A little overboard? ETA recent returns

CarolS

ETA: I have made decisions and returned a few things I was on the fence about. Others still in the works. Everyone's thoughtful input has really helped!

I had some grand ideals about moderation and frugality this fall, but I came up against two factors that challenged my resolve:

The need to find something to wear for my nephew's wedding and associated events meant I needed to shop. After losing a significant amount of weight not much in my closet fit, and I had literally zero dressy shoes.
Once I got into the stores, I got a bit caught up in the thrill of feeling good in things I tried on. Since it was too early for much holiday wear to be available, I was trying on anything I remotely thought could be dressed up or passed off. And frankly, I tried on (and bought) lots of stuff just because I liked it and was so thrilled that it fit.

Given the fit/flattery challenges at my higher weight, I was so conditioned to snapping up anything that made me feel even remotely presentable that I WAAAY overbought when more things started to work for my shape.

Now that the festivities are behind me, I spent last night going through my recent purchases and deciding what to keep. I am still on the fence with a few pieces, but MOST of what I brought home is going back.

Here's a rundown of this fall's keepers:
Outerwear

Burgundy Bernardo long puffer jacket (on deep discount at the Bay)
Bright orange plaid scarf to go with it.

Shoes
This represents the start of a long-overdue expansion of my shoe wardrobe, which has been pretty limited lately.

Burgundy Ecco Sartorelle oxfords (deep discount at the Ecco outlet - I figure a low-risk way to try this style. If it works, I might buy in another colour.)
Bronze metallic Ecco Soft 7s
Cognac Olukai sneakers
Black patent croc-embossed Clarks loafers (my "dressy" shoe!)

Bottoms

Oatmeal knit midaxi tube skirt (with pockets thank you very much). Its sister, in grey, is in my keep or not keep zone right now.
Lightweight rayon camo joggers
Black knit trumpet-style midi skirt

Tops and Toppers

Creamy/taupy/mushroomy boxy sweater -- Only via a local boutique
Olive Tahari utility-style jacket -- very lightweight
Olive Tahari t-neck top
L/s green graphic tee
Heathered light grey sweatshirt-style tee
Lightweight pink sweatshirt
Grey velvet embroidered jacket (taupe one has to go back -- it is sewn badly at the neck -- doesn't sit properly)
Black lace blouse. ETA - RETURNED. I want a lace blouse, but I will wait for better.
Lurex tank ETA - RETURNED. I liked it from the front, but not the back. Next.

And two new bras!

On the Fence

ETA - RETURNED. Burgundy Christian Siriano sweater with lurex threads. Not needed and still a bit snugger than my preferred fit, but I adore the colour.
Cream, grey, black and camel striped French Connection sweater (if weather had turned cold sooner I probably would have worn it right away and been done with it. Now I've had time to waffle....)
Heavy-weight simple black short top. ETA Returning -- not really a priority right now. No one, including my visiting niece would allow me to wear this to the wedding, but I still like it. I can see a cute Audrey Hepburn vibe with cropped black pants, cropped jeans -- will see...
Grey version of the oatmeal skirt above. ETA WILL RETURN - I ONLY NEED ONE. I love this skirt. The grey works pretty well with the grey velvet jacket. But I don't know how great this skirt will be with tights for winter wear -- I think it could make it clingy - so maybe not a very practical item to keep?
Black velvet wide leg pants. At $20 these seems like a no-brainer to keep around, and after seeing DonnaF rock velvet pants for a routine outing, I started to think a bit more broadly about how I might use them.
Jones New York cognac faux suede shacket. ETA Will return. Don't need it this winter. Didn't think I needed a shacket until I saw this colour. I probably still don't need it. But I like it. Will fight with myself a bit more on this one...
Dark brown faux suede boxy long-blazer style jacket. ETA Will return. It just isn't special enough, despite being brown. I hate to miss out on brown while it is available...This works with the oatmeal skirt. Could serve as a blazer if we return to the office.
Cognac t-neck sweatshirt. ETA will return. The fabric rides up over my bust when I move so I'll always be fussing with it. Love the colour. It spices up black ponte pants for WFH. I worry a heavy t-neck like this will be too much when a hot flash hits. As much as I love t-necks, I am finding them hot at certain times. (joys of this stage of life!)

My gawd that's a lot. And the list above doesn't include the bags of things that are sitting in bags waiting to go back. (Oops, I might have forgotten to add a long cream cardigan I threw in for no real reason other than that I liked the knit.ETA RETURNED I already have a long, light coloured cardigan, so this is probably excessive.)

Having detailed this list of what I'm keeping and what I'm still considering is a bit sobering, considering I was trying not to buy much at all...

Although I admit I am fighting the urge to add a pair of dark brown pants sooner than later, I still see making do with existing ponte pants for as much of the winter as possible. When it is NOT possible anymore I will enjoy treating myself to something new.

I try to justify the tops a bit by saying most of them help to fill a gap -- I kept finding myself looking for boxy, semi-tuckable, lightweight crewneck tops and really had none. (Instead I have a closet full of t-necks that were not cutting it in the warmer weather)

Despite the extent of these purchases, lots still on my wish list to add more colour/pattern variety. I won't chronicle these just yet, and keep reminding myself that I don't have to get it all at once.

If you've read this far, thanks for playing along. I'm not really sure of the point of this bit of navel gazing, but I suppose it helps to keep me at least a bit accountable for and aware of what I'm doing!

Comments and thoughts are always welcome!