https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:25:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285713 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 14:52:21 +0000 Angie 2285713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab list! Essentials and Statements are a great way to go.</p> <p>Good to keep a little wiggle room for flexibility and a wild card too :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285694 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:26:53 +0000 Zaeobi 2285694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for this detailed list - it's great to see your thought process here! It seems like you &amp; I may be on similar legs of our style journey right now, since I can see many items that overlap (though I'm finally covered for brown boots &amp; a laptop bag). My regular teaching is also just once a week for now (can repeat what I wear with the uni students with the working professionals) </p> <p>Tip: I found my brown leather laptop backpack in the men's section - for some reason, theirs seem to have padding in them by default. Just check the straps aren't too long for you (though I'd imagine that could come in handy if you want to wear it over a coat/ heavy topper in the winter?) Menswear is great for brown belts too, for some reason. </p> <p>As for 'fun' shirts &amp; jumpers, I probably sound like a broken record by this point lol but have you checked out Seasalt Cornwall? They have lots of 'fun' but also more traditionally British designs, like intarsia landscape patterns or cable knit fisherman sweaters. I have sensitive skin but find their wool ok - though have noticed they've started to add nylon to some of their fabric mixes (presumably for durability)? The Larissa cotton shirt comes in various colours &amp; patterns too :)<br /> (PS They do free shipping worldwide above a certain amount.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285603 Wed, 12 Oct 2022 00:50:28 +0000 celia 2285603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i really enjoy reading everyone's take on building their wardrobe. As I was reading your list a clear image of a concise wardrobe was forming in my mind. I think you will create a fun and functional wardrobe for your life.<br />I was going to talk about your priorities but you already had great advice on it.<br />Keep us posted with your aquisitions.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285595 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 22:32:55 +0000 Lesley 2285595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smart! I was going to encourage you to let yourself have one wildcard but you already have it covered! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285555 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:18:41 +0000 doggeh lover 2285555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your list sounds great! May I suggest looking at Etsy for the brooch and maybe the chain too? You're sure to find a lot of unique items there and many are reasonably priced Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285541 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:09:52 +0000 SarahD8 2285541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A good list! I think <b>approprio</b> has good advice about staying tuned in to your emotions. Not sure if you have seen my recent thread about <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-prioritizing-for-fall-2022-long">planning &amp; prioritizing purchases</a> -- there's lots of good advice there too about balancing different needs.</p> <p>I'm wondering if some of your "I want it!" items could serve some of the purposes of your "but I need it, ugh" items? For example could you wear a fun colored sweater for teaching rather than a button-up (I don't know if that's why you need the button-ups, I am just kind of making up an example here)? Just thinking that might be a way to accomplish practical concerns while making really satisfying purchases too...</p> <p>Funny anecdote about professor-ing: I am watching a history class being taught by a professor at Yale University -- the lectures are posted on YouTube. He wore the same very loud patterned shirt for the first two lectures and apparently didn't realize it -- the third lecture he started off like "ok, so I'm not used to being filmed, I was told I wore the same shirt for the first two classes but I had no idea I had done that, will be careful to mix it up going forward." It was very charming and funny. So yes I think you can repeat teaching outfits...just maybe not twice in a row if your class is being filmed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285452 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:16:51 +0000 Kaelyn 2285452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CarolS - Yes, I love reading about others' processes, too! I find it really fascinating and I often learn something I can take away from how others do things, too.</p> <p>Joy - Yep, I'm going to buy PLENTY of those hangers, just in case. It's not as bad, but for a while, I had black velvet hangers right now, some with silver hooks and some with gold, and it drives me bananas. (Thankfully, after recuding my wardrobe size over the last couple years, I've gotten down to 100% silver so they match again. It's the little things in life.)</p> <p>SF - Thank you so much! I'm really excited about professional bag shopping. I got a new laptop recently and I'm looking forward to finding the perfect thing to carry it in and keep it safe for traveling to campus and elsewhere.</p> <p>Star - Thank you! I did quite a lot of editing to get to this final version, so I'm glad it comes across. </p> <p>suntiger - I don't think there are matching pants/skirt hangers, but I'm okay with that - I have cheap black ones right now and would like to upgrade to nicer wood ones at some point, lined with velvet, like my parents had. I'm sick of stuff slipping out of them. ;)</p> <p>approprio - Thanks for the advice. You make sense. I do need some kind of specific item as a placeholder, though, or I tend to go TOO wild with my purchases. I used to buy whatever made me happy and I ended up with a whole bunch of wardrobe orphans. But I can definitely remember to be flexible with my plans, too. Too much in either direction isn't good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285357 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:37:41 +0000 approprio 2285357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A good list. A couple of suggestions… <ul> <li>Focus on problems that need solving rather than on specific items. That way, when something catches your eye, you will know how and where it fits in with existing requirements.&nbsp;</li> <li>Do not look for perfection. Look for imperfect items you adore. Those are the keepers.&nbsp;</li> </ul> I say this because I know that the times I shop with goals in mind are when I am most likely to make a mistake. Also, the things I think I want are not always what I really need.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285327 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:35:10 +0000 Anonymous 2285327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a good plan to me, and big yes to allowing a wildcard or 2!<br /> Re: hangers- definitely buy more than you need, including matching skirt hangers. If needed there are clips you can buy seperately and attach. They are pretty fragile though- no coats or even heavier jackets. I keep my coats on wooden hangers. Also- the velvet hangers need lint rolling every so often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285325 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 09:43:10 +0000 Star (Lise) 2285325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your approach and your list seems well thought through, so well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285318 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 08:37:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2285318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whew, that’s a long and ambitious list! Good luck shopping for all those things, with as much as you’ve got going on in your life. I think your idea of keeping in mind the role you want to fill and being open-minded about how to do it is great. I’m excited to see what bag/satchel/backpack/briefcase you choose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285307 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 05:55:46 +0000 Anonymous 2285307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A great list and working tool. Don't forget to update a piece. It just duplicate. &nbsp;For example do not replace black leggings with leggings but with a wider leg, even if it is a slim leg. Get lots of those turquoise velvet&nbsp;<br />hangers even if you have extras. &nbsp;They may be hard to find again. &nbsp;I have three colors of velvet hangers because I did not&nbsp;think ahead. &nbsp;All are neutrals but as not cohesive as I'd like.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285281 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 02:29:46 +0000 CarolS 2285281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your plan sounds very well thought out, Kaelyn. A few key pieces can suddenly open up a world of outfit possibilities!</p> <p>I think many of us enjoy reading about other Fabbers plans and thought processes (count me among them). </p> <p>The colourful hangers sound like a fun way to inject some extra zing into your closet, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285279 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 02:24:17 +0000 Kaelyn 2285279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, that's smart. I'll add a spot for ONE wildcard. The trouble is, I find stuff I like and get smitten and get it in my head that I'll never find something like it again, and the next season there are dozens of takes on it, so I'm trying to curb that. But you're right, there should be room for something totally unexpected that is really special--like my pendant from my trip to AZ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285277 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 02:18:38 +0000 Jaime 2285277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, good way to set yourself up for accountability. Absolutely can and should repeat outfits for your teaching - even Princess Kate repeats .<br />Probably would leave a little bit of space for a wildcard, but that's me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-not-to-be-deviated-from-shopping-list#post-2285261 Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:40:40 +0000 Kaelyn 2285261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I am going to be STRICT about it. No buying things that aren't on The List UNLESS: <ol> <li>I find something that serves the same purpose as an item on the list and I decide I like it better,</li> <li>I'm replacing something I already have that needs to be replaced, or</li> <li>Something I purchase works well and I know it will be used enough that it warrants duplication.</li> </ol> And no adding to the list unless I identify a genuine wardrobe hole I can't see right now.</p> <p>This list is for the rest of 2022 and into 2023 (maybe for the whole year, depending on how long it takes to find the right versions of these items); after that, I'll do an in-depth wardrobe assessment and see where I want to go from there.</p> <p>I'm going for things that will be highly versatile, but not 'basic' or boring, so I will aim to be picky. If it's not perfect, I don't need it. What I have now is workable, but I want to increase my items' versatility by investing in good wardrobe essentials and a couple more fun pieces that suit my evolving style.</p> <p>Now without further ado, here's The List: <ul> <li>Brown Chelsea boots</li> <li>Corduroy bootcut or flared pants (probably in brown; I'd like a pair of dark brown pants and corduroy would be a great material)</li> <li>1-2 crossbody bags (one per season; aim for utility and versatility)</li> <li>Silver chain for the Navajo pendant I bought for my birthday</li> <li>1-2 fun colored sweaters (aiming for cobalt, turquoise, bright orange, yellow, or burgundy, but I'm open to other possibilities, as well as patterns with multiple colors I enjoy wearing)</li> <li>One neutral sweater (not black or grey; have those covered - thinking dark brown or white because I'm trying to build on those neutrals)</li> <li>One more sweater vest in a solid color (neutral or color is fine, I just want one that isn't houndstooth since the two I already have are)</li> <li>Professional backpack/satchel/laptop bag</li> <li>Black and brown belts</li> <li>Black and brown oxfords or other dressy shoes</li> <li>One more pair of athletic leggings</li> <li>2-3 athletic tops (current ones are too big, but I'm able to knot them for structure and that helps)</li> <li>One new swimsuit - shorts and top combo (current one becoming too big; have an athletic one, but I want a comfy lounge one, too)</li> <li>1-2 natural fiber blouses</li> <li>Silver pendant - monogram or something that represents me</li> <li>A pretty brooch - hoping to thrift one!</li> <li>White sneakers - must be absurdly comfy</li> <li>Pair of sandals - something that looks nicer than my Sketchers, for smart casual wear in hot weather</li> <li>2-3 button down shirts; short and long sleeves</li> <li>1-2 natural fiber blazers</li> <li>2-3 more tank tops (planning ahead for the summer; not high priority)</li> <li>Dressy winter coat (I have nothing that fits the bill right now)</li> <li>Those red booties if they work out - as a treat :)</li> </ul> Some of these are definitely higher priority than others (for instance, I NEED those button-down shirts, while I WANT colorful sweaters because I've been craving more color).</p> <p>I do have the luxury of taking the time with professional wardrobe purchases because both classes I'm teaching next semester will meet once per week on the same day, so I just need 15 professional outfits for the entire semester and could honestly get away with fewer because I seriously doubt students who see me once per week will judge me if I repeat an outfit. Outfit planning session is imminent... ;)</p> <p>But because I'm going to need professional wear more and more as I continue to teach throughout grad school, and because I'm aiming for more of a smart casual day to day look, I want to go ahead and start filling some of the gaps I know my current wardrobe has.</p> <p>I'm also going to treat myself to some new hangers right after we move on Wednesday--I found some lovely turquoise velvet ones that made me smile, and they're an inexpensive way to make the physical space where my clothes live happier.</p> <p>Thanks for reading! This post is mostly for accountability, so I greatly appreciate it. </p>