YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:39:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Alassë on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477646 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 20:00:48 +0000 Alassë 1477646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great job! I find it interesting that you've shifted primarily to neutrals, as splashes of colour used to be one of the characteristics I thought of as "you." frannieb on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477500 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 14:29:59 +0000 frannieb 1477500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing a wonderful analysis. I lov e learning from these. Deb on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477367 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 05:53:18 +0000 Deb 1477367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well all of that makes perfect sense to me. Sounds like a french woman's way of thinking Ingunn.... classic neutrals and colours, beautiful items, attention to detail, quality over quantity, and very much your own tasteful style with pieces you can wear for several years. I adore your wardrobe and would happily wear nearly everything in it. You must be really pleased with where it is at, and you can now enjoy it and add the odd update or refresh from time to time. As for the wrong items, we all occasionally make the wrong choices, but as we know ourselves more, those errors become rare and we become very discerning with our purchases. Be proud you've reached this point. Jaime on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477347 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 04:06:26 +0000 Jaime 1477347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good work improving your outcome from last year. I have a special fondness for the thrifted jumpsuit (of course) and the idea of visiting thrift stores and not buying :-). Sal on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477135 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 20:49:52 +0000 Sal 1477135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Ingunn, it looks like a great season. And you have some wonderful building blocks for next year. I am so envious of your silver blue long cardigan, this is such a stunner on you and I would love one in my wardrobe. I also think your jumpsuit is a great addition, and the pencil lace skirt. It is a shame the green dress has not lasted as it was a lovely shape and colour. Thanks for sharing! AM on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477086 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:42:51 +0000 AM 1477086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ UWP just seemed in one lane of when you start with neutrals (gray, denim, black), minimal -- but then has strong details. I guess it depends on how you feel about some of the details. Leather, studs hardware, unconventional shoes, motos, chunky jackets, stretching the boundaries of layering, modern jewelry....and then than exploring the edges of avant garde. I'm in a similar position of enjoying some of the fashionista that temper trends by heavily relying on neutrals/modern but want to explore modern vs. avant grade. Not sure this helps but I'd like to know more of your thoughts... rachylou on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477058 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 18:06:17 +0000 rachylou 1477058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very thought provoking, Ingunn. I wonder... I shop often, buy frequently, but don't know that I buy quantity. Don't know that I don't either. Staysfit on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1477032 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 17:38:18 +0000 Staysfit 1477032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for some additional information about your color palette. now that you mention it, I recall your red coat! It's beautiful! Actually, I think you do an excellent job of picking attractive pieces that fit your style. I hope you're able to reduce item purchase numbers as you plan and continue with finding high quality items! Carole on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476967 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:58:15 +0000 Carole 1476967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I, too, admire your discipline and ability to thoroughly analyze your wardrobe. I can relate to your experiences with trends and gravitating toward the same neutral colors...I'm finding that's more "me", too, and makes shopping more focused and efficient. Looking forward to seeing what's instore for the upcoming season for you:) Angie on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476934 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:15:30 +0000 Angie 1476934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Makes sense and sounds great, Ingunn. Rock on.  Ingunn on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476930 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:13:49 +0000 Ingunn 1476930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nebraskim, that is spot on. I was already skeptical towards viscose/rayon fabrics, and in general I avoid them. The two pieces were added against better knowledge because I really liked them, and I have had luck with some higher end brands before. Both of these were quite expensive, which makes it even more annoying. So, yes, I will continue avoiding such fabrics in the future. The green dress is woven, not knit, and it pilled! Never  heard of that before. Thank you for the kind words about my wardrobe. Ingunn on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476923 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:06:26 +0000 Ingunn 1476923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, I don't think it was intentional in the beginning, but after a while I discovered that I really liked to have a core of great wardrobe essentials to work with. I'm particularly fond of combining black with white and grey or dark blue and white. For spring, I love to wear more white and light(er) blue, but it is basically the same color scheme all the time for me now. I add some color in my accessories, though, like cognac and blush.  Nebraskim on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476921 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 15:05:35 +0000 Nebraskim 1476921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love this analysis. Will the poor track record with the dress and shirt fabrics that failed on you lead you to rethink purchases of those particular fabrics again? I pretty much avoid viscous/rayon except in items like scarves or very trendy pieces I know will not last and don't care if they are one season wonders. I, like you, am attracted to classics that have long-term staying power. I so love that long gray cardigan I feel sinfully envious. I will return to this post for further study. I no longer work in an office, so my wardrobe is in tremendous flux as I no longer need office-appropriate business casual, which is the vast bulk of my wardrobe. I decided to not do a lot of spur of the moment purging of this, though, as there's always the chance I would return to that world, but have nothing appropriate for it. Your items featured here, are the direction I would like to go. Angie on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476912 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:59:14 +0000 Angie 1476912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fabulous, and well done Ingunn. Gorgeous new pieces. Very neutral - was that intentional?  Ingunn on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476903 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:51:51 +0000 Ingunn 1476903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ AM, that is interesting. I have been playing a bit with the fashionista persona lately, but I've concluded that it feels a bit off for me to be one with a lot of the latest trend pieces in my wardrobe. I simply feel that I try to be someone I'm not. When I look to my role models, (who are well represented here in the forum, too), I always admire the most those who have a seemingly timeless, effortless flair about them. I'm used to get labeled modern classic, but UWP was a first, I think. How fun! Would you mind to elaborate a bit on that? Staysfit, I think you are right. Eliminating color has made it easier to create a coherent mix and match-wardrobe. The past year almost all my purchases have been in neutrals and with little pattern. I concentrate on black, navy, white/cream and grey with some cognac and brown in the accessories. I do have a red coat that I wear a lot, too. I have a few older pieces in color, but I hardly reach for them. My S/S 15 purchases are almost done now, and they are a bit lighter, with more emphasis on white and various shades of blue. Almost no black and grey, and very little pattern, too.  Jackie and crutcher, W101 is funny!  Jackie, that is interesting. I too think the grey long cardigan was a key piece for me last fall. I wore (wear) it a lot, and I love how it can be used in many different ways. I agree that it might be a sign of a want for simpler, stronger pieces - more timeless, but not too arty.  jackiec on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476893 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:29:29 +0000 jackiec 1476893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis, Ingunn. I'm with Crutcher, and thoroughly enjoying wardrobe 101, lol :) What jumps out at me immediately is the long grey cardi that you bought. I remember you posted it styled a few ways, and how amazing it looked as a dress. To me, it was a key purchase for you, and very indicative of your style shift. I see cleaner, longer, simplified lines. Staysfit on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476889 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:28:17 +0000 Staysfit 1476889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ingunn, excellent analysis. I actually read the entire post and feel like I can learn quite a bit from your experience. This is a bit off topic, but one thing I notice about your wardrobe and purchases are how tightly you stick to your color palette. Is this because of the particular type of items you were purchasing, or have you found this to be a helpful way to work with your wardrobe in general? Ingunn on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476880 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:16:27 +0000 Ingunn 1476880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for all the positive responses, ladies. My apologies for the small picture, Suz. I've replaced it now with new screenshots that hopefully are a bit better. The offending pieces are marked with a cross, and the lace knit cardigan with a question mark.  Suz, the ruined jersey is the graphic patterned shirt I bought in Paris. It is made from viscose, and the jersey has developed several holes. It also shrunk considerably. Oh well. Of course I realize that it might be a quite a bit premature to judge the success of last season's purchases. After all it's only been a couple of months, and I will probably not know for sure until next spring how well it really went. But this I know: I haven't bought anything I lost interest in or avoided wearing this winter, on the contrary. I have to confess, though, that I've overspent a bit, so I need to cut back on my spending this year. My hope is that I finally have a good foundation to build on for the next season or two, where only minor updates of the essentials will be needed. Wool knitwear, I'm looking at you.  AM on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476877 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 14:11:28 +0000 AM 1476877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great job on your analyses. I also like to read these. Interesting that you are more drawn to neutrals and that you feel your next step will be adding pieces with more detail ---perhaps statements. That makes total sense to me. I could see you either going in the direction of fashionista (and playing with diverse pieces) or going somewhere between modern classic and UWP. Looking forward to following this post. unfrumped on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476873 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:54:56 +0000 unfrumped 1476873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love reading your analyses! Suz on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476871 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:54:15 +0000 Suz 1476871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You bought beautiful pieces this year, Ingunn, and they worked so well for you. It is a bit hard for me to see them close up in the photo but I remember some of your WIWs and you managed to look both more elegant and more current while still cleaving mainly to modern classic. I really admire the direction you took and would love to emulate.  Which jersey top is ruined? Not the Ted Baker I hope?  I think your style is more clarified now and this makes purchasing much easier. I am about to enter that stage also, and it's not a minute too soon because my income is also much less this year. So my choices will have to go the distance.  abc on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476870 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:48:21 +0000 abc 1476870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're so much more advanced than me i can't offer any advice but I agree w the others. It's great you have the discipline to record everything and more impressive that you go back later for analysis. Your style and closet are on my list of most inspirational on YLF. I enjoy watching how you evolve so Thanks for sharing this post. Golden on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476867 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:38:43 +0000 Golden 1476867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These insights are always fun to read. crutcher on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476866 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:34:50 +0000 crutcher 1476866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are definitely in the honors class of wardrobe planning and shopping...I love your analysis of your needs...and to have graduated to buying classic pieces of high quality...I look forward to hearing more of this wardrobe 101... Elizabeth P on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476859 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 13:08:02 +0000 Elizabeth P 1476859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm impressed Ingunn, both that you took the time to think this through and share it (Im with Sterling in that I do track wears/purchases,but rarely make any effort to figure out what it all means... yet am fascinated by the conclusions others draw) and that you have DONE SO WELL!   You should be very proud that you set a goal and stuck to it.  Poor quality items that fall apart aren't your fault... I'm sure you didn't buy them with that hope. dakotacheryl on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476843 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:56:25 +0000 dakotacheryl 1476843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis Ingunn. Because of you and other posters here, I have started a spreadsheet of my purchases for Spring/Summer. I do agree that better quality and fewer quantity is the way to go, and your focus on neutrals will give you a flexible wardrobe. Thanks for taking the time to write such a thoughtful post. Anonymous on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476838 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:39:37 +0000 Anonymous 1476838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love reading these analyses.  They fascinate me.  Although I keep a spreadsheet, I have never undertaken this type of analysis.  I have time today.  I think I will devote some of that time to this.  I wonder what I will learn about myself.  Thanks Ingunn.  Always informative and fascinating.   Ingunn on "My Purchases F/W 14/15: What Worked?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-fw-1415-what-worked#post-1476836 Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:31:13 +0000 Ingunn 1476836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi lovely ladies, sorry for the silence. I seem to be so busy all the time as we approach the exams season.  It's finally warming up enough around here that I dare to put away my winter clothes. The past couple of seasons I've kept track of my purchases  per season to learn from my own behavior. I have quite common goals: Buy less and better. That doesn't necessarily mean spending less, but of course I wouldn't mind that either. Feel free to skip to the conclusion - my musings are probably more interesting to me than to you :) Last cold season (13/14) I bought 40 pieces of clothes and accessories, which seemed a very high number to me. Even worse was the fact that within a year, at least 1/3 had been purged again. This was not a good strategy, and I was a bit shocked about it. I think it happened because of two things - I was still playing a lot with my style preferences, and I was into thrifting.  This fall/winter I've "only" added 26 items to my wardrobe (plus one gift) between late July and late January. Quite a lot of the pieces were wardrobe essentials and replacements. The breakdown: 3 pairs of shoes (cognac oxfords, black booties, rubber boots). All worn a lot and now indispensable.  4 sweaters. Grey and navy v-neck, charcoal fine knit and cream chunky hand knit. All worn all the time - true essentials. 3 cardigans. One basic black cashmere, and one long grey cardigan in merino. Both are favorites and worn a lot. I also received a grey lace cardigan for Christmas that is pretty, but I never reach for it.  2 other layering pieces in wool, a black bolero in merino and a grey poncho in cashmere. Both are very useful additions, but not essentials.  2 shirts. The chambray shirt was worn a lot in the early part of the season, and yet again now. I am thrilled to have it. The graphic jersey shirt has turned into a disappointment. It has developed several holes in the fabric and is more or less ruined already. Too bad, because I loved it.  2 pairs of trousers. One slim black pant, one loose fit pleated trouser. Both have been worn many, many times. The slim black pants are seasonless. 4 dresses(!). One patterned wrap dress that really has grown on me. I like it a lot more now that I did at first because it can be worn all year and is versatile - and I always receive compliments for it. One green long sleeved dress. I wore it a lot at first, but the fabric is of poor quality and has pilled - very disappointing. One lace cocktail dress. This one was a cheap dress that filled a hole in my dressy capsule. Worn a few times, and I think it will last a couple of more seasons. The last one is a black sweater dress in fine knit merino. I bought it in the sales and wore it a lot in late winter/early spring. The last time was only two days ago. It is super versatile.  1 black jumpsuit. This fine quality wool suit is probably my most successful attempt at thrifting ever. Worn a few times and a fun addition to my wardrobe. 1 skirt. I bought a lace pencil skirt in November, and am so glad I did. It has become a workhorse. 1 coat. I bought a grey wrap coat in November, which has become my most worn outerwear this season.  3 accessories. One cognac belt, worn a lot and absolutely essential. Navy snood and mittens. Worn all the time December through February/March. 1 dressy top in black. This one was bought in the sales and is simple and versatile. It is in a wool mix with sheer panels, and super to elevate a basic outfit a bit. I've worn it with slim black pants and with the lace skirt. My conclusion:  So, I went from 40 to 27 pieces, but more importantly I haven't thrown away anything so far except the two poor quality pieces. I've spent a bit more money on my wardrobe this season. I've played it safe and added quite a lot of essentials in wool which are great to have. I added a new coat, several sweaters in cashmere and basic pants that I wear all the time. Besides the two pieces that didn't hold up quality-wise, I haven't bought anything that I regret spending on. Compared to last season I think I've done better this year. This is probably because I want high quality, modern classic pieces that are as fuss-free as possible, in great condition and will last for a long time, and I've consequently tried to avoid fast fashion and thrifting. I will continue stepping by the thrift/consignment shops, but will only buy the things that are of impeccable quality and fit and in my style. (I still go often, but I rarely buy anymore). I will of course add the occasional fast fashion piece to play with trends, too. Next season I hope to be able to add fewer pieces and hopefully some with interesting details to spruce the basics up a bit. Color-wise I'm getting more and more neutral, and I seem to prefer a more urban and modern style now. It will be interesting to find out where next year will take me.  If you've read all this, you are a trooper. Thank you! Please feel free to ask any questions you might have, or comment on anything you like. Do you see any pattern in my purchases? Where do you think my style journey will take me next? What are the most interesting/successful purchases here, in your opinion?