Inspired, and a rant. - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Inspired, and a rant.

Synne

Veteran

Maybe this is just a personal mental shift, but I feel so inspired and creatively inclined going into spring, and seeing all the fun new styles available at retail. It's like the clouds have finally lifted!

70's patterned co-ords! Fun jean styles available in a rainbow of colours! Lots of new silhouettes, textures, bright colours, soft tones.

I want to go on a serious shopping spree! I want to buy it all!

Then I stop my self and remember that my wardrobe is already bursting at the seams. I haven't gotten around to wearing a lot of the pieces even a handful of times. I bought five pair of (equally, at the time, fun and new) jeans last season, and I only wear one of them. ALL THE TIME.

So. Friendly reminder to my self to take account of my real life, real style. Not my fantasy life (that's soooooo fun to shop for).

So I will not be buying the fun and glitzy outfits that I swoon over. I will appreciate them on others (and figuratively drool over them online and in stores).

Yeah. That was basically it. I felt I needed to vent. Thanks for listening!

What about you all? Do you feel more positive going forward? Will you be doing retail therapy? A little or a lot?

(Outfits from H&M, Zara, and others, sorry can't make finds by phone).

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from Synne

Lesley

Veteran

I love this! And I share your zest for shopping this spring! However, my rant is of a different sort:

I just had this breakthrough (from talking stuff through on this forum!) that what I need is more color, more loud color. However, my rant is that I'm not necessarily seeing that in the spring collection from anyone! Or rather, there's color, but it's not my kind of color.

So I hope it's not a frustrating spring/summer for me, is what I'm saying!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Those are such fun pieces!

I’m actively avoiding most shopping these days. In January I purchased a pair of boots that I’m wearing to death already, and a top from the consignment store where I am selling a bunch of things (so money spent there is pretty much coming back to me, plus the top was only $15 and is in perfect-for me colors which are not easy to find these days).

I’m putting my energy and budget into home project now, so this is about where I expect my wardrobe shopping to be this year. I have plenty already and have been actively working on thinning out my closet. I got rid of many extra hangers so I won’t be tempted to fill them again.

Spring is not my favorite shopping season, so it’s a little easier for me to sit it out than fall shopping. Im not paying much attention, and I’m not seeing what you describe so far here in the states. If some good items pop up in my preferred color palette of blues/greens and jewel tones, in silhouettes that work for me, I may update some pieces here and there, but otherwise my closet is in a good place and I’m happy to join you on the sidelines.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I want you to get at least one piece with a crazy cool swirly, curvy 70s pattern.

It is very cool that you feel spring coming on! I feel no such thing, harumph.

Do I have grumps about clothes available? I’d like a cropped sweater, preferably with a hood, but haven’t been able to find one for me. Can’t decide what size to get those Desigual cords in—the size I’m at now, accepting that it will be my winter size going forward, or my better size, and don’t let this happen again next fall? I’d like to think the smaller size is the one I’d wear, going forward. This is not an existential question or anxiety-producing, just a bit of irritation.

I’m not playing this game very well, am I?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oooh -- Love those images! Those are such fun pieces -- no wonder you are feeling inspired!!

I hope you do get at least one thing like that!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such fun looks, Synne! You have to get at least ONE of these modern disco vibes. Life is too short

I am always inspired by Spring collections. My favourite shopping season!

Helena

Veteran

I relate to this so much Synne - even though we are in the depths of winter still, the slight lengthening of the days always gets me focusing firmly on spring!

I agree with Angie - perhaps there is one purchase you could make for the sheer joy of it, and to inject some of that spring energy into your wardrobe? And then use the rest of the inspiration you are finding to remix what you've got in your closet. For my part, I almost always buy something pink in the spring; even if it doesn't get much wear, it's always a great boost!

Anonymous

Awesome inspiration pics! I am enjoying the spring collections too

Sal

Veteran

What fun pieces! Love that 70s vibe too.

With a young child there are limited chances to dress up. But crazy patterns are wonderful for hiding spills and splatters.,,,,,

Runcarla

Veteran

Oh! Synne! I’m so twitchy for spring! I’ve been pouring over the street style pictures for the fashion weeks that are currently underway (this week Copenhagen) and reading and watching trend reports. Received a Land's’ End catalogue in the mail yesterday, and fell for the v-neck cashmere sweater, and then discovered a matching quilted jacket and leather flats. Then, I remembered that I used to have a fleece top in this colour that was a part of my fitness kit. I loved the top, but the colour did not love me. I’m sitting on my hands, trying not to get into any mischief.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

rachylou

Veteran

I love your inspo pics!

I have banned myself from spring shopping, because I make the worst decisions in spring… I will buy colours I hate, that sort of thing because March madness or something…

Joyce

(website)

Isn't retail marketing good; these outfits are exactly what we are ready for colour, style, action!
Synne, I am with you. Everyday I pour over the new styles and like Carla, follow the street fashion, if this is change, I want it. But, alas, what am I going to do with it? The real life I lead doesn't fit the promise these beautiful pieces offer, the colours and patterns, tried before and didn't keep, even the most fun pieces can't do it all. Reality is such cold comfort.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Yes l can relate Spring is such an optimistic time of year isn’t it and all those lovely bright colours and patterns after the greys and blacks of winter.However like you l have a lot of clothes already so don’t really need to buy anymore.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Ah! Carla my have just given us the explanation for how you can be so into spring fashions—Copenhagen is having its fashion week. That reminds me that I just missed Berlin’s, but explains how this is so present for you.

You know, this is the time of year I conceived of my berry wardrobe. It’s probably very related to wanting coziness and also the various pinky shades of spring. And I’m inclined to wear those things now too.

Sal has a good point about patterns and messes. I see no reason why you couldn’t wear #3 on the preschool run. (When do you go back to work?). Didn’t I suggest some things once that weren’t sloppy/full-bodied but that had some 70’s swirly patterns? (Erhobene Zeigefinger)

Brooklyn

Veteran

I am sure you could incorporate a piece or 2. I love the 70s stuff and I definitely plan to dabble. I’m a mad fan of ombré and marble prints and have been waiting for years for them to re-emerge as a mainstream trend. Still waiting for the ombré. But I have managed to get 2 marble print tops (in cotton!!!). I have already overdyed one teal (so it’s a teal, green and purple marble print) and it is happily sitting in my closet waiting for the cooler weather.

nemosmom

Veteran

Oh Synne - I hear you! And, I have to agree with others that these would be amazing on you. Maybe you could swap out a piece for a new fun disco one?! I am sorry to be an enabler.

Spring doesn’t really arrive here. It’s cold and weird (snow in April), through sometime in May and then… it’s just hot. This time of year is depressing - not because I am sick of winter, but because I know the gross hot swampy weather is getting near!

I have found that adding a piece in a fun color, that is appropriate for the weather (not necessarily the calendar) helps bridge the misery between now and spring/summer!

Still think you need some big swirl pattern…

Helena

Veteran

Rachy, me too on the bad decisions lol ... I've just accepted it as a necessary part of life and try to keep it to a minimum

Anonymous

Nope- not in the slightest! I'm in zfg mode as far as style and everything else in life these days.

But, once DST returns and it starts getting warm out- look out I often will buy a bunch of unsuitable things that I later regret cause spriiiiinnnggg!

Ginger

Veteran

I'm sitting here snowed in so I'm not letting myself get in the spring mode at all! I find I tend to prefer the feel of spring more than new clothes. I just want to get back to my favorites and not having to layer!

That said, I've been eyeing a gorgeous yellow linen. I'm going to buy a bunch and make at least one more dress out of it. It's such a pretty color!

Bijou

Veteran

A very wise reflection, buying things we won't wear is not fun, even if they are beautiful to look at. The goal is to get those items that combine function and that 'special' feeling.

As someone with a very bursting closet too (I am planning on doing a good edit to dress for success of some of my lesser worn work clothing), I am embarking on a low shop year rather than a no-shop year because it is a bit like going on a diet, as soon as I say I can't have something, then the temptation is always far greater.

I say get one well thought out wildcard (something practical and fun that you will wear lots) to spice up your life!

Sloper

Veteran

I'm always inspired and excited by new seasons and new fashion collections. Sigh.

Last year I overdid the shopping - exceeding my budget, and expectations of what I could and would wear.

Trying hard to delete the emails from retailers and to avoid looking at collections on Vogue.com. Trying, that is!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love the 60s/70s inspired colors and brights but use them to inspire my second hand shopping and shopping my closet. I find retail offerings often pale ( ) in comparison.

slim cat

Veteran

Still editing the current wardrobe - no plans for major shopping.
The pics are fab for you .

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I'm not too interested in this season BUT I am really hoping to find one of those groovy swirly patterns on something in a chocolate colourway, but in natural fibres! Right there with you!

LaPed

Veteran

I can totally see you in these outfits! They are wild and playful, but in a very intentional, put-together way. I especially like the architectural red-orange outfit.

To be honest, I'm not seeing much that inspires me right now. And I've had some encounters with disappointing quality that have left me discouraged and feeling like it's time to take a break from clothes. Plus, there's a fresh foot of snow on the ground to remind me that we still have another two months of winter...

Like Janet, I'm in the middle of some house projects that are receiving most of my dollars and creativity right now. Nothing like being snowed in to remind you that you need to up your lighting fixture and window treatment game.

Synne

Veteran

Thank you for so many interesting replies. Fascinating to read your thoughts on this!

To be clear, I am still in deep of winter here, but spring is on the horizon, I am certain! I might just be influenced by the ongoing fashion week editorials online, and letting my self be entranced by the exposure. I should log off Instagram!

When I mentioned I bought five pair of jeans last season, I meant season as in "whole of last year". Not as in Zara "micro season", that is, what, mere four weeks? Heh..

I am definitely thinking about adding a fun 70's co-ord, if I find the right set, in the right fabric. Meaning something that will last more than three wash cycles. I'm afraid Zara will let me down in that regard...