Please help me! - YouLookFab Forum

I have worked on the last two weeks to put together some sort of list of wardrobe wants for spring. I'm on SYC until end of March in order to continue finishing up my closet culling and working through my style. I'm happy with my winter wardrobe and don't need anything for the rest of the season.

I have decided I can't be too super strict about the time frame of my SYC because some of the items on my list may become available in the right size, silhouette, fabric and price before end of March so am allowing myself to purchase a list item if that happens, but nothing else.

My biggest problem is that I'm a bit of a "random" shopper - I try to get what I need/want but end up buying something because it caught my eye...this has resulted in the past in having too many closet orphans. The list I've made is such that the items will work together and play well with the spring/summer things I already have. I've also decided the list items are the ones I am NOT willing to compromise on - they must fit perfectly, be flattering and make me feel fab, and I will not scrimp on cost.

So...here's my list and I am PLEADING with my YLF sisters to help keep me on track!!!

- Shoes: 1 pair nude pumps and 1 pair coloured loafers
- Tops: white button down shirt; denim or chambray shirt; navy v-neck cashmere sweater
- Bottoms: white trousers (either lined trousers or trouser jeans)
- Dresses: navy & white polka dot day dress; LBD sheath dress
- Accessories: orange satchel
- Jacket: short, dark denim jacket

14 years ago

Anonymous

This is a very sensible and well thought out list, Shannon. (Can I copy some of it?) I will certainly help you but I have to admit I can be a real budget gestapo. You will thank me at the end though.

So those nude loafers you posted earlier would fit into which category? Just sayin'!

jayne

Veteran

good list and good plan. How is the best way to help. You post the temptations? You leave wallet in car before browsing? You keep list with at all times! we support, cheer, and hold hand when you walk away ...from something fabn that is not on list!

Ana

(website)

I think as spring rolls around, you may have more options for all the things on your list except a navy cashmere sweater. I'd look for that now or wait until next fall when you would probably have more to choose from. Lined white trousers might be harder to find and more expensive (I've looked for these from time to time and have had trouble finding any that are lined that aren't major bucks). White denim will probably become more prevalent with spring, though.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Keep the list very flexible. You have a while before you can actually wear Spring clothes. It's a good start though. We will thrash out what you need as the "must have" list comes out.

Amy

Shannon, I've got your back. Your list looks like a smart plan. Do you have plenty of layering tops to wear under jackets? That's one of the things I would make sure I was good with before finalizing your list. Layers during transition seasons are helpful.

Looks good to me! I have a similarly specific list and also holding out 'til I hope April

lyn*

Orange satchel sounds fun I can't wait to see it!

Transcona Shannon

In Winnipeg Angie, we don't usually start wearing spring clothes until April and white pants don't come out to play until May - so you're right, I have a while. And I do understand what you're saying about remaining flexible - I just don't want to turn "flexible" into "willy-nilly"!

Claire - the loafers I posted are definitely possible for my list but as Anna pointed out, they are only available on line in black. I would have to go in store to try the nude - and I'm not sure I'm feeling strong enough to go into the store and stick to the plan!

Thanks for the tip on layering tops Ana - you're quit right about that and I actually am starting to comb the post holiday sales for the navy cashmere sweater now because I suspect you're right about the timing of that purchase.

Angie's right! I'm chomping at the bit to start on my spring shopping too (as you can tell from my blouse posts), but maybe you and I just need to hang in there until the season is a little closer and the must-haves list comes out

I have not found navy cashmere any where, even in the men's department.... I was hoping to snap up one on sale. I too would love to find some perfectly tailored, lined white trousers....but given my propensity to spill my coffee, white denim is better for my laundry and my budget. But you could wear trousers in a work setting so that would be a great summer basic for you. I love the idea of firming up your list later after Angie compiles her report. It's so exciting having something to look forward to!

I'm laughing at your comment about spilling coffee Claire - years ago I had the most beautiful pair of linen completely lined white wide leg trouser pants - for me, they were expensive but I loved them and wore them until they fell apart. But I always planned my lunch carefully on the days I wore those pants to work because of potential spilling problem - no tomato soup or pasta sauce on those days!

RoseandJoan

This appears to be a well thought out list Shannon and very Parisian Chic inspired. To keep you on track you could produce an inspiration board with items you have seen and outfit combinations.

catgirl

Shannon, I'll help! This is one of my goals for the next year - less random, more focus. I love that you're holding yourself accountable here - that makes a big difference!

Suz

Excellent list, Shannon, and we will do our best to keep you to your goal!

Here's a question, though. Do you have ANY wiggle room for a thrifted or consigned "fun" purchase or two? It might be wise to give yourself permission for $25 or so spent that way, especially if you are unable to find any of your key pieces in a fit or fabrication you like!

Thanks Una - we'll help each other be good girls! And that's exactly why I posted this - to be accountable.

Suz - yes, there's definitely room for fun, thrifted purchases. In fact, I'm not really counting those in this process. The list is only for the items on it which I'm sort of considering as my "key" pieces and will most likely be the more expensive of my spring/summer wardrobe. I do plan on thrifting/consigning some fun blouses, jewelry, skirts - which I'm usually pretty lucky at finding. Does that make sense?I also think I might be lucky enough to find a denim shirt and denim jacket via thrifting.

Makrame

For the navy sweater, just an idea - you could put a navy v-neck sweater from Nordstrom on your wish list and watch the price. Right now they are regular price ($79) but it might come down. Of course, since you are in Canada (right?) this may not be very convenient in case you have to make a return. I bought a Nordstrom cashmere sweater for DH as a New Year's gift - it was $180 originally, and with the sales and price adjustment it came down to $81 in the end. The wish list is nice because if you go to the Nordstrom website and click on your list, you are really not tempted by the other ads and sales.

D'Ellen

Hey Shannon, fellow random shopper here! I'm in the process of making my list, and I'm intending to do SYC from Jan 15 - April 15. I don't think it's going to be easy. I was in the mall today for a pre-SYC spree to spend some gift cards on designated items, and I saw new spring things that I wanted to grab, grab, grab!!! I'm not sure how capable I am of keeping you on track...or myself either...but I'll help you if you'll help me!

Thanks for the Nordie's tip Makrame! I think I might try that. Yes, I'm in Canada and returns are definitely not convenient, but I might be willing to risk it for the right item.

Ok Blonda - you have got yourself a deal! And since we're random shoppers, we need to STAY OUT OF THE STORES!!!

missvee

I'd say add some more pale pink to your list, given how fab you look in that colour. How about a crisp shirt in pale pink ? Maybe instead of the white one? I'm just saying...

rae

Yep, I was going to say to wait for Angie's list to come out, too. But of course you must keep the orange satchel on the list come hell or high water!

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