Shopping Challenge - March - YouLookFab Forum

Jumping on the accountability bandwagon and reporting my March purchases.

In January, I committed to 12 items for the year, excluding undies. I set a low limit (perhaps TOO low) after a major shopping/returning hangover that happened with job, life, and location changes.

In January, I was on the hunt for the perfect puffer coat, but ended up with a faux shearling coat and a leopard print skirt (2 total for the month).

In February, I edited my holding zone, selling 4 pieces and donating 9, for a total of 13. I bought a pleated skirt and thrifted 3 other items (4 total for the month). I was mad at myself for adding so many items, and being at the halfway mark of my self-imposed limit, after only two months. After some reassurance from forum members, and a week of vacation with limited access to my closet and computer, I was ready to tackle March.

For March, I spent a lot of time in my closet putting together outfits, pinning ideas, recording what I wore and liked - as well as what didn't work - and trying to figure out WHY. It is getting easier for me to actually see the shift in my style, now that I have started documenting all of it. I feel like I have direction for the first time in a long time and it is helping me to be MUCH more intentional about what I am adding.

This month I added a new pair of blush croc loafers (in finds) and a thrifted leopard print peacoat (photo 1) (2 total for the month).

I had eyed a leopard topper for a long time, but the faux fur style with my big red hair leans WAY too "Peg Bundy" for my taste. This one is a flat/jacquard weave and just the right type for me. I have worn it a LOT and LOVE it. Even DH said, "that's such a YOU coat" - I guess that's a good sign...

Going into April, I have purchased 8 of my 12 items for the year. I started switching out my seasonal clothes, and it looks like my only real holes are shoes. On my wishlist is a metallic shoe, a sandal, and possibly a pair of hightop sneakers since my winter Vans are getting so much use. I am also on the lookout for an elusive pair of perfect jeans. Those four items should wrap up my shopping for the year, if I can stay on track.

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Steve Madden Steve Madden Feather Loafer Flat (Women) | Nordstrom

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Sal

Veteran

Great additions and accountability.

It sounds like your additions have been carefully chosen.

12 is a low number of additions - it is not impossible and I don't want to enable you. I used to aim for 20 (excluding gear and underwear) and I didn't achieve it for a variety of reasons, mostly just wear and tear.

The new coat looks gorgeous and not Peg Bundy at all.

Bonnie

Spending time in your closet making outfits is a great way to assess what you have and what you need. Your new shoes are really cute.

Anonymous

I too echo that 12 items in a year would be hard for anyone! But I support you and your goal any way I can!! That's is what we are hear for.

The most exciting thing was HOW MUCH WORK YOU DID IN MARCH! I was blown away by all the mental work you did. Perhaps the goal of this exercise is less about a number and more about having direction to shop more intentionally. Perhaps your very strict goal made you sit down and really think things through. Regardless of whether you keep to 12 items or not, you have already benefited.

Jessikams

(website)

Cheering you on! Sounds like you’re learning a lot about your style and your needs

Helena

Excellent job!! Yes, you went a little 'overbudget' (if you amortize the purchases over the year) BUT you also did a lot of clearing, a lot of learning, and you purchased with intention. To me, that's the magic of committing to a number anyway - it forces you to purchase mindfully, which it sounds like you've done in spades.

Those loafers are gorgeous! Sounds like all your purchases will be versatile workhorses. Well done, and good luck for April! xx

Great finds and you can always adjust the number if needed! The idea was just "do I really love and or need it enough to be one of just #" more than a specific number.

nemosmom

Thank you, Sal! Not enabling at all Thank you for the kudos on the coat.

Bonnie it makes sense, right?! I had a ridiculous idea that if I liked something well enough, and it fit, it would just magically 'work' with my whole wardrobe. I've been clueless.

Sterling, thank you SO much! Yes, the strict number, and having the forum to hold me accountable, has made me stop and think instead of just buying whatever. It's been really helpful and I HAVE already benefited!

Thank you Jessikams for cheering me on!

TG - you are too kind; thank you I've worn the loafers twice already! My feet froze, but I looked cute!

Suntiger - the challenge has been so helpful! I'm at a point where I really NEED to love something I am adding, so THANK YOU for this challenge!

Stagiaire Fash

Cute jacket. I hope you post pix of your non-Bundy self in it. Makes sense that you’d be buying coats after that move.

Buying shoes makes sense too. I’ve mentioned before that I made a move similar to yours. Funny enough, I also have a pair of blush croc loafers in my finds.

Do you have any projection or goal for size of your wardrobe after it all settles out?

Zappos

Naturalizer Emiline

Jenn

These seem like two pieces that can really play a core role for you, and help your wardrobe feel refreshed! How are you feeling about your overall goal? Only four more items for the remainder of the year seems pretty tight!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

NICE additions.

"For March, I spent a lot of time in my closet putting together outfits, pinning ideas, recording what I wore and liked - as well as what didn't work - and trying to figure out WHY. It is getting easier for me to actually see the shift in my style, now that I have started documenting all of it. I feel like I have direction for the first time in a long time and it is helping me to be MUCH more intentional about what I am adding."

CAN I CLONE YOU?

FashIntern - I still feel weird posting WIWs... Cute pink loafers for you! I can see them working really well with all of your berries.

As for goals/projections, I don't have a firm number in mind, I just keep working until it feels right. I am at 147 now, including tops, bottoms, toppers, shoes. In addition, I have small capsules of gear, accessories (scarves, bag, jewelry), and loungewear NOT counted in the 147. I am not purging just to hit a target number, but I certainly don't need to be adding any more to it without careful planning.

Jenn - Thank you!! I feel good about my number, if I can avoid sales goggles and magpie'ing.

Angie - I want to clone YOU! I try to envision you standing there asking me "does it make your heart sing?" And that is helping...

Awwh. Glad to hear it

I love your blush loafers. Fab with all your olive.

Peg Bundy was FABULOUS.

SarahD8

nemosmom, I was also struck by the passage that Angie highlighted above. This is truly, truly inspirational. I am committing to doing the same from now until the end of April. Thank you for showing the way.

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