The wish list is now the wait list ... - YouLookFab Forum

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About: Beware the Pandemic Wardrobe Edit

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

The wish list is now the wait list ...

Helena

Veteran

Hi there, Angie's post made some great points about why now is not a good time to edit down our closets ... since things have changed so radically (and hopefully temporarily, at least to some degree) in recent months, it's not the time to evaluate what our needs might be in the long term.

On the other hand, what I'm adding to my closet has also changed ... for example, I am definitely in need of updating my black flats, perhaps to a loafer, as the style I have right now is boring (and possibly dated) ... but while shopping yesterday, I couldn't even bring myself to look for a pair. I just can't fathom a situation, except for a very rare one, where I might need anything other than a sneaker! (or boot/bootie, when things get cold). Frankly I'd get better value from new slippers. Plus the thought of sitting and trying on shoes is just so unappealing at the moment ...

What about you ... what was on your wish list that's now on the wait list?

Shopping

39 replies

Latest reply was from Christina F.

Aquamarine

Veteran

You know, not much really. My closet was in pretty good shape last year so I can’t imagine *needing* more of anything. This year’s issue is no place to wear things.

However, one long-time wish list item is a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing pair of house shoes, more refined than the two pairs of Birkenstocks I wear as slippers year-round. I have worked from home 90% of the time for the last 5 years or so, and I think what prevents me from upping my style game at home is lack of dedicated house shoes that make an outfit feel complete. I’m thinking flats, maybe loafers, comfortable with and without socks. Mayne this is the year to plug that hole.

Helena

Veteran

Aquamarine, that is a perfect wishlist item for the current situation - good luck with the hunt!

notsaf

Veteran

Yes to slippers, though!

Agreed: I'm investing my time and money differently these days. Loungewear and workout gear have been updated. Tops and bras (which I still wear) have been replenished. No new shoes or outerwear; only comfier bottoms than I already had. I'm thinking about a new tote bag for fall, but it will be for the farmer's market not the office.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

My wait list has mostly turned into the buy now list. My major summer purchases were new, nicer pjs, new workout wear, and I’ve got a new robe and loungewear coming from NAS if my orders don’t get canceled.
I can’t think of anything on my wish or wait list - there are some items that probably will need replacing at some point - long cardigans, jeans, work tote, but I am putting those on the wait list.

cindysmith

Veteran

This pandemic has forced me to stop buying stuff all around. I've had to self-quarantine twice, and the loss of income from those 2 forced vacations was beyond painful. I have even been very very careful with my grocery shopping as I get my feet back under me financially.

Before I changed jobs, I had put together a few bags of donations that I gave to a friend to take to his sister (she works with a women's charity through her church), and somehow those bags found their way back to me. I raided them for stuff I can wear to work at my new job, which saved me a bunch of money!

Now, to answer the question you asked: sweaters and winter-weight tops are on the wait list. For whatever reason, sweaters/winter tops is an area that sees a remarkable amount of churn. I probably won't be adding many sweaters and winter weight tops this year, because there won't be much of anywhere to wear them. I'll likely be raiding goodwill shops for things to wear to work, but I don't see myself buying nice sweaters (for not-work) this year.

Helena

Veteran

Cindy, that's a great point and despite differing circumstances, I'm sure most of us have a certain amount of trepidation about spending ... so much uncertainty ... great that you've been able to re-purpose some older pieces; I always raid the donation bag before I send it and end up saving a piece or two!

Preppy and notsaf, loungewear and comfy bits are definitely more essential than ever!

unfrumped

Veteran

I would actually need to replace some loafers if I were living the life I expected to before pandemic. I think liafers are part of my “ enduring style”, even with sneakers in play, to be replaced or updated over time.
But the replacement right now is due to fussy feet changing , and fussy feet may change again, and I still have a couple of pairs that seem comfortable enough wear through the fall ( with the right color outfits) if I actually chose a loafer, so it does not make sense to think about that now.
Instead I plan to challenge myself to create some outfits mixing in such “ real shoes” ( the ones I think are still comfortable)! to wear on some the few errands and outings available, and see how they perform, and what do I think of the styling.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Everything, but particularly toppers. Whether blazers or cardis, I just can’t see using a third piece, and that isn’t just because of the weather.

ZoeyGirl

If I were returning to work “normally”, I would need two pairs of flat casual dress shoes. That’s on the wait list, for sure.

That said, I did hope to replenish/ reconsider basics this calendar year. It’s been easier to do this since I’m not tempted to buy new work clothes, so I’m thankful for that, especially since my overall clothing budget has taken a hit due to increased grocery expenses/ household expenses in this time.

The problem I have with basics is that I tend to buy too many at one time, which makes it a higher expense, and then I have so many I don’t need to replace for awhile, and then they all wear out at the same time, which means it’s a higher expense to replace all... Trying to break that cycle.

Liesbeth

Veteran

You are so on point. Most of the 'strictly office & event' items on my wishlist have become waitlist items. E.g.:
Last year I wore my new white loafers so often I planned to add a second pair in blush in 2020. Loafers are only worn in my airconditioned office so I am not buying that second pair now - if ever.
I have long been on the lookout for a second 'nice' crossbody bag - that I wear my essentials in when commuting. Feels depressing to look for it now when it will remain unworn for god knows how long. I did buy a new out and about bag that's perfect for my personal life though!
And I had planned on getting a new wool winter coat this year. But the rainproof parka I got last year is definitely more versatile for current lifestyle.
Thinking on it, some items that are more appropriate for work or going out did make it into my wardrobe. My new midi skirt for example, that I try to wear now on the smallest of occasions :). Overall I have focused on casual wear and things that are versatile in wfh and office settings both.

Liesbeth

Veteran

And yes to fashintern! Third pieces are more likely to be whatever's lying around right now and only when needed.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Nothing really. I found my replacement hiking shoes and boots, and some inexpensive items that will come in handy for camping. I don't need anything for the foreseeable future. I don't rule out a fun purchase if it's practical enough to fit "the new normal" but I have so many pieces that I love that aren't being worn now that I cannot justify more.

I'm also editing my closet only very carefully. My holding zone is getting a workout. Some items that skew more "professional" are getting passed along to my niece, who is a psychologist with a telehealth practice, so she is wearing all of my great old professional stuff beautifully.

Finds are what I have bought lately.

Merrell MerrellMerrell Erie Mid Waterproof

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OluKai Wehi 'Ohana Flip Flop

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Brooks BrooksBrooks Divide

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Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

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Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee

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Söfft Somers III Sneaker Mule

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always trying

Veteran

My unworn spring/summer items keep me form doing any wanting, wishing or anything right now. I do however need to think about replacing a worn fleece jacket, and add another pair of sneakers -but these can wait a month or two.

Helena

Veteran

Great thoughts here ... yes the thought of buying things that won't get worn is THE best deterrent ... it's like when you buy fall clothes in summer, and you have that interminable-feeling wait to wear them ... except right now the wait seems ACTUALLY interminable!

nemosmom

Veteran

You are spot-on, TG! My wishlist included cognac chelsea boots and a wool hat for fall/winter - both of those items are on hold. I had a bra on my list earlier in the year, but the pandemic and new lifestyle changed the kind of bra I shopped for. I updated worn sweaters and loungewear in April, with a long-term lockdown lifestyle in mind, so I think I am sorted.

Other than running errands and attending kid sports things, my lifestyle hasn't really changed that much, really. I do miss my jackets, though...

slim cat

Veteran

White cropped jacket ( maybe denim ) is still on my want/need list. The only change is the amount of money I'm willing to spend on it. Marshall's, Rack or Old Navy would be the places to visit.
The need for shoes for work and city walking came first this spring - ECCO and Josef Seibel were the winning brands ( and slippers of course ).

rachylou

Veteran

This is the time of year that I’d usually be buying myself a couple of holiday outfits at NAS, but I really think that would be pointless this year. And now that I think about it, gosh, I realise it’s unlikely my brother will come up. Aww. No visit... man, and now I realise the only relative I’ll see this year is that uncle who abandoned my mum in that bookstore in Japan... lololol! He comes for WiFi. Lolol!

celia

Veteran

Good question.
In a regular year I would be looking at some replacement blazers and some navy pumps. With the uncertainty of when /f we are getting back to the office I am trying to figure out what my working from home looks like.
I have bought more pairs of tennis shoes this year than the last 10 years together( well, I only had 1 pair of tennis shoes) and have been trying to build up my casual and lounging capsule.

ZoeyGirl we are on the same boat as I do exactly the same to my essentials.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Liesbeth—high five on the toppers AND the blush loafers. I’ve been toying with the idea of blush/pink loafers or lace-up shoes for a while. These are all in my finds.

by Stagiaire Fash

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by Stagiaire Fash

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Naturalizer Naturalizer Emiline Flat Loafer (Women) | Nordstrom

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Blackstone Blackstone 'HL55' Slip-On Oxford (Women) | Nordstrom

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Blondo Blondo Victoria Waterproof Cutout Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom

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L ARTISTE L'Artiste Greentea Pump (Women) | Nordstrom

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CAMPER KIE - Ankle Boot

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by Stagiaire Fash

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by Stagiaire Fash

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

So much! Normally I'd want to update denim and jackets this time of year -- but I'm waiting. I am not wearing jackets and I have enough denim to last me through the year.

Not buying dressier (or even dressy casual) footwear -- just gear and sneakers.

I like Aquamarine's wish for more stylish house shoes. I've been trying to figure that one out for several years and it's a struggle for me because my feet won't stay in flats without straps, buckles, ties, etc. (at least, almost never). I'm still mulling on this one but when I find the solution I will jump up and down with joy!

So far, I tend to wear one pair of Fitflops in summer (also have an outdoor pair) and stretchy slip on sneakers in winter.

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FitFlop Women Uberknit Slip-on Sneakers-Metallic Hi-Top Trainers

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LaPed

Veteran

I'm not buying anything except gear replacements at this point. I have a couple pairs of hiking pants on order for the fall but that's it. We've had our first "too chilly for shorts" days already. I wouldn't say no to a new pair of comfortable, extremely warm snow boots if I can find them.

At the beginning of the summer, I added two pairs of casual shoes (sandals and canvas sneakers) and a really fun jumpsuit; they are all getting worn but still feel new enough that I don't find myself longing for anything else.

My holding zone has grown a lot. Not so much things that aren't suited to pandemic life, but stuff with small bothersome details I'm no longer willing to tolerate since I don't have to. Bad pockets, scratchy seams, fabrics that attract lint/dog hair, tight shoulders, too-low rises, etc.

Helena

Veteran

I think I might need to get on the house shoe train ... I guess Crocs would be unacceptable?? Lol!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Do people actually wear shoes at home?? We’re doing well if we can get ourselves to wear clothes, lol.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES, Helena. This makes sense. Wardrobe priorities have shifted a little or a lot, for sure! Everyone is feeling it. How can you not.......

The only thing that has really changed about my own style is SNEAKERS ALL THE WAY - and they've been a fun focus. I also have a few pairs at-home-only sneakers, which was one of the best style decisions I made this year! Much more supportive than slippers, and looks better too.

I am in the minority with gear and Athleisure. Apart from a pair of trail shoes in 2018, I haven't bought gear for years and don't plan to either. I wear what I wear for PT and yoga and leave it at that. Gear lasts forever! I wear casual clothes for walks and hikes and that works well.

As far as shopping goes, it's my usual thoughtful process of additions - just less of it - with a big focus on sneakers! Not interested in any other type of shoe

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Summer weight dresses with sleeves are wait listed.
No one besides immediate family is seeing my arms these days and it’s nice taking a year off from searching for this HEWI.

The Cat

Veteran

I WISH I could get some new loafers / oxfords / sneakers (in colours like teal, grey and wine), but they will probably have to wait, because, as you rightly say, torontogirl, "the thought of sitting and trying on shoes is just so unappealing at the moment ..."

However, I really NEED knee-long leather boots and knee-long rubber boots.

I consider ordering online. But this is rather difficult as I have fussy feet. And if the footwear doesn't fit well, I will have to pay for the returns ...

Anonymous

I wanted to get a swishy midi and replace my leopard sandals, but they haven't been a priority. They're not on the wait list per se, cause if I find the right things I'd get them.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

You know, the only thing on my list that's a hard "wait" is a mini backpack for my theme park capsule. At this point, we don't know when the parks will reopen (and, beyond that, when we'd feel comfortable going back if they were).

Oh! The white dress I was going to get to celebrate lockdown ending is also now on my "wait" list. Maybe next summer.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Jenn, I’m surprised the parks are closed in Calif. Florida has an extremely high number of Covid cases, but the parks are open. I can’t recall what you’ve done with your Co house; could you go back to it for a while, if you wanted to, with your husband working remotely?

The Cat, are things as shut down there as they are in the US? Your mail order service sounds about as weak as Germany’s.

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