To Shop or Not

I was thinking I should go shopping this afternoon. I am leaving first thing in the morning for a work trip to Ottawa. I often seem to shop before a work trip but I am torn on this one. I find my travel wardrobe can be a bit limited because I don't want to wear tall boots to travel (off and on in security line) and they are too bulky to pack for a short trip. I feel I could use one or two pairs of pants for office wear and Shannon's post yesterday resulted in the identification of a few possibles at a local store. I have been wanting to check out the topshop fluffy sweaters since I read Angie's casual holiday outfit article too. On the other hand, I was still hoping to lose a few more pounds. I fell off the wagon and think I have gained back at least two pounds. I did my big closet clean-out a few weeks ago and have the space but that is not a reason to shop.

The stores don't open for 3 hours so I guess I have time to decide.

In the meantime, how do you decide if you NEED more or just want more.

12 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

carter

Veteran

What I NEED is what's on my list. What I usually come home with is what I WANT. Drives me nuts. If I walk into a store and find what I need, I can walk out perfectly satisfied. It's when I don't find what I need that I start finding things I want.

12 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

if you are at all ambivalent, think about how much more rewarding it would be in a few weeks to shop for a smaller waist size.

12 years ago

Liz

Veteran

Packing for a trip often makes me notice that a pair of pants is more worn than I thought. Or I imagine myself in my same old clothes among new work colleagues or clients and wish I could seem just that much more polished and pristine. At the same time, shopping just before a trip is never a good idea for me; I feel pressure to find something, don't make good decisions, come home frustrated, and then STILL have to pack and get the house ready for me to be gone.
If you're already packed and ready to leave tomorrow, and have the afternoon free, I'd say, sure...have fun browsing, with no pressure to buy.

12 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I was just having thoughts along the same lines. When does it stop??? I thought I had reached an (unexpected) happy place with my wardrobe just two weeks ago - I purchased 2 pairs of JACOB coloured ponte pants that just seemed to pull everything together, old items and new combining in seemingly endless outfit combos.
Then, last Thursday, the Bay had a one-day 50% sale on fall shoes. I went because I mistakenly thought boots would be on sale. Ended up with some cute oxfords. Yesterday, of course, it snowed. Transitional shoe season OVER! HBC were very clever with their timing (good luck getting rid of all those slipper flats now...)
And this morning, I once again googled the Second Yoga pull-on jeans I want to duplicate desperately, but thought they had stopped making. Well I found a store in Victoria (of all places - I'm in TO) that had them, both washes in my size. There goes another $250 (I know this purchase is well worth it... but...).
And I still need winter boots, both stylish and gear.
Sorry for my unhelpful tale! I have not figured out when to stop, obviously. The jeans I can rationalize but the oxfords were just so impractical (not sure I will even like them with my spring stuff, which is why I didn't buy oxfords last spring... my fall/winter vs. spring/summer wardrobes are quite different and I realized one pair of oxfords, already so limited in use by our seasons, would probably not thrill me in both spring and fall).

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Carter, I don't think I have that problem. I sometimes just feel it is an off day and I see nothing I like. Other times, it seems everything I try works. All or nothing.

BJ, I know you are right but I waffle between waiting until my weight is where I want it to be and dressing the body I have. I am not sure I will win the battle until my fluctuating 50 year old hormones level off.

Liz, very wise advice. I haven't packed yet but have done the big part of the job which is getting most of the pieces ready to pack. I have the time but it is cold and windy out today.

Jules, I totally hear you. I ordered the okalas because I so loved the way they looked on others here but haven't even taken them out of the box to try on yet. Oh yeah, I really NEEDED them.

12 years ago

kkards

Veteran

need---when things don't fit anymore, or when i have actually worn something out. (may need to replace my pointed toe boots, but off to the cobbler 1st)
want--when my wardrobe no longer meets my day to day needs. at this point in my life, most of my shopping is wants.

FYI, i found that tall boots with a zipper are just as easy to travel with as short boots.

12 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Are you in the right frame of mind for useful shopping? Day before trip and bad weather might mean you're better off accessorizing your trip outfits, packing, and having a cup of hot tea! Then keep filling your wardrobe holes afterward.

I have this same issue at times--traveling to a different climate I'll think I need, heavier coat/lighter jacket; swimwear/resort wear; different shoes. The whole litany. So may make an emergency retail run. Then I can sometimes get too tired and frazzled to enjoy the trip. Or the items work just for one outfit and don't really fit into my overall plan. This is in situations where the trip and events are not career-makers/breakers so no one but me would notice or care that I'm "making do." Also I'm tending to find that others I encounter are not particularly super-well dressed enough to make me feel as though I missed out on anything. All that is just a way of saying, so much of it is in our minds.

You do deserve to dress for how you are right now, but may decide to run a smaller wardrobe--repeat more, launder more--so you can still buy new things when you reach different weight goals.

12 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

First off, sorry for posting the pants - lol!

I'm starting to realize that a certain amount of "wants" is ok, as long as it doesn't blow the budget out of the water, you know? I have a list of needs (which for me includes one more pair of trousers, preferably patterned). I'm also going through my sweaters/pullovers today to see what I'm still wearing/loving and if there is a need for one or two more of those. That's it for needs.

But I have a want for a black blazer and new knee high pointy toe kitten heel boots. Should those show up in my size, fit my style and be a reasonable amount, I'll pounce.

I also think there's room for when you're out shopping for one of your needs and you happen across something fabulous that totally tickles your fancy. I had that happen with my fox tee and don't regret it one bit.

I know in my thread about the glen plaid trousers it was commented to watch how much I buy until I know where my weight/size is going to stop and be maintained at. But I have become a firm believer in dressing the body I have NOW because NOW is when I want to feel fab in my clothes, not 10 pounds down. Obviously I'm not going to go buy an $800 complete wardrobe but I think one or two new pieces that fit beautifully at this stage isn't wasteful.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

My answer will always be the same: Shop!

12 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

For me it is never a good idea to shop right before the trip because the shortage of time and the pressure would make me to settle. I would try to do with what I have but make a note of anything I wish I had to pack with me. Then when I have more time and leisure on my hands I will shop!
Better get rest before that trip!:-)

12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks to all for the input. I don't really think I need more for the trip so I am going to put on my gear and get on the treadmill for an hour, do some steaming and ironing in preparation of packing, and if I have time after that, I may make a quick run to the mall that is 5 minutes away to take a look since I need a birthday card and will be out.

I will consider my options and either do a bit of shopping in Ottawa where there is a better selection or wait until I am home. Done.

Very good advice as always.

12 years ago

Jules

Veteran

I'm somewhat randomly bumping up this thread for a bit of personal accountability. Since my last post about wardrobe satisfaction, I received a $500 Christmas cheque and had spent it within the week.. filling some wardrobe holes (warm sweaters, winter boots) and getting a few treats.
Now I really, truly love my closet. I have favourite outfits, interesting remixes yet to come (haven't been able to wear my skirts with the cold), and some beautiful special pieces that are a pleasure to wear. Nice things are going unworn.
Sure I could buy more. But I don't NEED to. Trying on clothes and obsessing over potential purchases is just a time suck at this point, more of a stress than a pleasure. I need to QUIT SHOPPING until spring, relax and enjoy how far I've come!

12 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Go Jules! Sometimes we do shop to fill an emotional hole not a wardrobe hole. I know I do. I am definitely on shopping-break until next month, preferably March.

12 years ago

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