https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:45:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019454 Sat, 13 Apr 2019 12:56:24 +0000 Anonymous 2019454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@nemosmom- yaas! The low hanging fruit phenomenon: (category) is hard and frustrating, there's nothing I like/that fits right/is in budget/etc....but (other category) is easy. There's tons I like-Right Here In This Shop. </p> <p>*buys fun easy things, feels better about self, still needs the unfun original thing, can't afford cause spent $ on the fun thing, feels bad* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019451 Sat, 13 Apr 2019 12:36:40 +0000 jussie 2019451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That wiw is SO CUTE!! What a great outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019408 Sat, 13 Apr 2019 02:17:08 +0000 SarahD8 2019408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad this discussion has been useful to you, <b>nemosmom</b> and <b>Jenn</b>.</p> <p>nemosmom, what you said about "I determine that I do INDEED have holes, but the frustration of not being able to fill said holes because retail has nothing to offer ends up with buying MORE [thing that's easy to buy] (they're easy in that I know what I'm getting, and I can find a thousand ways to justify it..." is EXACTLY what I'm noticing about myself.</p> <p><b>Jenn</b>, great point about suitable items seeming much more available once you identify exactly what they are. Yes, I do think I'm feeling that a bit with the tunic. The other thing I notice is that when I do make an addition in those "weak link" categories, just one addition can really transform how I feel about my wardrobe. Lots of bang for the buck! Feels important to remind myself of this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019354 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 16:32:59 +0000 Jenn 2019354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep coming back to this post, because there's so much wisdom in your thoughts and in the comments. Thank you for that!</p> <p>Toppers and scarves are my "easy buys" too, so I totally get where you're coming from on this. I have discovered, though, that after experimenting enough, I've been able to define my preferences in some other categories and, once I found some styles I really like, I start seeing those everywhere. They were probably there all along, but I didn't know what I liked yet, so wasn't drawn to them. It sounds like you're starting to do that as well (ie: the pintucked tunic), so the experimenting IS paying off! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019353 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 16:19:24 +0000 nemosmom 2019353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great read, Sarah! Thank you for taking the time to put down your thoughts about what worked, what didn't, what you learned along the way -- and sharing it all with us. I find these kinds of posts SO helpful.</p> <p>The weak links tend to feel overwhelming to me; especially when I start looking at specific categories (your cardigans are my jeans, for example). My initial thought is, "why do I have SO many clothes and feel like I have nothing to wear?" Then, it goes to, "oh wait - I have 22 pairs of jeans that are contributing to this crazy mass"... and I determine that I do INDEED have holes, but the frustration of not being able to fill said holes because retail has nothing to offer ends up with buying MORE jeans (they're easy in that I know what I'm getting, and I can find a thousand ways to justify it in my mind (THESE are <i>high rise</i>...) it gets ugly fast... </p> <p>Your reflection about using 'wardrobe building' as a means to justify shopping and churn hit home with me for sure. I start to feel guilty for adding, and culling, and wasting money, time, and trashing the planet with the cycle of buying/shipping, worn clothes, etc. I will commit to buying with intention, along with you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019346 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 14:18:38 +0000 SarahD8 2019346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, yes, that’s the pin tucked tunic in photo #6. Thanks for the kind words. It’s amazing how useful a top of this length/style feels. They don’t come along too often but I definitely need to prioritize snapping them up when they do.</p> <p>I can’t quite put my finger on what was off about the j crew skirt. It’s actually a lovely piece, but close-but-no-banana for my closet. Can’t wait to wear those sunflowers! (Also a liberty print) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019253 Thu, 11 Apr 2019 19:26:13 +0000 smittie 2019253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>re: the&nbsp;</p> <p>pintuck silk-cotton tunic</p> <p>Is that what you have on in pic 6? If so, I love it too! Also, the cardigan is great with it.</p> <p>The liberty print skirt: I don't think it looks table-cloth-y, but the print is a larger scale than what I'm used to seeing you in. The colours are not what I'm used to for you, either. A bit too cool and saturated, maybe? So I can see why you returned it. (But I like it!)</p> <p>JCrew has disappointing quality these days. It's too bad.</p> <p>Sunflower print dress is also fabulous. Retro!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019228 Thu, 11 Apr 2019 17:13:20 +0000 SarahD8 2019228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this La Ped! This is super helpful.</p> <p>I am with you on treating online orders as a try-on session and prioritizing retailers that offer free shipping &amp; returns. I remember being frustrated with the low percentage of things that worked out at some point last year, but I've moved past that now.&nbsp;</p> <p>Where I still feel frustration is related to your point #5 -- I feel like what I'm looking for ought to be out there at retail, if I just keep looking (especially because many of the things I hunt for at retail tend to be so plain/basic). So it's frustrating when it's just...not!</p> <p>I could definitely stand to be more organized about checking in-store availability and planning retail reconnaissance sessions. When I am able to do that it really helps (there was a trip to LOFT a month or two ago that enabled me to quickly rule out several items I'd been considering without the hassle of tying up $$ in online orders).</p> <p>Your point about "no retail stone unturned" gave me an idea. In terms of just casually checking out the options of what's available this season and getting ideas etc. there's no need to try to keep up with brands that don't work for me. But when it comes to those HEEWIs (highly elusive *essential* wardrobe items), maybe it's worth doing a very FOCUSED search at a broad selection of retailers, and then ordering the top 3 possibilities, or something like that. (Which should also over time hone my sense of what retailers work for me.)</p> <p>Finally, I meant to say in response to your previous post that I hope you find your perfect cropped, light neutral, fair isle sweater soon! *fingers crossed emoji* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019157 Thu, 11 Apr 2019 10:16:21 +0000 LaPed 2019157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, I definitely employ different strategies for shopping new vs shopping used. And a big part of it is having a different mindset and tailoring expectations. What I've noticed: <ol> <li>It took me a while to realize that brick&amp;mortar stock is generally quite limited, so I shouldn't walk in expecting to find my size and preferred colour. A handful of brands that I'm able to shop locally offer a feature on their website that lets you check local availability for specific products (JCrew and LLBean, off the top of my head). Super useful, and has definitely saved me from making trips in vain.&nbsp;</li> <li>I treat everything as a try-on session, whether I'm in-store or ordering online. I don't mentally commit to anything I've ordered, and I put a very high value on online retailers that offer free return shipping, because I know it will allow me to be more objective. I do occasionally order from places that charge shipping and returns, knowing that I may end up paying a fee if what I've bought doesn't work out. I ask myself: "Is this thing so great I'm willing to pay a $10 fee just to try it on?"</li> <li>Angie talks about "no retail stone unturned" but one of my most effective strategies is to embrace the flip-side of that coin. I'm extremely brand-focused in a way that I'm not when I go to a thrift store. I have a handful of brands (Boden, Uniqlo, Patagonia, Everlane) that I always check first because my past success rate is high.</li> <li>I've also learned that there are certain items I can expect to be dissatisfied with if I buy them new -- namely, knitwear and denim -- so when I thrift shop, whether it's online or in-person, I focus on those things. The things I almost always buy new are footwear, gear, and basic tops like tees and tanks. Everything else can go either way.&nbsp;</li> <li>I think there's greater disappointment when a new item doesn't work out, or when you simply can't find what you looking for. With so many options, I should be able to find something, right?! I try to remind myself that the stuff that ends up in thrift stores is, in a sense, the creme de la creme. It's last long enough for at least one person to wear it and grow tired of it, and is still in good enough shape that another person inspected it and decided it was worth putting on a hanger rather than just tossing it out. :)</li> </ol> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019078 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 21:40:38 +0000 SarahD8 2019078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No worries, FashIntern, I was being tongue-in-cheek! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019047 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 17:24:55 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2019047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“Accusation”? Absolutely not! I love the thinky-think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2019042 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 16:23:01 +0000 SarahD8 2019042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Runcarla</b>, yes, "new to me" is new enough! I LOVE your magazine/book treat strategy and I think I will implement it next time I am shopping brick and mortar. Great idea.</p> <p><b>Jessikams</b> hone our wardrobes finely we must! Glad I am not the only one experiencing a period of rebuilding like this.</p> <p><b>JenniNZ</b>, yes that was me with the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-figure-out-date-night-footwear">date night footwear</a> quandary! I haven't yet bought any shoes for the purpose but the socks were sort of an experiment to see if I could use them to elevate some of my more everyday footwear. I haven't actually worn them yet! Mostly because we haven't really gone out, a whine for another day...</p> <p><b>Liesbeth</b> thank you for your kind words and glad to be in your good company. I look forward to reading your own thoughts about your style shift. Headed to your thread next...</p> <p><b>suntiger</b>, I do find writing down or thinking through reasons for culling or returning (or not buying things I've tried on) very helpful. It helps me hone my "search image" of what is exactly right.</p> <p><b>La Ped</b>, the cardi is vintage -- one of those they-don't-make-em-like-they-used-to arguments for secondhand shopping. The color scheme is really great -- I love the lightness of the pastels but there are bits of gray and tan that really ground it and keep it from being too sweet/cloying.</p> <p>I would love to hear more about how you developed your "buying retail" approach. I suspect I need one mindset for shopping secondhand and another for shopping retail.</p> <p><b>FashIntern</b>, "so much thinking," haha&nbsp; not the first time that accusation's been leveled at me. That's a super intriguing question about starting with purchases vs. culls. I guess my first response is that I'm not really shopping one-for-one in response to what I've culled each month. I culled pretty heavily last year; that's slowed down a fair bit now. So maybe that's part of where my sense of a wardrobe (re)building phase comes from. Still, could be a good exercise, and you've reminded me that having a more explicitly defined list of wardrobe holes would be a good idea.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018993 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:42:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2018993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much thinking! My first observation will sound snippy if I say it succinctly, so I’m padding it with this verbiage. Ok. Now, did you notice that you started with the acquisitions? Is that how it works in your head as well? How about continuing to cull (great job so far), then making a list, then going shopping to see what appeals to you. If it fits, is good quality, and is on your list, snap! But if it’s not on the list, then go tell us about it over on Bijou’s post. </p> <p>Otherwise, I clearly don’t have a cohesive wardrobe myself, so can’t give you sound advice. But thanks for starting this thread—good reading here already! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018986 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:34:31 +0000 LaPed 2018986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE that fair isle cardi. I want something just like that. Light neutral, low-contrast pattern, cropped -- so perfect.</p> <p>I also want to tell you that I struggled big-time with figuring out how to shop retail after years of buying almost exclusively secondhand. I felt really demoralized by a return rate or 75% or more for online orders, and by not being able to find anything I wanted an brick&amp;mortar shops. The mindset for buying new is very different, I find. It's taken me several years on YLF to wrap my head around how to buy things new. I'll try to come back and write more about that later. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018984 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:19:52 +0000 Anonymous 2018984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a good idea to write the things you returned too-and no, shoes definitely don't magically get more comfortable by lurking in the closet! Maybe I should write a list of things considered and not bought, especially things I try on at consignment, so I don't go back for them! Because whatever the reason it wasn't perfect in the shop doesn't magically disappear a week later either </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018971 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 09:08:12 +0000 Liesbeth 2018971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a timely post. I've struggled with some of the very same issues this past year as evidenced by my 'style after baby' post just now. Your lessons learned are very nuanced and will no doubt help you rebuild. I have found that a year is hardly enough (when you're on a budget) to rebuild a wardrobe so yes, give yourself some credit even if you're also trying not to shop too much :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018967 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 08:16:37 +0000 Jenni NZ 2018967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an awesome thread, thanks so much. Was it you with the difficulty in finding date night shoes or am I muddling you up with another Fabber?! You have sparkly date night socks now anyway! May have more thoughts over time. A wardrobe is sadly never finished I guess. Sad in a way but fun in a way as well? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018938 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 03:48:12 +0000 Jessikams 2018938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are like a Jedi wardrobe master, so mindful and wise! Sounds like you’re doing great with understanding WHY things don’t work— isn’t that satisfying?—and then letting go (as you point out, sitting in your closet isn’t going to make them more comfy/fit better/etc).</p> <p>I’m also experiencing a LOT of wardrobe churn right now. I thought it would just be last year but it seems to be continuing. I cannot put up with mid rise anymore, for one thing, so that means goodbye to lots of bottoms that I thought would last me for years..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018935 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 03:38:09 +0000 Carla 2018935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thrifting is 'new' to me! LOL! I think you have to be open to seridipitous discoveries but still be mindful and prepared to walk away. After a fruitless day yesterday at local retail, I hit the thrift stores today - with my list! This kept me on target and I was able to cross two items off my list (sundress, silk scarf). I also got a third item, but hey - Gap cotton chinos with the labels still on for $5! </p> <p>FWIW - Shopping bricks and mortar is hard work, and demoralizing if you aren't having sartorial success. I promise myself that if I don't capitulate to something less then fab, and have NOTHING to bring home - I treat myself to a glossy magazine or a book as a reward for all the hard work. About $10 ($3 for a thrift store book ) and no retail remorse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018933 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 03:26:01 +0000 SarahD8 2018933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, thank you so very much for your generous comments. I appreciate you reading and lending your support. Thank you for reminding me that I had meant to link to that previous thread — I have added the link to the post now.</p> <p>Very good point about needing to cycle through a year of seasons. In truth, I have been in this “mode” since January so I think reassessing at the end of the year is fair. Going to the mall to try things on is a good idea. I don’t tend to do much brick and mortar retail shopping bc I wear petite pants which usually aren’t carried in stores. And I get flummoxed by the fact that so many things are online only! But I could go, and just try what’s in store to get at least some information.</p> <p>Lisaflex thanks for the good wishes! Oh yes, I love to get high end brands for cheap too by shopping secondhand (the photos above include Vince, Theory, Eileen Fisher....). I think that skews my sense of how much things “should” cost though which probably plays into my reluctance to shop for those things that are better to get at retail. Hmmmmm...</p> <p>Becky I’m so glad these posts about why things work/don’t work are useful to you! I agree about snapping up perfect items! I just want to make sure that doesn’t become a rationalization... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018905 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 23:33:36 +0000 Becky 2018905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy reading this type of post with people's thoughts about why items work/don't work. While the same reasons may not resound with me, it does help me think through the process for myself. I buy a number of items secondhand, and I think you have to give yourself some slack with hard and fast rules when that is the case. There are fewer options overall, so when something is perfect, it needs to be snapped up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018903 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 23:01:38 +0000 lisaflex 2018903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i love thrifting...and i love the mall and boutiques...lol.</p> <p>i hit thrift stores for EF or other high end pieces.i also second hand shop for these (look for tags on...you'll find, just be patient) i have found many...too many to count....</p> <p>sale racks at nordies are the best!!!</p> <p>good luck on your venture...</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018902 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 22:56:42 +0000 Anonymous 2018902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a wonderful, WONDERFUL post. &nbsp;I loved reading every single word. &nbsp;So much thought and consideration went into this post. &nbsp;It is obvious to me that you are learning at a rapid rate. &nbsp;I especially liked how you encapsulated items. &nbsp;I remember the previous thread. &nbsp;I'll go back and re-read it this evening for more insight. &nbsp;</p> <p>Wardrobe building does take time and patience! &nbsp;You are certainly in the wardrobe building phase. &nbsp;Putting a time limit on it is a good idea to re-assess. &nbsp;You might not be completely done until you have built over the course of <i>at least</i> one full year of seasons. &nbsp;If after one full year of seasons, you can't define&nbsp;definite improvements in your wardrobe structure/function, we can reassess if a new strategy is warranted. &nbsp;</p> <p>So every single one of us has a wardrobe category or two that are easy and comfortable to shop. &nbsp;That category is well represented in our wardrobes. &nbsp;That means that there are categories that are harder to shop. &nbsp;You recognized this tendency earlier than others. &nbsp;That will serve you well going forward. &nbsp;</p> <p>I applaud you for shopping second hand. &nbsp;Do you live near a mall? &nbsp;Perhaps you could go and try options on to see how various pieces coordinate together. &nbsp;That might give you ideas. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'll follow with great interest. &nbsp;You are well on your way to a great wardrobe. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018898 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 22:40:47 +0000 SarahD8 2018898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Semi-stream-of-consciousness thoughts &amp; lessons learned:</p> <p>-Man I was feeling so demoralized about my wardrobe for the last month or so! I’ve felt like I’ve been buying so much and yet my wardrobe isn’t getting better. So many weak links to fill in — warm-weather business capsule, pajamas/lounge, etc. etc. Oh and then things wear out unexpectedly (those hole-y elbows) so I’m even further behind where I thought I was!</p> <p>-I went back to the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/when-and-how-did-your-wardrobe-click">thread I started a while ago on wardrobes “clicking” </a>and it made me feel so much better! (I’m still so blown away by the generosity of posters on that thread.) It was reassuring to be reminded that building a wardrobe takes time.</p> <p>-So ok, I am in a wardrobe building phase. Or…is that just something I’m telling myself to justify shopping? I mean it is not like there are no clothes in my closet.</p> <p>-If I look at my wardrobe inventory I can see that I have a lot of cardigans/knitwear and a lot of scarves. These categories make my total wardrobe count appear pretty generous. But other wardrobe categories are quite sparse. I have quite a few items in my closet, but I do have wardrobe holes.</p> <p>-Alright then, wardrobe building. But I’m putting a time limit on it. Because of course wardrobes are never static/“finished,” and it’s all too easy to say “Oh, I’m wardrobe building” to justify churn (at least I think it is so for me). So, until the end of 2019 I am in a wardrobe building phase. By the end of the year, either some definite improvements in my wardrobe structure/function should be obvious, or I need to really rethink my strategies.</p> <p>-I need to accept that I will make mistakes. The point is to recognize them as soon as possible, and LEARN from them. </p> <p>-Similarly, experimenting is good and necessary. But do not allow “experimenting” to become an excuse for buying willy-nilly! Experiment with INTENTION.</p> <p>-I have been somewhat successful at channeling my shopping effort to fill wardrobe holes — for example, really focusing on tops, and starting to build a capsule of skirts + shorter tops in a deliberate way.</p> <p>-However I also continue to buy what’s “easy” — chiefly cardigans and scarves.</p> <p>-The idea of “banning” myself from buying cardigans makes me anxious. (!!!) (???) Whoa, what is up with THAT?</p> <p>-You know what though, I don’t need to be browsing for scarves. So, I stopped. Not making a rule against buying them (ha ha obviously I don’t do well with cold-turkey/bans/etc.) but the less I am looking the less likely I am to buy.</p> <p>-There are some wardrobe holes/categories that I find myself resistant to shopping for. I’m thinking mainly of pants and warm-weather basic tops. These are not good categories for me to buy secondhand, but I’m definitely more comfortable shopping secondhand than retail so that might be part of it. What I notice is that I have trouble figuring out which of the options that retailers are offering are most likely to work (like…should I order black knit tank #1, #2, or #3? Who the heck knows???). And, in fact, I have little faith that any of the options will pan out. So I find myself reluctant to order any to try. I need a new strategy here, maybe the strategy is as simple as “put on your big girl panties and figure it out” :-P&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/february-march-mindful-shopping-challenge-long-of-course#post-2018897 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 22:39:56 +0000 SarahD8 2018897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A summary of wardrobe ins-and-outs for February and March. All items are secondhand except those marked with an asterisk.</p> <p>I will put thoughts/lessons learned in the first comment below since this post is already quite long.</p> <p>I hope some of these observations are useful to others! I am finding the process of writing down *specific* reasons for buying/culling things, and trying to draw broader lessons, very helpful. I am grateful for any observations or gentle-tough-love you are inclined to share.</p> <p><b><br /></b></p> <p><b>Purchases.</b></p> <p><b>Photo 1: Lavender</b></p> <p>For some reason quite a few lavender items have popped up in my secondhand searching so I decided to start building a little capsule. So far I’ve found that these shades work great with black and grays in deep winter, and with navy in spring.</p> <p>1. scarf with metallic trim </p> <p>2. cashmere tunic - expanding my capsule of sweater tunics with a non-neutral. I have already worn this a ton.</p> <p>3. pintuck silk-cotton tunic - LOVE this. Instant outfit completer for several cropped cardis. Also an epiphany: tuxedo pleats are almost right for my style, but pintucks are EXACTLY right. Aha!</p> <p><b>Photo 2: Cool-weather skirts capsule</b></p> <p>I would like to add skirts back in to my cool-weather closet so I am looking to build a small capsule. I am focusing on knit skirts (I think these will be comfortable even for working from home), and will also need several shorter tops/knitwear items to wear with them.</p> <p>4. gray fair-isle v-neck</p> <p>5. black a-line merino skirt</p> <p>6. charcoal peplum merino skirt</p> <p><b>Photo 3: Miscellaneous</b></p> <p>7. black silk popover - an easy fitting basic that I think will have staying power </p> <p>8. ivory fair isle cropped cardi - HIGH happiness factor here. I love the color scheme. I don’t anticipate this being a workhorse (the cropped cut means it needs to be styled with specific completer pieces) but I do anticipate it being in my wardrobe for quite a while. </p> <p>*9. socks - a pair of sparkly black/silver socks (for date night), and some no-show socks that I found on super sale (for wearing with loafers).</p> <p><b>Photo 4: thrifted with Mom when I visited her in February:</b></p> <p>10. lavender purse - trying something new for fun</p> <p>11. boyfriend jeans - excited to try out a new pants silhouette for transitional/warm weather and finally add some non-skinny bottoms!</p> <p>12. black/gold tank - for my date night capsule, to wear under a cardi or wide-necked pullover</p> <p><b>Photo 5: Starting to shop for warm-weather items:</b></p> <p>13. short-sleeve ivory cable cardi - basically a summer version of my beloved ivory Aran cardi! Can’t wait to pop this over a Liberty-print sundress and buckle on a pair of clog sandals. </p> <p>14. 3/4 sleeve embroidered sweatshirt - I have a couple of solid 3/4 sleeve sweatshirts that are a staple for making skirt outfits in mild summer weather. I liked the idea of adding a patterned version. The length of this one should allow it to be worn with pants and also some skirts. I also see it as a warm-weather version of my gray floral sweatshirt that I am still wearing constantly.</p> <p>15. sunflower-print sundress - will take some pressure off a similar floral dress that is starting to show wear. I will probably not cull the other dress right away bc I love it too much, but I will likely get rid of a less-favorite, solid sundress that is also showing wear.</p> <p>*16. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=418638012&amp;CAWELAID=120280880002687728&amp;CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=59544524797&amp;CATCI=pla-531501970298&amp;tid=gppl000001&amp;kwid=1&amp;ap=7&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwhbHlBRAMEiwAoDA348y1yQsvC-8vi5wGJUwbsCjdJVfTEzQ69JGkkdAnOOdujoYC8_cK2hoCACQQAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">black knit straight skirt</a> (Gap) - this is fabulous. Incredibly comfortable but the knit does not show lumps &amp; bumps. I think I will be able to wear it casually but also for work meetings (my warm-weather work capsule is a real weakness, as I identified after a conference last year).</p> <p><b>Photo 6: Bonus pic of a couple new items in action</b></p> <p></p> <p><b>Ordered and returned:</b></p> <p>1. chambray popover - turned out to be too dark, heavy, and stiff</p> <p>2. feather-print 3/4 sleeve popover - thought this was going to be coral and white, but it was actually rust —not my colors.</p> <p>*3. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/skirts/aline/belted-pullon-midi-skirt-in-liberty-flora-belle-blue/K7713">Blue Liberty print skirt</a> (J Crew) - I like the high-low cut, but the material is kind of stiff. Also, I just don’t love the print/color scheme enough to pay the price (it’s kind of…table-cloth-y?)</p> <p>*4.-5. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shirts_tops/tee/multicolor-striped-boatneck-tshirt/L1309">Colorful 3/4 sleeve Breton</a> x2 sizes (J Crew) - the color scheme is SUPER fun but the material is very thin, I don’t like the way my skin shows through the knit and I am kind of a cranky old lady about this sort of thing.</p> <p>*6. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shirts_tops/tee/structured-boatneck-tshirt-in-stripe/H6778">Ivory/navy Breton</a> (J Crew) - the navy is too dark and the stripes are too wide, so the overall effect is overpowering on me. Also, material is too stiff!</p> <p>*7. black knit straight skirt (Gap) - see above - ordered 2 sizes, kept 1</p> <p>*8. gray joggers (Old Navy) - tried to duplicate some black joggers I love, but they’ve changed the cut. Sigh.</p> <p></p> <p><b>Culled:</b></p> <p>1. gray loafer flats (2015) - thrifted maybe 4 years ago and never wore them much. Guess what, they are not comfortable and they do not magically become more comfortable by sitting in my closet!</p> <p>2.-3. 2 lounge sweaters (2017) - wore holes in elbows</p> <p>4. black suede tassel ankle boots (2018) - thrifted these last August just for fun. They basically duplicate my La Canadienne black ankle boots, and I prefer those.</p> <p>5. charcoal peplum skirt (2019) - unflattering cut. I thought this would be mermaid-y but really it’s just wide. Maybe it’s too big? Selling it on. Also, in retrospect, I don’t need two dark, solid, neutral, knee-length skirts, even if different cuts. It would be better to focus on colors or even patterns to expand my skirt capsule.</p> <p>6. boyfriend jeans (2019) - the first time I wore these it became clear very quickly that these are waaaaay too big. Sad trombone!</p> <p>7. lavender purse (2019) - I used this for 2-3 weeks and discovered 2 problems. First, the overall purse is about the right size but it’s broken up into multiple compartments which makes it difficult to fit everything I need. I prefer a purse with one large main compartment. Second, I found that I didn’t like wearing this with certain scarves because I felt too matchy-matchy. I am not a daily purse switcher-outer, so it would be better for me to look for a tan/cognac or metallic purse (which might at times match my footwear but I think I’m less bothered by this sort of matchy-ness). Goodbye, thrifted lavender purse, and THANK YOU for your service, you taught me SO MUCH in such a short time!!!</p>