giving more thought to purchases

always trying

In the future I will be giving more thought to purchases because I will more carefully consider what I already own. I just discovered I have not even once worn my Sam E petty booties this winter. In the fall I bought the Softspots, and they seem to have replaced the SE ones. This was not intentional, and there seems to be no reason, just that the Softspots were uppermost in my mind. They sit side by side in my closet but they seem to just been overlooked. Maybe a more careful analysis of what I had I would not have purchased the Soft. Do you ever have an experience like this, where something just replaces something without really realizing it?

9 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from

Quietgirl

Veteran

Yes, unfortunately. Three or four navy tops in my closet testify to overlooked or underworn items. I don't particularly like navy with blue jeans so the tops haven't been worn much. I recently purchased white jeans and a BOLD J Crew floral skirt that will pair with the navy blouses.

My Stylebook App alerted me to the navy top "problem" so I have stopped purchasing navy tops that become orphans.

9 years ago

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

This is my biggest shopping challenge--learning not to split wears. I tend to buy similar items because I like them and, I guess, maybe because I want to guard against wearing out a favorite item by acquiring a near duplicate. But only one can be my "most favorite" and the other falls by the wayside. I'm working hard to ask myself at the point of purchase if the item I'm eyeing is going to become part of this loop. If it is, maybe I can spend the money elsewhere, on a legit wardrobe need.

9 years ago

Anonymous

This has been a lesson learned my buying place holders or not quite perfect items , and then what I really wanted shows up at a good price. I end up with items too much alike and split wears. ( black basics, I'm looking at you.). I have started to try to buy higher end pieces with the price forcing me to stop and think.
Try light wash jeans with those navy tops.

9 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I think it's natural to be drawn to items that are similar to what we already have and love. I often find myself having to stop and say, "Okay, but I already have a really great black sweater." Having a smaller wardrobe or a style app can help!

9 years ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Yes, very much so. Something I have really learned over the past few years of keeping records of what I bought and then since May 2016 tracking wears. I also read an article elsewhere ( may have been a link from YLF) which mentioned what the article called "clone" clothing ( different but not really) and have become so aware of doing that. Another pretty summer high-low hem top? Ummm, what will happen to the 7 already in the wardrobe?

9 years ago

Penny

Veteran

Absolutely - it helps me to have a list of the items I have (sorted by category of item type and use) to consult when considering purchases.

9 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I think it's natural. Such and such was successful, so this will be too.

9 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I agree. It may change this year, you may balance wearing both pairs if you like them both now the novelty of the new ones has waned a little. Sometimes a new piece is a hot favourite for a season then it changes around a little.

I no longer buy placeholders (well very rarely). I have come to the conclusion that in 95% if cases it is not as though I have no other options, so if I want a pair of (flared jeans/winter coat/flat black boots) that I will just do without until I find a pair.

I am trying to get to a point where I have "one" in most cases.
- One pair of great straight blue jeans that I love.
- One pair of perfect cropped jeans
- One pair of elegant black trousers

I am not there yet, but I am getting closer...

9 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

My problem is not only that things fit the same spot -- it's that the newer one looks slightly more on trend, so it gets more of the wear. I'm trying to recognize this issue earlier so that I can get the one I know won't get worn to consignment before it's too dated to sell.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I am so guilty of getting a bee in my bonnet and not checking to see if I've already got something that fits the bill. I need to train myself to look in my closet before I head out.

9 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

I have experienced this sort of thing as recently as this morning. I was angry at all my clothes (OK, actually it wasn't about the clothes at all I was just achy and sore and grumpy)

And I went a little bit ballistic on my closet. I realized that the black ungaro sweater I thought I'd love hasn't been worn much, and that I constantly reach for the black Calvin Klein sweater instead. I went through everything and took a bunch of stuff to the car for the donate bag.

It was ugly and now I can find my favorites again so it was worth it

9 years ago

Anonymous

All . The . Time . And I'm nodding along with ummlila and Sally . Once I get a new version, the older ones never get worn again. Tricky indeed trying to catch that time when consigning it will still be worthwhile . Speaking of which ....I need to get on that for spring .

9 years ago

Anonymous

Yes I had this experience with white sneakers.
I had bought a pair of white converse and then about a month later, some white leather sneakers. The white leather sneakers took over the "white sneaker" spot in my wardrobe, and the cons didn't get worn at all.
But, I'm happy I held into the converse because I think i'll want to wear them come spring.
The lesson learned for me is: hold onto the second string items because they might seem fresh again at a later date.

9 years ago

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