Replication musings (long) - YouLookFab Forum

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Replication musings (long)

anne

Veteran

So this year was earmarked by me as a bigger spending/more clothes year. It has been my observation that every 5 years or so a year like this will come up, whereas the years in between can be relatively restrained. Quite a lot is replacing stuff

I should point out that my aim is to buy within the range of 12-20 garments (not counting socks/ hose knickers) within a year. So this year maybe be more like a 20. Last year was was 12. Actual wardrobe growth is a bit larger because I sometimes receive clothing as gifts and handed down items.

I've done, for me, lots of statement buying this year

plaid shirtdress/tunic
silver pleated skirt
black floral floaty dress
Boden Eleanor dress

But I need to get down to the business of replacing stuff that just is wearing out. I keep things a long time, so we can be talking about several years (3-7) since something was replaced

so far I have bought

a new trench - not quite a replacement but partial functional replacement for a tatty 7+ puffer
a new long grey cardi
sports bra
workout top (replacing one full of holes)
black leggings

Still on the list - and here's where the musing comes in, namely do I really need them?

New tracksuit pants Couldn't find any that weren't tapered in my size BUT - DD gave me PJS and the bottoms will do for loungewear if only family is around. Maybe don't really need (I have one 2/3 year old pair, but as it's blue it clashes with all my blue tops)
replacement Navy blouse Haven't found one I like yet. To wear to work with my patterned skirts. The old one was very handy - but maybe I should aim for a light blue - a colour I'm loving right now. Also only wear in winter and only for max 2 days of the week - do I need a blouse at all?
long sleeve layering black tee. I wear these all the time in winter so probably the most necessary of this list. Keep thinking I should buy from an ethical brand. Haven't really investigated this though.
striped knit tube skirt. Can be a sort of outfit saver and always got good comments here on YLF - but less of them around now (I haven't discarded 5 year old one yet, but it is annoyingly pilly)

For those of you who don't know me that well yet, I should mentioned that I'm pretty budget minded and relatively frugal, and find shopping rather tiring and not really that enjoyable (I feel like I ought to op shop/ thrift more often, but the work involve puts me off).

Any comments are welcome!

Shopping

25 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Sal

Veteran

I agree - every now and then it seems like everything is wearing out..... and deciding what to replace/change can be tricky. Lifestyle/fashion/desires can change so while a top may have been a workhorse, an exact replacement may not be needed.

From your list I tend to think a black long sleeve tee replacement is a good idea - I have two - and they are well worn for about half the year. Mine are Gap and Dotti - neither ethical brands. The Dotti is on it's fourth winter though and still in good shape - I estimate it has been worn 15-20 times a year for four years... at $20 it was great value.

I do like a pair of smartish tracksuit pants- and PJ pants would not quite replace them. I like to be able to go over to a neighbours, to the shops etc. But you might be happy to throw jeans on these occasions or a dress in summer? I ended up getting expensive Lululemon ones that are on their third winter and get worn all year....probably at least on their 150th wear....

The other two items I would think about what you would do if there was not that piece - do you have other skirts or pants to substitute in? If you don't get a blouse what would you wear to work instead?

I have made do without pieces at various times- for a couple of years I could not find shorts that I liked so I just avoided them entirely.

I do think light blue is a lovely colour on you if it goes with your jackets and skirts already.

Sisi

Veteran

I am rather minimal when it comes to wardrobe but these all seem essentials to me, therefore worth investing..

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like maybe you don’t need a replacement navy blouse. It’s possible you can’t find one you like because you’re just tired of this concept! Perhaps now is the time to switch to anew color- like light blue, as you say.

bj1111

Veteran

Try uniqlo heat tech for the black long sleeve. Very toasty and wears well and is cheap as chips. Maybe too warm if you run hot?

Do you want proper tracksuit pants or pants that are a fashion version of tracksuit pants? If the former, maybe go old school with puma or adidas or normcore like lululemon or athleta.

No help on the knit tube skirt but @Suz may have tips. She’s a fan.

Anonymous

I don’t known ANNE- your plan sure seems reasonable to me. I like that you are looking for a navy blouse but are open to another color that might work well with patterned things already in your wardrobe..... I think this shows style growth and confidence that we all want and need- great.
I know sometimes “gifts” or “ hand me downs “ can be a double edge sword. They can fill a need now but just be a little “off” and end up either sitting or erode confidence when worn. So I would not take your ideals off your list if what you have was in the gift/ hand me down category.
Tees can be pricey or fast fashion throw always. Personally I see both sides of debate on this ....... and my wardrobe reflects both sides- lol. So let your heart, mind and availability be your guide.
We were just talking on another post about not pitching an item even if worn out until a replacement can be found. So maybe use a pill shaver to carry that skirt a little while longer until you find a “love”.
I just want to say that I love your wiw posts and even your “ what do you think” posts because I think you have a great eye on what looks best on you and you have a great sense of style- just saying.......

jussie

Veteran

I can also vouch for the uniqlo heat tech long sleeved tops. They’re very warm, hard wearing and come in a range of necklines.
Personally I think it sounds like a pair of track pants is a good idea. Kmart has a very wide range and they’re cheap and surprisingly sturdy.
If you are a bit over navy blouses some ideas might be: bergundy, blush, cream, silver, charcoal, or of course light blue as you said. I suggest those particular colours because I think they go with a lot of other colours/neutrals/prints and aren’t too much of a statement, so could be worn frequently.
Good luck with it!

anne

Veteran

Thanks so much for a lovely thoughtful reply Sal. I haven't found tees from Dotti to be great quality so it is interesting that yours have lasted long. As

usual you nailed it with your summary of the issue
lifestyle/fashion/desires can change so while a top may have been a workhorse, an exact replacement may not be needed.

I tend to only wear my tracky pants at home (though possibly when we have visitors) or perhaps for a walk.

If I don't wear a blouse to work I wear a pullover, I have a white Zara one, and a somewhat shabby black one with lace insets. Or the red blouse from Suz that was in my "gape" post. I can wear my lace cropped top with a top underneath. I have a 3/4 sleeve top for spring and some other tops for summer (thought I'm not that keen on them either)

Thanks Sisi

Jessikams, I'm not tired of the blouse - but the blouse got worn out, had pulled threads etc. It was at least 7 years old. I've been trying to find a photo - I'll put it up in a minute. I worn it often but didn't photograph it often.

My problem with the replacement ones I have tried are

they are often too voluminous
no collar - SO many blouses have no collars this year, and for someone like me with a small bust and a long decolletage, that isn't good

I still like navy, a lot, but I feel like lighter colours might look better on me. i haven't for example replaced my former mainstay of black turtlenecks

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anne

Veteran

BJ - thanks for the suggestion. We should have a Uniqlo in Perth soon. I'm after a scoop neck - I didn't see any of them online.

anne

Veteran

Sorry guys - had to let DD use the computer for homework

BJ - trackies I'm not sure. Just everything I've tried on looks tapered and though I wear skinnies, tapered in tracksuit pants seems to be not flattering to my thighs.Particularly as I want to wear them with a relatively fitted hoodie

ebfgen - wow, thanks - I'm touched by your words about my eye and style - very encouraging!

I hear you on the double edged sword of handed down items. Actually in this case nothing on my list was filled by handmedowns, but it can sort of expand a category without being exactly what you wanted, so you end up with more clothes(e.g., I forgot to add a purple v neck I was recently given to my list of tops.. I do get a bit stressed by them sometimes, because I"m often a bit seduced by being better quality than what I'd buy, and yet I wouldn't have actually bought them myself,.

I think the pilled skirt is pilled ALL over, but am interested in the pill shaved concept - it isn't just a normal razer? I don't think I've seen one if it is something different.

Thanks Jussie. I love silver, but blush (which I love on others) seldom works on my olive skin and burgundy and charcoal are as dark as navy. I do own a white or cream (can't recall right now) blouse but the style just seems a bit off with my patterned pencil skirts, unless untucked.

Becky

Veteran

From my point of view, the black tee would be an essential, and I think a blouse, even if it is not navy, would be essential for wearing with the patterned skirts (what would you wear with them if you had no blouse?). Agree with efbgen that the tube skirt could wait until you find one that's a 10/10.

LaPed

Veteran

I like the idea of replacing the navy blouse with something in a colour that makes you happy! Light blue sounds great, or just keep an eye out for any possibility that would work with your particular printed skirts.

I have a feeling we're going to start seeing more straight-leg track pants and sweatpants; they seem to be making a comeback after years of the tapered/cuffed jogger styles.

For tube skirts, I definitely still see the Vince Camuto ones a lot, and often on sale -- not sure if that's a brand that's available to you?

Since you're heading into summer rather than winter, Uniqlo's Heattech selection might be limited. I do like their Supima ribbed cotton tees too, which come in lots of colours and styles and sleeve lengths. I find they make better standalone tops than the Heattech, which feels a bit too much like long underwear for me to wear without another shirt or sweater on top.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

A great starting point, Anne.

I'm nodding along with La Ped. Must but items in colours that make you happy.

Things wear out, don't they. And the less you have, the faster they wear out. I find I wear out shoes FAST because I don't have many pairs and walk my feet off.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Mirroring Angie, a smaller wardrobe means that items don't last as long. You are, however, using every item to its fullest, with is wise stewardship on many levels! I think you may be moving to a lighter color palette. A black tee is a staple, for sure, but I wouldn't hesitate to slowly shift your wardrobe to lighter shades --- I've learned to manage keeping white clean in recent years, and I no longer worry about stains!

Like the Season

Agreeing with Beth Ann. It feels pretty good when you've truly worn out a piece of clothing -- or any item you've purchased, for that matter. It usually means you made a wise choice when you bought it and got your money's worth, and the resources that went into making it were put to good use.

cindysmith

Veteran

I like how restrained and focused you are. Like, seriously, I wish I could be more like you and less like...
Oh, look! It's a bunny!
...someone with style ADHD. I love the idea of owning fewer, better, more ethically made things. I love the anti-consumption attitude behind your thinking, even if it doesn't completely originate as a desire to be more ethical/eco-friendly (you might be this way because you don't enjoy shopping, but it gets you to an ethical/green mindset in the end).

Now that I've said all that, I'll actually address what seems to be your question. Do you NEED these items you are shopping for?
It kind of sounds like you mostly do have legitimate need for those items. With your frugality & the longevity of items in your wardrobe, I see these few pieces as good investments for you. Do you NEED the sweatpants? Maybe not, since you have something that kinda sorta functions; but if they only kinda sorta work, how often will you wear them and how much will you enjoy them? These are the kind of questions that can help you decide whether you should buy the items. Yes, you're frugal, and that's perfectly okay; but I see frugality like that as being a way to save money on some things so you can maybe spend a little more money on other things that you enjoy/get happiness AND use out of. You are worth the price of a pair of sweatpants for lounging, especially since you will likely still be wearing them in 3 years. American Giant seems like a fairly good company for the sweatpants & black t-shirts: made in America and built to last.
https://www.american-giant.com/home

Anonymous

In response to pilled skirt- in the Us you can get a “clothes shaver/ lint remover “ on our Amazon, EBay, Target. Battery operated ones can be about $10. Most of us who knit/ crochet use it on our homemade garments. Helps clean up the pilling

Anonymous

Hmm, I’m mostly questioning the track pants. They are generally fairly unfab. What do you need these for?
I really am not a fan of wearing the PJs out the door.

What about leggings with a long hoodie?

I think the tube skirt is a good idea, as is the black tshirt. Can’t go wrong with those.

I like navy as it is more neutral than light blue. Will the light blue go with everything the navy did? Light blue is a good colour on you.

What about a puffer to replace the tatty one . I know you got a trench, but it only partially fills the role of the puffer. I think a lightweight puffer could be very useful.

Bijou

Veteran

At the end of August we get a local Uniqlo and I think you will really like their product offering of good quality basics at reasonable prices. They make great gear and light weight puffers which is all we need in our climate if you would like to replace your puffer.

I think a lighter blue blouse may be a good replacement for your navy one as it will work all year round and is a great colour on you.

The new statement pieces that you have added are lovely. You are a very good shopper, even if you don’t particularly like the process. The stand out pieces that come to mind are your pleated skirt, new trench and floaty floral dress. I must have missed your purchase of the Boden dress, but I imagine that would be gorgeous on you too.

anne

Veteran

Thanks so much everyone. Will get back to you more fully tonight. Had a funeral yesterday and a conference today

anne

Veteran

Angie - I can only imagine how fast your shoes wear out. I tend to wear my running shoes to do most of my walking (inc commuting) which helps all the other shoes last. I had budget for 2 possible shoe replacements this year but I think I may get throughout the year without buying them, which helps a great deal with the costs, as shoes make up a huge percentage of my clothing budget

La Ped - I'll check out uniqlo more .As Bijou says - we are getting a shop in town really soon! and Bijou and Smittie- I have heard good things about those puffers from colleagues in the Eastern States. Perhaps I could run to one in addition to the trench.

ebfgen - i'll do some local searching for a pill shaver

Thanks for the compliment too Bijou

Thanks Beth Ann, Cindy smith and like the season ( I do make mistakes, like most of us, and also don't keep all handed downs - some I can pass on instantly, others I give a try for a while before I decide. But the items in this thread were all well used replacements )

karen13

Veteran

I think these sound like very carefully thought out purchases.

I have been buying a lot in the past two years, driven by having to replace my entire wardrobe after a significant weight change, and a bit too much churn as I couldn't figure out what my new style and silhouettes (and non-fantasy life) were.

I bough a lot of navy and burgundy last year and have also been trying to branch out to lighter fresher colors that compliment my fair coloring but still work with those base colors. So I vote for light blue for you.

And a disposable razor with a light touch will work as a pill remover.

anne

Veteran

Thank Karen. A disposable razor? That I can do!
Thanks for the light blue blouse vote and keeping me company in lightening up.

DonnaF

Veteran

In addition to great prices, Uniqlo runs sales on selected items for super value as long as you don’t get sales goggles and end up over buying.

bj1111

Veteran

heattech scoops on the uniqlo us site. i can mail them to you for the price of a coffee the next time i'm in perth--which may be next feb/march. we'll finally make it to karijini, purnululu and kakadu.

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anne

Veteran

BJ, would love to shout you a coffee when you next come to Perth. My turn anyway . And would be great to see you again But hold off on the mailing til I can see what the local shop has since it's opening soon.