January purchases - YouLookFab Forum

This ended up being so much more than I planned, but it was all planned, except all the shoes (2 pair were just serendipitous). Meaning, it was all on my 2014 Wardrobe shopping list.

January planned purchases were supposed to be a sleek light jacket and black booties with a low enough heel to walk forever. I've learned that you can't always plan by the month what is going to come available on the list. So I go with the flow more. That means juggling things around and adjusting projected costs where needed. I gave up on the booties, but not for lack of trying!! And then near the end of the month a holy grail HEWI came available and I pounced. Suede and leather panel pants. They were to be next fall's item. So now the booties move to fall. Easy peasy
Sadly, the temperature warm up we're feeling right now reminds me that pant weather is going to be short lived, and I'll be packing up all but the white skinnies on a visit home end of March. But that also reminds me that the sheer tops and flowy dress I got are spot on for my coming year here!

The nitty gritty:
Alloy purple sheer button front ($20)
Alloy white cowl tank ($6)
Zara off white BF blazer ($58)
Lush black strappy dress ($27)
Vince leather/suede pants ($320)
Gap python cords AGAIN ($17)
Unlisted studded sandals ($15)
Roxy slip ons ($6)
Madden wedge sneakers ($17 postage costs) courtesy of Karymk
Colosseum long sleeved running top ($13.50)

I did have $35 from reselling my Miss Me's. My budget is still around $1500 - $1600 for the year. Less than last year's close to $1800. And believe it or not, I'm still on track for just 24 items for the year, minus gear and underpinnings. More importantly, these items feel like 'me'. Yes, they are within a prescribed parameter, but within that construct I've narrowed down the choices to those that feel more casual chic, hint of rock 'n roll. (Except for my Roxy slip ons. sometimes you just need practical, pure and simple! And FTR they have been on my long term 'look for' list since last July.) I found that prior years I was filling the holes with the proper colors or fits, but not paying as much attention to the vibe the item was giving off to me. The result was feeling more like I belonged in a Gap ad than like I might be going to a concert later that day.

Now comes the 'catching up' to my budget phase. And I'm happy to do that to allow me my fantastic pants!

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12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I especially love this bit:

I found that prior years I was filling the holes with the proper colors or fits, but not paying as much attention to the vibe the item was giving off to me. The result was feeling more like I belonged in a Gap ad than like I might be going to a concert later that day.

This is such a good observation -- it makes all the difference to consider whether each item fits into your style direction. I used to consider only colour and item type (broadly) as well --- and it's part of what made me unhappy with my wardrobe despite having some lovely things. I'm beginning to get a much stronger and surer sense of how to focus on my style imperatives this year.

Sarah A

Your purchases all look really great for your style (special shout out to 3,4,5) were on your list. Do you find that making the list heightens your desire to get the items or accelerates the looking so you are more likely to have a good one fall into your net? I (and hopefully others) would love to know what changes/techniques you then use "slow down" as it were to get caught back to your budget... stop looking for items or freeze the credit cards or ???

deb

You really go some great pieces. I see your style moving down a different path, do you?

Thistle

You have some fantastic pieces, perfect for you and your lifestyle!

Yes, the leather and suede trousers were a bit of a splurge, but I can see these as a central style piece. They give off the concert vibe you are looking for and look fab on you to boot!

All in, looks like a terrific and useful haul that ahs been well though out to me!

Suz, yes, that's the most important part to me.
Sarah, yeah, sometimes I feel the need to hunt down what's on the list. But I'm not sure the shopping is increased compared to years of no focused list. I know my numbers are down, and my quality overall is up. I do still love a $20 trendy piece but now I have some real solid quality items to pair them up with. I think I'll take the trade off hunting down the perfect ____ to randomly snapping up every sale I see that suits my fancy
I am loathe to say it, because once I do I flail, but I plan on no spending in Feb and only the one or two items monthly listed from there on out. Having gotten over the hump of winter helps. I've got lots of warm weather stuff to wear.
Deb, I'm hoping to move to a more rock n roll aesthetic, even if it's just subtle. My colors remain the same. I'm also trying to focus on very wearable things for my life. That means both comfort and occasion appropriate.

Thx Thistle!

texstyle

I think you made some excellent choices Mo - love those python pants, the dress and the top in #1 in particular but they are all great for you.

CocoLion

You are the Queen of shopping your budget Mo. I count 9 pieces, does that mean you have 15 more to go for the rest of the year? (I didn't count the shoes from Karymk.) Or do you have a different kind of math for replacements?

I didn't count the running top, but did count the sneakers. But, yes, I have 15 purchases left. I count the upgrades but not the gear. I suppose it equals out either way lol.

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shedev

These are some great choices Mo. Glad you are keeping the leather pants. They look awesome on you. I think that it is good to have an occasional splurge is the item is just right.

Caro in Oz

Fantastic choices Mo that are moving you towards your look imo. Like Suz I think your observations are central to having a functioning wardrobe rather than just a whole lot of clothes.

Anonymous

I love everything about your planning process. It absolutely fascinates and inspires me.

Jewell

Love your purchase roundup with pics! These are fab items for you. I especially love the white blazer and leather/suede pants. The studded sandals are fun, too!

I ended the month with nine purchases, too! All of them planned except for two scarves. I'm not counting the two belts toward my 24 item limit, though because belts were my one exception until I fill that wardrobe hole.

catgirl

I still think you are on track and disciplined - the pants are a lifetime item!

Jaime

I am trying to think about more about where things fit in and less about the piece itself too. You are doing great from the looks of things.

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