https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 11 May 2026 02:18:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far/page/2#post-584971 Sun, 01 Apr 2012 18:22:11 +0000 Jem 584971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for thrifting! I can't believe you found your orange purse! Your skirts sound fab, too!! I can't wait to see them and your handbag! You've found some great things for with your spring budget! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-584960 Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:34:50 +0000 MsMary 584960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, this is fantastically helpful and interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-584956 Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:28:23 +0000 Transcona Shannon 584956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Quick update: I was out thrifting yesterday (still had some of my "fun money" left from March) and found a gorgeous 100% leather orange handbag brand new, a Cleo petite teal green fully lined pencil skirt and a Cleo petite fully lined a-line multi coloured skirt for a total of $24! I can tick off the orange handbag from my list and still be in budget. I'm glad I didn't spend a lot of this item because I suspect it will be a one summer use item for me since it may be a little trendy for my wardrobe long term. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583684 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 01:22:46 +0000 Jewell 583684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are quite the treasure trove of useful information! I saw your thrifting tips first, and now this. I love lists, and I make them all the time for all sorts of things. I'm grateful for whatever inspired you to share your tips and your budgeting strategy and give us a peak into your thought process! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583595 Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:04:59 +0000 Aida 583595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great list, and thanks for sharing it Shannon! I usually write mine out too, but so far I've been tracking in my head this season. I really should sit down and sort it all out, thanks for the inspiration </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583372 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:39:41 +0000 Jem 583372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's great and impressive and organized! I love that your hubby wanted to buy you the shoes, too! My husband likes Dr. Martins, too, for some reason. I'll have to get a pair one of these days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583281 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:39:15 +0000 krishnidoux 583281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very helpful. Thank you for posting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583237 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:17:56 +0000 Mona 583237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks a bunch for sharing this, Shannon! No wonder, your outfits always look so nicely put together and well thought out and so much fun at the same time. This does not come easy, as I am realizing these days. I am trying to build my wardrobe from a very few items and I don't like to spend tons of money. I am going to start a spreadsheet like yours and put a budget plan together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583236 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:17:33 +0000 Ana 583236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is very inspirational! I'm favoriting it. Thanks for posting your budget spreadsheets, Shannon and Mo. : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583184 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:38:10 +0000 Transcona Shannon 583184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you found this useful and interesting - I felt kind of weird posting it firstly because it's personal financial information, but secondly, it illustrates my love of lists!</p> <p>Manidipa - don't you DARE get sick - get out you evil germs!!!</p> <p>Suz - don't think about what you spent in the last year. You lost weight and your size changed. That's a whole different situation in my book.</p> <p>Jayne - thanks for the shout out to my hubby. He is indeed supportive, funny (always has his "sexy" comments), and enjoys seeing what I come up with for an outfit. He told me a few years ago (we've been together 28 years) that one of the things that he was attracted to when we first started dating was my footwear! I was in kind of a punk rock phase then and had these short green leather "Beatle boots" that apparently he found alluring! Too funny.</p> <p>Mo - I like your "caveman" list. It includes CPW, which I don't track. Maybe that will be my next addition to my list. FWIW I actually do include alterations in my budget because it can make a difference in the overall cost of the item.</p> <p>Sylvie - I always leave a little "wiggle" room for wants (instead of needs) - like the orange purse. It's definitely not a need - but I think it will have to go this year in place of one.</p> <p>Suz - I don't mind at all putting a little something together about how and why thrifting is successful for me. I will do this in a separate thread though if that's ok. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583171 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:20:13 +0000 Suz 583171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, at some point if you get time, could you share with us how you manage so successfully to thrift items? I mean, how do you know that you will be able to find an item at a thrift store? Do you have some idea of the types of things you're likely to get there? </p> <p>Because for me, thrifting and consigning sometimes results in lovely "finds" but they are just that. Unexpected gifts, things I might not otherwise have bought. Sometimes, yes, I'm able to fill a need (e.g. my brown consigned boots, my tweedy jacket) but I had no idea I'd find those things until I found them. And other buys have been things I really didn't NEED and didn't have on any kind of list but decided, for the price, would be really fun to have (e.g. a black suede pencil skirt that cost me about $3). </p> <p>I know that you get many great bags on thrifting expeditions. But do you have recommendations about other things it can be easy to find? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583157 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:13:32 +0000 Sylvie 583157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so impressed! You've prioritized what you need, you've set your budget and you've managed to fit your purchases within your budget. You know when to pay full retail and when you can thrift.</p> <p>I wish I had your shopping skillset. I have a list of "wants" but it is hard to prioritize them and make them fit into my budget. Thrifting hasn't worked for me and so I do my shopping online or in store.</p> <p>I'm going to try copying your exact method for figuring out wardrobe holes and come up with a list of "needs" instead of "wants" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583130 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:51:27 +0000 Mo 583130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love it! Thanks for sharing. My list looks more like caveman paintings next to yours, but I do keep track in my own low tech way ;)<br /> As per Angela's question on budget, for me, I decided that I would reduce last year's $1500 budget to $1000 for this year. I think I did most of my overhauling and acquiring in 2011 and am more on a hole filling and updating mission this year. So I divided the year squarely in half, budget wise for $500 per half.<br /> I have not decided if I should list alterations in this amount. I have spent $10 on hemming white jeans and $20 on making wide legs into skinnies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583128 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:50:13 +0000 jayne 583128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey isn't the planning and listing and budgeting part of the fun? I mean where would the thrill come from if could afford everything. Having discipline and a plan means you can feel even more successful for getting that thing you need and knowing it is a 10 because it is part of the plan, and only 10's will do. Now, not talking from experience here, just the goal of mine with learning to have a style, a plan, a budget. I am fascinated by the thought Shannon put into all this and the supportive and open husband she has. It must be wonderful to be taken seriously in all this and supported. You are amazing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583119 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:41:35 +0000 Suz 583119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is brilliant and inspriational, Shannon! </p> <p>I am afraid to think how much I am actually spending this year on clothes. So I try not to! (Although I also try to be careful and shop wisely.) It is tricky because I am really building a wardrobe from the ground up. A year ago, I had a couple of pairs of ill fitting yoga pants and jeans and that's it! In this process, I have made a few errors...mostly fit issues (bought something that I THOUGHT fit okay, but it did not - hello cute yellow shoes, I'm looking at you!!) and a few style errors (hello, steampunk skirt). But I've also scored a few big successes with thrift and vintage and sale buys, as well as with regular price items bought new, and I've returned a lot of stuff that hasn't quite worked.</p> <p>What you've done here is so helpful. I still have more "hole" than "holes" but as soon as I get to your place on the spectrum, I'm going to do exactly this. Thank you!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583114 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:37:22 +0000 CocoLion 583114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your approach! Very smart. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583104 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:29:39 +0000 Jjsloane 583104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My list is still in my mind, but there are a lot of the same items you have on yours! (Like Rita I'd love green blazer and orange bag) </p> <p>Good for you keeping track, it should teach you a lot about your habits and keep you mostly on track. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583085 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:17:09 +0000 ManidipaM 583085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I have no opinion on whether or not this is anal retentive --- but I do have this opinion that you're an inspiration! I'm taking a spread out of your sheet and doing this myself. (In fact, it's late and I've caught a bug, or I'd be staying up late *right NOW* to walk in your fabulous shoes!)</p> <p>THANK YOU for sharing this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583032 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:39:45 +0000 christieanne 583032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very smart and savvy! I don't know if I could do a spreadsheet but the pulling everything, purging and identifying some reasonable holes is working for me.<br /> Like you, I have the list prioritized and a few things are not really critical (covering the body is kind of critical, new blue handbag is sort of wishlist) and I need a little flex room for spur of the moment purchases.<br /> My spur of the moment fund is coming from consigning right now and I feel less guilty spending for "unplanned" items if I am recycling some duds to a better home. </p> <p>Thanks for sharing this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-583024 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:32:44 +0000 ButterflyLady 583024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think it's anal retentive at all - it's very organised! I don't do it - well, I have a list, but no budget. I tend to have figures in my head above which I think 'too expensive', but that's about it. </p> <p>My husband thinks I buy loads of clothes - but he sees the bags and orders coming in (and hanging round in our bedroom waiting for me to retry/take photos for this forum!) but never sees the going out/returning part - I spent over £70 on Monday, but took back £59 worth of clothes. I have ordered *lots* of stuff recently - there's a huge pile in our room, but most of it is for our son who is back from college tomorrow, with a couple of pairs of trouser jeans for me to make my mind up about ... I know I don't *ever* keep it all, or even any of it, but I think I might keep a list (I am so bad at spreadsheet software it's not funny, so it will have to just be a list!) to make sure I'm not being ridiculous ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582964 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:09:52 +0000 Makrame 582964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are doing really well! It's great to have a budget and a plan. I should probably follow your lead - seems like a great way to stay on track. My "plan" for this spring was similar to yours - new shoes (got a bunch, need to sort out who stays and who goes back), an orange bag (got it), and some tops. But I did not write it out, which probably allowed me to stray a bit.</p> <p>I find spreadsheets both motivating and therapeutic - for now, I am keeping a CPW spreadsheet, and that motivates me to make sure that I wear all the things in my closet and also helps me see when wardrobe holes are real and when they are imagined. I think I'll try making a plan/budget spreadsheet for the next fall season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582961 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:08:34 +0000 Anonymous 582961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know, I caught myself eyeing up one of my investment accounts the other day....gave myself a good shake!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582960 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:06:31 +0000 Transcona Shannon 582960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be very honest and open here Angela, I got myself into serious trouble with credit cards about 8 years ago when I lost alot of weight and went absolutely crazy buying clothes, often without much thought put into it. I have no desire to EVER get in that position again so therefore am much more cautious and thoughtful about every purchase now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582959 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:04:14 +0000 Anonymous 582959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Extremely helpful. as you may know, I am hiring someone to help me with colours and weeding out my closet but I want to do some leg work too. I agree, there is lots I see and think, I want that :)</p> <p>I am struggling with the cost portion, how much is fair, reasonable, etc...I know how much I would like to spend a month LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582950 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:56:07 +0000 Transcona Shannon 582950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Waving to Angela!</p> <p>I based my budget on what I felt was comfortable for spending monthly for the season of the budget: for spring/summer, I considered the "purchasing season" to be February - May and felt that $200 per month was do-able for our family budget therefore a total of $800 for the season. In talking with my husband, it was felt that if that $800 was spent in just two of the months, that would still work as long as the overall purchases stuck to the plan. Because items we see/want come up at random times, it is difficult to stick to the exact time frame so there does have to be some flexibility. Of course to try and maximize my budget, I will stalk an item until it goes on sale or find coupon codes if possible.</p> <p>As for figuring out the holes in my wardrobe, I literally brought out all of my spring and summer items from my downstairs closet (where out of season items are kept) at the beginning of February and laid them all out on my bed. I tried everything on to see what fit, determined what wouldn't work with my current style direction, and tried to make as many combinations out of what was left. Then I went through Angie's lists of what is hot for spring this year and her posts on fab items, and made my list of what I needed and how to incorporate some of the trends to fill those holes. From there I made my list and got rid of the items that didn't fit or no longer worked for me.</p> <p>It is really hard on this forum to remain steadfast with budgets and plans - there are sooooo many beautiful outfits posted by the members and Angie's lists always include delicious items I want. But...I need to be respectful of the fact that my spending is only part of a household budget that includes my husband and son as well so I try really hard to stick to the plan.</p> <p>Wow - that's a bit of a rambling reply Angela - hope it was helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582947 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:52:46 +0000 modgrl 582947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! I would also love an orange bag and a green blazer </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582944 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:47:12 +0000 Anonymous 582944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And a fellow Canuck (Cleo gave it away)</p> <p>Can I ask a question, a couple actually:</p> <p>How did you identify your budget? A % of your income</p> <p>How did you identify the wholes in your wardrobe you wanted to fill?</p> <p>I just seem to want everything with no set plan</p> <p>I love the spreadsheet odea </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582942 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:45:32 +0000 goldenpig 582942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow that is so organized! That's so great for keeping track of both wardrobe holes and your budget. Good job Shannon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582939 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:44:54 +0000 Tanya 582939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Shannon, this is so organized and I admire how you are staying on the top of everything. Great job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far#post-582937 Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:41:02 +0000 Meredith1953 582937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon,<br /> What a fabulous shopper you are!<br /> ETA I like your budgeting process and the spreadsheet. Very helpful. I have a figure sort of in my head regarding how much to purchase and how much I am willing to spend on an item but putting it down on paper might be helpful to me. It doesn't seem anal retentive to me at all. Just very wise! </p>