How I used Angie's post to prioritize MY shopping needs! (long)

I was really happy to see Angies post yesterday on how to prioritize a shopping list. http://youlookfab.com/2013/02/.....ping-list/

As it turns out I had been pinning items I had on my "wish list" on Pinterest. Well then I sold a few baby items on Kijiji and had a bit extra left from my last paycheck, and suddenly I had quite a bit I could spend on some wardrobe needs, and no idea what to purchase! Angies post to the rescue! I sat down and went through her list, item by item, and it was so clear what I needed to buy. I will say though, that some things were easy to put into 2 categories, so I went by which higher category it fell into.

Level 1 - BRAS! I was pretty well good for all of level 1, except that I know my bras are too loose in the band. So I found a nice Calvin Klein one on eBay to try, that actually comes in a 30 band size!

Level 2
Items that complete a wardrobe capsule:
Using my Pinterest board I noticed a lot of outfits I like have grey jeans, or black. I have the black and really dark grey, but something lighter would go with a lot of black tops and complete my jeans capsule. They would work better for Spring as well. As it turns out I really liked a pair of Paige plaid jeans and found them on eBay quite cheap, so I'm trying out patterned grey jeans! AHHH!

Also pre-ordered some black Philip Lim shorts here. I kept some of the money aside for these, and will have the total once the shorts come in to stock at the end of March. These are also fulfilling a wardrobe capsule as I have 1 or 2 pairs of wearable shorts. I have these and a white pair on my list, but I'm stalking the white ones for a sale. I didn't put the shorts in Level 1, seasonal wear because it's not summer yet and I didn't feel they were urgent yet.

Items that refresh my seasonal look:
We're still in the thick of winter here, and as much as I'm eager for Spring, realistically the cool weather will be around for a while. Angie mentioned in another post that I need to get my knitwear sorted, and she's right, I have 2 or 3 pullovers, and I live in Canada! So I chose the Danier pullover with leather sleeves. Also chose a soft shroud top by Helmut Lang for transition (blazer over top) and for warmer weather since it's sleeveless. I could have got by without these, which is why I didn't put them in Level 1 categories, but they are definitely refreshing my seasonal looks.

I would also liked to have gotten leather shorts in this category, but the perfect one's Janet linked me to are not available right now, so I'm waiting patiently.

And that took care of my money for clothes!! I still have items on my list, but I'm going down the list in "Angie fashion" and I'm quite happy with the decisions I made. Which is great, because I was going crazy trying to decide on what to get! I'm happy too because I mixed high and low price points here. I got a few lovely designer things that I was drooling over, and a few good items for great prices on eBay.

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13 years ago

Kalli

Active Member

These are all great items for your priority shopping list but hopefully Angie is with me, but please get a proper fitting for your bra and buy from a reputable store so that returns are easy. I wear a 30 band and each brand and cut fits different!

Raisin

Veteran

Kalli the only store I have here that fits bras, I went to and they did not stock 30 bands, so they said, oh we'll just put you in a 32. And of course it was too big. I buy La Senza 32's and on the innermost hook they are still very loose. So unless I get out of town I have no choice but to try out some online bras. As it happens, in their store the Calvin Klein fit the best of what they did have, so that's what I tried first! I am sure even if it's not perfect, it will fit better then what I have now. I may have to make a few mistakes and try a few from online.

Suz

(website)

Rae, what a terrific process you went through! Thank you for showing us how it worked in person for you. Now I want to sit down and to something similar! It's one thing to do it in your head and another thing to sit down (or go shopping) and actually look for items to fill the spots.

I hope the bra works for you...I know it is next to impossible for you to try on where you live. Ideally, on your next big-city visit you can go for a proper fitting. I agree that all the brands fit differently and although you are often told to go up one cup size for every band size you go down, I had to go up two cup sizes...they had been putting me in the wrong size altogether for years.

Sarah A

I liked reading your really logical approach. So helpful as I am working to figure out the right refresh items for my own wardrobe. You have done a great job mixing a variety of items for well thought out reasons. I hope everything will fit well and be lovely! i live in a small town too so I hear you regarding the lack of local try on and availability...

Anonymous

Great approach and you got some wonderful things!

jayne

What a great exercise and inspiration for me who likes a plan, to find it successful in clothing purchases also! I really love that black top you show above and think you have nailed alot of what you need to make your style come true- Do you already have a set of blazers/jackets? I saw alot of that in your pinterest and yet don't remember ever seeing you post a photo with? I might misremember though

Angie

Fashion Stylist

WOW!!!

Feeling giddy just reading this, Raisin. I am soooooo impressed.

*applause*

I wear a hard to get bra size too - 29D or 30D. But Nordies orders Simone Perele bras in for me. It's so great! I do like a bit of lace. I hear you, and hope you find the right bra size. Try Bare Necessities.

Tanya

What a great job you have done! I really hope the new items work, and I really like everything that you chose.
I also wear a size 30 band, and have to resort ordering online. In addition to Nordstrom and bare Necessities, Fig Leaves is another website worth trying, I have had good luck with them.

Transcona Shannon

Wow - fabulous work and thought process Rae!

Tina.b

Loved reading about your thought process and I can't wait to see you in all the new selections! I have that Helmut Lang top in pic #5. I can't wait until the warmer weather arrives so I can finally wear it. May give it a test run under a blazer soon.

I guess you'll have to do the same as what we small band sizes have to do, order from the store with a full return policy. I buy bras on vacation also.. I always look for lingerie stores because it's a difficult thing, and make it a priority. You can order online from a reputable place that you can return from. I'd definitely shy away from ebay for bras, everything else is fine. I have to place an orders instore also because like my shoes, they never have them.

cheryl

What a great post. I love hearing how you have everything sorted out and I am crazy for that top in pic 4.

Thanks all, it really was a helpful process to go through. Especially if you have a hard time making decisions, like I do. Tina, I have the top now, to the mail was super quick and I can't wait to wear it. The weather is great now, so I may break it out with a blazer too!

Caro in Oz

Thanks for sharing your thought process - very helpful. I love your picks, hope they all work for you.

You sound so disciplined and organized and are inspiring us to try what you did. It would be a great relief to have things sorted.
I take a 30 band size and have had great success with Calvin Klein bras from Nordstroms.

rae

I love what you've done here! Great, clear priorities, and a solid game plan. You have very much inspired me to spend the time and analyze.

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