https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 20:41:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan/page/2#post-184936 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:45:41 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 184936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mellls/Polly - I do hope I get it all, plus some additional extras! I work too close to the main shopping streets in London to restrain myself! But what I listed are what I feel are the essentials that I need for winter and I will probably add one or two new tops to the list in the sales.</p> <p>I think that prior to finding YLF I didn't have a completely hopeless wardrobe. What YLF is helping me with is refining my style and finding pieces that suit my body type better.</p> <p>Mellls - resoling shoes is definitely worthwhile, especially if the are comfortable and the leather uppers are still good. There are some shoe makers in London that will guarantee that your shoes will last a life time and in order to do this resole and heel for free. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan/page/2#post-184927 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:18:52 +0000 Vix 184927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been using the 1-2 items a month/"plan" way to shop for a little more than a year now and it definitely has changed my closet for the better...though as an impulsive person in general, there's a large part of me that hates the bloodless nature of it!</p> <p>[And try using this system when every other YLF thread is about the NAS and you've got no money saved up from past months and can't justify "borrowing" from future months, sob/ha!]</p> <p>Given that I am not a highly organized person by nature, I find it a challenge to keep up with the seasonal closet analysis etc. that this type of shopping seems to demand (from me, anyway). </p> <p>On the mega-plus side, the system helps me make the most of my clothing budget in two ways: by getting things that work hard for my money; by putting an end to closet orphans. It helps that my style skews more classic, so I don't feel pressure to wear the latest trends.</p> <p>On the downside, it sucks when I go over one month due to needing basics (March's spring/summer shopping) or even worse, BRAS...the next month of deprivation feels reallllly long, ha.</p> <p>I definitely have to do what Rosie said to keep from feeling too constrained:</p> <p>&gt;Within the plan you'd definitely have to build in some fun, inexpensive items, I think. </p> <p>...usually on costume jewelry! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan/page/2#post-184912 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:36:45 +0000 anne 184912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think for some years I did this. In 1999 I returned from overseas to my first corporate job and spent quite a bit (for me) setting up a work wardrobe. For the next 5 years I just bought a few things each year.<br /> So I agree that this would be doable (especially if it was for the year, not each month) if your circumstances didn't change, size didn't change and your wardrobe was in good shape to start off with.</p> <p>As I wrote recently I have set myself a shopping budget for the year that is pretty strict and may not get more than 12 items, fantastic or not. I tried to make a list for the coming year and have<br /> Summer<br /> - dress<br /> -skirt<br /> -graphic tee<br /> -a ruffle tee with ruffles right down to the bottom hem<br /> -elasticized ballet flats ( I havn't tried these yet)</p> <p>Winter<br /> -wool coat<br /> -jacket of some sort<br /> -a jumper (sweater)<br /> -heels for wearing with dresses<br /> -oxfords or similar</p> <p>That is only 10 things so a bit of leeway there for new things to occur to me in the year </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan/page/2#post-184877 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 13:18:31 +0000 Laura 184877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Tanya and Maya, I like to keep scanning for items throughout the season, really enjoy shopping, and would be bored by planning ahead too much. That said, with my wardrobe complete, it's fun to raise the bar and ask myself before each purchase, how much I need vs want something, do I like it or really love it (like Shell). And, is an item duplicating the purpose of something I already own. </p> <p>One thing I've found is that I need more footwear than I ever would have imagined. Yes I own chestnut boots, but there are times when I need heeled chestnut boots to complete an outfit and only have flat. Apparently it's true that you can never have enough shoes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184864 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:32:19 +0000 Mellllls 184864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Londonkiwi, that is impressive planning! Do you find resoleing your boots worthwhile. I always get the heels fixed but when the soles go I toss.</p> <p>I do think the one or two things a month is toatlly doable IF your size is constant and your wardrobe is already complete. If you are in the middle of revamping or something then this wouldn't work. But eventually you will get there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184842 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:32:59 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 184842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fi - wow that's a great list! Hope you get it all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184815 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:39:30 +0000 RoseandJoan 184815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a very limited budget so 1 or 2 items a month is the norm for me. Once the money is gone, it's gone so I shop the outlets and sales trying to find the best possible quality. Investment pieces such as boots or coats are nearly always birthday or Christmas presents. </p> <p>My shopping strategy is partly driven by what my wardrobe needs and partly by what is available. If I do have an unexpected windfall I go to town shopping and go wild. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184759 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 03:23:29 +0000 Lisa 184759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would not be able to go with only one or two items a month. I love the idea of buying only one or two fab pieces that are high quality. But I get bored too easily for that to work. Plus I'm in the middle of both cleaning out the closet and revamping the style at the same time, so I would be miserable plugging along at a slow pace with more things I don't want than do want because I can't revamp as fast. Maybe in the future I will be able to do this better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184693 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:21:51 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 184693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know I could do this - it is what I did in New Zealand. Clothes are expensive and there aren't any really cheap but cheerful shops like H&amp;M.</p> <p>I only shop as much as I do in London because I can go to shops like H&amp;M or Uniqlo and buy pieces of a reasonable quality for bargin prices.</p> <p>I think that your shoe needs depend on how much commuting you do on foot. If you commute daily (ie don't have access to a car), you go through shoes a lot quicker. Having said that, I have never bought as many shoes in a season as I have this summer and my total is 4:</p> <p>- black flats<br /> - metallic flat sandals<br /> - pink/coral flat sandals<br /> - blue/grey wedges</p> <p>This autumn, my black boots will get re-soled and heeled as will my black short boots. I want to add one pair of brown boots - a flat pair and I need a new pair of converse. I have also just bought a pair of red suede Bally shoes on Ebay. I have loved Bally since I was a young teen...</p> <p>So, if I could only buy two items a month from now, until the end of winter, my list would probably read something like:</p> <p>August<br /> - New converse<br /> - One set of underwear</p> <p>September<br /> - A pair of black skinny trousers<br /> - Blazer or new chanel-esque jacket</p> <p>October<br /> - Brown flat boots<br /> - New fishnets</p> <p>November<br /> - Jeans - skinnies or kick flares<br /> - Handbag</p> <p>December<br /> - Coat<br /> - cardigan</p> <p>January<br /> - Whichever of the Blazer or jacket I didn't get in September<br /> - Another new set of underwear</p> <p>February<br /> - White or Black shirt<br /> - Light weight scarf</p> <p>It is much harder if you had to include underware, stockings and socks in the equation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184648 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:31:08 +0000 Mellllls 184648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I don't buy inexpensive items then I am limited to one or two item a month ;)</p> <p>Shoes though are different. Esp. if you are a commuter, shoes wear out and I am especially hard on shoes. So they get replaced very often. I haven't found that in terms of durability the more expensive the better. (although Cole Haan air Nike pumps are AMAZING) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184621 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:33:41 +0000 greenglove 184621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds great in theory but from my experience- you have to buy things when you see them. I am not that planned but I do not always buy when I shop- often I just look and get an education. Shopping is very fun for me-I love seeing all the possibilities. There may be months when I do not buy anything but always have an idea of the gaps in my wardrobe or what kind of things I am looking for. I am aiming to buy quality items less often but will always pick up thrifted buys. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184617 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:25:33 +0000 bj1111 184617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosie, I know what you mean about impulse shopping. I traveled for vacation preceded by a one day meeting and took only tank tops and jeans! i spent $300 running around about 15 minutes before closing being swayed by the sales associate. Everything is going back! (I'm struggling with my conscience about returning the jacket that i did wear once--but kept the tags on. LOL.)</p> <p>re OP, if i bunched all my yearlong allowed buys into one trip (24 items), i think i'm into next year's allotment after NAS. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184549 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:00:45 +0000 Rosie 184549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! can't wait to see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184546 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:57:43 +0000 chewyspaghetti 184546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosie-that's of my plan for my fall wardrobe- to pair the military look with ditsy florals or floaty pieces in muted colors. I found a really adorable floral print tank the other day, and it will look great under my chambray shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184545 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:54:11 +0000 Rosie 184545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to not use credit cards...am getting there. :)</p> <p>Khris, what about choosing a couple military and ditsy floral pieces that can work together as well as with other stuff? It would be a really cool contrast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184543 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:49:51 +0000 chewyspaghetti 184543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep- I just finished with a closet clean out, although i think there will be another big one at the end of summer. I know that I am going to have a hard time this fall. The military look that I love is huge, and means that many items are available in my favorite olive green shade. I do think that I need to pick these up while they are available. But ditsy florals and floaty pieces are also popular, and I feel the same need to hoard those. Luckily, my budget really limits me. I don't use credit cards, so if I can't squeeze the money out of my household budget- it just isn't there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184530 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:37:13 +0000 Rosie 184530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Khris, that is great! Congrats. </p> <p>Flexibility is certainly key. I am sure we have all experienced an intense desire for a specific item only to not be able to find exactly what we are looking for...then you find it when you aren't looking! </p> <p>Within the plan you'd definitely have to build in some fun, inexpensive items, I think. Sometimes, though, I feel like that is where I waste a lot of my $$. </p> <p>I would think that an important part of all of this is a really good closet cleanout and assessment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184517 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:16:51 +0000 chewyspaghetti 184517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that if you have a functioning shoe wardrobe, then 1-2 pair per season is reasonable if they are nicer shoes.<br /> This is the first time in a long time that I have any existing clothing/shoes from last year's season that will still fit this year. It's really nice to know that I actually do have some fall/winter boots that I will be able to wear- and can concentrate on one or two more pair that I love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184420 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:26:32 +0000 Rosie 184420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all these responses. I love thinking about shopping this way - I think it would be much better for my budget. I am SUCH an impulse buyer but am getting better. I think I would just have to turn my shopping trips into real quests for the right thing, instead of the just ok thing. </p> <p>April, ack...I would never survive the two item limit if it included shoes and accessories. </p> <p>How many pairs of shoes do you all think is reasonable per season? (Assuming that you have some from previous years, too.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184404 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:49:14 +0000 Scarlet 184404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is how I shop, and it includes make-up and hair purchases as well. The fear of making a mistake is very stressful. I make plans, but I find I have to remain flexible because when I get set on something very specific I just can't find exactly what I want. For example last winter I decided wool shift dresses and boots with chunky rubber soles would be my uniform but couldn't score either one. I do a lot of browsing to see what's available. I also enjoy checking out other shoppers in the posh or trendy neighborhoods to see what the "street" fashion is up to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184382 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:12:09 +0000 Jenava 184382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer to buy higher-quality items and that means I can't buy a lot (although, I DO buy quite a bit! I'm holding back...really!). I like to obsess about an item and think about how fabulous and unique it is, and imagine all the outfits I could make with it before I buy it...otherwise it seems not so special... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184378 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:06:05 +0000 marianne 184378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question. I think I've been doing something like this for the past 6 months. I don't think I would be able to plan for a whole year, but I have a short list and prioritize every month. It helps that I haven't had much time for shopping lately :)<br /> Occasionally I would go to a place like H&amp;M and get a couple of fun items - I find that it keeps things from getting too boring.<br /> To Kate's point, I actually am pretty careful with my clothes and wear them for a long time, so it makes sense to have fewer pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184323 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:56:47 +0000 April 184323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, great question. Follow-up question -- does the "two fabulous items per month" refer to clothing only, or are you including shoes, handbags, and jewelry as well, Rosie?</p> <p>I would say that this would have been impossible for me until very recently. Not because I was always such a shopper, but because I wasn't. I had a horrible wardrobe as a SAHM and grad student, and when I started working full time, I tended to buy clearance-rack statement pieces with no sense of how to fit them into my existing wardrobe. It has taken me nearly two years of YLF advice and input to build a decent, basic wardrobe. But, I have done that. So at this point I say that two fabulous pieces per month would be great. </p> <p>Of course, since YLF I have become much more of a shopper, so now I might find it harder to stop... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184316 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:46:42 +0000 Tanya 184316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In theory I like the idea very much. But I love shopping and there are constantly new thing coming out that I covet, so I do not think I would be able to do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184310 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:07:29 +0000 Maya 184310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dunno, perhaps my mom is right and I *am* a shopping addict, but I actually enjoy shopping. It's not just about filling in gaps. I have fun doing it. I would have a very hard and sad time if I couldn't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184307 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 01:00:41 +0000 Kristine 184307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd like to shop more this way too. I don't think I could plan for a year ahead because things change, but I could probably plan for a few months in advance. This is sort of how I shop now (short wish list that I work on), only not as focused. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184289 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:08:23 +0000 chewyspaghetti 184289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would really like to get to this point. I'm sick of frantically trying to fill in gaps all the time, so I am working toward this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184283 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:24:47 +0000 Traci 184283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I think about it rationally, it doesn't seem like it should be that hard. I have a feeling that if I tried to put it into practice, I would be shocked at how hard it would be. </p> <p>You're talking 6 new items per season. With the overlap of fall/winter and spring/summer, you get some versatility.</p> <p>I commented on Angie's blog post about investment pieces that I really struggle with investing in pieces because I find that I am not a good judge of whether an item will work for me in a multitude of ways and last forever, until I've had it for a while. Several times I've bought a cheap item, just because it was on sale, not sure how I would wear it, only to find that I reach for it over and over. On the other hand, I've fallen madly in love with items, coughed up the money, and thought I would love them forever, only to wear them once and feel not so fab.</p> <p>When it comes down to it, I think I only add about 2 items per month that go into heavy rotation in my wardrobe. For some reason, I can't prejudge which two those will be. I think I need to hone this skill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184277 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:06:07 +0000 elpgal 184277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosie, If my size did not change for say 2 years, that would open up a world of possibilities for me. My dominant 'season' is work clothes and if I budgeted for impulse purchases of a coat, 1-2 summer dresses and a pair of sandals, I would not hesitate to plan an entire year of high-quality clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-if-shopping-plan#post-184275 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:04:00 +0000 shell 184275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've sort of had to do this for the last year or so. I was never much of a shopaholic to begin with, so it wasn't such a drastic change. It did teach me how to shop my closet, though, and only buy things I really loved. </p> <p>I'm a big "like it...but don't love it" gal. This has become my new shopping mantra...and apparently my latest catchphrase, according to the hubby.</p> <p>I also found that I shopped more out of necessity than want. So, for example, I'd only buy a new pair of jeans to replace the ones with a hole in them rather than buying yet another dress just because it's super cute. </p>