YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping list

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping list - keeping it real https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:03:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Olive Green on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305642 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:18:35 +0000 Olive Green 2305642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, here are the more “me” choices that are in constant rotation right now, they look like it, aha. Utilitarian nomad with a bit of classic.  Suz on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305581 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 04:20:51 +0000 Suz 2305581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, Olive Green, now I want to see those shoes!! :)  Olive Green on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305565 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 03:03:41 +0000 Olive Green 2305565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I look at my Pinterest board and add to it on a regular basis, to see what I really like. It’s all very slouchy and organic and rather Margaret Howell, and in real life I need more structure, but I decided that the shoes, at least, were basic to the style I want. And very available.  That worked a treat, and it trained my eye to look for the type of pieces that make me happy.  I am shocked and pleased to find that this emotional buying is working well. Those things become my basics!  I stopped ‘shoulding’ myself so much. Why has this taken so long to happen?  Fashion, more liberating than I thought.  Anyhow, that is now my method. Does it look like what I really like, or am I buying it for some other reason?  Jaime on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305551 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 01:50:38 +0000 Jaime 2305551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sigh. This is the area I really want to change. For years I have shopped second hand and sort of accepted what comes my way and made it work. Yes, I had a sort of vague list of "would love to find" in my head, but rarely actively sought out anything particular, with the exception of things like Birkenstocks or rain boots that I really can't do without. Anyway, I want to be more intentional going forward, and am still working out what I mean by that. You all are very inspiring! Tanya on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305532 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 01:11:44 +0000 Tanya 2305532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This year my aim is to drastically reduce my shopping and there is nothing I truly need.   Hence, I created a list/framework, with some specific and some less well defined items, that lists what I am allowed to shop for, but hope to purchase less.  Sort of like an upper limit. Anonymous on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305514 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:19:58 +0000 Anonymous 2305514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What I *should* be looking for is the basics I listed in the main post. What I'll probably buy instead are black pleather leggings, black tall boots, and the gold and black kintsugi top Anonymous on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305482 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 22:28:58 +0000 Anonymous 2305482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shopping.  I do not shop except second hand.  My advice is to have patience.  What you are looking for will eventually appear. Last year I hated giving up the boho fun of my summer wardrobe in winter and I was determined to find a winter version.  I eventually found it in Icelandic brand embroidered sweaters and their patterns even on a dress.  I want to visit their store in a local town that is not too far away to see if they have some pieces I can't be without.  My wardrobe is in a good place.  I really do not need anything to dress approximately for any occasion.  I do need to replace items.  I am weeding out black but saw the power of excellent black dress pants at a recent ladies  luncheon.  Most were wearing a column of black under a wonderful print topper. And black snow boots.  Those were appropriate for the weather and walking to a car in the parking lot.   Minaminu on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305449 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:20:02 +0000 Minaminu 2305449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I usually prepare my shopping list when I review my wardrobe at the end of the year and identify missing pieces. My 2023 list includes <ul> <li>Travel bag</li> <li>Metallic sandals  </li> <li>Pocketable waterproof windbreak jacket       </li> <li>Linen dress</li> <li>Linen top       </li> <li>White jeans</li> <li>Metallic accessories</li> <li>Replace: black mocassins, black jeans, blue jeans, black boots, garden clogs, swimsuit and sportswear</li> </ul> Sal on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305443 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:46:10 +0000 Sal 2305443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree that replacing essentials is not always easy or fun - and I too put off doing that - but not as much as I used to My firm list for the year includes Replacements for <ol> <li>On the Fly Pants</li> <li>Birkenstocks</li> <li>Puffer Jacket</li> <li>Tan Casual Handbag</li> </ol> Additional <ol> <li>Merino long sleeve top</li> <li>Updated jeans</li> <li>Fresh set activewear</li> </ol> What I added so far <ol> <li>Denim Shorts (an unplanned replacement due to a stain)</li> <li>A 70s style dress</li> <li>Tan Casual handbag</li> </ol>  I think the activewear will be the next addition - I am None of my list are stopping me getting dressed - I still have birks but they are looking worn - I have a puffer - I have denim etc I like to keep some room for fun additions too- and they often are off-piste Angie on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305435 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:03:59 +0000 Angie 2305435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I keep a running list in my head of my style goals, and my shopping list follows and flows from there. I've become good at this so it's almost on autopilot and intuitive. But because I am a fashion and style professional with an engaged social community, I share my goals and list for the year in a post, and keep my readership informed of how I progress in subsequent posts. Have to formally show that I practice what I preach!  Here is 2023: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2023/01/12/style-goals-for-2023/">https://youlookfab.com/2023/01.....-for-2023/</a> It's organized, but also very emotional. (As Suz pointed out already). I am absolutely open to new things! I try to get what I need and have to replace, but you cannot get what is not there - to Jonesy's point!  At this point my wardrobe is in stellar shape and I love it! Unless I needed to go to a fancy ball with an outfit that I could successfully pack in a suitcase, I would not need to add anything to my fab-for-me wardrobe! But I like new trends, love to shop, and enjoy a seasonal refresh......so there you go (I keep a spreadsheet of what I buy, return, keep, and pass on. Got to stay within my budget, and keep my wardrobe a certain size. And of course, my wardrobe is digitally represented too! This info feeds into shopping list).  Suz on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305431 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:47:53 +0000 Suz 2305431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I usually have a list of essentials that need updating/ replacing -- key items in my chosen neutrals -- but that doesn't always mean I can find them. Sort of like your white linen shirt, I guess.  Sometimes essentials become HEWIs, and that is very frustrating. At times, though, it can lead to a positive style evolution. Example -- I really wanted a pair of burgundy pants. Burgundy pants are not, strictly speaking, an essential for my closet (not like blue jeans, for example), but when I had to retire my burgundy jeans several years ago, I realized, the need was pretty strong; I could make outfits without them but I was really missing those jeans! I looked and looked for burgundy jeans, or cords, or even wool pants, to no avail. I tried another colour of pants to substitute (olive). Neither strategy worked out -- couldn't find burgundy pants in the cuts I wanted / needed or in good fits for me. Olive did not fit seamlessly in my closet and in fact annoyed me. Finally,, two years later, I find the burgundy parachute pant! Which helps me evolve my style in a new direction.   I also have a list of "things I'd love to have" and I keep my eyes open for those...without too much pressure. And I can easily be tempted by alternatives.  Angie calls it "organized emotional" shopping. You have to be open to what's out there. -- it helps to keep our style fresh and interesting.  Jonesy on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305430 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:31:45 +0000 Jonesy 2305430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your list and approach make total sense, Irina! I keep a mental list of different things (e.g., I'm currently searching in vain for a loose-fit, tweedy, brown print like herringbone, one-to-two button blazer with long-enough sleeves) but stray from it often :). While I am somewhat disciplined in most areas of my life, shopping is not one of them! cat2 on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305401 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:47:44 +0000 cat2 2305401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Left to my own devices, I would buy a bunch of pretty print pieces and have absolutely nothing to wear. So I keep a piece count in each category for Summer and Not Summer, and keep track of how many pairs of pants and jeans, and how many sweaters and jackets I have, to make sure I buy these essentials first. After that, I just stick to a budget for the fun pieces and see what appeals to me. Helena on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305400 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:46:43 +0000 Helena 2305400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like your approach and your distinctions Irina. I've started to write down things when an actual needs presents itself - like I get dressed and think, what I really need for this is a XXXXX ... it could be purely practical, a true functional wardrobe hole, or it could be something that I just keep thinking I want (reaching for wishing it was there ha!) This seems to work better for me to balance overthinking and overplanning, being too influenced by what I see or read ("fasion advice") or emotional purchases without a practical goal to them.  I have a few items on it right now: - black dress for summer - wool winter coat in a true neutral (gray or black) - update mariniere tshirt - striped sweater - pyjamas - updated white shorts - black high shaft booties - zip up rashguard for swimming - black sport sandals or Birkenstocks It's summer-heavy right now because many of these items came to mind on our recent trip. Black booties are #1 on my wishlist but I haven't had time to go looking! LJP on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305395 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:35:36 +0000 LJP 2305395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ On January 1st I started a little notebook in which I'm keeping track of what I've passed on/donated and what I have bought. A sidebar is a running list of what I want to look for .  So far it's quite specific:  black slouchy fit trousers in a 4-season fabric (3 seasons maybe) , kitten heel slingbacks (not sure about colour yet), cargo or parachute type pants or jeans  and some everyday shorts in an updated cut  (not sure what that will be until I see it) . This stuff lives in my head as well as on a written list  I keep my options open, otherwise.  Carla on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305394 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:26:23 +0000 Carla 2305394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think about shopping strategies a lot!  I’m pretty sure my frustration with online shopping, and limited access to choice at B&M is affecting my wardrobe size and my style.  I work with a list, but I also browse a lot and remain open to emotional purchases and wildcards. When I shop online, I filter by item, colour, and often by brand.  When I shop B&M I’ll zero in on what’s on my list, but whether I locate it or not, I’ll browse the merch in a general way afterwards.  Most often I browse selecting diverse items in a colour I want to explore - rather than a general category of garment. My current shopping list: low heeled dress shoes white sneaker (Stan Smiths?) black belt (alligator texture?) white jeans summer shorts 1-2 summer dresses 2-3 would be nice: bikini top for black bottoms or second vacation bikini, beach cover-up, beach tote Other: dress for May wedding(?) and accessories It doesn’t say anything about colour direction, and recent purchases have been neutrals heavy (navy, black).  Not written down, but in my head is ‘grow lilac capsule’ and ‘explore a new colour’.   Cardiff girl on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305393 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:24:40 +0000 Cardiff girl 2305393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do keep lists very similar to yours by the sound of it,one list is defined and the other is more of a vague”l will know it when l see it”type.l am terrible at buying off list and have decided,like you,to get strict with myself this year but it’s quite difficult to do is isnt it,Someof my most worn clothes have been off list purchases.It’s a dilemma ! Irina on "Shopping list - keeping it real" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-list---keeping-it-real#post-2305385 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 14:36:49 +0000 Irina 2305385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve had a shopping list for the last 8 or so years. It’s written in Notes and accessible to me on my phone or iPad. I add items though a year and sometimes delete if I change my mind. Generally, it is a list of reminders, kind of “needs and wants”. I feel certain satisfaction when I cross an item from the list. But analyzing last year purchases and had to stop and think. How I bought more than I planned and only a few pieces from the list? So, I looked closer at my shopping list. I can have two distinctive types: one is wants like “solid color summer pants” and other is more precise needs “white wide leg linen pants”.  I edit the first type all the time, I sometimes add too much or decide that it is not needed.  These are more like ideas and I’m not surprised that I might not buy a lot from this category.  <div>The needs category is for essential pieces and it is not fun to shop for them. I start looking but I give up when I can’t find a specific item that fits the way I want and in my price range. Some of these items are really hard to fit like a white linen shirt that must replace my threadbare 8 years old linen shirt from Gap. Mostly, these are plain, solid items that are backbone of my wardrobe and they are more often replacements for worn out garments. It is a boring part of shopping. When I shop in B&M stores I love to go in with an open mind and it is the way I find my more interesting and unexpected pieces. </div><div>My first purchase of 2023 are fun pants, “good to have” dress and a Marimekko t-shirt, a brand I try to collect when it goes on sale. </div><div>Time to get real. I split my list on needs and wants, needs would come first. I want to buy one item from this list a month, before I let me my grabbing hands loose. </div><div>So, a white linen shirt is coming with white sneakers to follow. I have 8 items on my list and they should come first. </div><div>Are you going to shop any differently? Do you think about shopping strategies?</div>