https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:46:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1904820 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 20:26:09 +0000 Sal 1904820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenn - yes teenagers are not cheap!!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I think like yourself I have essentials and statements - and not many completers.&nbsp; I have to be careful not to add too many statements in to the closet which is the mistake I used to make.</p> <p>There was one statement I regret somewhat - the yellow floral tee - being cropped has made it hard to wear except with high waisted jeans - yet it has been fun to wear yellow again after a long break (except for mustard I have not worn yellow since I was a teenager).&nbsp; I can't quite work out what to wear over it now I need longer sleeves and I don't want to buy something specifically.&nbsp; I have worn it three or four times and enjoyed it but have also put it on once or twice and discarded it.&nbsp; The orange dress was worn to an engagement party and then Jon's 50th and then it was too warm (it is more of an autumn or winter evening look) - I am going to experiment with leggings underneath as that makes it more day appropriate as it has high splits:)&nbsp;</p> <p>Brooklyn- the pewter is lovely too!!&nbsp; And funnily enough I would like a patterned top but I want it to include navy and work with the new blazer...&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1904714 Thu, 05 Apr 2018 15:44:52 +0000 Jenn 1904714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this analysis, Sally, especially because, as you know, we're at similar places. My son is, I think, just slightly older than yours are, and they seem to get progressively more expensive ("Mom, what should I wear to prom on Friday?").&nbsp;</p> <p>Your items are really well thought-out. Are you happy with the statements, even though they haven't been worn many times? I have some items like that that I'm still absolutely in love with and thrilled to have in my closet, and others that I think I probably could have done without. You seem to be batting 1000 with your essentials!</p> <p>I've bought 9 items (7, if you don't count gear), so I'm also outpacing my original goal (fewer than 30 items) by a bit. You've inspired me to sit down and really think through what I need for summer. I suspect it's not much, but the wants are there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1904132 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:35:03 +0000 Brooklyn 1904132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, those bags look great. I like the pewter ones. Is it a cross body that you are after?<br /> And I have to agree with Jenni that I am more in the “some grey pants might be good” camp. I admire how specific your shopping list is. But I have improved since doing the challenge. No patterned tops....yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1904117 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 08:45:40 +0000 Sal 1904117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sarah - it has helped me - I don't track wears but I feel I do have a handle on what I am wearing and what is lingering.</p> <p>Jenni - I have been trying for 20 and have been hovering around 25 (24-28 I think most years).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I suspect though our shopping does ebb and flow a bit here - I usually have a break for at least two months (December and January I did no shopping) and I will likely take another break sometime in winter or spring. &nbsp;</p> <p>This calendar year I am at 5 (the four listed and a new pair of cheaper sunnies which I forgot to add) but I really splurged last year from September to November with a lot of additions!!&nbsp; I do feel I can achieve 20 this year (my count is a bit spurious - I include shoes, bags and sunglasses but not gym wear or scarves, beanies etc.)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1904110 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 07:48:15 +0000 Jenni NZ 1904110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sally I read this yesterday and thought it brilliant. I guess because I'm trying to reduce wardrobe size overall then keeping to under 20 a year for maintenance may be do-able for me, but I've only accomplished that one year, 2017, I bought 18 items. Thanks to YLF and Angie's PPP principles!<br /> This year so far I have 7 already so if it were the same each quarter I would reach 28 by 31 December so I may need to slow down. What I especially like about your post is trying to think in such detail what you may need before you look. Think I'm a bit more "Some grey pants might be good". Also, I share the statement top temptation issue! Cheers x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1904056 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 02:32:27 +0000 SarahD8 1904056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post, Sal. It’s inspiring to see this analytical approach bear fruit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1904046 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 01:43:01 +0000 Sal 1904046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Smittie.&nbsp; Yes having some basics such as black tees, blue jeans, tan sandals etc help make everything else work.&nbsp; I think I have essentials and statements - and very completer pieces.</p> <p>Yes tees and knitwear do wear out fast - and every now and then a mistake is made.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903974 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 22:12:31 +0000 Anonymous 1903974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m so impressed with how many essentials you found and wore and how few mistakes you made. Well done!<br /> I think it’s hard to only update 20 per year, especially if you own a lot of tshirts and knitwear which wears out fast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903959 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 21:28:17 +0000 Sal 1903959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Rachy!!</p> <p>Angie - you can take lots of the credit.&nbsp; Yes I am doing much better now I know my essentials - the wildcards look after themselves for me:)</p> <p>Suz - I am sure there are things I have forgotten.&nbsp; My striped dress got a lot of wear over December and January from over a swimsuit, to work from home, to casual chores around town.&nbsp; It got a stain on it right at the end of summer and I am working on it, hoping it will go as aside from that it is in good condition.&nbsp; I think my winter equivalent is soft jogger style pants and a sweater/tidy merino...and my soft pants have already done two seasons!!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Efbgen - you will be in spring summer soon and it will be me in the endless rain.&nbsp; I think the wardrobe maintenance vs building is an Angie term...I guess what I mean is I do have a good foundation, with a few exceptions I do not have many NEEDS for clothes.&nbsp; This year my jeans, winter coats and boots are covered already... so it is just tweaking a few things and bringing a bit of modern in.&nbsp; The only two items I would say were needs were the long cardigan and the gym leggings as these are things I am definitely missing (I removed a pair of leggings that were very tired after four-five years heavy use).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Sterling - I think it depends how big your closet is and your needs too.&nbsp; With working from home and from an office I have scope to be pretty flexible - definitely when I was in an office five days a week I wore out my clothes in a different way.&nbsp; I don't want to increase the numbers of items I have and I don't want to get rid of things for the sake of it.&nbsp; But every year there are some that wear out, and a couple of pieces that don't work for a variety of reasons, so I am trying to only replace broadly that number...&nbsp; I guess my tension is around trying to buy better quality, still wanting some variety, not wanting to spend too much money, and not growing the wardrobe. With your recent weight loss you are in a different position - and that is a good thing:)</p> <p>Thanks Style Fan - definitely a term here is Duck Egg Blue - for a slightly greyed or greenish pale blue&nbsp; (I could see you in this colour - it is gorgeous with chocolate brown).&nbsp; I added a picture to show the colour.&nbsp; I really love this colour for interiors!!</p> <p>Cardiff Girl - I don't feel that restrained!!&nbsp; We will see how we go haha.&nbsp; But these posts help me look back and see how things went.&nbsp; Next year I know I need a lightweight longsleeve cotton top already, and given I did not add any summer pants or shorts this summer I suspect next year I will have to do so.....</p> <p>Brooklyn - I am going to gradually add my closet in custom finds...&nbsp; it will take a while but I see Bijou and yourself do it brilliantly.&nbsp; Let me know how you get on with Lilac - definitely with olive on you!!&nbsp; I think a sweater, hoodie or maybe a hat for me (I think it could be fun with black or grey winter walking gear)...&nbsp; I need a more pinky lilac or a periwinkle, I can't wear the grey or very cool toned ones.</p> <p>I have been eyeing up Helen Miller bags - she used to work for Deadly Ponies and has her own label.&nbsp; I am contemplating navy, black, cement or mustard.......&nbsp; Here is a link</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.helenmiller.co.nz/">https://www.helenmiller.co.nz/</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903878 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:51:03 +0000 rachylou 1903878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice. Tight list(!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903806 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 13:34:04 +0000 Angie 1903806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. Great report, <b>Sal</b>. Love hearing how many essentials you picked up and put through their paces - many quite intuitively. You've got the wardrobing for your needs and the emotion down. WELL DONE.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903793 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:39:06 +0000 Suz 1903793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, you are always thoughtful and considered about your shopping leaving room for the occasional wild card. I love the recent additions and can see them working brilliantly for you. I think your approach to your closet is sound.&nbsp;</p> <p>You mentioned that certain summer items quickly showed themselves to be essentials and got a lot of wear (even one that you didn't initially anticipate buying-- the dress.) Are there similar autumn/ winter pieces that might still be missing from your closet? I know it's probably not a one to one equivalent because sometimes the item that is absolutely key for the hot weather is not important in cooler climes. Still, I've found for myself, say, that a solid navy top in some weight/ fabrication or other, some sleeve length or other, is vital to all seasons and because my seasons are extreme, it cannot be the same one summer and winter. Ditto for a white/ light top of some kind. And so on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903790 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 12:29:54 +0000 Anonymous 1903790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow I love a woman with a plan- they could rule the world ( and probably should - considering)!<br /> I love that you started implementing your plan early and with a mixture of high and low cost price points- what a skill! I also love how You term it wardrobe maintenance vs wardrobe building- what a smart way to put it.<br /> Btw I want that jacket you posted- great! And if I am remembering the right YLF friend- that teal dress ........ (sorry I lost myself in the memory of its awesomeness).<br /> Happy Autumn because I am ready to torch my fall/ winter wardrobe at this point- sick of it I tell you. But that’s what is so great about this site. You can have a peek into friends’ closets from all around the world in all kinds of seasons..... what a great opportunity. Thanks for the terrific post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903767 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:40:12 +0000 Anonymous 1903767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done!!! &nbsp;I really enjoy posts like this. &nbsp;</p> <p>Your wardrobe buying plans are really well thought out. &nbsp;I am not sure I ever understood there was something akin to wardrobe&nbsp;maintenance rather than wardrobe building. &nbsp;I think that means I have <i>never been close</i> to wardrobe maintenance and I wonder why that it is.&nbsp;</p> <p>So given that you are in a wardrobe maintenance phase, and you want to prioritize your spending on travel, experiences, and family, you seem to be thinking along the proper lines. &nbsp;You have defined well thought out purchases. &nbsp;I don't see anything extravagant or unreasonable. &nbsp;In fact, it is a pretty tight list. &nbsp;</p> <p>There will be some tension at first. &nbsp;I'm told that tension will ease with practice. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903763 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:11:28 +0000 Style Fan 1903763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally, it looks like you have a great plan for your wardrobe.&nbsp; Your new jeans seem to have worked out well.&nbsp; I like the idea of the blazer that is pale duck egg blue.&nbsp; Great colour.&nbsp; I have not heard of blue described like that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903757 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 09:43:56 +0000 Cardiff girl 1903757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You sound like you are well on the way to a thoughtful and considered wardrobe and I admire your plan for restraint,I am very much trying to be like this so you have set me a good example,thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903743 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 08:20:20 +0000 Brooklyn 1903743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, from the above it looks like you have custom finds all figured now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903741 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 08:16:06 +0000 Brooklyn 1903741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sally. We had some slightly cooler weather and I broke out the boots. But the last week it’s been warm again (over 30 everyday), so I am back in shorts. But it’s much more tolerable because of the low humidity.</p> <p>I like your plan. What sort of handbag did you have in mind? I love shopping for others :)</p> <p>I am also thinking about adding a little lilac. I was certain it wouldn’t suit me or work for my colours until I saw Ummlila’s post combining it with olive green. Now I think maybe I could do a lilac scarf or patterned top with my olive jacket. (I am also trying to stay away from patterned/statement tops however.) Maybe a pullover for you? I think it would suit you because you suit spring colours.</p> <p>Custom finds are easy. Take a photo of the item on your phone. Go to finds: press “mine”. Hit “custom” and it will take you through the process using the photo on your phone. Or you can use an internet photo (but then it’s better done on your computer) or a screenshot of an internet photo (quality won’t be as good as saving the photo to your computer).</p> <p>By the way, The Iconic is having 50% off lots of stuff at the moment if you are in the market for anything specific. Looks like a genuine sale to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903736 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 07:33:37 +0000 Sal 1903736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jussie - I don't want to grow my wardrobe so I need to be careful not to add too many pieces.</p> <p>I did get rid of some summer things that I either no longer liked or were worn out (two or three tees, a dress and a skirt) - and I do have a few pieces very much on their last legs that I will review at the start of summer (white pants that may be dyed, some chunky sandals, my knit tee dress that has a stain that I can't get rid of and may end up passing on)...</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903719 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 06:50:23 +0000 jussie 1903719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your well thought out plan and reading about your analysis. Sounds like you’ve been very sensible and are building a great wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-and-review-end-of-summer-and-fallautumnwinter-shopping-long#post-1903714 Tue, 03 Apr 2018 05:18:15 +0000 Sal 1903714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi All</p> <p>I am putting summer items into storage and starting to wear autumnal weight pieces at the moment.  Temperatures are great for jeans and a light jacket, or a light sweater - in a month or six weeks I will be needing more layers.</p> <p>At the start of summer I posted the following items that I had purchased.  Here is how they went.</p> <ol> <li>Tan flat sandals - <i>worn regularly, a great addition. (essential)</i></li> <li>Flared jeans -  <i>several wears to date, and perfect weather for them no</i>w (<i>not sure if essential or statement or completer - just a change)</i></li> <li>Straight leg jeans - <i>already a workhorse (essential)</i></li> <li>Orange sleeved 70s dress with side splits - <i>two wears in total, again perfect for autumn- I need to find an occasion!! (statement)</i></li> <li>Teal green midi dress - l<i>ots of wear and may wear again layered over the next six weeks (statement)</i></li> <li>Yellow floral tee - <i>only lightly worn.  A bit more difficult to style than I thought as it needs high waisted shorts or pants.  I suspect three -four wears in total.(statement)</i></li> <li>Cream layered blouse - <i>several wears for work (essential)</i></li> </ol> I intended to buy the following:</p> <ol> <li>Long sleeve cotton or linen top to wear during the day in the sun <i>(added two, one now worn out, and one work significantly less as it was a little too thick and hot - a lesson here - these are essentials)</i></li> <li>Black tank - <i>added a tee instead, a real workhorse (essential)</i></li> <li>Lghtweight jacket or cardigan - <i>added a kimono, worn regularly (statement)</i></li> <li>New sunglasses  - <i>added Rayban Aviators (essential)</i></li> <li>Pair of summer shoes (I am yet to decide exactly what) - <i>ended up with pewter slides - thrashed these!! (essential)</i></li> <li>Full midi skirt - <i>did not purchase</i></li> </ol> I did also add:</p> <ol> <li>Striped knit dress<i> (workhorse and essential) </i></li> <li>Blue woven top with red flowers <i>(worn regularly - probably a completer).</i></li> </ol> So 15 items were added - one minor regret, one worn out.  My cheapest items were the cream top (thrifted for $8) and the tan sandals ($18 on final sale).  The most expensive were the jeans for $250 and maybe the sunglasses ( a gift so I am not exactly sure of the cost).  </p> <p>For winter I had a little shopping burst in late February and early March and I have added four key pieces so far:</p> <ol> <li>Ink blue ankle boots (not worn yet) (maybe a completer)</li> <li>Caramel and gold sweater (two wears) (completer)</li> <li>Pale duck egg blazer (one wear) (completer)</li> <li>Black lace dress for wedding (yet to wear) (statement)</li> </ol> I am planning to buy:</p> <ol> <li>Midi dress or skirt or culottes that work with brown suede boots (statement)</li> <li>Scarf with navy in it (completer)</li> <li>Merino or similar hoodie/zip neck top for casual gear (essential)</li> <li>Gym leggings (gear and replacement</li> <li>Long cosy but smart cardigan for working at home and also heading out (essential and replacement)</li> <li>Handbag.</li> <li>??</li> </ol> I have been aiming to add less than 20 pieces a year and I think that is probably unrealistic for me.  I want to be lean, careful and get a good number of wears from my purchases but I am not really a uniform dresser.  I am in wardrobe maintenance rather than wardrobe building so I need to reconcile this.  I don't want to spend too much money on clothing as I want to spend more on travel, experiences and my sons are not cheap right now.  So I do feel a bit conflicted.</p> <p>I am planning to try a few new trends in store and see how they look - paperbag waists (think won't work) and lilac (skeptical but loving the looks others have shown).  </p> <p>My other goal is to try and get my wardrobe into finds.  Given that most of my additions are not US companies I should do custom finds and must hunt up the post showing me how to do this!!</p> <p>Your input is always appreciated.  This post helps me keep on track and not falling down the statement top rabbit hole that I seem to fall down regularly.</p> <p>Thanks<br /> Sally </p>