Theresa, I know exactly what you mean about discovering big holes in the wardrobe. I think I kind of cheated by grabbing a dozen must have's over the last couple months before joining in SYC. And they were BIG holes - like a plain white button down, yeah. But Queen Mum is totally on target about you being able to figure it out through doing the SYC. For my part, I never really analyzed my wardrobe much - I just bought what I liked with a vague idea of a few things it might go with. Or tried to rescue an orphan with the perfect new item.
Anyway, you certainly need to be wearing more than just one shirt all week!!

I just love how thoughtful everyone is becoming in what they are buying. This to me is the best part of SYC. Forget the guilt, buy something really special that you will wear to death, do it in a limited way that doesn't turn into a huge shopping spree, and I consider that to be fully in the spirit of SYC. (Can you tell I am turning into a real softie in week 11??)

Laura, I really like comment [forget the guilt, buy something really special that you will wear to death, do it in a limited way.]
I might have to paste this in my wallet. I have been one of those who will buy the under $20 items every week all year long but can't fathom spending $75 or $100 at one time. My BF shops maybe twice a year, sometimes not for a whole year, but will spend $200 on nice work slacks. I could learn from that man . . .

Great idea, Mo. Let's start a "Shop Like a Man" challenge

Haha, Laura - "shop like a man"! Does that mean going to ONE store and trying to get out of there as quickly as possible by not trying anything on, and then complaining about fit, quality, etc.? Because that's what my "man" does

LOL. Yes, my man wants to shop no more than a few hours every six months, but yet miraculously have lots of options in his closet that are current, not boring, and versatile for multiple occasions. I try to explain to him that he may need to invest a tad more time!

My man will put in the time to find the 'right' thing but not like we ladies do. I'm proud of him being a decent dresser when so many guys these days are not or do not care to try!

But I do love the idea of shop like a man challenge What would we do with all that spare time . . . . ?

Laura, I like your comment. SYC has had me analyze what I have and make better use of it. However, this week I've been thinking that there are some of the new trends that would fit nicely into my lifestyle or body type and that it might be wise to be an early adopter to get the most use for my money. Despite SYC I'm going to try to get oxfords to work in my wardrobe, if I can find the right ones. My feet would be very happy. If I wait until January, much of the closed shoe season will already be past when I could be wearing them and be fashion forward too. It may be that it won't happen, we'll see. I have problems styling with the menswear look but YLF members have inspired me with their outfits.

You ladies are such a wealth of wisdom!!

Thank you for easing my guilt! It has really amazed me how much clearer things have become... especially as I added up what I spent on the clothing since July, and its a staggering amount... (for my budget anyway!), and then to realise I had such basic wardrobe holes... it was really quite the eye opener.

I went shopping today to specifically look for tops, and whilst I didn't get a whole lot of time (my brother asked me to go house hunting with him!), I did find 1 top that I'm going to post soon to see if it really is worthy of a spot in my newly thought out wardrobe.

I did also break out and buy a $5 scarf in a gorgeous print that will work very well with my new top, as well as several of my existing dresses so for such a versatile accessory I was happy to pay!

So Laura, I just want to say thanks for starting this movement here on YLF - I know I for one will never shop the same again!

Awww, thanks Theresa. Maybe "mindful" will be the word for the week. Can't remember what last week's word was but sure it was just as meaningful!

Yesterday I found out I had made it into the THIRD round of interviews for that same job that I keep interviewing for ... yes, they are nothing if not thorough at this institution! Anyway, it sent me to the mall for yet another top to wear with my black skirt suit. Interesting experience. Honestly, I realized why some people hate to shop. I started at Nordstrom, found nothing, asked two salespeople for help (even very specific help, such as: I want a woven blouse, preferably in a silk fabric, with a tie at the neck) and they didn't find a thing. Next, to Ann Taylor, where I found a shirt that would work, but they were out of my size. Two calls to other stores also came up empty. They sent me home to try the website. No size there. Called the 800#, which offered up "style finder" which at some random time in the future might produce the shirt. Not good enough, since I need it for Wednesday. Gave up, ordered the same shirt in a different fabric that I didn't like as much, paid $25 to express ship it. Then went on Nordstrom's website, found a Classiques blouse exactly as I had described to the unhelpful salesperson, ordered it online and it's ready to pick up in store.

Too. Much. Work. ARGH!

Thanks for listening! But can you see how shopping is a pain when it's not a recreational sport?

Congrats on the third round of interviews! I knew you'd ace the big one.

Hunting for blouses when you need a specific type is THE WORST. Worse than any other kind of shopping hunt. I never, ever, ever, EVER find the one I want when I need it most. That is why I buy a blouse as soon as I see it, and I try to vary it up so I am buying different styles, colors, etc -- and I always try to see if it will go with an existing suit or jacket. I got stuck like that this summer, when I needed a suit outfit but I hadn't bought anything in my new size yet. Never again!

Ugh, Kristen, I can so relate!

I haven't been in a position where I needed one specific item, in a tight timeframe, under pressure in a while and it is NO fun! I haven't dressed business formal in 15 years!

This is where having Angie here in person would come in handy.

shop like a man? my husband would describe this as, "Spot it, shoot it, bag it and bring it home" and the idea of returning is foreign to him.