YouLookFab Forum » Topic: January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:58:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php LaPed on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166815 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:17:19 +0000 LaPed 2166815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger -- the neverending new release cycle really gets to me. I find myself more and more drawn to smaller companies and independent designers who release new collections once or twice a year, or update a core set of designs in a more organic way (seasonal colors/fabrics, etc). I like to look at a design and think about it for a while, without the pressure buy ASAP.  One of my parallel projects has been cleaning out the promos section of my inbox and unsubscribing from almost everything. It removes a lot of the temptation!  Anonymous on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166799 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 22:18:34 +0000 Anonymous 2166799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like a great plan! I like the idea of a seasonal shop-but retail is always releasing new things so we keep shopping. We can't find everthing we want in one go, but it may show up later. Or the first lot doesn't work and we have to try again. Plus there's the free shipping over (price du jour and du store) games...sigh! unfrumped on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166702 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 19:53:14 +0000 unfrumped 2166702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fun read- I am enjoying your planning and goals. LaPed on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166673 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 18:15:25 +0000 LaPed 2166673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Liesbeth, I so identify with this: "Ordering some stuff online, waiting for it to arrive, doing try-ons and taking care of returns is enough excitement for one month but then invariable I get another itch the next month." I just want to conquer the itch!  Nemosmom, this NPL top has been on my wishlist for sooo long. Like, a couple years. I'm giving my mom a set of their towels for her birthday, so threw in the top for myself.  Minaminu, I am a slow decider too, as evidenced by the linen windowpane top. And from shopping secondhand online, I've learned that pretty much everything shows up on eBay or Poshmark eventually, so I tend not to get too torn up about missing out on things.  Liesbeth on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166607 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:03:25 +0000 Liesbeth 2166607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I look forward to your experiences with lowering your shopping and doing two big buys... I'm interested in that myself but I'm just not going to be able to completely let go of shopping as a pick-me-up... Ordering some stuff online, waiting for it to arrive, doing try-ons and taking care of returns is enough excitement for one month but then invariable I get another itch the next month. Then again I also think this approach prevents me filling imaginary wardrobe holes (I often end up buying no more than a third of my original wishlist) and allows for flexibility to get myself both the unexpected heart-eye pieces and unforeseen 'needs' (are linen pants a need? They do make me much more comfortable in the summer heat!) nemosmom on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166602 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:57:53 +0000 nemosmom 2166602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Oooh that NPL top! A great piece for you!  I am intrigued by your big shop plan. I also do it for my boys; I am not sure why I don't do this myself???  I love how your wishlist serves more as an informative guide - to TG's point - it's not daunting at all.  I am nodding along at "not settling, and quelling the desire to duplicate and have “backups”! </div><div> </div><div>I am super excited to watch this play out for you this year and hope you will keep us updated on your progress! </div> Minaminu on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166593 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:59:01 +0000 Minaminu 2166593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ La Pedestrienne, you nailed the biggest issue, to find a balance between taking the time to find the right things and having some deadlines! It takes me forever to decide which piece to buy, by which time it's often sold out!  Helena on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166579 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:26:19 +0000 Helena 2166579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fab plan, and as others have noted, your goals are clear but not so specific as to be daunting. Well done!! LaPed on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166577 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:23:17 +0000 LaPed 2166577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal -- You know, I sometimes wonder if three dozen or "3 things per month" average is some sort of benchmark that advertisers and retailers aim to get us to buy. I pass on a roughly equal number each year, and I do feel a little bit caught in a hamster wheel of buying. I know a full "no-buy" year is unrealistic, but I'd like to get my numbers down gradually. Runcarla -- Yes, your big seasonal shops are part of what has inspired me! I wish I had better brick and mortar venues, but right now my in-person options are very limited. I live near a state line and the neighbouring state has strict quarantine/travel restrictions, which means I don't have access to my favourite consignment shops until the pandemic abates. (It also means I can't visit my parents/siblings/most of my extended family, so I can't complain too much about the shopping part.) shevia -- Yes, I like the gold standard idea. I've been known to pull old pieces out of the holding zone when I start shopping around for a replacement and realize what I have is better than what's out there! rachylou -- Trying to stay open-minded, but I do tend to have a pretty specific picture in my head when I go shopping for things.  Joy -- I'd love to have some events to wear my dresses to! I put together a nice little "outdoor wedding guest" capsule last spring, out of an abundance of optimism, but the two events I'd planned on attending were both postponed indefinitely.  Ledonna -- I don't love ordering online, but it's so hard to find the things I want locally it usually ends up being the better option. Low population density here means not much retail. We *might* get a Target two towns over in 2022.  Minaminu -- That sounds like a good plan! My struggle with big shops is giving myself enough time to find the right things, while also having some sort of deadline to stick to.  Minaminu on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166545 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:29:27 +0000 Minaminu 2166545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ great plan! I'll definitely join you in the socks/hosiery audit in the spring and I find the idea of doing big shops very appealing. Thought it wasn't planned, last year I made most of my purchases on the months of April, June, July and September. This year, I will try to refrain to buy on the other months and do a big shop on those 4 months. As you said, this method helps to stay focused on a cohesive palette! I am aiming at 12-14 new additions, want to be good this year but it's a journey and won't beat myself if I will buy something extra if I will fall in love with! Ledonna N. on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166535 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 08:31:28 +0000 Ledonna N. 2166535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admire your flexibility and the ability to shop online. It is so nerve wracking to me. I am with you on the Big shop. I used to plan for it pre pandemic and just did it with a great wardrobe purge. Anonymous on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166522 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 05:13:23 +0000 Anonymous 2166522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I enjoyed reading your thoughts and plans and applaud your looking for natural fibers first. I am very much a brick and mortar shopper and think second hand will fill my needs if I am patient and those shops open up again soon. I would love a new dress to wear to weddings. rachylou on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166511 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 04:05:35 +0000 rachylou 2166511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very specific - but not too specific. I think it’s doable(!) Jaime on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166501 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 02:31:37 +0000 Jaime 2166501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes to being able to compare colors, fits etc. in real time and choose the best of the best. I am a big fan of picking a gold standard and comparing potential purchases (or purges) to it. Your plans sound just right for you! Carla on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166500 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 02:26:24 +0000 Carla 2166500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m a fan of the ‘big shop’ twice a year, but have missed two seasons in 2020 due to B+M closed due to pandemic related limitations.  If you have experience doing this on-line for your gentlemen, then you’ve got some experience and should be able to make it work.  You’ve drilled down on your needs, and are focused!! LOVE that windowpane shell! Sal on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166497 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 01:54:41 +0000 Sal 2166497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can see this working for you La Pedestrienne- you buy online regularly which I think means you can compare a few pieces at once.  You have a good handle on what you like, what works for your lifestyle and where to shop. My shopping is at a similar level to you - 35 pieces - and I want to be more like 24!!  In the 35 were running shoes and a hat and exercise pants - but not socks or underwear or nightwear.   LaPed on "January additions and 2021 plans (long and navel-gazing!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-additions-and-2021-plans-long-and-navel-gazing#post-2166487 Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:39:04 +0000 LaPed 2166487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A month ago, I outlined <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-numbers-and-2021-goals">some goals </a>for the new year, and I’m coming back now to refine them a little bit and add one “big picture” goal. The big goal is to reduce my overall purchase rate somewhat this year, and move towards a more intentional “big shop” approach, versus adding a couple of things every month. With some discipline, I think I can move from my usual three dozen purchases per year (very approximate) down to roughly two dozen (also very approximate, and I’d feel really good about cutting back by 1/3. It means greater mindfulness, being strict about sticking to my criteria, not settling, and quelling the desire to duplicate and have “backups”. I’m okay with all of those considerations. I placed a flurry of orders in late December/early January (taking advantage of post-holiday sales and a couple of gift cards), and I’m now sifting through things as they arrive. I'm not used to placing multiple orders at once, but I appreciate being able to compare styles/sizes side-by-side; somehow it's easier to identify the keepers and the rejects when they're both sitting right in front of me. I've always done "big shops" for DS and DH, so I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to try this approach out for myself. So far, my additions for the year stand at 4 basics, 2 knitwear, 1 pair of pants and 1 summer top. The other slots that need filling are: long-sleeve layering tops, a couple of footwear purchases, one or two outerwear pieces, and probably at least one or two pairs of pants/jeans. A summer dress/jumpsuit/skirt and a fall cardigan or blazer are “maybes”. I’m hoping to finish up my spring/summer shopping in the next few weeks, and then take a long break from browsing and buying until sometime in the summer when I’ll turn my attention toward f/w. I’ve never really thought of myself as the “big shop” type, but I’m inspired by those who do it. I’ve started by identifying which of my original 2021 goals should be dealt with immediately, or in anticipation of S/S, and which can be put on hold until new F/W inventory appears. <ul> <li>Find new lounge pants (I had three out of four pairs develop holes this year and have only replaced one -- pandemic problems!). I’ve taken care of this for now by adding one new pair of lounge pants and one new pair of pajama shorts on deep discount. I will keep looking for more, and I think this is a category where I need to relax my “natural fibers” standard. I’m finding that 100% cotton french terry sweatpants just wear out too fast for the price, whereas my oldest pair of sweats has just a little bit of added polyester (and maybe Lycra too?) and is still going strong after many years. I develop holes in the seat and knees of my lounge pants, and often at the seams near pockets; I could patch them and feel a little bad about not doing this, but when the fabric starts thinning all over it seems a very temporary solution, and I really dislike the feel of patched knees in general. So I think I will stick to textile recycling in this case.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Add more variety to my knitwear (colour, pattern, texture, silhouette). Feeling pretty good about this one, having added a sweater dress and a v-neck pullover during a post-holiday sale. Both are currently in frequent rotation! The only thing I might still look for is a chunky cardigan in a light neutral (oatmeal heater, tweedy/donegal grey, etc), but it isn’t high priority and I’ll wait until something jumps out at me.</li> <li> One pair of great “out-in-the-world” boots (low-heeled chelsea or lace-up; no zippers; olive, navy, or dark brown). I have my eye on a particular pair and will probably order them in late summer/early fall as a seasonal refresher, early enough to give myself time to return and look for something else if they don’t work out. I just can’t get excited about boot shopping right now after wearing nothing but for the past 10+ weeks. I know I want one new pair of sneakers to enjoy this spring, and will reevaluate f/w footwear later in the year. </li> <li> Keep looking for a super-cozy fleece jacket or coat (hood, pockets, lining). I’m still browsing long sherpa fleeces, and am also considering the possibility of a lightweight long puffer. I haven’t seen a fleece that checks all my boxes (hood, good pocket placement, lining for easy layering, not super boring); I suspect I might end up with one practical version with a more performance-oriented cut for fall/spring hiking, and another big/heavy/floppy impractical one for fashion/around-town purposes. But maybe Patagonia/North Face/etc will surprise me by releasing the perfect thing next fall. </li> <li> Keep looking for a long/oversized blazer. I was feeling very motivated to add one new blazer back in the fall, but that motivation has since waned. I may revisit that idea next fall, when (I hope!) there might be more opportunities to wear blazers and greater variety at retail. </li> <li> Socks/hosiery audit in the spring. I’ve already dealt with the socks part of my audit, replacing two pairs of Darn Toughs that had worn out with more or less identical pairs. I really need to go through hosiery, but it’s a tall order because I haven’t been reaching for it at all. Tights are impractical for me to wear at home, too cold for winter out-and-about, and all the pairs I have left just seem boring (opaque and semi-opaque black, navy, grey). I’ve culled all my sweater knit tights (two cotton ribbed from Boden, and two synthetic fair isle from Uniqlo) due to pilling and overall itchiness. I was looking forward to wearing them but now find I can’t bear having them on. I haven’t seen suitable replacements. There’s not much out there in the way of fun hosiery this year -- perhaps due to WFH wardrobes? Replacements may have to wait a while; a bit of a shame my winter dresses aren’t seeing much daylight this year, but I don't feel like forcing things that aren't working.  </li> <li> Maybe a fun dress, jumpsuit, or matching separates for summer (natural fibers only; has to be just the right pattern and/or colour). I’ve added one high-summer piece already -- a white windowpane linen tank (not see-through! I wouldn’t order white linen from anywhere else) -- and I have my eye on a linen dress in a dark/moody gingham that I know would get a lot of mileage. Pyne & Smith is doing a big clearance sale next weekend, and I’m debating whether to order at full price now, or wait for the sale but risk it selling out before I can snag one.   </li> </ul> One thing I'm enjoying about the "big shop" approach is that it makes it easy for me to stay focused on a cohesive palette. I'm feeling dark heathery greens, blues and greys this year, especially as a counterpoint to the warmer earth tones I've added over the past few years. I'm also looking forward to being done for a while, and just enjoying what I have. I don't intend to be terribly strict about any of this, since that approach doesn't really work for me, and won't beat myself up if I deviate from these goals. It is early in the year after all!