https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:05:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412584 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 22:38:40 +0000 Caro in Oz 1412584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay fellow Aussies I'd love to go shopping with you both :)<br />DEB - I forgot about&nbsp;the coffee stop. It&nbsp;has saved me from impulsive buys&nbsp;many times :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412436 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:16:23 +0000 Marlene 1412436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My challenge with lists: &nbsp;If I ever write down SPECIFICALLY what I think I need, that item is never available at retail, &nbsp;So I tend to settle for something that is sort of like what I REALLY want and then make-do. &nbsp;But I'm never really happy with it. &nbsp;</p> <p>Then magically a year later, the exact item I was looking for appears....I get all excited....buy it....and now I have TWO similar items in my wardrobe. &nbsp;Or worse, THREE because I found something slightly but not exactly more like what I want....THEN I find the exact one. &nbsp;You get the picture. &nbsp;</p> <p>This past year, I have acknowledged that I have this tendency and changed my habits. &nbsp;I now shop for CATEGORIES. (example: &nbsp;black, slim knit bottoms to wear with long tops)&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes you need to work with what Retail provides and not beat yourself up searching for a specific item! &nbsp;I found that category list making has actually cut down on my purchases because I'm less focused on the details and more on function and how it works with what I already have. &nbsp;So if an item is not going to work how I need it to...it stays in the store. &nbsp;It's pretty amazing how this has changed my shopping style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412424 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:41:16 +0000 Anonymous 1412424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>l make all kinds of lists. Recently listing everything I wear each day has resulted in a sub list of wardrobe holes and things that I want to replace. This has become a huge help in staying focused when shopping, especially at thrift and consignment stores and sales where often sale goggles are my downfall.<br /> This is possible because I am pretty happy with where my wardrobe is now but need to replace some of the successes from thrifting, like a sheer black shirt and brown booties.<br /> I should also start a list just for things I want to try or experiment with, like culottes and tunics.<br /> With a list I can resist other things that I would have bought even a year ago. Just yesterday I resisted buying an EF cardigan even though it was an extra % off and a steal. But it was not something I need and, as often with EF, was an unusual color that might be hard to work with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412364 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:05:46 +0000 Janet 1412364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and I am SO a list person. Right now I have a grocery store list, a Target list, a packing list for our Belgium trip, a personal to-do list, and a work to-do list. </p> <p>But clothes shopping? Nope. </p> <p>I am such an emotional shopper and dresser, that my typically over-analytical, over-planning self takes a backseat. Sure, I will have a little wishlist in my head of things I'd like to find, but I rarely set out thinking, "today I'm going to shop for a pair of jeans" for example. I'm more of an explorer when I shop -- I just see what's out there that grabs me. </p> <p>There are exceptions, when I discover a wardrobe hole, but it's usually very occasion-specific: a dress for an event, cold-weather items for a trip, a swimsuit, gear for running or biking, etc. Or it's for a basic item -- last year I went on the search for the "perfect" lightweight white sweater, and lately I've been keeping an eye out for a great replacement for my white silk blouse that has developed yellow stains (found a good contender at BCBG). Oh, and socks that don't slide down into my boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412358 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:55:03 +0000 Anonymous 1412358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a list person -- for shopping or for anything. My brain's just not wired that way, and people who make and stick to lists might as well be a different, slightly superior species as far as I'm concerned.</p> <p>I do try to be generally aware of what I own, what I reach for regularly and don't reach for, and&nbsp;what could use a replacement or upgrade. So I'm pretty good at not buying things I won't use, although I don't know if what I buy is always the <i>best</i> purchase ever. For instance, if I see a cute casual dress I like, I know I'll wear it, like I wear all the others,&nbsp;but should I be putting my energy into identifying HEWIs and potential wardrobe game-changers&nbsp;and trying to seek them out instead?</p> <p>The closest I get to sticking to a list is when I have a need that's so obvious it's kind of hitting me in the head, like needing to replace a winter coat or get something to wear to a special event. But I don't think making one thing a priority and following through on that is quite the same thing as an actual list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412304 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 08:08:57 +0000 Deborah 1412304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny myself, DEB and Caro are all Aussies and seem to follow a similar path re clothing shopping and lists... hmmmm </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412302 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 07:52:59 +0000 Deb 1412302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Deborah and Caro......I always have a list. Before clothes shopping I analyse my needs and wants, what will work, my budget and various websites. My shopping is always purposeful and mindful, thus avoiding wasting money and buying clothes that I regret or which end up orphans. Occasionally I buy things unexpectedly, but not without a coffee shop stop and time to think before I purchase. Since I don't buy cheap clothes and shoes, this method makes sense to me.<br /> Paradoxically, I'm less likely to write a list for food shopping. I tend to arrive at the fresh fruit and veg market or the fish market or whatever and buy what is in season and what looks freshest and best at the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412290 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 05:53:09 +0000 abc 1412290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha! Late checking back in but I admit to wrong things on my to do list just to be able to check them off. Tee hee, doesn't look like I'm alone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412031 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 20:05:57 +0000 Susie 1412031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span>"And I was sure I was the only one that wrote additional things on it, just to be able to cross them off!"</p> <p><b>THIS. </b>Yes, I am glad that I am not the only one!</p> <p></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1412014 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 19:38:22 +0000 Elizabeth P 1412014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, my sister starts her chore list with "write list".&nbsp; We are not alone....&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers/page/2#post-1411985 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 18:43:29 +0000 Thistle 1411985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are right, abc, I really should hine about WHY I want the list. Yes, part of it is for my need for organization, but there should be more to it. I might start a second post on that!</p> <p>Elizabeth P, I thought I was the only one with a chore list! (And I was sure I was the only one that wrote additional things on it, just to be able to cross them off! I even typed out the chores list on the computer so I can just print it). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411888 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:11:29 +0000 abc 1411888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, Laura really hit something with me - WHY do we want a shopping list for clothes? &nbsp;Other than to satisfy our organized approach to life &nbsp;For me, I realized I was in a constant cycle of buying - partly due to lfestyle changes, body changes, etc, but I quickly fell into the trap of "buy, buy, buy" and I definitely suffer from the wantsies. &nbsp;I was partially forced into my shopping hiatus by not having any business trips to the US from Aug to now, but I also consciously decided to wear what I had to so I could really SEE what I needed, not just buy the next pretty thing that I liked and I thought fit me. &nbsp;It's been fairly easy for me during the hiatus, too, because 99% of the time all I had to dress for was WFH/MOTG. &nbsp;I had an event or two, but I was able to shop my closet and use work-appropriate dresses I already had. &nbsp;My work capsule is pretty decent, it was the more casual side that still had holes, which I realized. &nbsp;Mid way through I wrote down on a whim my ramblings in a post. &nbsp;I ended up going back to it AFTER I did my shopping and sure enough, most of what I bought filled those items I discussed. &nbsp;So by taking a break, I was able to identify the holes, quantify what I needed/wanted, then methodically go find them. &nbsp;Now, that might not always happen, and I will ALWAYS leave room for surprise items / love at first sight items / gotta have it NOW items, but....I will be much more conscious about them due to this exercise.</p> <p>So for me, shopping from a list for clothes is for these reasons:<br />-ability to go with what I already have (less/no one-offs / closet orphans)<br />-focused, not haphazard<br />-spend less (or at least more wisely)<br />-fill needed holes once discovered/confirmed<br />-take me to the next leg of my style journey (example: upgrading standard fitted t-shirts with fluid tees made of better quality fabrics)<br />-of course leaving room for fun and random items</p> <p>I'd be curious to hear WHY you want to shop from a list. &nbsp;That was really interesting for me to think about.</p> <p>And about the list - I've always had a running "living" list on my phone; usually for items I know I need to get the next time I'm in the states. &nbsp;I started adding things several months ago, which means I think I was moving on the maturity scale (for lack of a better word) in my closet, but after this exercise, it's been way more focused, detailed and I am more certain of what I need/want than ever before. &nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck and check back in with us if you can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411886 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:03:58 +0000 Elizabeth P 1411886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I'm a big list maker!&nbsp; </p> <p>I think I've always considered my lists to be minimums.&nbsp; When I grocery shop, it's the things I must NOT forget.&nbsp; I have no problem picking up things that are on sale (if they are non perishable things I will use) or getting inspired by fresh fruit.&nbsp; I've never over shopped for perishable items, so this has never been a issue.</p> <p>My chore list is more to keep me focussed... and feeling like I've accomplished something.&nbsp; I most definitely see no problem with doing things not on the list, if they need doing! (As long as I can write them down then cross them off so I know I did something useful )&nbsp; Unless of course there is only so much time and things that absolutely need to be done.&nbsp; </p> <p>The whole clothes shopping list - well lets just say that's something I haven't ventured into.&nbsp; I do have a small list on my ipad of things I think of as "holes" - to evaluate as time goes on to see if I'm right.&nbsp; Obvioulsy this means I'm more of an impulse shopper... guilty!&nbsp; Something to work on next year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411843 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 15:06:16 +0000 Anonymous 1411843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The problem I have with lists is that there's always something I forget to put on the list, and then remember that item once I get back home from shopping. I really need to be more organized. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411801 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:49:40 +0000 anne 1411801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I have a list though I don't always write it down. It consists of<br />1. things that need to be replaced as they have worn out, broken, etc&nbsp; - LOTS this year - boots, shoes, pleather jacket, leggings heeled sandals and knickers just for a start<br />2.Might need to be replaced if I have grown out of them! (certain bottom half items)<br />3. things I identified in a previous season as wardrobe holes - sundress for hottest summer (2 isn't quite enough) casual shorts</p> <p>4. things that are suitable for a changing lifestyle - eg I need more presentable super comfy evening clothes - a poncho</p> <p>5 fashionable things - a floaty tank</p> <p>It that the sort of list you mean? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411730 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 06:47:10 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1411730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late night question: what are you hoping that shopping from a list will get you? Put another way, what are you not doing/getting now that a list seems like it would help with? Saving money? Not making shopping mistakes? Shopping more efficiently? Being able to make outfits more effectively?</p> <p>I think answering those questions would lead to whether a list would be helpful and what kind of form it would best take. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411727 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 06:31:34 +0000 Dimity 1411727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I couldn't figure out why it was so hard to get dressed each morning, so I followed Into Mind's wardrobe fixing process. I figured out what items I needed to make the silhouettes I wanted to wear and put them on a list. I shopped knowing that if I didn't buy what was on the list, I'd still have nothing to wear. It was good motivation! In a manner similar to&nbsp;Deborah and Caro, the items weren't totally specific, more like 'collared shirt that works with navy'.</p> <p>It's been fabulous. Dressing is so much easier now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411713 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 05:16:07 +0000 Deborah 1411713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Caro</b>, not surprised you do similar:)&nbsp; In some ways it's been the making of my wardrobe and has eliminated a lot of wasteful spending for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411707 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 04:59:00 +0000 DonnaF 1411707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grocery lists are easy, esp. for places where I shop all the time like Trader Joe's.&nbsp; I know what's available.&nbsp; Fit is not a problem.</p> <p>Clothing, incl. footwear, is a whole 'nuther thing.&nbsp; I may (think I) want something, but then it turns out to be a HEWI because what I've found may not fit or flatter.&nbsp; I agree that not being overly specific may lead to greater success.&nbsp; The other thing is that I am not always able to figure out what might make my wardrobe work better until I actually see it online, and then I have an AHA moment.&nbsp; </p> <p>For example:&nbsp; After years of not having any, in the last couple of years I've bought a number of pullovers.&nbsp; But then, I noticed my neck gets cold.&nbsp; I don't think the ones I bought look especially good with scarves.&nbsp; But layering over shirts works!&nbsp; But I only have a couple of shirts.&nbsp; Put shirts on the list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411614 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 01:05:00 +0000 abc 1411614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I replied to you on my thread but yeah. It took me taking a break from shopping to be able to shop from a list. But you're post baby so you might still be in a wardrobe building phase IYKWIM. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411600 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:48:00 +0000 Angie 1411600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you made a list of your wardrobe holes, Thistle? I believe that T-necks were of that list. (Have the Gap ones worked out?)</p> <p>Then think about what needs replacing as your body is changing after pregnancy. Do you need a few items to tide you over before your pre-pregnancy closet fits - or are you able to wear those clothes already?&nbsp;</p> <p>How are you doing in the footwear dept? Do your shoes for the long cold Winter fit? If not - pop the right styles&nbsp;on your list and go from there. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411589 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:40:26 +0000 Tania 1411589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a relative newbie to clothes shopping. I keep a running list of things that interest me or that I think I need, but mostly to hold my thoughts/ideas. </p> <p>I find that I am constantly revising the list. The urgency to buy often passes once I've written it down and waited a few days. I often find it easier to buy one thing at a time (or one outfit) and then see how I play with the various components, learn from that, and then update the list.</p> <p>DH and I are working on a bigger goal and that helps keep my spending in check too. I often ask myself if the purchase is worth delaying the goal. </p> <p>So, I use a list but it is not set in stone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411563 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:52:31 +0000 rachylou 1411563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've struck out on culottes too.</p> <p>The hardest part of a clothes shopping list, I find, is that you never know what's gonna be in the shops. Not even for basics - you would not believe how long it's taken for Heattech thermals to start trickling into Uniqlo here. Don't make me talk about my Target undies. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411561 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:44:56 +0000 Caro in Oz 1411561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi fiving Deborah - I do the same. </p> <p>I never used to make lists &amp; generally bought want I liked but got really sick of having great items that didn't work with my other clothes. </p> <p>There are&nbsp;two kinds of things on my list. Specific items like "nude tee-shirt bra" for example. Or I use it more as a prompt as in "cashmere tee to replace jade tee - must work with jeans, harem pants &amp; tuxedo pants". Sometimes I do buy items off my list but I'm much more selective about when I do that now - the item has to be really special.&nbsp;My summer list consisted of casual dresses &amp; a new swim suit -&nbsp;I've found two of each.</p> <p>Oops I cheated - I did update my sandals. I bought x2 pair from Nordstroms at the end of your summer, but they came out of my winter budget :)</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411560 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:42:21 +0000 carter 1411560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, E brings a up a good point. For those of you who stick to a list, is budget the driving force? Is it closet space/number of hangers? Is it some specific number of items like Gaylene? What compels you to stick to the list? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411556 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:33:15 +0000 E 1411556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have my HEWI list, of things I'd really love to find. And I do create a list for footwear, as I spend much more money on that &amp; prefer to have a smaller footwear capsule &amp;&nbsp;therefore need the most versatile shoes/boots possible. It's easy for me to stick to that list, because a $100+ impulse buy is just not happening in my fiscal world. I'm sure if I had more money to spend though, I'd have much more trouble. :)</p> <p>I've cut down on my impulse clothing buys since I moved, simply because I haven't been in a brick &amp; mortar clothing (thrift) shop since September! Instead I've been buying via Ebay, which tends to be pricey enough that my budget only allows for 1-2 items a month. And thanks to their fabulous refinement options, I can do searches for HEWIs without being distracted by random pretties.&nbsp;Whereas if I tell myself I'm only going to pop in to a physical&nbsp;thrift store, check for HEWI items, and ignore everything else, that almost never happens unless I also limit myself to say $10 cash&nbsp;in my wallet &amp; leave all plastic at home&nbsp;so it's literally impossible for me to load up on random pieces. Otherwise, I can rationalise buying anything I like, even though my closet is already large, and logically the more I buy the less frequently I'll be able to wear any one item.&nbsp;Basically, I have no will power in b &amp; m thrift stores, and the only way to stick to a firm list is to avoid/strongly limit temptation in the first place! hehe&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be following this thread to see what other people have to say. I'm hoping to learn to sew garments in the next year, and that will require making seasonal lists, which isn't something I've done a lot of in the past, so I'm eager to learn from the successful list makers. :)</p> <p>(ETA: like many other posters, I am a big list maker for grocery shopping &amp; any other shopping I do &amp; have no problem sticking to those lists.)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411554 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:27:32 +0000 Staysfit 1411554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>List? What list? :-)</p> <p>Just kidding, I use lists all the time. I use the list function on my phone. To do lists, grocery lists, menu planning, and even some clothing lists. I don't stick to my lists though, I am very flexible, my lists are guides not gospel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411551 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:25:50 +0000 deb 1411551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, if we count Pinterest, (and why not?) I have 161 pins on my fall list. Hmmm.... seems Pinterest will not work as a functional list for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411547 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:15:08 +0000 Carla 1411547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love lists, calendars, charts, etc. I like an illustrated list so snap pics from pinterest, or clip items from magazines, etc. I'm at a point where I am doing some replacement/upgrades, so that is easy and I can be specific: replacement mariner-t, replacement Chelsea boots, better quality trench coat. Also, I keep a small closet and am a mostly classic dresser. My stuff tends to be more iconic, then trendy: black pencil skirt, white jeans, black ponte trousers, Jean jacket, leather moto, low heeled tall black boots, etc. </p> <p>When I want to experiment, my list might be more along the lines of: items in wine - two tops, one bottom ( trousers or skirt), one wildcard ( patterned) dress, shoes, scarf?</p> <p>Of course there are always those impossible to find items that are always on the list. I'm still on the hunt for a winter white skirt, and a coloured wool coat ( mustard?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/calling-all-list-shoppers#post-1411545 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 23:11:01 +0000 thimblelina 1411545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PS: I really can't imagine shopping for clothes without a list. I would rather brave the grocery store without a list than the mall! Mistakes made in the grocery store seem minor in comparison... </p>