Slow shop report-long and naval gazing - YouLookFab Forum

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Slow shop report-long and naval gazing

Anonymous

In the interest of accountability: my slow shop report- month 3 and prior-and a bit of planning (and probably unicorn hunting). Total 6 items in (not counting sleepwear and 1 returned blouse)- 3 January, 0 February, 3 March.
January:
Nike trainers-workhorses already, as I only have 1 pair, and direct replacement for hot pink ones. Bought for color, and toes looked sleeker than others in pic (sadly rounder irl). Decided I need some sort of extra cushioning for running though.
Tie dye top- worn about 3x. Bought for colors, shape, and as a weekend version of a similar blouse to wear with jeans. The reality, I prefer it with skirts!
Black sheer sleeve blouse- worn 4x or so. Black tops are automatic workhorses for me for all occasions. One problem-the buttons at the neck are fussy, so I added a snap to make life easier.
2 PC dresses. Wasn't planning to shop for summer til May, but got an unexpected work bonus :)They are absolutely perfect for me in shape and coloring. Not worn yet as it's still too cold, but guaranteed workhorses.
Black sleeveless blouse- not worn yet either, but nicely fitted for flowy skirts. Guaranteed workhorse, and likely will duplicate in black or other colors.
Success rate much higher than last year, with many less pieces and much less $ spent.
Going forward needs-wants:
Hot weather sleepwear- shorts and bralette friendly tanks
Walking sandals in gold or copper-Birkie Gizeh most likely candidate so far, but hoping for dressier beaded version.
Replacement dark tie dye dress for weekends-hopefully will find at the beach.
Indoor office topper in cognac-soft and minimalist
If needed-gold or copper dressy sandal, clutch complement.
Waiting til fall-winter due to upcoming drastic life changes:
Workout leggings in black-probably Athleta.
Jeans-tulip hem and/or open side bootcuts
Ponte pants-some NYDJs on order, if available
Warm dresses-more PC + at least 1 formal work dress
Warm winter maxi coat-if still living on East Coast
Teal bootie and dressy wool coat complement, since burgundy was so successful.

Additions to list extremely likely-but trying to set priorites!

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INC International Concepts I.N.C. Twist Keyhole Mesh-Sleeve Top, Created for Macy's

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Nike Women's Fast EXP-Z07 Casual Sneakers from Finish Line

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Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from RainB

Anonymous

Great post, Suntiger. I'm most impressed with this statement "Success rate much higher than last year, with many less pieces and much less $ spent." Congratulations to you.

Also, having such a clear and concise needs list is going to help you going forward.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Great reflections and great restraint!I find it does help to have lists and a budget particularly when the shops are filling up with tempting new summer clothes.

Anonymous

Thing is, last year I bought a lot, as my expenses were much lower than now. Some good, but many already passed on-guessing $500 wasted. I had a lot of guilt about those things I should have returned-and want to be much more careful this year.
Plus my future is very uncertain (much good, some worrisome) right now- so I don't want to shop ahead.

Sal

Veteran

Nice work and great focus. I do love those dresses. I find cognac, pewter, tan sandals an absolute summer workhorse. Hope you find the right ones!

I have added five pieces to date - two jackets, one cardigan and two pairs of shoes ( one running shoes, one EF sandals).

I am off to see my friend who designs and makes clothes on Thursday and often buy wildcards as I never know what she will have!

I have edited out ten pieces this year - a mix of wear and old pieces. I sold one piece. Two pairs of shoes were just exhausted and beyond repair - and I have three pieces to donate next spring.

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Anonymous

A designer friend is a dangerous thing You said you had some things she made that you weren't sure of, could she do something custom for you? Then you won't feel obligated to buy anything that's not right-and she's happy too!

Anonymous

I'm glad you kept that blush jacket, Sal. I thought it looked fabulous on you.

Suntiger, you are being both careful and measured in your shopping. YAY you.

rachylou

Veteran

Lovely items. Very cohesive. I’m loving the idea of ‘slow shop.’

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

NICE thoughtful shopping, Suntiger. Isn't it great when the puzzle pieces fit and feel like YOU

LaPed

Veteran

Such pretty colours all around! Big thumbs-up on the Nikes (they 're tempting me to place an order for those fuchsia Allbirds I've been eying). Those two dresses look so versatile for summer.

I'm at six items so far this year too (three wintery things, three springy things). I didn't set myself any hard limits, just trying to be extra picky about what I add. It's quite pleasant not to be caught in a constant cycle of buy/try/return.

Anonymous

Its all about the 3 Ps this year!

nemosmom

Veteran

You FINALLY bought the $%^& trainers!! YESSS!

It looks like you've done really well! You have been thoughtful and disciplined with your new pieces, and are reaping the reward.

My fingers are crossed that your upcoming life changes and uncertainty resolve smoothly. Sending good vibes your way. xx

Bonnie

Veteran

Good job sticking to your goal. I'm impressed that you already have a shopping list for the coming months.

Style Fan

Veteran

Great shopping Suntiger. I have bronze Birks Gizehs. I love them. Beaded ones would be amazing.

Christina F.

Veteran

Good job!

I am shopping less but doing so well at finding basics that I’m not meeting the limit I set and should just bow out of this. It will all even out in the summer, when I plan to buy much less as I already have way too much.

That said, i am meeting my goal of removing more things than I add.

taylor

Veteran

Wow...you have broke this down brilliantly ,
I hate wasting money on clothes too, (done that too many times to count) But last years errors has made you a stellar shopper this year .
Black tops/ blouses are work horses for me too. You need a good variety:)
The dresses you have featured here are beautiful in both color and design . You got this !.......carry on

Runcarla

Veteran

You motivated me, and I tossed my last running shoes (well past their best before date) and got a nice new pair. Inspired by Sal's thread about holding onto things too long, I dispatched a pair of old running tights and replaced them with an RBX pair that I love so much - I wear them to the gym as soon as they are clean/available. My third purchase of 2019 is a pair of olive chinos that are 'long' vs cropped at the ankle.

I'm wanting to add a summer sundress or two and new sandals, but I'm holding out for warmer weather and better selection in the shops.

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Sal

Veteran

Glad I inspired you Carla!!

Anonymous

Haha, I made myself buy the trainers first! Then I had "permission" to get the other stuff

Helena

Veteran

Awesome mindful shopping! I love those sneaks

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Those PC dresses are great, and well worth making exceptions.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I'm intrigued at how you seem to know what will be a workhorse before it's really integrated into your wardrobe. Is it because of similar pieces you've owned in the past? I have a pretty decent success rate, but I still occasionally find pieces that I was sure would be workhorses that I have to force myself to wear (looking at you, black skirt).

Also, I really appreciate your list of needs/wants. I have a similar list, and it really helps to reference as I'm thinking about a purchase!

Anonymous

Black sleeveless and sleeved blouses have been permanent workhorses in my life-no exceptions. Why? Black doesn't show sweat stains, streamlines the dodgy bits, and goes with all my colored bottoms! They're blouses, not knits, because they look dressier and attract less pet hair
Um...that wasn't my entire list of wants ...just the priorities!

RainB

Such well thought out shopping! I so wish I could find the dresses and tie dyed top here... Just gorgeous

Anonymous

Don't know if PC would ship to you, but the top is from an Etsy shop. She does dresses and short sleeve tops and other things too Think I did a search "dark tie dye" or "hand dyed purple orange" to find it.

Sal

Veteran

suntiger - she has made a couple of custom made pieces for me, in general I go with an open mind. I would say that my biggest hits and my biggest misses come with her designs. My favourite pants ever were a Shani design - but likewise I have purchased things that I wore and handed on very quickly. Because she is a friend perhaps I am not as discerning? And because she makes them locally, the prices are fair, and she is great with waste I feel less guilty and more able to take a risk. Tonight I hope she has a selection of pants and skirts, or maybe a patterned top that would work under a couple of my jackets.

Jenn- I sometimes get my workhorses wrong too. One knit jacket and one woven jacket last year....one was weather related, the other just a mistake...

Anonymous

Looking forward to the new haul Sal!

RainB

Thanks suntiger! Will check the Etsy shop out