and tidy but luxurious wardrobe. Wouldn't that be heaven? Ah.........:)

A great question. Like others, I would not increase the size of my current wardrobe (it's taken me too long to get it down the current size) but I would upgrade the quality of the pieces.

I don't buy tickets but perhaps I should? I don't even know how much one could win. I think just buying a house in LA could take all the money & I would also like to retire early & travel so I don't think there would be much change to my clothing budget but if the question is really about what one would do with an unlimited clothing budget I would hire Angie, as others have said (hope we don't all win at the same time as she would be very busy). I would do this 4 times a year or more. Probably fly her to LA or wherever we feel like shopping, maybe Paris. I would probably not have a huge wardrobe but I would have very high quality pieces. I love quality. I would buy Helmut Lang, Victoria Beckham, Saint Laurent, Burberry & others I discover now that I am not limited by budget. My wardrobe would be bigger and so would my closet. I don't feel the need for lots & lots of stuff but it would be nice to say yes to things that I want instead of deciding I don't need it. I would have the right bags & footwear for every outfit & the right outfit for every occasion. I would also have the right coat for every outfit. Living somewhere not so cold & wet I have limited my coats.

Lol Sarah, I just read your reply upthread. I definitely would succumb to a few extra pairs of shoes -- all I'm saying is I would try to keep a limit on it. There was nothing admirable about Imelda Marcos.

I did think of one other thing I would definitely buy, though: an excellent leather moto jacket. Part of the reason I've never bought one is because the really nice ones tend to be very expensive!

Like Thistle I would quit work, or just work a very limited amount. So that would change my wardrobe needs quite a bit. I'd also hire Angie and then shop for a killer MOTG, casual wardrobe!

What a great question! Sorts things out.

I really like my clothes, so my first instinct would not be to do a total re-do. But ridiculously expensive things would start creeping in, I'm sure.

Well, maybe not. I'm getting curmudgeonly. I don't want to have to go very far and be all jostled about for fancy duds. If the lottery money allowed me to shop mid-week mornings... ok.

I'm also thinking that I'm a bit of a rice grower and don't really want to stand out among those I know as one who has spent an obscene amount on clothing. In addition to fussy feet, I have problem eyes, and glasses can easily cost me $1,000 without insurance. I think I would buy a few pairs of specs that don't slide down my nose.

My closet went into shock two years ago when I purged about 2/3 of it and bought 106 pieces of clothing in a year. In 2014, I tried to limit myself to 2 items a month, failed at times, and ended up buying 40 things. I learned two things.

Limiting the number of purchases helps me to make better choices.

I bought more higher end but I spent a lot less overall.

If I won the lottery, I'd pay for my moms condo, pay for this house and then give it to my nephew (he grew up in and loves this house), buy something more rural for me and Hedev. And I'd go visit my mom and brother in Boston. If I happened to pass an All Saints, I 'd stop in and have a look.

So my questions are:
How an extremely high budget would
1. Change the landscape of your current wardrobe
2. Focus your future purchases
And since it is unlikely that most of us will experience such a windfall:
3. Does this knowledge translate into any realistic and viable changes to how you do things within current budget constraints?

1. I'd buy more items, though probably around the same average price-per-item, plus room for tailoring. And a year-round personal stylist to shop for me. And okay yes I would probably splurge on some ridiculously priced handbags and scarves and other accessories. Clothes? Not so much because even the most outrageously priced high end fashions aren't scaled for a petite form, and tailoring would ruin the line.

I would probably first plop down $ to build out a gigantic walk in closet. Just having room for my clothes to spread out, to see what I have better. That would be very nice.

2. I'd feel no qualms about ditching most of my wardrobe twice a year, to update. With of course a personal shopper doing all the work for me.

3. Not really. Because this is a great question -- one which I've used frequently for years, to help me hone in when financial planning each year. Not just regarding clothes but all categories in which I spend money (and DH too). That big closet? Already nixed that idea, because it would require a bigger house to boot. And truth is, I don't want a bigger house. Maybe a second (equally small) house... somewhere warm and on the beach!

So I indirectly know someone in this type of situation - not lottery but budget free - and she wears a uniform. Skinny black pants, immaculate white button down, black cashmere sweater, black Barbour vest, perfect riding boots. All impeccable, of course. I'd like to think I'd go that route and donate to charity instead. The fun is really in the struggle.

ETA: Not saying this particular formula would be my uniform. But I suspect I would have more of one than I do now, if it were all Just Perfect.

I love your answer Una. I suspect that's so true.

What a great question and fun to read everyone's answers ...
I was happily surprised to realize I wouldn't change much at all ... I would upgrade some things perhaps; get the really good t-shirts
I would splurge on a Cartier tank watch to replace my $30 Timex copycat, and a pair of Repettos. And have my hair done waaaaaaaaaay too often!

Ooh - fabulous question! And my answer (yes) is telling on where I should be growing and changing my wardrobe.

I want better, nice loungewear and pajamas. And footwear. But other wise I want to keep my same styles, and upgrade quality.

Now to read other answers.

So interesting. . . .
I wonder if I might not have a smaller wardrobe, like Una. I wonder if I might have a lot less "just in case" and "but what if I need it later" clothes. Knowing I could buy whatever I wanted, perhaps I would let go of all the contingency clothes, in other words.
Like CocoLion and Suz, I would hire Angie to help me with a massive closet edit.
Like Angie, I'd be traveling the world and definitely be hitting Le Marais. I'd go to New York. I'd go on a trip to Paris with Marcy Tilton (one of my favorite pattern designers) and on more sewing retreats with Linda Lee (another of my favorite pattern designers).
I have a feeling my closet would look very different, with fewer fillers.

Maybe I should just cull out those fillers anyway, huh?

Oh gosh ...if I won the lottery ... I would probably use a small portion of it to buy some pretty clothes to whichever destination I travel ^_^ There are so many things to do and so many people to share that loot with ... I would probably end up with the same wardrobe lol!

But assuming I am alone with no one to care about and with everything like mortgage, travel expenses sorted .... And the genie told me I could only spend that money on clothes else I would be annihilated ... Then I would probably just get an entire new wardrobe ... Not because I don't love what I have .. But because new is always more fun

Comments - Part 1

Wow. I have loved each and every reply! I have my work cut out for me answering this, but you all have inspired me so much, how can I not? When I went to bed last night (er... early this morning) I left off at Sharon.

I will first answer all of you who agree with me on hiring Angie... for the record, I called dibs first. Of course if you win the lottery first, I will step aside!

CocoLion: Very methodical plan, and way to know yourself! And I love the idea of heirloom purchases. I hadn't thought of that... BTW, way to think outside the box on using Angie's talents. I love it!

Thimblelina: it does sound like you already have an eye for quality and the foresight to invest wisely. I'm just now learning that and wishing I had started much earlier. Also - proclivities is my new word of the day. I just love a well placed word!

Fuegobella: how practical of you! Will you be my new Jedi master? I don't have a practical bone in my body, and I am sorely in need of one... or several.

Retailgirl: "luxe but classic" - perfectly said! That is the thing... It is probably good that I don't have money because I might blow a chunk of change on some gorgeous thing only to dislike it a year later. I don't think I can be trusted with lottery winnings... You probably could be. And closet/dressing room. Oh yes please!! I am a big believer in small bedrooms and large bathrooms and closets (not that any of mine are large). My husband says I have a great walk in closet - it just has a bed in it!

Astrid: you have pinpointed the very thing that I realized - I want to stop buying things that I wouldn't buy if I had more money. Just start waiting and buying fewer, better quality things. How cool that this happened to a family member of yours! It definitely sounds like he did it right. That would really take a lot of discipline!

Staysfit: I think that you have expressed the exact issue that I would have with being able to afford REALLY incredible pieces. I think that I would feel self conscious to display lots of labels and look over the top. I would hope to walk that fine line of looking down to earth and comfortable, but in a quality sort of way. Which circles back to how this exercise helped me to figure out how to achieve a similar goal without the windfall.

Crutcher: *smacks my forehead* first class! Why didn't I think of that?! I so want to become like you - "pieces that I have so carefully and thoughtfully added... with imagination and love..." YES. (And yes, if I played the lottery it would help... but yikes! What if I won?!)

Chadya: way to distill things. But when shopping for bags, I would find shoes... and jewelry... and... and. I just so love pretty things.

Sterling: contentment is such a beautiful thing. I'm so happy for you! And yes, bags. A bag for every outfit and mood. And if I won the lottery, I could also afford to have a duplicate of everything I would need in each purse so I wouldn't have to change stuff over. And duplicate just one credit card... a black one. Hehehehe.

Ok, part two of my replies will be in the next comment. I don't want to break the web site!

Comments - Part 2

Suz: very wise plan. You, like some others here (many others, it would seem!) have truly built beautiful wardrobes of carefully selected items. I can see that so well in your posts. My favorite thing is seeing you all in outfits that are so authentically "you". Is is such a great idea to keep the wardrobe size manageable and replace items, as needed, with higher quality. I also agree - things like coats, jackets and footwear can be kept in higher quantities because so many situations require their own specific shoe or coat. I love how you translated this into a practical application for your current life! And I agree.. Travel. There are so many trips I would love to take (with perfectly appropriate outfits, of course!)

E: Your answer is absolutely and perfectly YOU. I love it! It is wonderful what a strong sense of your own style you have and how comfortable you are in your own skin. Having a bigger budget would just give you the freedom to get extremely choosey in fabrication and tailoring. That is definitely something that appeals greatly to me as well! And I really appreciate that your takeaway was gratitude!

Shevia: how wonderful that the process of searching and finding enhances the worth of your wardrobe. I think that is so great, and I have had that same sense of finding treasures from time to time, so I totally get it!

Dianne: YES. Yes, it would.

Anne: it also appeals to me to be able to replace huge needed items all at once. I love the idea of having a complete wardrobe and being able to shop for fun only, and know the needs were taken care of. And like you say, have the the freedom to experiment.

Thistle: You would have the best (SAH) "mom" jeans ever! I think that is one of the scariest things about having a windfall - I would be sorely tempted quit my job (although I love my job, I would like the idea of not being boxed in by the need to work). If I had small children, I would in a heartbeat (I'm glad I had lots of time at home with my little ones), but with Ethan nearing middle school and no other little ones afoot and money to burn, I think I would lose all self discipline and become a lady of leisure. It would not be pretty. (Well the clothes would be, but I would be insufferable!)

Elly: good point (similar to Thistle's) about lifestyle sometimes giving more boundaries and limits (not necessarily in a bad way) to our wardrobes than money sometimes does. I also definitely appreciate your point about shopping being much easier with less monetary constraints. Sometimes I get so frustrated that I can't find something that fits or works or is just right... and then I realize that it does exist... for a price. Ugh! But I am right there with you - moving in the right direction. Slowly.

Laurinda: I think we must be related. Personal trainer and a personal chef. Oh yeah! (But my personal trainer would be super nice and instead of pushing me to work out, she would sit and watch sitcoms with me.) and my clothes would be a new size... in the wrong direction. But other than that, we'd be like twins!

lyn67: you are so much farther along in your style journey than me if you would keep 80%. Congrats! I'm so impressed. (But also glad to find out that you are human too and would splurge on some shoes, outerwear, and bags.)

Laura: I'm so glad you have experienced some good times when you could afford nice pieces! That makes me happy to hear. I am also really interested in your experience of having found that some splurges weren't worth it. I completely understand the concept of buying high quality, beautifully made items, but I have very little faith in being able to pick out something that has longevity. When I love something, I'm all in, and I have a hard time determining if it is a passing fancy or a timeless staple. I can visually grasp what items are timeless - that isn't the problem - it has to do more with whether I personally will love it for a long time (no matter how classic the piece). I appreciated your take on that. I do think that there would still be room for trying out some trendier items at lower price points.

Comments - Part 3

Gradfashionista: I very much like your technique for maintaining a well edited wardrobe. I so want to be like that... but not sure if I am built for it. Boy do I admire it though.

Laurinda: I think that you distilled my epiphany perfectly - I had to ask myself why I was holding onto things that I didn't love and wouldn't keep if I could afford better. Why have them at all? Why do I have "just in case" items? Just in case of what? But I still kept some... just in case the other 100 items in my closet are all dirty at the same time and I have to go naked? Sheesh.

Angie: watch out... if all the YLF ladies split a lottery ticket and win, you will be swarmed and never have another moment to yourself again! But in all seriousness, we would all come to you because you have such a way of helping people look stylish, not like everyone else, but like their own best self. That is the sort of stylish that we all want to be. It is such a gift that you have! You know, I did think about traveling, but I totally forgot about traveling to shopping destinations. May I edit my scenario of flying to Seattle to meet you, and instead meet up in Hong Kong to shop?

Lisap: I'm glad you enjoyed this. I was actually thinking about it when I responded to your other thread, but figured that this concept needed a thread all by itself. I completely identify with your yearning for wanting the right things. I am constantly fighting myself for wanting more, and yet wanting simpler. Ultimately, I am with you. I really want that "small, tight, and tidy"... ahhhhhhh.

Lisa: I am so with you on upgrading the quality. There is something wonderful about knowing that something is well made with excellent materials. It has taken me way too long to realize that.

Elle: I would definitely want to invest in my home and travel as well. Your statement about having the right bag and footwear for every outfit and right outfit for every occasion hit a bit hot button for me. It never ceases to amaze me how I can constantly find an occasion that needs an outfit that is unique and not something I've planned for. And I don't lead a very exciting life! But things come up - sometimes weird and unusual things. Having the freedom of wardrobe appropriateness would be priceless to me!

Aziraphale: lol - nothing admirable about Imelda Marcos! Love it. And good point. And oh yes to the leather moto!!

AviaMariah: I would have given anything to have Angie plan my MOTG outfits when I was a SAHM. I would have ended up constantly lunching with girlfriends so that I could wear my fabulous outfits around town.

Rachylou: ridiculously expensive indeed. I wonder how long it would take me to get used to paying prices for things that my former self would have fainted over? Probably not long. And hey, if you don't want to go far for the fancy duds, just call me. Angie and I will send you some things from our shopping sprees in Paris and Hong Kong. You won't even have to leave home.

DonnaF: I agree - I think I would be embarrassed if the finery was too overt. But that is such a good point about splurging on those items that are possibly great needs, such as glasses or superbly comfy shoes and getting something that is not only beautiful and well made but makes life easier, more comfortable and healthier. I love it!

Shedev: what a great example of the kind of overhaul I'm talking about, without the windfall. That is exactly what I was hoping to inspire in my own life. I love the lessons that you learned. I also love your selfless attitude with your (hypothetical) winnings. There is nothing better than helping the ones we love, and I would hope to do the same. Although if I happened by an All Saints, I'm quite sure I'd have more than a look.

Shiny: Everything you said. EVERYTHING. (Except the financial planning. I'm not so good at that.) But I do love the idea of a big closet, and I also love my tiny house. It's such a conundrum.

Alaskagirl: for me, your quote was the best of this exercise: "the fun is really in the struggle." This is truly the way of life, I think. I find that the best moments of creativity come from the strongest (and sometimes most unusual) boundaries. When I end up being put in a box, the answer is usually to turn the box upside down, paint all over it, and sit on top of it. That's how amazing things happen. (And yet, the appeal of the perfect, simple uniform is so very great... Arghhhhhh)

Torontogirl: I love your precise and focused way of cutting right to the heart of what you would want and would work for you and your style. I can tell you know yourself well and are comfortable in your own skin. That is just wonderful!

Amiable: You are a kindred spirit...

Firecracker: Everything you said resonated with me... And I got to your last line, which is EXACTLY where my thought process ended! Amazing how that just hits like a thunderbolt. Those odds and ends are just... Fillers. Love it!

Neel: oh goodness, you cracked me up! Shopping on pain of death? Yes please!! And you totally summed up something I couldn't figure out how to say, and yet was so simple. It's truly not that I don't love many things that I have (other than the filler junk) but new is just SO FUN. I like fun and pretty so very much.

This is so odd how taking a flight of fancy to a make believe lavish universe has left me feeling more content, thankful and peaceful than ever. There is only one explanation. You ladies are magic.