Wardrobe Mistress - YouLookFab Forum

Walk away from the purse......Walk away from the purse.......Walk away fro......

I received a lovely Brahmin black tote from my MIL for my Birthday: Step One in the Great Bag Upgrade, and another step toward building a wardrobe, rather than just buying items I like.

Next on the bag list? A rich brown or cordovan leather bag --- must at least have a convertible cross-body strap, and come in under $150. This is a tall order, unless I want a mini bag.

Today, at Clarks, I saw a lovely bag fitting the above description....almost. It was black, but it was also half-price. I closed my eyes and imagined myself with my new Brahmin bag, and realized that I didn't really want another black bag. I wear lots of black, and I'd prefer a rich brown to show itself over my black and charcoal coats. Will I even find a bag to match my list? perhaps not, but I don't need to create second-best duplication. It's not like I'll have to carry my stuff in a WalMart bag!

Seems silly, but the old me, tiring of looking for for the desired item, would have settled rather than risk not finding the "one." Now I'm fine if it never comes, and I have the funds ready if it does!

I'm now a Wardrobe Mistress, not a shopper!

12 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Love this

Sheila

Awesome story, and inspiring to me...thanks for sharing.

Thistle

Awesome!!

Sveta

(website)

<cheering on> You show'em girl who is the master here!
Great job!!!

unfrumped

Great way to approach it. If you are PPP, good things will come.

lyn*

Great job!

tayleigh

Active Member

Good job on sticking to your guns! It's difficult sometimes isn't it? I hope you find your perfect bag soon

Firecracker (Sharan)

This post is timely for me! Thanks! (repeating to self: Wardrobe Mistress, Wardobe Mistress. . .)

Suz

I love this SO much!!

You are my inspiration, Beth Ann. This idea of "wardrobe" -- building a wardrobe instead of amassing a bunch of clothes. Pure brilliance. Thank you.

Susie

You have such a way with words, Beth Ann! Whether it be humorous, insightful, encouraging, or consoling, you truly have a knack.

And good for you for not settling. I want to be a Mistress too!

Adelfa

When you describe what you did it sounds so simple--and we know it's SO HARD to think through priorities like that when you're standing in front of an appealing item on sale.

I recently settled on a pair of black booties that were fairly pricey for me. Then I suddenly realized that in the last week I've returned items that almost total that amount. They were NAS items and an Angie pick--none of them were 10s. They weren't even 8s. It reinforced for me that spending on what you really need in your wardrobe is quite cheap compared to amassing random items that don't really work!

Beth Ann

In the Opera, the Wardrobe Mistress rules her domain. It's her job to bring the costume designer's plan to life -- and come in under budget. She meticulously keeps track of measurements (constantly changing) of all her performers, must repair and tend the costumes in her care, and often create new items at a moment's notice. You never mess with her, and she engenders a lot of respect. I was always amazed at how she would know when to scrimp and painstakingly restore and rework a garment, and when to spend $50 a yard on the perfect silk to help bring a character to life. No waste. Maximum impact!

Yep, that's what I aspire to!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

*chuckle*

You are so fab

Anonymous

Beth Ann I loved your description of the Wardrobe Mistress! Good for you on holding your nerve and biding your time till the right bag comes along.

ramya

Love love love the concept:)

Ornella

I love this story It's fun, inspiring and wise. I believe in power of resisting non-perfect items. Thanks for sharing.

tarzy

Thanks for the inspiration! I needed to read this - I'm having this same struggle right now with leather jackets. I've tried so many in the last year, and none of them are "it." It's so easy to say "PPP" and "quality over quantity" but it's hard to actually live it.

Oh yeah. I am THERE with you. I finally have a plan, and I'm not swayed by every cute thing I see. Shopping isn't as "fun" (pure recreation) as it was before, but I'm getting my wardrobe into the shape I really want it to be in.

Now that you have a really nice Brahmin bag, you obviously won't be quick to just settle for any old thing. Your next bag has a lot to live up to!

Category