https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:10:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081801 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 22:32:05 +0000 cindysmith 2081801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I think you've been smart with your purchases this fall. Granted, I haven't been here as much as I'd like because of the holiday prep at work AND home; however, what I HAVE seen seems so authentically and beautifully Janet that all I see is... well, I hate to use the word 'investment' for clothes and such, but I can't think of another word that means 'money well spent on something that is going to serve you well for a good long time' so there we are.</p> <p>I am grateful that I finally feel like I have a good balance of everything fall/winter. It has truly helped curb the impulse shopping. I've had one slip-up of late: I didn't bring an extra top layer to work one day, and had physical therapy on my lunch break, and I was freaking cold, so I went into the Cato across the street from p.t. and grabbed a squishy warm cardigan. I paid and headed for the door and dammit if there wasn't the most yummy pair of gold satin cargo pocket joggers hanging right next to the freaking door. The rack was almost completely empty, so I grabbed my size (thank heaven their sizing is pretty consistent) and paid and ran to p.t. It hasn't been a week and I've already worn the pants twice, so apparently I got lucky with them LOL</p> <p>All that to say this:<br /> Sometimes, the right thing for our wardrobes just pops up and we have to take advantage of the opportunity. Kind of like you have done this fall. You've had a good season, one where lots of great 'Janet' pieces have been available, and you've taken the opportunity to add them to your rotation. My problem is going to be finding this same sweet spot with my hot weather wardrobe, this place where I realize that I have enough or maybe even almost too much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081481 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 19:23:15 +0000 Suz 2081481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Anyway, although I can be quite discliplined, a complete no shopping or no new shopping ban would backfire on me.<br /></i><br /><b>Shevia</b> said it best, above! No way I can ban myself from shopping or new shopping. I'd rebel.&nbsp;</p> <p>Regardless of my intentions, I seem to buy and retire approximately the same number of items per year: somewhere between 30-40.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now that I live in a place that supports this, a proportion of my purchases are always thrift or consignment (usually 5 items per year), which helps me feel better about the churn. I may be able to increase that number as time goes on, depending on availability of things I like.</p> <p>It makes sense you'd want to purchase more for fall. It always feels like the year's start, and you like fall clothes. What <b>Sal</b> said makes sense -- she needs summer things because their holidays fall then. We tend to need more for fall/ winter, both for weather related reasons (layering) and because, parties. So....</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081466 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:40:51 +0000 Anonymous 2081466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went nuts in fall too. September and October were my highest, for several reasons. 1. Good colors back in the shops 2. The weather is mild, so more likely to want to try on things 3. There are still warm weather things in the shops- in the dark colors!<br /> Some months will naturally be low, when the weather is bad or there's nothing inspiring, or there are other budget needs. Some months the stars align and the retail powers that be are (maybe too much) in our favor! But closets have limited space </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081368 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 05:34:42 +0000 Anonymous 2081368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since most of my purchases are in stores, my best strategy is not to go shopping. If I don’t ever see it, I don’t miss it. Second strategy is to shop alone. Shopping partners often talk me into buying. Sometimes that works out but often I don’t wear the new item much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081359 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 03:36:51 +0000 Jenni NZ 2081359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Brooklyn we were typing at the same time with moderately similar thoughts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081357 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 03:35:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2081357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I was so surprised when the desire to shop went away earlier this year that I wrote a thread about it! And it has only come back fairly vaguely and the number of purchases since has been small, about 5.<br /> I think the main reason is that my wardrobe is in good shape. I have also learned not to try to exactly replace dying items. Example: my 2017 coral sandals are dying, 28 wears so far and getting all scratched and worn at the back. But I’ve realised I have some as yet unworn gold sandals with bright embroidered threads on them including orange/coral, that will do instead. So it is trying to be slightly more creative with what I already have, I suppose? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081355 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 03:25:45 +0000 Brooklyn 2081355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been thinking about this a lot this year and I think I’ve done better than I have in the past, but still have plenty of room for improvement.</p> <p>My main strategy has been to avoid browsing. If I browse I will always find something that I like and the temptation to shop increases. Not always mindfully. Especially if the temptation arises in moments of low mood. In October I did a no browsing or buying month. Not browsing was hard for about the first 10 days. I really enjoy looking at fashion! But it’s like exercising a muscle. It gets easier the more you do it. And in the end I felt very satisfied that I was able to change my habits for a month.</p> <p>Although my fast is finished now I still try to avoid browsing when bored or when not fully occupied eg watching TV. I try to be present and fully engage with what I’m doing. </p> <p>I try to challenge myself by finding new ways to wear what I already have. And to repurpose stuff that I’m not wearing. This Spring/Summer I’ve haven’t bought much and I pat myself on the back every time I wear something again in a fresh mix. </p> <p>So one possible strategy would be to set a monthly limit and, once you get to that limit, have a strict rule of no more online browsing or B&amp;M shopping for the rest of that month. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081351 Mon, 02 Dec 2019 03:15:15 +0000 Jaime 2081351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed this thread. I was just thinking about my shopping habits as I contemplated a new purchase, which I do less and less these days. I shop all the time, but in second hand stores and mostly charity shops, where the selection can be amazing but is catch as catch can. Leads to an interesting wardrobe full of unique pieces, but not a lot of room for more than rough planning. And, to Runcarla's point, an excess of lipstick buying to scratch that retail aka buying <i>what I want when I want it</i> itch.&nbsp;<br />Anyway, although I can be quite discliplined, a complete no shopping or no new shopping ban would backfire on me. Relative to many other behaviours, I consider shopping at thrift stores a worthwhile form of therapy. I will think about this more. Thanks for the thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081330 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 23:05:16 +0000 Carla 2081330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Popping back to read (such good ideas contributed to this interesting thread) and add - quiet times of non-shopping for clothing is a good time to evaluate other aspects of style and experiment with hair and make-up. It used to be that all the ‘makeover’ magazines would come out in the new year. Now, not so much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081329 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 22:28:40 +0000 Sal 2081329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that is a realistic approach too.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As I mentioned on my seasonal thread I like to have more in summer and when I look at my current calendar I can see why.&nbsp; In the last five weeks I have had more social occasions than probably the five months prior....&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081328 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 22:19:41 +0000 Janet 2081328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Windchime, you make a good point. The fall shopping season (which starts in summer) really feels like the biggest opportunity of the year to experiment and assess and do some style shifting. That and late spring (for summer updates) are my best times to refresh. </p> <p>Last winter I really cooled my heels shopping in January-March. I think that’s a good time to pull back and it’s probably the least interesting shopping time of year for me anyway. So maybe adjusting my goals to limit purchases then to 2 a month would be a good idea (I don’t need much spring stuff as our transitional seasons are short, and I can make do with what I have). Then I can loosen up my restrictions in the late summer/fall when I am much more tempted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081324 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 22:08:22 +0000 Windchime 2081324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m not sure it’s reasonable to expect to purchase only the same number of new items in the fall months as you do for all the other months—there is SUCH a large change in both season and styles/trends in the fall. Maybe you could set your number higher for August through October, as you get your wardrobe into shape for fall and winter. </p> <p>Your blue velvet jacket is gorgeous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081315 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:55:05 +0000 nemosmom 2081315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Back to say I love your idea of keeping a minimally sized day-to-day closet and turning your holding zone into a boutique of sorts. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In looking back at what I've purged this year, I haven't regretted letting go of anything. But, now that I am to a point where I am feeling confident in my style direction, I need to slow the rate of new additions without getting trigger happy with edits. Having a more robust holding zone for lesser worn pieces could help boost creativity. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When you mentioned the idea of this a few months ago, I thought, "I couldn't do that because I would forget what I have!" But, ya know, maybe that's the point? And, it could be what is needed to make the day-to-day stuff feel fresh without killing my bank account. I just need the discipline to shop that zone<b> before </b>I jump online or pop into a store!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081311 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:44:48 +0000 Marlene1 2081311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some circumstances require a wardrobe rebuilding - change in weight, job, climate.&nbsp; That doesn't seem to apply here, so your goal of buying 3-4 items per month seems very do-able.&nbsp; One item per week.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Are you shopping&nbsp; brick-and-mortar or online?&nbsp; I primarily shop online and find it helpful to unsubscribe to promotional emails.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I also enjoy putting together outfits from items I already own and *wearing one of these new outfits every week.*&nbsp; The wearing part is important to keep me from shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081309 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:38:58 +0000 Sal 2081309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we all love clothes here (otherwise I would have joined a different forum).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I do track my additions both in budget and in number.&nbsp; Together I get a picture.&nbsp; I have an inventory spreadsheet and track pieces&nbsp; I add pieces in and write down when I take them out.&nbsp; I don't track wears but do some planning which helps (ie upcoming occasions, wish list, do not buy list).&nbsp; I thought I would do one in one out - and I sort of do, but my mind is not that precise.&nbsp; I prefer to have a broad number of shoes or jeans that works for me......</p> <p>In general I prefer to shop in fits and starts and take patches of time off shopping and browsing altogether.&nbsp; I find six weeks to 9 weeks is about right twice a year.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I think it is keeping in the fun and the joy without the sinking feeling of having added too many, or spent too much.</p> <p>If you have the room, I think your experiment of a larger holding zone is a good one.&nbsp; I do sometimes tire of a piece and put it away for the rest of the season.&nbsp; OK I could leave it hanging in the wardrobe but somehow I do like to put it out of sight and review it six months later.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081308 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 20:38:49 +0000 Cee 2081308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, the evil cowlneck gave that first top two thumbs up.</p> <p>Which is weird because the bugger has no thumbs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081300 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 19:57:57 +0000 Bennett 2081300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thought of your quest for a McQueen skull scarf when I was scrolling through Yoox, FYI they had a good variety of them. That was on black Friday, they may have thinned out by now.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anywhoooo - I know you find the awesome things without any help from me!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081295 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 19:36:04 +0000 The Cat 2081295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yummy velvet jacket!</p> <p>Strategies? Well, living on a tight budget is helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081284 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 19:10:45 +0000 nemosmom 2081284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Nodding along with you on the lure of fall (so many fab jackets and boots!) and how it can derail even the most well-intentioned plans - especially in the mucky muck of sweaty summer. The pieces you've added this year seem like they all work really well for your life and are in harmony with both your wardrobe and your style.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I won't use a sale as an excuse to shop, but I will try to find a discount if there is something I am really pining for.&nbsp; I feel more annoyed than tempted by Black Friday madness (OMG so many retailer emails !)&nbsp; There really isn't anything else I want or need for the rest of this year, so I plan to use this month to reflect and come up with a strategy for 2020. I took really good notes every month on what I was editing out and adding, and put most of my wardrobe in Finds, so I think I have direction; I just need a plan.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081268 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 18:08:30 +0000 rachylou 2081268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been my most restrained shopping year ever. I have yet to replace my car and I’m sure that is the reason. Lol. Weighing up the effort of arranging a car or going by public transport v the desire to shop. Thing is, tho, I have realised I quite like what I have. Also, I have not seen anything that I don’t have some version of. It will probably go up again next year, because some things are looking rather worn as they are actually getting worn. </p> <p>I don’t suppose this would have happened if my bff’s car hadn’t also died and we’ve been in cahoots together on this experiment. My question now is, how come I still haven’t gotten anything done at home? Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081260 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 17:55:44 +0000 Janet 2081260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much wisdom here! I’m on my phone, waiting for my husband since I packed the car and am ready to load up the dogs and hit the road for our 2+ day drive back home, so it’s hard to respond to individual responses. But I’m making notes.</p> <p>Lisa, I relate to your desire to seriously slow the buying cycle. And Carla, it’s time to start a couple more home renovation projects, so that will occupy my energy and budget in 2020 as well! </p> <p>Truth be told, my closet is in fantastic shape. I don’t need a thing. But I love looking at and acquiring new clothes. I enjoy shopping. I will need to find a way to scratch that itch when it comes up. I keep busy with a variety of activities and projects, but when I take a break, it often comes in the form of shopping. An old habit! </p> <p>I was thinking this morning while packing, of rebranding my holding zone as sort of a supplemental closet or personal boutique. I’ve thought before it could be a fun experiment to move a significant chunk of my wardrobe into my downstairs closet (holding zone area) — maybe half of it or more! — and shop it when I feel bored with the contents of my regular closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081254 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 17:45:00 +0000 Cardiff girl 2081254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on the temptations of favourite season shopping.l have found that having my wardrobe recorded in an online app has really helped.l am able to play around creating virtual outfits with photos of any new potential purchase and this seems to have really curbed my appetite for new stuff.Runcarla s thoughts on getting involved in other creative projects ring true with me as well.l also find that a charity shop spree if I really can’t resist the urge to splurge can be useful in deflecting unnecessary purchases,but we are all different ,you have to find what works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081249 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 17:36:05 +0000 Anonymous 2081249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I had the same kind of fall as you. I really went nuts, as it were, and added a lot of new pieces this year. &nbsp;And , as you noticed , pre-season buys are not the keystones of my wardrobe, (and as Helena also noted,) are usually just &nbsp;something new to scratch that boredom itch come late summer. I bought a few things at NAS this year, and honestly don't wear any of them . &nbsp;It's not to say I don't like them, but they weren't pieces that I really needed, clearly. &nbsp;Fall here ended up being the shortest season ever yet it's my absolutely favourite shopping time.</p> <p>I have been thinking about this a lot lately ,and I too would like to dial things WAY back. &nbsp;I cannot continue to use shopping as a way to soothe boredom or anxiety, or I won't have any money left &nbsp;I'm not sure setting a number for new purchases makes sense - because how does one determine the right number anyways? &nbsp;I am seriously considering a dramatic challenge for 2020 - NOTHING NEW. &nbsp;Start wearing stuff, and culling as I go. &nbsp;New clothes shouldn't be an emotional crutch . &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081247 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 17:22:28 +0000 slim cat 2081247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have done extremely well - all pieces unique and mixable with your other things.&nbsp;<br />I do not shop without some kind of coupon/discount. <br />I do need to touch the fabric to see if I'll be bothered by it ( sensitivity of skin ). I read of course all reviews on-line done by other shoppers - especially negative ones.<br />Return policy is very important because it can take time to make decision. I prefer to shop in the season so I can immediately decide on the item but more often I shop off the season because of the better discounts.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081236 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 16:35:47 +0000 Angie 2081236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice Pacini sweater! </p> <p>I am not a tracker in the YLF sense. I do not track wears or hold myself accountable to a number of purchases a month. I do not go on shopping fasts either. </p> <p>But I DO have a strict strategy, and it works extremely well for me. My shopping habit is thoughtful, controlled, and still very emotional. I have perfected it and I'm grateful for that: </p> <ul> <li>I stay within my budget for the season. In that way I keep a VERY close track of the numbers. </li> <li>I keep a spreadsheet of my purchases, returns, and keeps. I'm organized. </li> <li>I document EVERYTHING in YLF FINDS. Keeps things fresh, visual, current and organized. </li> <li>I am never enticed by sales. NEVER. The ONLY sale I shop in the NAS because its early in the season. I do not suffer from sales goggles or FOMO. </li> <li>I shop early in the season and leave it at that. Best stuff is available then, and in my size and colour. Full stop. No one can convince me otherwise!</li> <li>I do not shop at BR or Boden without some sort of discount, which they readily give to you whenever. </li> </ul> <p>My wardrobe is in brilliant shape, and it has taken a while to get there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081233 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 16:26:15 +0000 notsaf 2081233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"I have to remember that sometimes my purchases that end up being favorites are not the pre-season purchases but those I find once the season has begun." Yes, this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081232 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 16:22:24 +0000 Helena 2081232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, that's a really wise observation about the pre-season stuff for fall - I often fall into that trap too and end up buying a few things that I don't really want or need, because I am sick of summer and just want something fall-ish!</p> <p>If you know that fall is your favourite, if there a less favourite season you could sandbag a few purchases from? So you can do zero in June maybe, but then 6 in September? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081231 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 16:20:47 +0000 Carla 2081231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop in fits and starts - usually when an opportunity to explore a variety of retailers at B+M presents itself and usually April and then October. I keep a running list of what I need or want, and try to stick to that list. I’m not closed to opportunities, but I’m not lured by sales and special promotions, and Black Friday doesn’t tempt me at all. </p> <p>I believe I can be distracted from active shopping (vs research shopping) by other creative projects. This year we did a rec room reno in late winter and I didn’t shop at all in January and February, and what I acquired in March was gym gear. Summer keeps me busy in the garden, with lots of work and visual stimulation. I was happy hunting for summer HEWI’s at thrift when I was in the shopping mood. The bulk of my shopping and dollars spent was in October around the annual closet audit and cull, and a trip to a big city (Seattle). I bought 12 items/36 annual total!. Presently I’m consumed with holiday prep and planning around trips abroad in February and May, and there is lots of new stuff in my closet. Your September bump doesn’t sound ‘bad’!</p> <p>Though I internet shop to research, I don’t find the visuals alluring. I need to see the colours IRL and touch the fabrics.</p> <p>FWIW, I feel like the year starts and ends in September. Years of living with a school calendar. I use November and December as times to reflect and plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/november-purchases-and-getting-back-on-track-for-2020#post-2081219 Sun, 01 Dec 2019 15:12:02 +0000 Janet 2081219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After starting the year with a goal to limit my fashion purchases to 3-4 a month, I fell off the rails around September. I’ve done a fair bit of damage with shopping this fall, and have taken a break for nearly a month now. Admittedly we have been in TX where I typically don’t do any clothes shopping unless it’s for a cheap replacement for worn out ranch jeans — I did get new muck boots because we gave my old ones to our ranch manager’s wife, and I got my first ever pair of flannel lined jeans (OMG what a game changer on cold mornings!). I don’t count ranch wear in my “real clothes” shopping because it’s strictly utilitarian and does not get worn off the ranch — it’s like gear or a work uniform. </p> <p>I think August-September is the danger time for me because the impending fall (fall and winter style is my favorite!) is too much temptation for me. I’ll have to come up with some strategy for next year. I have to remember that sometimes my purchases that end up being favorites are not the pre-season purchases but those I find once the season has begun. But there are exceptions — NAS has provided some great additions to my wardrobe, if I am thoughtful about my purchases. </p> <p>i got a couple of things at the beginning of November before I put on the brakes. I decided to make notes on this to make a bit of a record of my activity and help myself be more accountable and disciplined in the future. I bought the navy jumpsuit at the beginning of the month, and that fantastic blue sweater as well. Plus I have a package waiting at home with a Mc Queen red/black/white print scarf that I ordered on Nov 1. And when my husband and I went into Dallas for a day to shop for him (got him some great sweaters and shirts!), he got me this gorgeous blue lightweight velvet bomber jacket at Scotch &amp; Soda (on 50% off sale). </p> <p>I have little interest in Black Friday shopping, so not much temptation there. However, I got one BF weekend sale email that I did not immediately delete — one from Sarah Pacini. When I was in NYC a couple of months ago, I stopped in their store and tried on a few of their unique pieces. It’s not a brand that encapsulates my style, but there are certain individual pieces I really like. This light grey drawstring sweater was my favorite thing there, and it’s stuck in my mind ever since. Their stuff is $$$ so the only way I’d consider it is on sale, so when I saw their sale email, I immediately thought of that sweater.</p> <p>They do not have an online store, so I called the store in NYC to see if the sweater was in stock and could be purchased on the phone. The SA told me it was sold out in grey, but they still had the black — it’s been a very popular item, apparently. But she said she would do some checking to see if she could track one down for me. It didn’t sound promising, so as I hung up, I thought, well, if it wasn’t meant to be, so be it. I didn’t really want to buy another black sweater right now, so the thought of the black one didn’t appeal to me. </p> <p>Five minutes later, she called back and said she had found one for me — it was a consignment sale that had been returned so it had not yet been added back to their stock. So it’s on it’s way to me now! </p> <p>Back to some semblance of discipline for December. :-D</p> <p>How do you keep yourself on track during your favorite shopping seasons? Any good strategies? </p>