https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:28:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget/page/2#post-2232626 Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:20:47 +0000 Alicewonderland 2232626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are so organized! I agree with the bag first and shoes soon. I think loafers should get careful consideration because besides black ankle boots, they are the most versatile shoe. They go with both dressy and casual outfits, and dresses and skirts of all lengths. You can have your sweater now too! You can get a bunch of colorful cashmere sweaters on eBay. They are size flexible and inexpensive. I have been getting about one a year for about 20 bucks each and now have quite the collection. They wash and wear well and there is nothing like a cashmere turtleneck sweater in the winter. Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget/page/2#post-2232462 Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:27:48 +0000 Star (Lise) 2232462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did not contribute but was reading along with interest.&nbsp; Your new plan sounds really appropriate and your new specs look fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget/page/2#post-2232335 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 17:24:34 +0000 Suz 2232335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent plan, and the glasses look fab! They really do make a difference and lift a person's mood.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget/page/2#post-2232301 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 13:57:35 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your new plan &amp; your new glasses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget/page/2#post-2232192 Sat, 16 Oct 2021 00:20:00 +0000 Kaelyn 2232192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the compliments on the glasses, y'all!</p> <p>Tanya, excited to be bag twins! Thank you for posting about these bags, they're gorgeous. I hope it works well for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget/page/2#post-2232170 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 21:39:07 +0000 Janet 2232170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the new glasses! I got mine today too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232143 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 19:39:11 +0000 Tanya 2232143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a great plan!&nbsp; And so excited you got the chocolate Botkier bag!&nbsp; I have decided to get it as well but have not ordered it yet.&nbsp; &nbsp;The new glasses look wonderful on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232140 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 19:32:09 +0000 Jenni NZ 2232140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>New glasses look fab on you! And plans sound really good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232127 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 19:08:35 +0000 Kaelyn 2232127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone! I haven't had time to sit and write individual replies, but I wanted to let y'all know I've been reading and I appreciate the suggestions! I decided to go with a bag first, and went for the brown Botkier. I figure the black in the strap will help it be versatile, and because I'm excited about adding more dark brown, it'll give me a bit of a novelty boost without being a risky choice. My loved ones voted for that one because it was more classic to their eyes, and one person I asked said it had more of a professor vibe, which won me over! I'm adding a dark brown blazer (ideally tweed or some other fun texture) to my "goal weight achieved" shopping list, and I will plan to get a pair of dressier brown shoes in the meantime. I already have a thrifted pair of chocolate brown Converse (I just need to get new laces because one shoe didn't have them), and brown snakeskin stompy boots, so I'm covered for casual outfits! I may duplicate in black later if it's still available and the brown version is working for me. That should cover my bag needs right now because I don't like to swap them out a lot; I'm lazy. :)</p> <p>For other purchases, I've decided that:</p> <p>* One more pair of jeans in my next size down will be a good idea; I have new black jeans I bought in a 16 and a 14 (both fit, but the 16s are more comfortable, with the 14s being close), and I'd like a pair of blue jeans in a 14. I wear jeans all the time, so they're worth it even if I will end up having to size down again at some point. Black and blue will give me a lot of versatility.</p> <p>* Getting ONE sweater for now would be worth it because I would wear it a lot in the coming months and the colors will make me happy. I will need to decide which color would make me the happiest; I'm leaning toward lavender because it's been a hard to find color that I know looks great on me for a LONG time. Another consideration is that my fiancée is slightly larger than I am and will likely be able to wear it a bit longer, so it won't go to waste if it does become too loose for me.</p> <p>* The denim shirt is inexpensive, so I'll most likely buy it. It'll be a nice, versatile piece while my body is changing. I'm noticing that a lot of my tops are still looking okay on me but won't for much longer. I wore my burgundy blouse yesterday and realized I don't fancy how it looks NOT tucked in now because it's gotten quite loose. Luckily, they look better with a jacket, and it'll be cool enough to wear them daily soon. I also saw a black chambray shirt at Old Navy for about the same price and may go for that one, too.</p> <p>* I'm still considering one of the pairs of loafers, but they're a lower priority. Things like that are always available, but the lug sole trend I adore may not be. </p> <p>* As much as I like the overalls, they're quite expensive and don't feel like a worthwhile risk.</p> <p>* I will not buy a backpack for now (or anything else that is for the life I HOPE to have next year, but won't be useful RIGHT NOW). It occurred to me today that I may need to upgrade my laptop and it'd be better to buy a backpack after I know for sure. In the meantime, I mostly use my desktop computer and don't travel with a computer very much. On the rare occasion I do, my Camelbak can fit it just fine.</p> <p>* In general, I will try to monitor how the pieces I already have feel on me and replace them as they become too large. That will be my priority, rather than getting new, exciting things. If I do decide to treat myself to something new, it will need to be something I expect to use a lot in case it doesn't end up making my final wardrobe when I achieve my goal weight.</p> <p>Also, I got my new glasses yesterday! They came in earlier than expected and I LOVE them. They do, in fact, make a really big difference in my overall look. And I like being able to see more clearly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232052 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:01:38 +0000 Bijou 2232052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kaelyn, this is a great plan and congratulations on your personal and professional success. The great thing about bags and shoes is as you lose weight, they will still work and accessories can really lift an outfit. If you don't have a winter coat, that would also be a good place to get something that will go the distance for many years.</p> <p>If there is a colour that you love, I would buy a bag in that colour. Black is great and very versatile, but so is burgundy, especially if you are keeping your colour palette tight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232029 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:17:56 +0000 Janet 2232029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You’ve already gotten good advice here, and I’m late to this, but I just wanted to say I’m impressed with the level of planning and thought you are putting into this. Even when I was on a tighter budget than you are now, I was a more impulsive shopper! I think focusing on footwear and bag(s) first is a great strategy, and maybe a fun and inexpensive piece like a top to scratch the itch for something new that may still fit as you change size. I’ve found in the past that sometimes a drapey woven top can be even better than a knit for adapting to changing size. As long as the shoulder point fits well, it can either be worn loose and untucked now and perhaps tucked into jeans later on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232021 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 11:32:55 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2232021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Refining the PUPY idea a bit, I’d suggest also taking into account other items in the category, and how you’d divide the wears. (Ie, if you already have 3 pr shoes, that doesn’t mean you’d wear a new pair 91.25 times per year). Part of why I suggested one sweater right now is that I figure you’ll wear it to death. I heard what you said about your shoulders and chest, and I know our bodies are different, but still think you might be surprised by some of the reshaping that comes when you lose so much weight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232019 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 11:16:19 +0000 Anonymous 2232019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a huge budget to me!<br /> I prioritize my needs by PUPY (potential uses per year). Bags- I realized have the highest PUPY value, as they can be used 365 days per year, and aren't body dependent. They also aren't put out of comission by laundry needs.<br /> Shoes are generally next- with highest PUPY going to work appropriate sandals and boots that can withstand rain.<br /> Dark neutral work appropriate pants, skirts, jackets, dresses are way up there too- but are size and season dependent.<br /> If you're size is actively changing though, you may want to check consignment, and/or be sure you buy things with stretch instead of very size dependent pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2232001 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 09:22:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 2232001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I am wondering if $200 a month or thus $2400 a year ( and I realise that’s top budget as that amount was supposed to cover other categories too) might cover 12-24 items a year if each item costs $100-200. Which is actually similar to what I bought for the 10 years of clothes I posted about earlier this year. And actually I ended up drowning in clothes doing that. Partly because I didn’t edit enough if I kept buying that number. So…not quite sure what I am saying here… just plan, plan, plan so as not to fall into that trap! Starting with a bag and shoes should be good.<br /> Last year I bought 12 pieces. 11 this year so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231992 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 05:12:07 +0000 N 2231992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are doing a very similar thing to me right now, building a wardrobe from scratch. Mine is more because I just didn't buy anything for a long time and I only had a small amount (less than 20 pieces) which have worn out. I also have a similar monthly budget to you ¥50,000 which is just over $400. I've been getting accessories mostly so far and a few skirts. They've really upped the game immediately in my opinion. I also love burgundy, those converse are lovely so i'd be getting those first. </p> <p>Have you ever bought from Saint + Sofia? I had a couple of their items on my list a while back but I have read too many bad reviews so took them off. Might be something to consider. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231856 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 15:27:19 +0000 DonnaF 2231856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Make friends with your local public library, including inter library loan. Check out the books that interest you before you make the commitment to buy them. Then shift that book money to clothing and accessories! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231853 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 15:23:55 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2231853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One other thought on the budget—you might want to put some thought into what you want/how much you want to spend in those other subcategories that are part of the monthly $200 allotment. That will give you a better idea on what pace you want to buy these things at. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231848 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 15:08:26 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2231848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say start with shoes.&nbsp; &nbsp;You can limp along and make do with any other clothing item, but you don't want to be limping along in your shoes.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>I would start with the Converse, or the Marc Fischer boot, because we've had such a rainy year in Atlanta, and I think that's going to continue.&nbsp; &nbsp;Also, the temperature will drop in the next month (hopefully, LOL), and you're going to want some warmth.&nbsp; &nbsp;But the heart wants what it wants, so if those star-studded loafers are speaking to you, start with those, because I know you love celestial themes, and you can wear these pretty much everywhere here!</p> <p>As a general rule, I've found that every time I plan to wear suede or fabric shoes in Atlanta, we have epic downpours, so I try not to put a lot of money into those materials for footwear or bags.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Then, one happy-color sweater - or find a reasonably-priced, colorful scarf to hold you over until you can get to the sweaters.</p> <p>I would also start setting aside some of the budget money for your perfect grad-school backpack, but wait to buy it until you need it.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231843 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:52:50 +0000 Liz 2231843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>When I've lost weight, the change shows up first in how my pants fit, and having ill-fitting pants never makes me feel good. I also want to a) think in terms of outfits and b) ensure I don't buy anything that I "sort of" already have. So I'd do it in this order . . . <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. The jeans, so you have good-fitting pants for this stage. <br /></div><div>2. One sweater so you get the sense that you have at least one really good fitting new outfit. (Though I agree with whoever said that expensive sweaters are a real gamble, given how badly lots of knits hold up these days; I'd not spend much on a sweater.) <br /></div><div>3. One pair shoes - the pair that makes the most statement and helps create new, fresh outfits. <br /></div><div>4. The overalls, so you can work on the second well-fitting, fresh outfit. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231841 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:07:48 +0000 Lesley 2231841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots and lots of wisdom here, so I won't duplicate it, but I will chime in on 3 things:</p> <p>-I do love Madewell bags, and find that they're great value for their money.&nbsp;</p> <p>-I noticed that you mention a backpack that might be useful for if you get into grad school--I think because it's so theoretical, that's a clue that you can move it down on the priority list. Prioritize your needs now, rather than theoretical.</p> <p>-I personally always keep a running list of "needs" and "wants". This really helps prioritize and helps prevent my limited budget going towards something that I would love but then I have, say, holes in my underwear or not enough pairs of pants (I'm a shoe girl, it can happen very easily). Once my "needs" are fulfilled for a season, I feel within my right to go crazy on my "wants" list. Don't forget as things wear out or start to not fit, though, to get them on that list for replacement, even if it's almost the end of the season! You'll be happy to have the list to remind you next time that season rolls around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231747 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 02:23:37 +0000 Grace 2231747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would prioritize the denim blouse. I found my dream denim blouse a year or two ago that is now one size too big for me, and I still am able to wear it and have it look okay. Something about the fabric drapes well and is forgiving. It's also great for layering over tees and turtlenecks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Denim also looks great with burgundy and mustard yellow.</p> <p>Congratulations on the weight loss and your very thoughtful purchasing decisions!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231746 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 02:08:34 +0000 Anonymous 2231746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would first think hard about what neutrals, light and dark, and what colors look best on you. It does not seem like the same person should wear orange and yellow (warm colors) should also wear burgundy and lilac (cool colors), but it is not&nbsp;impossible. Find your own best shade or tint of the colors and neutrals you choose and seek them out. My own best black is sheer or faded. not a saturated black like a black velvet. There are so many tones of yellow, I am still trying to figure mine out. Take your time to build the new wardrobe. Do not buy place holders. Congratulations on your weight loss. Those last few pounds are the hardest. Bags, scarves and jewelry will fit. Footwear may not fit although you expect it to. My feet changed size.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231745 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 01:51:45 +0000 Sal 2231745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the others in terms of priority and spending.&nbsp; There is some variation in what is important to us as well (for example I am very happy to repeat jeans and pants often but like to mix up footwear more).</p> <p>Knitwear is the category that I find quality hardest to predict so I would not prioritise expensive knitwear because I honestly think it stretches, shrinks and pills as quickly as cheaper (often). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231742 Thu, 14 Oct 2021 01:30:46 +0000 Jaime 2231742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I would say first go for shoes and bags as they will continue to fit (probably!), then sweaters (fit most flexible) and jeans last. But this assumes you have enough to get by in the meanwhile. I am a shoe person but am trying to widen my perspective and can see where a bag might pull more weight in snazzing (and zazzing!) up your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231628 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 18:24:15 +0000 chewyspaghetti 2231628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my experience with weight loss, it has never been a good idea to buy something snug while losing weight. I just never lose it the way that Ithink I will or in the places I think I will. Those pieces always ended up being money wastedfor me. My suggestion is to buy what fits now and wear it untilit no longer fits, just to buy less as you're losing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231622 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 18:03:26 +0000 Kaelyn 2231622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Stagiaire Fash</b>--Fair point about sweaters, but I'm also considering my broad shoulders and large bust. I may slim down more, but my top size is unlikely to change drastically unless I lose a LOT of weight. So, something that fits more snugly now might still fit, but more loosely, in a year. But you're right that there's no guarantee. I'll keep that in mind. Good idea about yellow accessories, too; the tote bag is really tempting! I also have some yellow leather cord for jewelry making, so I need to look up some tutorials and get to it. I'm pretty minimal with accessories, but when I <i>really</i> enjoy something, I'm likely to wear it a bunch.</p> <p><b>Rachylou</b>--I <i><u></u>love<u></u></i> the word zazzy! Your comments always make me smile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231620 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:50:26 +0000 rachylou 2231620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From your finds, and in consideration of everyone’s wisdom, I think I’d go for the black Botkier and burgundy Converse. I think they’re zazzy and very much expressive of your style, esp together. You get fun and practicality. Then I’d go for a sweater, maybe the lavender, because winter is coming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231618 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:45:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2231618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, my first thought is to start with the things you’re unlikely to need a different size of—the bags and the shoes. Good quality there will last a long time. But then I realize that it might already be getting chilly where you are, and you might just have one winter with any sweaters you get now; that makes me rethink. </p> <p>Ymmv, but there’s a real limit for me in how adaptable sweaters are. I mean, I can probably move in a 20(?) lb range in the same sweater, but once it’s too tight or too baggy, it’s just “no”. I lost 75 lbs over the course of a few years. There are things I thought would never fit, because I thought the basic structure of my body had changed, but now I slip them on with no problem. </p> <p>So if you don’t have sweaters for this winter, or if you are certain you’re going to want one of these great colors before winter is over, then I’d say to go ahead and get one now. Enjoy wearing it all winter, because it won’t fit in a year or two or whatever your timeline is. </p> <p>I love the idea of sunny marigold colors, to represent the sunflowers of your soul, but don’t see a lot of it here. I do think these colors would work well with it, so maybe some not-very-expensive jewelry or hair accessories in that color? Here’s a bracelet you might like <a href="https://shop.nga.gov/kandinsky-stretch-bracelet.html" rel="nofollow">https://shop.nga.gov/kandinsky.....celet.html</a> and a simple bag <a href="https://shop.nga.gov/vincent-van-gogh-sunflowers-foldable-tote-bag.html" rel="nofollow">https://shop.nga.gov/vincent-v.....e-bag.html</a><br /> ETA a pin &amp; a keychain, but I’m probably drifting off-topic </p> <p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1051080654/sunflower-enamel-pin?ga_order=most_relevant&#038;ga_search_type=all&#038;ga_view_type=gallery&#038;ga_search_query=sunflower+accessory&#038;ref=sr_gallery-1-26&#038;cns=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....#038;cns=1</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/824658256/sunflower-name-keychain-sunflower?ga_order=most_relevant&#038;ga_search_type=all&#038;ga_view_type=gallery&#038;ga_search_query=sunflower+accessory&#038;ref=sr_gallery-1-19&#038;frs=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/8.....#038;frs=1</a></p> <p>On backpacks for future use: get one when you get your acceptance. </p> <p>Ps—totally off-topic: stickers! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1072576586/be-like-a-sunflower-sticker?ga_order=most_relevant&#038;ga_search_type=all&#038;ga_view_type=gallery&#038;ga_search_query=sunflower+accessory&#038;ref=sr_gallery-1-29&#038;frs=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....#038;frs=1</a></p> <p>Also, remember to enjoy the process! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231617 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:43:23 +0000 The Cat 2231617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suggest this order of priority:<br /> • Shoes/footwear<br /> • Good everyday bag<br /> • Great jeans with some stretch<br /> • A couple of non-neutral sweaters<br /> • Denim shirt </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/advice-requested-purchase-priorities-on-a-budget#post-2231614 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 17:28:30 +0000 Kaelyn 2231614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks to everyone who has chimed in so far! Lots of great advice here.</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, I'd like to thank you for reminding me about Angie's advice, too--I'm not quite at the point where I need to replace any basics, but I'll keep that in mind because it'll need to happen soon.</p> <p><b>LaPed</b> and <b>Tanya</b>, thanks for the advice about secondhand bags and DSW! I'll see what I can find, but I can't dedicate a <i>ton</i> of time to scouring the internet for a good deal right now. <b>LaPed</b>, I hear you about too nice bags; I'm not a "bag person" so I tend to invest in one good bag at a time and wear it into the ground before replacing it. In this case, I'm only considering more than one because of my desire to add dark brown as a neutral. So my needs are quality and practicality first, then aesthetic; I don't like super showy bags, and I like these because they have a lovely design but aren't too in your face about it.</p> <p>For now it sounds like bag and shoes should be my first priority... I was leaning that way for practical reasons, so good to have that validated. Also good to have my desire for more color validated; I'll prioritize 1-2 of the happy color sweaters after the more pressing need is taken care of because they'll definitely make me happy.</p> <p>With that in mind, I see a few options: <ol> <li>Go for a black bag (Botkier or the M&amp;S backpack) and more black shoes (I <i>might</i> prioritize the loafers over the Chelsea boots because I already have other styles of boots in black, so it wouldn't be that drastic of a new item--and Chelsea boots are a modern classic and are available year after year).</li> <li>Go for a black bag, but don't worry about shoes for now, as I already have a lot of black shoes... maybe work on the sweaters, then consider adding another pair of shoes.</li> <li>Go for brown bag and shoes to work on a brown complement, which will give me more options with my neutrals. I'm also wondering if the black in the Botkier strap would mean I could mix black and brown in an outfit relatively easily.</li> </ol>