https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:55:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391893 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:14:44 +0000 Elly 1391893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ABC--- nice post. I live in the US but in an area without any major retail and have to order my little heart out if I want anything. Being hard to fit means that most of it goes right back, but it kinda helps with the wantsie thing because shopping is a long, laborious process. I don't really love to shop, so I try to "search and destroy" then am done for the season except for maybe something special, a mid-season refresher piece or two, etc . . . I'm sure I miss out on a lot of great stuff shopping this way, but it means my mid-season refreshers are more fun, because the forum or serendipity usually finds them for me. This year has been very long and drawn out, probably because I had so much building to do. I ordered some items at the beginning of the week and have to wait until next week or the week after to see how they fit.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Hopefully this is my last set of major orders for the season and I can concentrate on my last few accessories holes, perhaps a holiday party look, and then not think about clothing until February. I have Christmas shopping to do!&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />I'm waiting on a black cocoon cardi, a second cardi,&nbsp;2 flannel shirts, a denim shirt, 2 sassy sweatshirts, and three turtlenecks, plus a couple pairs of boots.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Ideally, I would like at least one flannel shirt, at least one more sassy sweatshirt, a black topper that isn't leather, a high-necked sweater, and several pair of boots out of the deal. That would get me dressed everyday of the week with one "extra" outfit. If a few more pieces are winners, I might keep them just for ease of laundry since everything is within my budget so far. I might also look for a fluid sweater with a lower neck or boatneck for wearing with scarves.<br />&nbsp;<br />If these orders are successful, I will still be hunting a non-leather black or grey&nbsp;jacket, possibly another belt,&nbsp;1-2 new hats, 1-2 new scarves, and working out my bag dilemma. But, those are more fun, less work, and if I don't succeed -- oh well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391865 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 21:40:32 +0000 Caro in Oz 1391865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job in sorting out what you actually need. May I suggest making a list &amp; taking it with you when you shop &amp; not buying anything that isn't on it?&nbsp;That's the part where I need the most help to stay on track - so many pretty things out there </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391822 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:42:37 +0000 Anonymous 1391822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A very astute and thoughtful post. Very well thought out and inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391820 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:38:47 +0000 Anonymous 1391820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like those three months off gave you lots of time for reflection about your style going forward. I hear you on the wantsies. I am in that uncomfortable state much of the time, and sometimes I just have to look away! Congrats on your successful shopping hiatus. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391799 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:16:38 +0000 Astrid 1391799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this post! You made some great observations. I dig "the uncomfort of the wantsies" - it's really useful if you can recognize the feeling so that you can deal with it appropriately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391792 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 20:07:52 +0000 Suz 1391792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a terrific post. Very interesting to read your thought process. Buying for the life we have is so hard to do but makes such a huge difference in the happiness factor.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like to use wishlists and shopping bags as well to hold off on purchases! It's funny, but it seems to work pretty well.&nbsp;</p> <p>Mind you, I am hardly the poster girl for responsible shopping these days. Still, I do a lot of ordering -- but most of it goes back. In the past, I would order, and keep it all, even if it wasn't perfect -- just because it was "on sale." Now, unless it fills an actual hole or hits the happiness jackpot, there's no way I keep it. It's just&nbsp;not worth it to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think it's really valuable to recognize the items we tend to purchase again and again. I am also a blazer lover and yet in cruching numbers, a la Mo, I realized that I wasn't getting many opportunities to wear them. So I cut back on the number that I will allow into my closet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391779 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 19:52:56 +0000 shedev 1391779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm just beginning to take a shopping hiatus, at least as far as my wardrobe is concerned. Last year I did all my Christmas shopping in cash. It felt great to ring in the new year with no credit card debt. It's my Christmas gift to myself.</p> <p>I'm also noticing that the things I'm getting the wantsies for are variations of things I already have. One of my goals is to stop buying the same thing over and over so recognizing similarities is important.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391762 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 19:15:57 +0000 Alassë 1391762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That was an excellent post, abc. I always enjoy reading musings on people's un-shopping experiences. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391749 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:53:07 +0000 abc 1391749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tracey, I have NEVER been a planner for wardrobe purposes, ending up with what you described - a lot of impulse buys that don't work together. &nbsp;Painful as it is, I know this is going to pay off in the end. &nbsp;Thanks for the encouragement.</p> <p>Shannon, thanks, I'm glad you can relate. &nbsp;Wow, inspiring? &nbsp;I am blushing now. &nbsp;I honestly just wanted to get my thoughts somewhat organized and throw them out there to collect the wisdom of YLF as I move forward. &nbsp;Thanks again for chiming in. &nbsp;Keep me posted on your wantsies, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391742 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:46:48 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1391742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh boy, can I relate to this post! I'm trying to figure out a way to deal with my "wantsies" as well and absolutely love your approach here. Very inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391738 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:43:52 +0000 abc 1391738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG, I have done and noticed the same. &nbsp;I had a HUGE case of the wantsies during NAS and only got three items out of the probably 20 I was lusting after. &nbsp;I just saw the EF leather sleeve jacket moved to Rack for about 75-80% off, and the Equipment sweater I bought at ~$200 is now down to about $120. &nbsp;So yeah, I need to learn to wait and know the next best thing will probably come along and the world won't end if I don't get Item X. &nbsp;</p> <p>Part of my issue is that I used to go to the US once a month but haven't been since Aug&nbsp;and have no plans to go back, so this is a BIG learning experience for me. &nbsp;I need to think of it as a challenge - learn the local market, buy less, be smarter. &nbsp;It is just so hard to do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391736 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:38:16 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1391736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taking time off shopping really works wonders for becoming more focused and purposeful in planning a wardrobe. These well thought out realizations are inspirational and no doubt will be more successful than impulse buying which allows for more mistakes. A good wake up for myself and I am sure a benefit to others! Thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391731 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:32:42 +0000 catgirl 1391731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been practicing holding off through my Nordstrom wishlist. Especially things that have come and gone, and come back and gone again. And I have survived. Keeping the unavailable items in my list helps me see that most items I felt I couldn't live without weren't actually all that essential, and that something as good or better will usually show up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391727 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:28:11 +0000 abc 1391727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Meredith, thanks for your reply. &nbsp;Glad to know I am not alone.</p> <p>AG, YES! &nbsp;For me, that phrase was key. &nbsp;I am slowly trading the "gotta have it right now" urge for the "uncomfort of the wantsies." &nbsp;I know myself, I want, want, WANT something so badly, then I get it, and it is not as great as I imagined. &nbsp;I have to be ok with that discomfort and learn to recognize it as just that. &nbsp;If I had pulled the trigger on every pretty little thing I've seen lately, I would have 3.5 inch tall boots that don't get worn (though a lovely cognac color) and a jacket that I'm not convinced meets every need I have. &nbsp;So yeah, this is a big learning process for me. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for reading and chiming it. &nbsp;It really helped to summarize it, sort of putting pen to paper in a way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391723 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:24:01 +0000 catgirl 1391723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"The uncomfort of the wantsies" should be an e.e. cummings poem. I so get it. Sounds like you've gained a lot of valuable knowledge. I think I will organize my closet today while home with sick child again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391718 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:19:45 +0000 Meredith 1391718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved this post! So thoughtful. We have similar items on our lists so I will be watching you closely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-and-musings-long#post-1391707 Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:12:44 +0000 abc 1391707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't shopped in almost 3 months (GASP! a record for me).</p> <p>Here are my (disorganized) thoughts, just wanted to get them down and share them in case anyone feels similarly.</p> <p><b>I'm still on an evolution of style</b>. &nbsp;I have WAY too many traditional (fitted) cotton&nbsp;t-shirts - short sleeve (too short, so only used for layering), 3/4 length (most useful) and long sleeved (some are being relegated to loungewear as we speak). &nbsp;<b>ACTION</b>: Try to find a couple of pieces of higher quality knitwear with drape and move nearly all of these to the loungewear capsule, at least for F/W. &nbsp;Like the idea of a plaid shirt but my wovens don't get a lot of love, always feel restricted for some reason. &nbsp;Explore this? &nbsp;Tread carefully with welts and sweatshirt fabrications.</p> <p><b>Need more light/midweight&nbsp;jackets</b>. &nbsp;Washable is key due to WFH/MOTG lifestyle. &nbsp;Waterproof/resistant and hip length&nbsp;nice to have. &nbsp;<b>ACTION</b>: go back to BR and check out the Field Jacket (finds), scour mall for other choices. &nbsp;Trick is to find time to do this. &nbsp;Careful with fit, not too fitted.</p> <p><b>Need a pair of shoes</b> that fits the following: flat to 1.5" heel (all day walking shoe), black or cognac, high vamp (bootie preferred OR a cognac Josef Siebel sassy sneaker would work, double check pants/hems). &nbsp;Noticing that I have lots of ballet flats but once weather has cooled they're not working so well for me. &nbsp;Only have one flat bootie and they are perforated with cutouts, so not suitable for anything but dry mild temp days. &nbsp;Perhaps need black AND cognac though sometimes I'm not a fan of black high vamp shoes on myself. &nbsp;Need more pondering. &nbsp;<b>ACTION</b>: think about color and how it will mix with wardrobe items as well as style and hem length&nbsp;(sneak vs bootie).</p> <p><b>Need to organize closet</b> to be more functional. &nbsp;CULL! &nbsp;Arrange! &nbsp;<b>ACTION</b>: Make time to reorganize closet and cull things not getting wear. &nbsp;Let it go...as Elsa says ;)</p> <p><b>Drawn to blazers</b> but I have quite a few. &nbsp;Try to be smart if I add any here. &nbsp;<b>ACTION</b>: be more self-aware while shopping (been doing way better with this, we'll see once I hit the mall, haha). &nbsp;Tend to go for shorter, fitted blazers but make sure I have topper(s) and jackets&nbsp;that work with the more fluid knits I intend to buy.</p> <p><b>Wildcard</b>: try on softer toppers like a poncho or longer sweater jacket. &nbsp;Historically haven't liked these due to my love for structure in a topper, but may be possible to find just the right one. &nbsp;WFH calls for more cozy items anyway, so <b>ACTION</b>: be open minded.</p> <p><b>Shopping</b>: have done a great job of holding off, sitting through the uncomfort of the wantsies. &nbsp;Be smart when you do buy. &nbsp;<b>ACTION</b>: Buy for the life I have, not an imaginary one. &nbsp;Watch out with welts and fabric weight (explore lightweight and drape). &nbsp;Try not to get overwhelmed by not knowing the local market. &nbsp;Take your time and explore before buying, even if it means making several trips. &nbsp;Return policies don't exist here so be sure before you buy. &nbsp;Do we even have JCrew? &nbsp;I don't think so. &nbsp;BR and Massimo Dutti, yes. &nbsp;Dept stores too.</p> <p>Thanks for reading and any input is appreciated!</p>