https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:23:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616458 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:24:51 +0000 Jenn 1616458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're so right, celia! They look like quintessential capsule wardrobe pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616387 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:09:58 +0000 celia 1616387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess the second group has more of the ' everybody says that these are versatile items ' kind of a vibe. But maybe that's just me.<br /> Besides, as Suz wisely says those are also items that you will get more wear of when spring comes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616380 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:59:09 +0000 Jenn 1616380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Aziraphale</b>, so true! Hats are just quirky enough.</p> <p><b>Donna</b>, the darker jeans are actually blue, so I won't wear the denim shirt with them. I have worn it with the burgundy, but something about the combination just doesn't make me happy. I didn't even think about the sleeves scrunching aspect of the silk shirts, but you're totally right! I'm a roller/scruncher too!</p> <p><b>Sandy -&nbsp;</b>I think you're thinking of Janet's thread about the navy tees, but interesting you should accidentally post it here, because I've been thinking about how another mistake I've made is trying to expand navy beyond denim in my wardrobe. It just doesn't ever seem to work out!</p> <p><b>Joy -&nbsp;</b>Definitely! I'm not giving up on my less successful items yet, but I won't purchase anything similar.</p> <p><b>Suz - &nbsp;</b>You're so wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616215 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:36:34 +0000 Suz 1616215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You did so well with reviving your wardrobe this year and learned so much! I am impressed. I think this analysis will prove helpful. I remember those silk blouses and how eager you were to get them...do you think you may leave them in the closet partly due to thoughts about having to iron them after laundering? Also...don't despair of wearing them yet because their season may not be here. I find that I reach for knits knits knits all winter. But when the temperatures change all of a sudden a blouse has a different appeal.&nbsp;</p> <p>Chambray shirts/ denim shirts often meet the fate that yours has. I own one that I rarely wear also (it is my second...). I am glad to have it, however. There are times when it really comes in handy. Just not very <b>many</b> times, heh.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616105 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 03:16:57 +0000 Anonymous 1616105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's enjoyable and thought provoking to read your musings and think of my own successes and fails over the past season. This is a good idea. Sometimes what looks like a fail can become a workhorse the next time the season rolls around due to differences in weather or changes in your style or that of those around you. I mean that maybe a new trend has yet to reach your area. An example for me was booties. They finally became normal wear this year in this area. Although your less successful items seem rather classic, so may just not be your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616073 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 01:40:09 +0000 SandyG 1616073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try looking at Ash &amp; Rose organic cotton tee shirts. The $18 cap sleeve tee came in limited colors last summer but I got a perfect fit and the fabric feels soft like that 'good organic cotton experience', and drapes well. I bought white, black and rose. Maybe you will find your navy in their long sleeve selections.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616054 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 00:51:28 +0000 DonnaF 1616054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you wear your denim shirt with either of your Lands End jeans since they're not blue jeans?</p> <p>FWIW, I find that sometimes shirt pockets interfere or at least don't look that good with whatever topper I want to wear since those pocket seams or buttons look bumpy and lumpy underneath.&nbsp; As to silk shirts:&nbsp; I'm a sleeve scruncher, and silk shirt sleeves don't scrunch or even roll all that well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1616032 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 23:59:28 +0000 Brooklyn 1616032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, project dye is a thrilling tale of highs and lows, hits and misses, progress and setbacks in the quest for the perfect burgundy. Retail is much easier. But I think I will pass on the lucky top because it is a bit spendy for something that you have found disappointing. But thanks for the review </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615944 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 20:01:23 +0000 Aziraphale 1615944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those are all fab items. I really love the hat -- I can see why you get compliments. I think hats get a lot of praise because they are impossible not to notice, and most people don't wear them. A good hat instantly ups your style quotient. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615826 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 16:02:10 +0000 Jenn 1615826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you had much luck with the dying, <b>Brooklyn</b>? I feel like whenever I try to dye something, it comes out slightly different from what I'd envisioned. This is my worst season for shopping, though, so I totally get the urge. You might have better luck with the Lucky top than me (and who knows, they still might become spring workhorses?), but mine started to strain at the back seams almost the first time I wore them. I hand to apply some fray check to keep them from developing outright tears.</p> <p><b>Shevia</b> - Thank you! I have some WIWs cued up to post soon.</p> <p><b>celia -&nbsp;</b>That's an interesting observation. I wonder what the difference could be?</p> <p><b></b>Good point,&nbsp;<b>Bijou</b>. I do think a "classic" striped shirt could still work in my wardrobe. I'm eyeing a higher-end Vince one that someone here recommended.</p> <p>Gah,&nbsp;<b>Beth Ann</b>, I like both those tops. I do think I might have better luck with the button-downs if I could wear polyester, but I'm prone to heat rashes and can't usually get away with more than a 50% blend.</p> <p><b>Brie</b>, if you're aware enough to be concerned, you'll be fine! Everyone here told me we go through acquisition phases that eventually slow down or stop, and they were right.</p> <p>Thanks<b>, Summer!</p> <p></b><b>Staysfit</b>, I'd love to see your rundown!<br /><b></p> <p></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615772 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 11:45:27 +0000 Staysfit 1615772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, you're so insightful! I am impressed with your assessment and love what you have learned about yourself. I am thinking about doing a seasonal assessment soon and I like your idea of choosing the best and worst purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615763 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:42:58 +0000 Summer 1615763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You made some wise choices, Jenn. &nbsp;The pieces you chose are lovely; no wonder you have been happy with your winter wardrobe, and haven't felt the need for impulse buys. &nbsp;Also, it sounds as if you have learnt from the less successful purchases, which is all good.<br />Here's to an equally successful spring/summer season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615721 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 05:17:32 +0000 BrieN 1615721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so glad to hear that the impulse to shop stopped eventually. I am in the middle of the acquisition phase and was just starting to get worried by my obsessive looking and thinking about all this.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615710 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 03:57:14 +0000 Beth Ann 1615710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a good idea to reflect on what's working and what's not as we move into another season. &nbsp;You have clearly hit your fashion stride and are enjoying a working wardrobe that makes you happy! &nbsp;Love your bookish boho!</p> <p>I have difficulty with denim shirts, too, although I've loved my softer blouses. &nbsp;I have a small collection of soft print blouses that are wash and wear. &nbsp;The one posted below is the most recent (I posted a tee, too, since I think it might also suit you). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615697 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 03:23:51 +0000 Bijou 1615697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great post to see what worked for you and why. &nbsp;It is interesting that the chambray shirt and striped tops did not work so well as these are often considered wardrobe classics. &nbsp;I guess we have to work out what our personal "classics" are and why. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615689 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 03:05:17 +0000 celia 1615689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting to see what was a star and what was not very successful .<br /> I feel that the first group of items has a very different feeling from the second one. Cannot quite say what.<br /> I understand how labels trick us into thinking that some item might work for us. Nothing like trying everything to see what actually works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615669 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 02:11:17 +0000 Jaime 1615669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have to remind myself not to be a label snob in reverse - as in just because it has a recognizable vintage label does not mean it is good for me or anyone else!&nbsp;<br />I think your purchases were sound and you learned a lot. And I want to see your favorites in action. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615647 Sun, 14 Feb 2016 01:24:52 +0000 Brooklyn 1615647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a good exercise Jenn. I think I will do the same at the end of summer. Summer is still in full swing here but I made what I hope is my last summer wear purchase a couple of weeks ago.<br /> I can relate to you about the denim shirt. For me a top is unlikely to be successful for casual wear unless it is jeans friendly (I also don't do denim on denim although I do admire it on others). I have 2 denim jackets that are rarely worn for that reason.<br /> And interesting about the Lucky silk top because I was thinking of lemming you on that one. Such a great colour. This summer I have been dyeing various tops to "our" colours. I am sick of waiting for them to appear at retail. I am sure you get that </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615514 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:55:02 +0000 Jenn 1615514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kerlyn -&nbsp;</b>Yes! I'm glad someone else has found these tees!</p> <p><b>Sterling -&nbsp;</b>I think you're right on the fit thing. There's also an issue in that I just really don't like denim on denim, so I won't wear it with my blue jeans, which is limiting.</p> <p><b>Janet -&nbsp;</b>I window shop for Rag&amp;Bone items constantly, but I know they wouldn't fit me. It can be frustrating, because I'd willingly pay a premium for "just right" and I honestly wish finding the perfect fit were as easy as simply paying more. It never is!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615508 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:31:24 +0000 Janet 1615508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love those boots, and am sitting on my hands because they are available in my size! I also really like that Anthro embroidered shirt.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm laughing a little at the label snob/don't fear the non-designer syndrome. Yes, I fall victim to this too, when I don't have anywhere near a model-slim body. I remind myself that I've had nearly as much success with Gap and Lucky recently as I've had with AG or Rag &amp; Bone. "Leave no retail stone unturned" is a really good reminder.&nbsp;</p> <p>Chambray shirts are one of those hot and cold items, it seems. I have at least 4, because it seems I come across a new one that is so much better than the one I already have…and then don't end up wearing either one as much as I think I should. They're great for wearing at the ranch though. :-/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615506 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:29:25 +0000 Anonymous 1615506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if you failed to find the "right" denim shirt? &nbsp;I own three and two of the three are workhorses. &nbsp;The third rarely gets worn. &nbsp;It is a fit thing. Something is just not quite right. &nbsp;Yet it looks the same as the others ..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615501 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 21:18:04 +0000 kerlyn 1615501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's interesting which items become workhorses and which don't. &nbsp;I have 2 of those linen-blend Target tees myself (the burgundy and black), and just love them. &nbsp;They do layer so well. &nbsp;My chambray shirt is on a rotating cycle in and out of the donate pile. &nbsp;Right now it's in my closet, so we'll see if it gets worn this spring! &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615411 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:50:45 +0000 Jenn 1615411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa -&nbsp;</b>It really goes back to Angie's "leave no stone unturned," doesn't it? I still do have a hard time looking at certain catalog photos and believing that items won't instantly frump me (or make me look like a rock star) but I'm getting there. They're just clothes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615410 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:45:34 +0000 Jenn 1615410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, on my less-good choices.</p> <p><b>Lucky silk blouses</b> - Enamored with the idea of everyday luxury and gorgeous natural fibers, I bought a couple of casual silk blouses early in the season. I've barely worn them. I'm not sure whether that's because I've been spoiled with knits, and the woven fabric feels restrictive, or because the silk isn't a high-enough quality and I'm terrified of tearing it, but these weren't worth the investment for me.</p> <p><b>J.Crew Factory striped tees</b> - I loved the idea of these wardrobe basics, and wore them a lot to start with, but, even with careful laundering, they quickly stretched out and shrunk oddly and developed holes. At more than twice the price of my linen tees, this shouldn't have happened. Also, two (even in different colors) was overkill. One high-quality striped tee should be plenty for me.</p> <p><b>Denim shirt </b>- I bought a denim shirt because Pinterest! Love! So versatile! It hasn't really panned out for me, though this could also be because of the woven comfort thing. I haven't given up hope, but I just don't find myself reaching for this as often as I would have thought.</p> <p>I did buy more than just these listed items, but most everything else is quietly working away, neither a benchwarmer nor a superstar. Overall, I think I did all right, and barring any major size changes, most of what I bought last season will carry right on into next year.</p> <p>For spring/summer, I'm hoping to make even better choices, and to do so early in the season again, so I can spend most of the warm months simply enjoying what I have. This seems to work for me!<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615409 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:45:13 +0000 Anonymous 1615409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These pieces are really nice - and interesting how they all work together in terms of colour &nbsp;Your comment &nbsp;:"&nbsp;I am owning up to the fact that, while I'd like to have a designer-jeans body, Lands End fits the body I have. Here's to paying attention to the mirror and getting past catalog frump!".........hit me like a ton of bricks &nbsp;. &nbsp;I can be such a label snob - to myself - when shopping .....and that might be a big part of my problem with fits. &nbsp;Hmm.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-winter-before-spring-shopping#post-1615407 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:31:17 +0000 Jenn 1615407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is gonna be long, and mostly to get my thoughts in order, but maybe it will help others, too. I hope so!</p> <p>I felt like I shopped a ton heading into this past fall/winter and was, frankly, a little worried about it. Once everything was sorted, though, the shopping just&nbsp;<i>stopped</i>. Even without any sort of shopping ban in place, I haven't bought a single article of clothing since early December. Not even a treat-myself scarf.</p> <p>I've been happy with my wardrobe, too. I haven't been tracking wears as carefully as I might, but I know which choices worked out best. Of the things I bought last season, good choices include:</p> <p><b>Anthropologie embroidered shirt</b> - This was a have-to-have-it piece I saw on Pinterest and bought on impulse. It was a fantastic addition to my wardrobe, and I wore it at least once a week during the transitional season.</p> <p><b>Anthropologie duster cardigan</b> - I've never had anything like this before, but it filled a wardrobe niche that I'd been thinking about for a long time - the long, boho sweater. I tried on a bunch of geometric-print, Aztec-inspired sweater coats, and they just weren't me. This solid cardigan in an earthy color hit me just right in my "bookish boho" place.</p> <p><b>Lands End jeans -&nbsp;</b>I bought two pairs of slim leg jeans from Lands End --one in burgundy and one in indigo--and they're near or below $1/wear and still going strong. I am owning up to the fact that, while I'd like to have a designer-jeans body, Lands End fits the body I have. Here's to paying attention to the mirror and getting past catalog frump!</p> <p><b>Target linen tees -&nbsp;</b>I bought a long-sleeve linen blend tee at Target sometime in November, and promptly went back for two more. They layer with everything, and the breathable fiber has been good on my rash-prone skin.</p> <p><b>Born boots -&nbsp;</b>My cap-toe tall booties have been AMAZING this season. That one detail adds instant funk to any outfit. I'm so glad I sprung for them.</p> <p><b>The "magic&nbsp;hat"&nbsp;</b>- My wool Panama hat was a super-star in the fall, and still comes out to play on warmer winter days. It boosted every outfit I added it to, and I get more compliments on it than any other item in my wardrobe.</p> <p>I told you this would be long. I'm going to post this and then follow up with the not-so-good choices. Interesting that this list comes out to five items, isn't it? How French of me.<br /><b></b></p>