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Help me prioritize

Maya

Veteran

I have such a HUGE list of things I want, but haven't been able to get, that when I finally get a job I have no idea where to begin! I need some objective voices to help me decide on how to sort this out. Sorry if this gets really long...

I think it's fair to say that for me, shoes always get priority. So I'll write about that in a bit of detail:

-I have shopping carts filled on Endless, Anthropologie, and Zappos. In my cart(s) I have ballet flats (with some kind of detail that makes them suitable for me), pumps, oxfords, wedges, and boots. I can't possibly get all of them at once, even with the intention of returning most of them, so I need to figure out which ones are highest priority for me. The biggest issue is that once boot season begins here, I find it hard to wear anything else. My feet get cold very easily and I crave the practicality and comfort of boots. This means that until boot season is over (in May), I can't really get a good idea of how comfortable a pair of shoes will be. So perhaps I could wait until then, but by that time, all the non-boot shoes on my wish list might be gone. Boots are also expensive, so even though it might make sense to get those first since I'll wear them immediately, maybe I should go for something less pricey. I'm just not sure. I want to totally revamp my entire shoe wardrobe, but it's going to take a long time and I need to figure out what is most important. If I got the Anthro job, I think I would go for the oxfords I want since I would get a discount on them, and they seem like they would work nicely for fall on days when I wanted a break from boots. After that, I have no idea.

I also need a new bra (or two, but uggghh they're so expensive). I can't really cross that off the list I guess. I just really hate spending money on bras.

Other things I want: straight leg ponte knit pants, another pair of straight leg jeans with longer inseam and more versatile wash than the ones I have, lightweight patterned scarves, pendant necklaces, sweater dress, boyfriend jacket, a black non-leather moto jacket, tailored menswear shorts, patterned tights, denim jacket, pencil skirt, denim pencil skirt, boyfriend cardigan, regular cardigans in red and yellow, winter-y tunics to wear with leggings, MORE leggings (my current pair are pilled and worn out), white buttondown for layering, couple of graphic t's, skinny/straight leg pants

...I'm sure there is more but this list is really overwhelming as it is...

General

23 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Wow Maya, your list resembles mine. I would treat yourself to one special item after hearing you have secured a position and then start budgeting.

This is how I work my limited budget. I split my list into two, the first section lists the items my wardrobe needs to function (layering t's, jeans, pencil skirt etc) and the second list highlights the things that make my heart flutter.

Each month I give myself a budget of between £30.00 - £50.00 and I set of to buy something from the first list, with the remainder of the budget I treat myself to an item from my second list.

This way I'm steadily building my wardrobe without getting bored.

I know your situation is different as you already have a great foundation but do you think the same principle could work for you?

Maya

Veteran

That *is* my principle, Julie, but I just can't decide what I should get first. Some items are more practical (but boring), and others are more trendy and fun (but maybe not as versatile). Some I can wear now and others I would have to wait. I realized I have lots of accessories on my list. I wonder if I should try grouping things together, so every month I'll get one practical and boring piece, one trendy fun piece, and one accessory. Or something along those lines. Although this is all speculative and I don't have a job yet, I know the job I would get isn't going to pay a lot, so my budget is still going to be tight. Therefore even grouping things together might not work, or I'd have to do it in smaller groups. Maybe alternate fun with practical every month or something. I don't know.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Shopping on a budget is hard, every month I set off looking for the perfect pair of dark wash straight leg jeans and every month I come home with number two on the list. The things that you have seen and have fallen in love with I would bump up your list (lists) to avoid disappointment.

Accessories are always in my second list, if I only have £10.00 from my monthly budget left I can always find an accessory I love and on budget.

Are the oxfords you like the ribbon tie ones that Medusa is wearing?

Maya

Veteran

Some accessories are more necessary than others, don't you think? For example, necklaces are more important for me. I have to wear low necklines with my bust size, and I need something to fill all that empty space with. To date I have been wearing mostly beaded styles, but I am finding myself less drawn to that style. A little too boho, and doesn't do much to de-emphasize the bust.

I actually found some oxfords I like even MORE than Medusa's (I thought it was love at first sight, but I guess I'm just fickle).

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....;id=943478

Of course, I can't afford them without the employee discount, so for now they remain a dream.

Debbie

Veteran

I admire the fact that you have a list. That is my goal right now. Edit my closet and make a list of what I need versus what I want.

The oxfords are so cute.

Kari

Veteran

Maya, just my opinion, but given that your feet sound like the pickiest part of your body & the part you most want to overhaul, maybe think about focusing your budget there first since there are boots or shoes you want to try. Just an idea.

Do you have Nordstrom Rack anywhere nearby? I've had great luck finding Fantasie, Freya, and Chantelle bras in my size marked down to $16-30 apiece, which is a steal when you are in our size range.

Here's hoping that you will get a great job soon!

Maya

Veteran

Unfortunately I do not have a Nordstrom Rack close by BUT the rumor is that the Virgin Megastore in Union Square in NYC is closing and being replaced by a NR by the end of the year, which would be sooo fantastic! There is no regular Nordies in NYC but having the Rack there would be a dream come true! It would be right near Filene's Basement and DSW. A bargain shopper's dream come true! And cheap bras in my size are even better!

Anonymous

Maya, I saw in the J C Penny's add, in the Sunday paper, Ponte knit pants for about $25. That is a great price. Maybe you should check them out.
I like the sound of getting the oxfords first because they would go with so many outfits, skirts and pants.
You should be able to find lightweight scarves on sale this time of year. I just saw a whole table full at Nordstrom's on Sunday.
Your list is impressive. It's really great that you know exactly what you want and need for a functioning wardrobe.

Anonymous

Maya, my 2 cents is that if you need bras, invest in one because you will look your best in whatever you wear. Next priority is to make sure you have the outfit including shoes and accessories to wear for interviews and similar times when you want to look great and comfortable too this fall/winter/spring (try for 3 season).
After that, you might see if there are items you already have and like that you would wear more if you had the right piece or accessory to go with it and try to find what you need to make it work.

Tanya

Veteran

Ooh Maya, those oxfords are divine! I may have to ut them on my wish list too

About prioritizing, a bra would definitely be first on my list, comfy shoes second, than the bottoms you actually need the most. I sometimes almost consider tops as accessories

elpgal

Veteran

I like your list. I am thinking of something like:
1. bra
2. shoes
3. shoes
4. leggings
5. sweater dress/pencil skirt
6. ponte pants
7. necklaces
8. moto jacket

If you go to work for Anthro, do you have a week's worth of suitable outfits?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

o #1 item on your list is the right mix of shoes/boots to go with the bottoms that you want to wear over the next 6 months.

o Didn’t you *just* renew your bras with Carissa’s help 6 months ago? How many do you have that you wear? Do you really need more?

o I’d focus on tops/ knitwear because they make your outfits feel more refreshed.

o How about a new Winter coat?

This might change once you start working for Anthro!

(*chuckle* elpgal)

Maya

Veteran

For the next 6 months, it's boots, oxfords, and possibly loafers I guess. I really want to try those Me Too Legends though.

Angie, I can only buy one bra at a time on my budget, so that is exactly what I did. A few weeks later I bought a second one which I *thought* was flattering, but when I saw a picture of myself in it a month or so ago, I realized it looked really terrible, so I have been wearing the heck out of my poor Chantelle bra, which is the only other bra I have that is the right size. It is seamless so it's wearing out quickly. I have been avoiding seams because I hate how they show through my clothes, but I realize now that at this size, I can no longer rely exclusively on seamless.

I guess since I'll be living in skinnies and leggings from now on, I should focus on tops, but I really wanted ponte knit pants to tuck into boots. I have also not bought any new bottoms in ages, other than the CM micro check pants.

A winter coat is one thing I had on my list but forgot to mention. I think I need to retire my pretty BR coat.

Once I start working for Anthro! I like your optimism Angie

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

As boring as they are to shop for- you need to focus on bras first.
Actually, I think thatJjoy has a good reply- I agree with it.

shiny

Veteran

For bras, can you try hunting them down on the internet? I restocked bras this summer, via the internet. I like this one Chantelle style and I found it available for sale in my size at three different online retailers. Was kind of a pain, but each retailer only had one left in my size. I snapped them up quickly, knowing that I do not like the Fall '09 new models that are coming out, having tried them at Bloomie's. It seems that deals abound in the summer, because the new models come out in the fall. Not what you want to hear... but who knows, maybe you can still find some close-out specials?

Shoes - I think you should snap up at least one pair of those GC shoes!

Aren't we the same size? I have a pair of black patent leather boots (flat, with just a bit of a heel) I am wanting to give away to a good home... I have only worn them a few times, unfortunately they are just a tad too long for me, such that they continually get stuck on the car seat when I drive, and annoy me when I sit, which is NOT good. Are you interested? Let me know, I'll post a pic and their measurements.

Otherwise, if it was my list, it's the tops that I would add first. I like variety I guess; I figure I can get away with wearing the same pair of skinny pants or black pencil skirt day after day with just a change-up of blouse. Also, right now it seems to be the ideal time to be stocking up on silky blouses, the kind you can dress up or down, layer, and wear year-round.

But you'll be starting at Anthro so probably better to wait until you can take advantage of discounts!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(One has to stay optimistic, Maya. That’s the only way the planets will align!)

I didn’t know you were down to one fabulous bra. Then, I’m afraid that’s first on the list. Sorry :0(. I hope you get one at a great price.

Coats are going for a song at H&M and TJMaxx at the moment. I can scarcely believe it. Wish you could get to the Rack too. I’m taking ALL my clients their first for coat shopping right now.

Skirts are a nice option for bottoms as well. And you have the BEST Eric Michaels boots for that look.

Maya

Veteran

Shiny, of course I have scoured the internet, but I can't find the bra I want at the right price. I am very demanding when it comes to bras--you have to be when you're over a D cup. Anyway, the one I want is very popular and probably won't be going on sale any time soon. I have checked ebay but it hasn't popped up in my size. I did, however, find a Panache bra in my size on sale for $14, so I went ahead and bought it since the seller accepts returns. But still, 2 bras isn't enough if I want them to last.

Re: boots--If they are too long for you, I think they might be too long for me. Are they a 6 or 6.5? I have very small feet--very wide, but very short.

Coats are something I won't be looking into until later in the season. I'm picky about coats too, since that is all anyone will see me in when I am outdoors.

I do have pencil skirts on my wish list but I am unlikely to wear them beyond November. Too cold, even with boots and tights. I like to have my legs completely sealed off.

medusa

Veteran

Maya, I don't have anything useful to add about your list. But I wanted to say that those Oxfords are adorable!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like these Oxfords too:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults

So boyish, but could look adaorable with a girly frock ensemble and patterned hose.

shana

Veteran

Maya, it sounds like the foundations are the way to go. I find myself sometimes assigning low priority to replacing items like bras, plain knit tops for layering etc. because I am so excited for the big items. I also think that since you don't wear many skirts/dresses in the winter, the ponte knit pants might be a really useful addition since even leggings aren't really warm enough when you do alot of walking outdoors.

Oh, Angie, I like those oxfords too. Of course, it could be because I wore an almost identical pair in the early 90's (mine were J Crew!!). I remember one of my favorite outfits with those shoes was a really, really short apron style black dress worn over a bankers style striped shirt (cream french cuffs & collar, burgundy & brown stripes on a cream background) & hose. It sounds kind of crazy but I swear it was a cute look. One of these days I'll have to figure out how my scanner works so I can post some older photos. I'm kind of excited to see some of the 90's trends come back.

Maya

Veteran

I bit the bullet and got a second bra. It was on sale for $27 and the last one in my size, and I know I'm not going to find a better deal anywhere else.

Shana, your outfit sounds totally cute. Not crazy at all.

Nice oxfords Angie. Might look into those instead if Anthro doesn't hire me. I have already begun building my wish list, even though I know I may be setting myself up for disappointment...

Kari

Veteran

Nice, $27 is a great price, Maya! What brand did you end up with, if you don't mind my asking? I agree that if you are (were) down to one good bra, that should definitely be top priority.

Maya

Veteran

Kari, I got a Freya. It will be a new brand for me, but I figured I can always return it if it doesn't work.

I'm not much of an underwear person and don't really give a hoot if I'm wearing a "pretty" bra or whatever, so this should be interesting. The Panache bra is hot pink with little frou frou swirly things all over it, and this one is all lacy and flowery. But they were cheap so whatever. Maybe it's about time I stopped being a such a grandma anyway :p