Has anyone ever shopped to a list before? - YouLookFab Forum

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Has anyone ever shopped to a list before?

mumtojessandluke

Ok. I need a bit of a wardrobe shake up. So I've been thinking, so that everything matches and can swap & interchange would it be easier shopping to a list of perceived 'wardrobe needs'? Or do most stylish people buy things they really like then try integrating them into their wardrobe?
And what should my list look like anyhow? Ahh, funny is me trying to shop for clothes I tell ya.
It is a mine field out there.

Shopping

20 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Alecia

Veteran

All the time. In fact, today, I just bought a bunch of stuff on my list. Boyfriend cardi, pencil skirt, long sleeve sweater, layering tops for work that are machine washable. That's exactly what my list was. I'm rarely specific about color, though I do kind of think about what I already have and try to find things that will work with that. I have found having a list helps me keep my wardrobe small but functional.

Scarlet

Veteran

I find when I have something too specific in mind I don't find it. I prefer to let things really grab me, but then when I buy it I make sure I either have an outfit in mind or buy what i need to go with the piece I like at the same time. Usually stores sell coordinating items.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I shop both ways: #1 opportunistically, when something grabs me and if it's a hot price (the last time I paid full price for anything was 10 years ago, when I had waaay more dough).

#2 specifically. This is a more disciplined way to go. Because I first have to review what I have, get rid of stuff that's not working, and come up with the item(s) that are missing. Then it will take me around a month of a lot of looking to find that one thing, but I enjoy the challenge.

I am always proud of myself when I use approach #2.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Initially I shopped for things I liked and tried to get them to work... but that just didn't work for me at all because I didn't have enough wardrobe basics for them to work with. I had loads of tops and nothing to wear them with!

I had some long hard thinking sessions about what would enable me to wear the things I loved in my wardrobe.

So I'm now working to a plan - a sewing plan, but it could easily be a shopping plan - I've worked out that I have barely no bottoms, so I worked out the 3 colours of bottoms that would enable me to wear most of my tops, and I'm starting there.

Lists are great in my opinion, when you are starting off and building up the basics. Then once the basics are in place, I envisage that it will be easier to be a bit more spontaneous with additions.

Good Luck!

Queen Mum

Veteran

The problem with shopping without a list is that you can end up an unbalanced wardrobe.. ie: too many tops, not enough bottoms.

The problem with shopping with an overly detailed list is that you may not find exactly what you are looking for and end up in a constant state of frustration.

I have not been much of a list shopper in the past, but would spend some time looking for something in a specific category (ie: pullover sweaters, summer dresses, etc)
My plan for this year is to make a season list and shop for the items on my list. This is what my spring/summer list looks like...

spring boots
black wedge sandals
nude wedge sandals
flare bottom jeans (light wash)
white clams
denim clams
2 dresses (on my radar are a shirt dress, denim dress, lightweight fit and flare dress)
2 blouses
white jacket
another type topper (vest, flowy vest, etc)

I will start my spring/summer shopping in March and try to find 1 to 3 items a month until my list is complete. If I didn't make this kind of list, I could get through the whole summer without finally finding the perfect denim clams or end up with more blouses than I know what to do with.

I don't have a problem with things not matching because my bottoms are mainly denim or white (for summer) and everything goes with those. I've never found myself having to go shop for a "sweater to go with my __________ slacks/skirt" In fact, once I weeded my closet of all the things that just didn't work for me (shape or color) the whole mix and match thing has pretty much fallen into place.

peanutbutter

QM, I'm really impressed with your organization. Wow! I have the problem of too many items that I don't have anything to coordinate with or I have to work hard to figure it out. I love the simplicity of a list. Thanks

Anonymous

Queen Mum said it well! Without shopping with at least a mental list, I tend to duplicate what I've already got and not fill the wardrobe holes. With each season change it's fun to refer to Angie's lists of what is trending and figure out what I think will work for me, take a hard look at what's in the closet already, and keep an on-going list of items I'm especially in need of. Sometimes I never do find what I'd like to add, but the list is helping me keep from settling for what's just OK.
On the other hand I find it fun to browse and sometimes come across something that thrills me. In the past I'd let these things go hoping they'd be deeply discounted and in my size. No longer. I've realized that I've never regretted paying full price for something (if affordable) that I really love and getting to wear it all season.
For winter I still haven't found the perfect boots, wool coat, sweater dress or dressy ivory silk tank, but was doing SYC for most of the season and not actively looking exceot for the boots. Maybe next year.

Louise

Veteran

I need to start shopping to a list I frequetly end up with lots of things I love but that don't neccesarily go with the things in my wardrobe x

catgirl

Veteran

This is exactly why I am doing SYC right now. I want to come up with a list of specific needs that I can keep in mind to curtail my impulsive and repeat item shopping habits. I am actually finding that the less I buy, the less I feel like buying, which is contrary to what I expected from a shopping ban. I wish that worked with eating!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I also shopped without a list before and ended up with a wardrobe 80% of which I had to replace! I shop with a list now but I am also open to other great things which are not on my list but work with my current wardrobe.

qfbrenda

Veteran

I've been shopping with a list lately and it's really helped me fill wardrobe holes. I like finding something I just love sometimes, but my list is my main source for what to buy.

Anonymous

When I first started reading YLF, my wardrobe needed resuscitating, so I made a list based on Angie's "Mom on the Go" formulas. A big list. I still shop from a mental list that has probably 3 items on it (I'm simple), but am flexible when it comes to good deals or rare finds.

Refugee

Veteran

I find a list very helpful. Some of the things on the list are very specific. A perfect example is the long wool coat I recently purchased. Because it is a major purchase, and one I want to become a long-term workhorse in my wardrobe, it had to be 'just so'. But things like blouses (body changes, I have so few that fit well) are on the list but much more general and will look for something that just strikes my fancy. Keeping in mind 'what do I have that I can wear with this?'

mumtojessandluke

I think the list thing is even more appealing to me than ever! Anne- that is what I was looking at doing making a list from the MOTG postings. Shame I can't find a lot of things on the list, as it is summer here. But it will be great in Autumn, Winter & Spring here. I always find having a jacket that fits well makes me feel more 'dressed' and I'm on the hunt for one that I can use in a similar way to my denim jacket. Unfortunately, the staples like t-shirts tend to be a regular need as I can't seem to pick up those with a decent weight to them, and they just don't last.... sorry getting OT. I'll have to make a list I think!

mumtojessandluke

Lisa

Veteran

I like a list to keep on target, if you have a wardrobe hole, you won't forget about it when it's on the list. Of course, too rigid to a list, and if something really grabs your eye, you will feel you can't buy it. It's impossible to know in advance everything you will see in the stores. I think a list with specifics to replace wardrobe holes and generals when you know you need say a topper but the type is open to what you find (say you need a topper but blazer or cardigan is flexible) will leave room for a fab piece to be purchased.

Cilleena

Veteran

I have huge wardrobe holes so I try to only shop from a list. When I have a better functioning wardrobe, I hope to shop the way Queen Mum described. I've actually had pretty decent luck shopping like this. For example, I went out looking for boyfriend cardis and a cascading cardi. I didn't have a specific color in mind, just something neutral. I found both things. It was very satisfying... hehe. Or I go looking for skinny jeans, dark wash. Found. Some items are much harder for me to find. Like dresses, knee-high boots, jackets...because I don't know what style will look best on me yet and finding a nice fit is difficult for these more "tailored" typed of clothing.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I also shop to a very loose list such as

Spring weight casual tops to wear with trousers/ jeans.
Sleeveless tops to tuck with skirt.

This type of list gives the opportunity for some spontaneity whilst keeping to a plan.

Lynne

Veteran

Kim, I love your list - can't wait to see your upcoming posts! I do find it helpful to focus on one thing when I am shopping eg tops or jeans or shoes or bags.

Aida

Veteran

I always always shop with a list, more often written down than not, but I certainly won't pass up a great item just because it's not on my list; I just make sure it's worth what I'm going to pay for it, and that I can easily integrate it into my wardrobe. I generally make a seasonal list in early fall and early spring, with room to add items as my tastes change throughout the season.