The LIST

Jenn

Every time I think about a wardrobe item I might need or want, I jot it down in the back of my planner notebook. Ahem. My list is getting rather long for someone who really only plans to buy twenty or so items this year.

The good news is, most things I find myself thinking about now are already on the list when I check.

Anyone else do this? What's on yours?

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5 years ago

Shopping

38 replies

Latest reply was from The Cat

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Transcribing for those who can't see photos or read my writing:

puffer
light booties
long-sleeve black dress (check!)
silk bandanna
cropped long-sleeve top
statement cardigan
something white (dress?)
summer pants
sandals
olive moto pants (or olive summer pants, see above)
Jamie and the Jones mid-weight sweater tee
Only Child Alta top (ordered)
tank dress
straw bag
sunglasses
backpack
silk cami

5 years ago

CarolS

Veteran

My note taking is a bit more random, and often mental, but some things on my list for this year are:

new long puffer coat. Mine got ripped this winter
jeans that fit and flatter. Needle in a haystack. Wide crop or kick crop for summer, something else (not sure what) for winter. Will see what I can find.
WHITE jeans that fit and flatter. Even more needle in a haystack.
new white sneakers that I can walk all day in.
one pair of trendy sandals that meet my feet's requirements -- flat, good support, wide across the forefoot but narrow at the heel

I also need to get my pearl earrings fixed. One broke off its post and I haven't gotten around to seeing if it can be fixed. I bought another pair, but they were lower quality and the butterfly woudn't stay on the post. Lost one somewhere in an H&M last weekend.
Not a complete list, but that's some of the key stuff.

5 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I should add...I probably won't buy everything on this list. I may not find the exact right item , and as torontogirl pointed out, sometimes daydreaming about buying things is as good as doing it.

5 years ago

Kathie

Veteran

I definitely keep a mental list. Mine is pretty small this year.

-Two summer dresses for work (the ES Georgia will likely be one of these)
-Snake print booties
-Black, knee height boots (HEWI, and has been on my list for years)
-Gear shorts for the gym
-Red fashion sneakers
-Replacement jeans

The dresses and the shorts are really the only items that I’m actively looking for, to replace items that are past their prime. The rest are all “if I happen to see something I love” items. But, if I don’t find them, I can still certainly get dressed every day without getting bored with my wardrobe. And, there’s room for serendipity, since my list is short.

5 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

My list is in my head and quite short, weirdly enough. Great flare jeans. Sometimes there are two or three main items but rarely more. Which does not stop me from finding all sorts of other things I like.

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Mine is

Update denim (2 added in February)
Work shoes (arrived today - better work as final sale)
Updated black pants (purchased in February)
Lighter shoes (my new work shoes are camel/blush/nude
work tops (done - two in February)
Winter Knitwear refresh - not started yet

I am vaguely looking for a new blazer and a winter dress but they are not necessities. They are not on my list.

I should have written down a new raincoat as that is a necessity!

5 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I do this! I have ideas and then I decide if I really want them on the buy list. On my buy list is a long belted puffy and a mid calf pencil skirt or dress and 3/4 sleeve tops. I’m thinking about a Vampire Wife dress or similar but I can’t commit.

5 years ago

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I don’t really need anything, but I’d like some dressier or more polished items for cold weather. Later in the year I’d like to find some wool pants and maybe a suit.

My current wish list:
Blue blazer
Blue purse
Taupe shoes or booties
Dressy white or blue sandals
Prescription sunglasses
Dressier tops for warm weather
More midi dresses

5 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

My list feels really long compared to most of yours!

Some things have been transferred over from last year, though. Some, I'll decide against. Some may get pushed to next year.

I rarely buy anything that's not written down. I tend to think of something, put it on the list, and then decide if I really want it.

Carol S and rachylou, puffer club! Mine is also to replace a torn one, but it will be a short jacket.

Sal, another reason for the list is your "power of one." It helps me make sure I'm not filling a hole over and over again because I got it in my head I needed something.

Shevia, it probably really helps to have a list in mind when thrifting! I can see it being frustrating too, though.

Kathie, several of my items are in the "if I happen to find it" camp, too. And some are waiting for a sale!

Preppy Pear, my sunglasses will have to be prescription too. That definitely makes them a larger purchase than otherwise.

5 years ago

Anonymous

I have lists in odd places .like the back of used envelopes. Items would include socks in mustard and olive
summer navy flats that can be worn with dresses or pants,
Wide legged light denim pants.
Pale blue flats,
Knee length pull on mustard skirt

5 years ago

Gretchen

Veteran

I add a note whenever I have trouble getting dressed — really wish I had a long lightweight black cardigan. Then I wait to see if it’s a recurring need or if that was a one-off. I find it helps me decide if it’s worth putting some dollars toward something, or if it was a spur of the moment decision.

5 years ago

Anonymous

I stopped making wish / to buy lists when they stopped working for me . The last time I did this , I found NOTHING on it that summer . However , my last couple of months of no shopping has made me far more mindful of what I would look for next time I’m truly shopping . It’s less specific than my old lists and more general now . For example , I decided that could get a lot of wear out of a warm-toned winter coat/jacket . Next winter - I’ll be looking . Also -a splurgy quality silk scarf in “my” colours ( a la Red Leopard ) . Again , next winter for that .

5 years ago

Anonymous

I like Gretchen’s system . I could see that working for me .

5 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Yes I do keep a list.Its a rolling list in that l have separate sections .One section is my sensible practical “you could really use this”section ,one section is “wants”I.e.things that I have seen and then I have a fantasy section,things that I am never going to buy or wear but loved the look of.Somehow the thought that I could if I wanted to stays my hand but I also find it informs the other parts of my list as well.List making helps reduce my shopping by making me accountable .Somehow seeing it in black and white makes me think longer and harder before buying.l am always adding things and crossing things off with out buying anything as my ideas change.

5 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I have a journal for my wardrobe where I keep a list of items I am looking for. I have found shopping so much easier this past year because of the change in styles and colours available at retail.

5 years ago

LaPed

Veteran

Mine looks almost exactly like yours Jenn. I keep it in the back of a notebook. I find list-making more gratifying than buying or shopping, so I can't imagine not keeping a list. I make a second column for the items I actually add to my wardrobe. It's always interesting to see where the two lists match and where they don't.

5 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I keep a list on my phone, since I'm much more likely to forget to take it with me otherwise (also took a photo of my colour swatches for the same reason). I've moved countries & done a big cull recently, so my list is fairly long & detailed (I'm trying not to be too fussy but at least including some parameters so that I don't end up with more wardrobe orphans). Here's an excerpt:

Lightweight summer tops (long or 3/4 sleeved, machine washable, not too low rounded neckline, solid colours, long enough to tuck, breathable material - looking for pussybow blouses like this too)
trouser socks (nude-to-me colour, stay up well without sagging, thin sheer material but don't snag & are machine washable)
thin no-show socks (low profile, other criteria same as above)
Purple pleated maxi skirt (must be fully lined, deep colour, smooth waistband that I can tuck into)
Prescription sunglasses (maybe brown/ burgundy/ purple, with opaque enough lenses to be comfortable in HK)
Chocolate knee-high boots (flat & comfortable, sleek enough to wear to work - not too much visible hardware etc, practical - either waterproof or leather that can be waterproofed)
Chocolate stompy booties (rugged/ chunky lug sole with some RATE details like laces but comfy & practical to slip on quickly)
Chocolate ankle booties (sleeker version of the above)
Chocolate gloves (touchscreen friendly, preferably long lasting material like leather rather than knitted ones)

I've made some headway with the boots & winter items but am still struggling with the lightweight clothing items. I'm nervous because subtropical summer is slowly approaching!

PS - my husband has similar handwriting (& notebook) to yours - had to do a double take!

5 years ago

anchie

Veteran

I have created collection in finds called 2020 planning. Some finds in it are exact items I would like to buy and some are more genera visual representation of something I need.

https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=8280

5 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

Yes, I do this. I also do what Gretchen does and what La Ped does (second column). At the moment my wishlist (or wardrobe holes list) includes:

1 white wollen pullover

2 - 3 pants/jeans

Spring shoes.

I like handwriting, I find it relaxing and I think better when I handwrite. I first write my needs in an exercise book and then copy in my Excel file. You have a nice handwriting! I am messy. Often at the supermarket or at work I stare at what I wrote and I am like "what the heck does this mean?"

5 years ago

Pat_P

Active Member

I’m another one who keeps a list on her phone, noting what I need/want and my budget for the season. Since my list usually exceeds my budget, writing it all down helps me make choices. As I buy, I note that too, with the price. That keeps me honest as the season progresses. I found it was too easy for me to ‘forget’ about a purchase or two!

5 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

My current 2020 list:
1. Replace worn out exercise bras and gear
2. Replace worn out bras, undies and socks
3. Good wide brim sunhat in light color, not tan or white
4. Water shoes that don’t cause blisters
5. 2-3 fashionable statement pieces each season to keep wardrobe fresh.
6. Tall flat heel navy leather boots if available.

5 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

I made a list when I set my goals for this year. When I start to feel FOMO or the need to panic buy, my intention is to check the list first before I just start adding stuff. I have it on my phone and written in a notebook, along with notes on what I am wearing and editing out.

My current list:

[winter] upgraded pullover green or camel (check! I bought an olive NAADAM one)
[winter] slipper
[winter] pullover in a fun color (maybe tomato red, lilac, or turquoise?) (Bought a lilac one that fuzzed out horribly after the first wear.)
[summer] 4-6 flowy summer-weight tops in natural fabric
[summer] 2-4 pants that aren't denim
[winter] heavy, non-puffer coat (long wool? aviator?) (check! I bought one of each...)
[summer] sandal or woven flat

This is the first time I have kept a wish list, and it is working for me! (I can't be trusted to shop on instinct, or I would end up with 20 more pairs of jeans... ) I haven't strayed TOO far from the list yet - I replaced a bikini bottom and added a rash guard in anticipation of our Florida trip, and have picked up a boilersuit that was on clearance, and a thrifted leather trench that replaced 3 other jackets.

5 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like Gretchen's method too. Even though I am a near-compulsive list-maker in other areas of my life, I don't often keep a written list of wanted/needed wardrobe items. I do take note when I find, like Gretchen mentions, that an outfit or occasion (travel, special event) needs a component I seem to lack. My wardrobe is expansive enough to cover my needs, even if sometimes I sub out a less-than-perfect piece for what I would ideally like. But usually it is planning for a trip or an event that makes me realize I need something like new travel pants or a party clutch that goes with my dress but is large enough for my phone.

When I do realize an actual gap -- like favorite sneakers that all of a sudden start looking really shabby or jeans that I wear constantly developing an hole -- I usually look for a replacement ASAP.

5 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

My wish list at different shops is my list, and most of it is put there at night because I've learned to NOT actually add stuff to my cart after I've taken my bedtime meds. That was a lesson I had to learn the hard way LOL. Sometimes, when I look at those wish lists, I wonder what on earth I was thinking, which is a whole lot better than having unexpected packages arrive with random stuff in them

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like your list!

I keep a mental list, and a list in Finds "SHOPPING".

5 years ago

Carla

Veteran

Usually a list results from my fall closet edit (I had one in 2019 after the 2018 edit), and gets refined after I’ve identified the trends I want to explore. This edit (2019) I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, with the exception of white shorts and a dress that doesn’t wrinkle, for travel - HEWI’s for a while, now.

I have lots of ideas and some wantsies, but since I haven’t committed them to a list, I realize that I haven’t made a commitment to the item! I don’t have any real needs ATM, and am having fun with my closet without the need for new garments. I know I will be in a bind come high summer, but until I arrive at a solution, I won’t commit to a list. Does that make sense?

DH has been working off a list, though!

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5 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

LisaP, oh my gosh, shopping to my list can be a DISASTER. I know from experience that f I were to go on an all-out search for the perfect tank dress or statement topper, I'd buy the first one that sort of met my criteria and it would wind up being a mistake. It's a fine balance, but what I tend to do is flip through catalogs or cruise my favorite stores with the list in mind.

StyleFan, I am SO HAPPY for high waists, especially.

Angie, oh that's interesting! I use "Shopping" for things I've ordered and am still deciding on.

Pat P, I agree that adding absolutely everything to the list helps me prioritize and make budget decisions.

Zaeobi, too funny about your husband's handwriting looking like mine!

5 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I like your list, Jenn. To me, it seems like a smart idea. I like Gretchen's approach, too. I don't have one, except mentally. I've wanted a short, dark brown cardigan--I think that's the only thing on my mental list. But now I've managed to get through the winter without it. I'll have to reassess next fall.

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Jenn- I do mostly stick to the power of one but I did add two pairs of jeans.......( they are different from each other).

I also like Gretchen’s idea.

I also have a do not buy list after Angie suggested it- heels, summer party dresses, summer scarves, tops that can’t be layered and black winter tops.

5 years ago

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