YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 00:34:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php 3style on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929730 Tue, 19 Jun 2018 11:42:25 +0000 3style 1929730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m finding that I still tend to think that I’m bigger than I actually am reality. I only have ever been 10 lbs more than I am right now, but I’m down at least one size at least in every category of garment. And since I was previously buying everything on the larger/looser end of the next sizes up, it ends up being effectively down two sizes. So after a few years of sitting useless in my storage zone, I donated a bunch of coats to the annual coat drive from my dry cleaner. The difference between a 6-8 medium and a 10-12 L coat can’t always be effectively filled out with sweaters. I’m only keeping my large woolen coat, because the style doesn’t add volume, though I know I’d be warmer in a smaller size. I’m at the point where I’m asking my husband to double check any new purchase that has anything other than a snug fit, before I cut tags. Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929714 Tue, 19 Jun 2018 09:59:09 +0000 Anonymous 1929714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I hope it works out for you, 3Style.  Buying a puffer jacket out of season is an exception, in my humble opinion.  They are expensive so finding one that you like on sale is a great.  Usually they run a bit big to accommodate sweaters and such.  They are one category that should allow for weight fluctuations. 3style on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929680 Tue, 19 Jun 2018 03:44:28 +0000 3style 1929680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was looking at DVF shoes on Zappos (more for inspiration than in actuality) and stumbled upon the last remaining gorgeous mid weight puffer coat which I guessed would be the correct size. I’m keeping it in the home office closet with the tags on, but I think that I likely won’t find anything preferable for my wardrobe hole. I think it should be able to absorb a minor fluctuation in weight. So that’s already coming out of October budget (roughly). Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929566 Mon, 18 Jun 2018 19:22:11 +0000 Anonymous 1929566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do know what you mean, Angie.  I have already acknowledged that this year will be different from previous years with respect to budge.  I have given myself permission to exceed my budget as I see fit.  I just don't want to buy indiscriminately.  I want to have a reason to shop (e.g., new lingerie, new bathing suit).   I started trying on bathing suits as early as May.  I didn't find one that I loved (or liked for that matter) and made due with what I owned over Memorial Day Holiday.  The Memorial Day solution was not optimal.  I really did need to find and buy a new bathing suit. I resumed my search in June.  Found one I LOVED.  So happy.   Angie on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929563 Mon, 18 Jun 2018 19:15:47 +0000 Angie 1929563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YAY. Glad you found a swimming costume that you're happy with - slim pickings now.  Sterling, you hadn't planned for the wardrobe overhaul after the weight loss, which means you might need to rethink your budget if you can. This year is not the norm, IYKWIM. At least you HAVE shopped for your dominant season already.  Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929556 Mon, 18 Jun 2018 18:47:26 +0000 Anonymous 1929556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for writing, Gigi.  I think it will get easier in time.  I have to admit I continue to browse the sales still; I'm just not buying at the moment.   3Style -- I don't know if I have seasonal weight fluctuations or not!  That is the fascinating thing.  I never made any connection in the past, but that may reflect poor self knowledge.  I'm going to watch for it going forward because it would be really good information to have on hand.   I have occasionally shopped ahead ... especially when I found an item I knew I needed on sale at the end of the previous year's season.  Sometimes this strategy worked out great for me.  Other times not so much.  I don't have any clue if the success ratio was 20-80 or 80-20.  Sure hope it was successful more often than not.  Anyways, I'm obviously not doing that right now.    Gigi on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929363 Mon, 18 Jun 2018 01:24:23 +0000 Gigi 1929363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post! I have had periods of very lean finances, and I did exactly what you have outlined here: found wardrobe holes or very targeted items that I was looking for and stuck to that list, not deviating at all.  It was really hard at first. I was sorely tempted by all the good deals out there. But I know that I get really anxious with clutter, and having lots of clothes that I don't actually NEED backfires and makes me less happy rather than more. The good news is that shopping this way (with a very precise focus) does get easier after a while. And like you say, it makes it really easy to cut through the flak and focus on the really important things. When I shop this way, I am overall much happier with my wardrobe, because I am adding things that are very important to me. 3style on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929346 Mon, 18 Jun 2018 00:07:34 +0000 3style 1929346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Sterling. Apropos of what Staysfit said, I find the challenge more on the other end, meaning it’s the shopping ahead when I don’t know what size I’ll end up wearing in a few months that I find particularly challenging. I’ve stopped shopping more than two months in advance, if the item won’t be returnable when the right weather arrives. Realizing that in general, I need to not always default when I shop ahead to: “when in doubt get the bigger size. ” This habit is one of the reasons I ended up in my improperly fitting dark clothing bind. I don’t have a seasonal pattern to the fluctuations to guide me. What I have learned is to save and tuck away in bins with desiccant anything in good shape which doesn’t currently fit. Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929338 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 22:39:49 +0000 Anonymous 1929338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 3Style -- They are Athleta Hudson Broadshort Navy in Tall.  I wore them to the beach today.  They were PERFECT in every single way.  I was thrilled with them.  Zippered pockets!!!!  Dried really fast!!!  Stayed up in some pretty high energy surf.   3style on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929335 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 22:30:59 +0000 3style 1929335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, did I miss you saying which brand you got for swim shorts? I’m guessing between mentioning Tall sizes and Athleta that that’s where they are from? The best regular sized ones I’ve had were from LL Bean. I tried subsequently to buy LE shorts a few years back, in order to try a style with some more length to the inseam, but the quality of the fit and fabric turned out to be awkward. Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929332 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 21:48:23 +0000 Anonymous 1929332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Multiple people have suggested building wardrobes around weight fluctuations.  I really like the idea and am starting to work in that direction as well, Staysfit, but I wonder if it is truly possible.  Some of my clothes have sufficient "give" to accommodate a five-pound weight fluctuation.  But I can't imagine how you would do that with a sheath dress.  I imagine your dresses all fit you beautifully and are seasonally appropriate.   I find it fascinating that you have a 6-8 pound seasonal fluctuation.  Can I assume that you are more active during the summer months?  I am A LOT less active during the summer months (and my diet goes to hell because I cook less too).  I would anticipate a weight gain during those months.  But now you have me thinking about it and wondering if my weight fluctuated seasonally in the past and whether I need to consider it going forward.   Although I pride myself on closet editing, I never edit out-of-season clothing.  It is not because I know my weight may or may fluctuation, it is because they are not part of my "working" closet.  As a consequence, I never see them and don't think about it.  The horror if you were to donate your gorgeous sheath dresses before you were ready.   Could your recent craving for a yellow dress be a desire for something new?   I ask this because there are times in my life when I just want something new.  Something that I haven't been seeing every single day for the past x number of months.  That yellow dress may have been your need for something new and different.  There doesn't necessarily have to be an immediate need.  I'm sure it is gorgeous on you.   Finally, half my wardrobe is talls, the other half is regular.  I'll pay attention to how the talls fit as I gain/lose weight.  Thanks for the tip.   Actually, thanks for the fascinating discussion.   Staysfit on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929326 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 21:24:40 +0000 Staysfit 1929326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I am impressed by your focus and also your ability to stick with your budget. I am interested in the idea of waiting until there is a wardrobe hole before shopping for something. I am bad at making that sort of assessment. I am still an emotional shopper despite all my analyzing. Setting an annual budget, and doing my best to follow set parameters certainly helps stem the flow, and my spending has decreased significantly, but I stray. I fall prey to emotional whims. For example, my recent craving for a yellow dress. I don’t lack of dresses for any occasion or situation. Why a yellow dress? There’s no need ——. I end up justifying and rationalizing my frivolous emotional purchases. The yellow dress I picked put a huge grin on DH’s face.......... Regarding Size fluctuation, my weight fluctuates 6-8 lbs between winter and summer. I have never had a weight problem, but the weight I gain spreads to my stomach, calves, thighs and back. Some clothes fit differently, or not at all when I’m on the heavy end. I keep two sizes of jeans in my closet to accommodate this fluctuation. The same is true for my sheath dresses. My warm weather sheath dresses feel snug and can be hard to zip in May and June, but by July they fit well. If I did a closet edit in the winter, and decided to only go with clothes that fit perfectly at the moment, I would probably get rid of those sheath dresses. Some would say that a wardrobe should be built around items that will work despite the weight fluctuations, and I am starting to work towards that, but in the meantime, knowing my pattern has been helpful. One other pearl has been that anything I can find in a tall size is more likely to work despite fluctuations in my weight. I think that’s because the rise, waist, and proportions are designed better for a tall person. If I am wearing something where the waist doesn’t quite hit exactly right, and I put on a few pounds, it feels too snug, but if the waist is true, it doesn’t cause discomfort. Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929320 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 20:57:02 +0000 Anonymous 1929320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Bj1111.  I had a lot of help from the YLF Forum and Angie.  I literally learned from the best   Efbgen.  Your words are so kind.  I cannot tell you how much they meant to me.   Elly -- I am incredibly task and goal oriented.  When a task is identified, I go at it full force with boosts of adrenaline that drive me ever forward.  Although this behavior can be beneficial, it also has its down side.  I have a hard time relaxing and just sitting.   I commiserate about not liking to shop ( ... not that that applies to me).  But I understand it will be harder for you to rebuild your wardrobe.  I am happy to explain my shopping strategy and answer any questions you might have.   When I do sit to relax, I like to shop online!  I do more than 95 percent of my shopping online.  It is not uncommon for me to order two different sizes and multiple colors to try on.  The mall is half way between work and home so returns are not a problem for me.   I personally am not a very good bricks and mortar shopper.  I get tired and hot and, may I say it, bored.  All the stores at the mall seem to me to be replicas of one another ... literally.  It seems to me that the foot print of the stores are getting smaller and they are offering less and less variety.   I am 5'9" and I frequently need tall or long sizes.  A lot of stores in my area do not stock those sizes so they direct me to online shopping anyway.   When I am in the mall, I have favorite stores that I browse (a tiny circuit).  Although Angie suggests that we consider all retailers, I personally don't have the energy to do that.  In 2018, I shopped Athleta (majorly), Gap (moderately), WHBM (majorly), Landsend (moderately), and Nordstroms (moderately).   Let me know if I can answer any more questions.   bj1111 on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929313 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 19:47:49 +0000 bj1111 1929313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Am in awe of your self control and purposeful shopping approach Elly on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929286 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 15:45:40 +0000 Elly 1929286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Sterling-- that is truly amazing. I too understand the pain of wardrobe holes paralyzing your closet. I've always been a small wardrobe gal, but with the recent weight loss, moving to a new climate just a few years ago, and several house-moving induced closet cleanouts in between I've kept very few of my "just-in-case" items around and the ones that are here are in two storage totes -- one for favorites that are just a size too big but still pretty unwearable (since my weight loss wasn't a purposeful thing, but the fluctuation seems to be because of a medical issue) and one with things that are out of season or my Colorado clothes. </div><div> </div><div>Your focus and ability to hone in on the pieces is impressive! I spent the entirety of last winter wearing things that were too big mixed with only a handful of other pieces because I could not find what I was looking for and did not have the time/money/life energy to continue looking in earnest after striking out on multiple occasions. Part of my problem is that I don't enjoy shopping -- every once in a while can be fun, but for me it is more of a "to do" and I find it draining. What is your shopping strategy? Do you mostly shop online? Brick and mortar? Hit all your go to shops in a single day? What does you "on a mission" look like? </div> Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929235 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 10:20:26 +0000 Anonymous 1929235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How brave of you to tackle the dreaded bathing suit shopping...... and successful at that. I am so thrilled for you that all your hard work and thoughtful consideration of weight loss, wardrobe and budget have come together successfully. I love hearing when the stars align to reward people like you who have done that hard work- woo hoo. Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929220 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 09:28:07 +0000 Anonymous 1929220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, Joy.  It seems that small weight fluctuations result in significant body changes.  In my case, it is around the waistline.  Pounds gained or lost all have the greatest affect my waistline.  I think Toban may have commented on this in one of her posts, but it did not click in my brain at the time.  I achieved my goal weight (set by doctor).  I took a "maintenance break" of about two months and now I want to start work toward a personal goal weight.  That is why I have been so conscientious in my buying.   Thank you, Elly.  I was SO HAPPY when I finally decided on that combination of suit.  It literally met every single one of my numerous criteria!  And the top was on sale.   Isn't it amazing how wardrobe holes appear?  I was probably always kinda aware of them in the past, but this year they literally keep me from getting dressed because I don't have any fall-back options in my wardrobe.  That means they become a top priority.  I shop relentlessly (with speed if necessary) and I haven't settled yet (not once).  So proud.   I built a system based on the Vivienne Files that is visual.  It was easy to do because my wardrobe is in the rebuild stage (i.e., small).  The "seeing" of how pieces work together in terms of category and color is amazing for keeping me on track.   Elly on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929198 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 05:24:26 +0000 Elly 1929198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like the suit, sterling. I'm on the hunt for 1 or two myself since my new apartment has a pool and I love to swim, lost weight last year and now my bikini doesn't fit. It was the first day of our monsoon season in az and right away I was struck with a wardrobe hole of water-resistant footwear that is walkable but still cute enough to wear with cropped pants, rolled Jean's, or skirts/shorts. I also really need to expand the bf jeans/cropped pants capsule by at least one pair to cover summer storms. Plus, an upcoming work trip has highlighted a need for an extra pair of hiking pants and an extra work appropriate tee to wear with the hiking pants, plus a need for 1 more pair of casual shorts. I already needed some tops to wear with my flares. Then a zipper on my "make do" weekend bag broke, meaning it will need to move up my list. I guess I will have to re-prioritize. I really like to shop NAS for bras and undies and gear needs . . . Depending on my budget next month I will have to decide if I can try to pick a few things up. It wouldn't hurt my closet to look for a few wintry items since I'm down to just two shirts and 4 tees plus some jackets-- I'm usually in a place where I know how "low" or high I am on items for the upcoming season . . . then again, I won't be wearing wintery items until December, which makes it harder.  Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929171 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 01:42:36 +0000 Anonymous 1929171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I admire your wise and careful approach for wardrobe building. Does it seem that the more weight you lose, the less it takes to change a size? Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929147 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 22:29:35 +0000 Anonymous 1929147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfocused and aimless is how I shopped prior to finding YLF, Toban.  Maybe even a little while I was reading YLF.   This past year has been incredibly enlightening to me.  I am no longer grieving my pre-2018 wardrobe.  I realize on the scales of life, the life changes I made are favorable and worth more to me than those mere pieces of cloth.  I hope some woman down the line was thrilled to find them and loves them the way I did.   I assume you are stateside?  Exhausted?  It looks like your travel wardrobe performed really well for you.  Congratulations on the careful planning.  The new dresses are gorgeous.  I liked them because they were different from what I see every day at the mall.  The one with the splash of colors was my favorite (first dress in the thread with four pictures).   Toban on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929119 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 21:29:48 +0000 Toban 1929119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post, Sterling. I also like to focus on a small number of things at a time and go shopping with a plan. Of course it is frustrating when you can’t find what you need, though. I think that was my problem with shopping in The Netherlands. I no longer had any specifics on my wish list for this season so I was less focused and kind of aimless. Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929115 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 21:01:43 +0000 Anonymous 1929115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Becky and CardiffGirl -- Budget factors into my discipline.  I probably made my discipline sound stronger than it really is.  Budget is the real reason I have been walking away from sales/discounts.   Unfrumped -- Your summer topper dilemma is something I feel deeply.  With regards to buying for the now, it just makes sense to me at this stage of my wardrobe rebuild.  My weight still jumps around and five pound and it always ends up around my waistline.  I have to be really conscientious right now or I won't get enough wear out of my wardrobe.   I want to say a second time, those Vince pants in the other thread are gorgeous on you.  I went to see if they were available in my size.  They are not.   Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929110 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 20:44:46 +0000 Anonymous 1929110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those are Vionics, Style Fan.  I adore them.  I own them in three colors (navy, fuchsia, and silver).  The silver are a slightly dressier version.   Style Fan on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929106 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 20:33:57 +0000 Style Fan 1929106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is a very cute bathing suit.  Great shopping.  What brand are your flip flops?  They look like they would have some support. I like your approach to wardrobe building.  I would think you would have to be at a point in your style evolution to know what you need and to have a master plan.  I am at that point (sort of) now but it has taken some work to get there.  Being focused is certainly very important. unfrumped on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929097 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 19:44:35 +0000 unfrumped 1929097@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like your approach. I need to do more of it. I tend to add workwear and avoid other capsules. I also need swimwear and coverup. I don’t need a whole lot of casual wear, but it needs to make good capsules for trips and to be favorites that I “ wear now” rather than store in closet. I always need casual toppers even in summer. I like wearing casual blazers with jeans so I’ll wear those on errands. But in mid- summer on family vacations, that kind of jacket may work with jeans and a T at a restaurant but may not work with shorts, chinos. For that I often need something a bit less “ sharp”, need just the right cardigan or very light utility jacket or similar unlined and washable jacket , and a length that works with all- plus color combos- otherwise I’ll have to pack multiple items and will always be needing the one I left in the motel. Anyway, that is a long way of saying, I need to get very specific, and also shop while wearing parts of my capsules, to find the RIGHT items for my known activities. Cardiff girl on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929095 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 19:39:12 +0000 Cardiff girl 1929095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow ,a woman with iron shopping discipline.You are to be congratulated for being so focused and unlike me it will mean that you end up with a wardrobe that you will actually use most of.l think that it sounds like a very sensible way to shop. Becky on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929089 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 19:26:47 +0000 Becky 1929089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admire your focus and discipline. My shopping goes in fits and starts, and sometimes I do find myself "settling" because I need to have an item or replace an item, pronto. I am getting better at identifying the wardrobe holes so I can focus. Anonymous on "Update on Budget and Wardrobe Building" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/update-on-budget-and-wardrobe-building#post-1929083 Sat, 16 Jun 2018 19:10:57 +0000 Anonymous 1929083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have written many posts about my weight loss, wardrobe rebuild, and budget.  Thank you to the Forum for indulging me.  Your advice and support has been nothing short of phenomenal.   It has only been two weeks since I wrote a post saying that 70 percent of my annual budget has been spent.  Two weeks later 85 percent of that budget is gone.   That is not why I am writing this post.  It is clear that I will blow through my annual budget soon.  This will not be a problem because I am reasonably responsible when it comes to finances.   But I did make the decision that I will focus my shopping.  Every time I identify a wardrobe hole, I will shop for that item with laser sharp focus.  The item has to fit seamlessly into my existing micro capsule.  No wardrobe expansion right now.   For example, I went to the beach for Memorial Day.  Although I shopped relentlessly for a new bathing suit in the weeks prior to the Memorial Day trip, I never found anything I loved.   Since we only planned the one trip this year, I made due with what I owned.  Was it pretty?  No.  But I didn't lose the suit or expose anything to the World at large.   That would have been it except my BF and I committed to day trips to the beach every couple of weeks.  This means I do need a well fitting bathing suit.   The bathing suit/cover search resumed.  I lost count of the number of bathing suits/bathing combinations I bought and tried on.  It feels like hundreds, but that can't be true.   The bottom line is I found what I needed and am happy.  I did a lot of shopping, buying, trying, comparing, and returning.  I was in the mall so often that I was starting to feel self conscious about it.  I discovered that I needed swim shorts in TALL.    Shopping is now concluded until I identify the next wardrobe gap that has to be filled so that I can comfortably and confidently dress for my life.   This is not a bad way to shop.  In fact, it makes a lot of sense because I can so easily brush aside the superfluous.  Shopping is easier because I am not swayed by the 40 percent off mark downs and the sales racks.  This time unless a swim suit was marked down, those other mark downs didn't matter to me.   It does mean that I will be cheering you on from the bleachers during NAS.  I won't participate this year unless I have an identified wardrobe hole.  It will be hard to have a wardrobe hole for winter items during July.