Hi friends, I've been diligent at tracking my shopping this year, and thought it would be good for me to reflect on it - primarily because it's been a high-shop (at least for me) year so far, and my initial instinct is to panic! But I think a rational analysis will be far more helpful.
The Numbers:
- 18 (!!) pieces purchased (including all categories of clothing, shoes, accessories, including gear, but excluding pyjamas)
- $500+ spent so far (again, for me, this is a lot for not even 1/2 way through the year)
- Boots - 1
- Accessories - 2
- Athleisure pieces - 3 (I also received 2 additional pieces for Mother's Day)
- Experiments - 5
- Essentials - 7
- Building an athleisure capsule is a sensible thing to do. These pieces tend to have longevity in my wardrobe, and there are certain times of year (January and the cold end of spring) when this is what I want to wear. I plan to take a minimal approach to this capsule; therefore, I think it is probably close to complete if not complete.
- I did update some essentials and add a couple of essentials - e.g. casual button ups. With the changing silhouette of looser and higher waists, I feel good about adding a new pair of jeans. I have just purchased a couple of pairs of higher waisted shorts - these replace a few lower waisted shorts that I go rid of at the end of last season.
- The boots and accessories I am fine with - they will more than pay for themselves and will all see 30+ wears by the time I'm done.
- The experiments have been a partial success (more below).
- Every year I get excited about spring (or more accurately, the end of winter) and purchase some new, fun pieces ... that don't get nearly enough wear because we just do not have a spring. That said - this is retail therapy for me. However, FIVE pieces is too many - one or two "fun" spring pieces should be more than enough to scratch that itch. I'll give myself grace that with the never-ending lockdown, I just lost the plot a little. But something I really need to work on as these purchases feel wasteful right now.
- Cardigans. I just cannot figure out what makes a useful cardigan for me. The two cardigans I've purchased this year just do not get worn nearly enough to justify them. We'll see if my boxy one gets more use on cooler summer evenings. Oddly, my ultra-thin summer cardigans do get loads of wear, because I like the light coverage from the sun. I should probably just stop with the cardigans, again except for a versatile and ultra-light-weight one for summer.
- Ultimately, it's my essential pieces that I truly enjoy in the long run. Statements and "fun" pieces lose their shine very quickly.
- Come fall, I know I need to replenish my sweater situation, and this will be my biggest expense and probably item count, as I edited out several that were too small, too tight, or just worn. I will need to be picky about fit, try to stick to essentials primarily, while allowing for subtle differences to give me some variety (e.g. maybe some v-neck, some crew, different textures, etc. ... just ideas, obviously will have to see what's available).
Thanks so much for reading, and I am totally open to feedback if I am justifying, overlooking anything, or any other thoughts you might have! xx
