What if you could only buy 3 things? - YouLookFab Forum

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What if you could only buy 3 things?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

For the remainder of the year. And within a reasonable budget, not a Birkin, Burberry coat, and Loubitans lol.
What would they be? Does the idea of the exercise make you twitch? Or is it exciting thinking about what you really, nitty gritty, want and need?
I would buy

- floaty blush silk (or silk like) long sleeved blouse
- mixed media blue anorak (if I could find one with leather sleeves!
- sheer striped asymmetrical sweater.

You?

I have twice this on my rest of year list. Also in the mix is a cashmere blend tee, straight casual (denim?) skirt, and bright wool coat. I may not find my perfect skirt until next spring by the looks of things. The wool coat I could easily wait for January next year or even February, as I have a herringbone one already for the meantime. The tee I could do without, it's more an experiment in stepping up my basics to see how that would work for me.
Making the mental choice helped me to figure out what I could easily do without, and why. Luckily, I don't have to choose and can have all of the above, if I can find it.

Shopping

63 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

The funny thing for me is that nothing in particular comes to mind. OK, maybe a new pair of tall boots for the winter. Otherwise, I don't really need anything.

viva

Veteran

This is a great exercise, especially on NAS-eve. I really appreciate the challenge to be focused.

1: a new coat -- navy or black, man-coat, maybe military-ish, maybe subtle plaid
2: wear-everyday booties. I am dreaming of a pair in black nubuck, so sort of charcoal, with a stacked not-too-high heel. very Rag & Bone.
4: shortish chunky charcoal soft cozy sweater.

You know, Mo, this makes me want to completely ditch my NAS plan and use this as my guide when I look online. You just might be a genius.

PS I really hope you find that anorak with leather sleeves.

Suja

Veteran

Honestly, it makes me twitch. If limited to three items I would buy a black cocktail dress and two long sleeved tops.

I will be shopping my closet in August but don't see myself limiting myself to three items for the rest of the year

cciele

Veteran

This is a very interesting exercise! Makes me think whether I really really need anything. Short answer: Nope.

Of course, I have lemming reactions to some of the YLFers NAS buys, but if I had to pick 3, I couldn't, because I don't want them enough to be my only 3.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I don't need anything either. If the pants I ordered from Nordstrom don't work out, then I will keep looking for some silky tapered pants. I have seen a couple other options I can try if need be. If the "going out" skirt I ordered doesn't work out, I may try a dress I saw on the Ann Taylor website.
Of course, that's today. I'm constantly seeing things on blogs, e mails, magazines, etc that spark my WANT reaction.

JAileen

Veteran

Grey western boots, of course, if they even existed. I just ordered some charcoal Frye western boots that ended up not fitting.

This Vince jacket in charcoal, from Nordstrom. It's a little pricey for me. I think I'll stalk it and see if it goes on sale. Let's face it - I don't really need it.

A vintage Coach cross body bag in grey, probably a Willis. I would have to find it locally, I think, and that would require a stroke of luck. With vintage handbags they often have ink stains, which can be problematic. I would be willing to buy a new handbag, but haven't found one I liked.

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Anonymous

One red tote. One great wristlet (in a color yet to be decided upon). One pair of black slacks in silk that are full length.

carter

Veteran

Interesting. My top 3 would be 2 replacement jeans in black and taupe/mushroom. Now that I've rediscovered belts, I feel like the colored jeans in my closet are too mid-rise for the look/fit I want. Last on the list is a pair of super comfy low-heeled (1") black booties that don't make me feel like I'm clomping around like a horse.

My list is much longer than this, but if I found these three items, I could dress happily in F/W.

The interesting part of this exercise for me is that I had mentally moved the jeans and the booties to the bottom of my list because the jeans are "just replacements" and I don't hold out much hope for perfect booties. Yet, somehow, if I only get 3 items, these are the three I want. Hmmm...

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Interesting, those of you who don't need or want anything enough to name it one of 'the' three. Curious to know if you will be buying any more this year.
I'm enjoying reading everyone's varied responses. Keep 'em coming!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Carter, that's very interesting. I sometimes think we enjoy shopping for the 'pretties' more than the true needs. Part of that is the work involved in actually finding what you want. Much easier to see a Find here that tempts you and click on a link lol!

Keturah

Veteran

Uh...uh... this makes me squirm!

All that leaps to mind is booties. Lots and lots of booties.

always trying

Veteran

Black jeans, blue denim jeans, and if I ever find 100% cotton at a reasonable price I will buy two or three pairs, depending on what the reasonable price is and how they fit. Other than replacing my almost worn out jeans, and being able to keep the ones that bag out too quickly to wear only once for short periods of time, I do not have any real needs for now. Last year's holiday and winter season purchases will get me thru this year. I just did a mini purge for the fall/winter season and am looking forward to wearing last and years prior purchases more this coming fall/winter.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fabulous question. Right now, it would be:

A nude bra that fits great (bras on order from NAS to try).
A pair of low casual weatherproof easy on/off boots or booties, preferably not black, but open to options here. (Couldn't find these at NAS, so will have to stalk la Canadiennes or Aquatalias at 6 pm or similar).
A terrific jacket in a patterned fabric. (Will be on order if my size comes back into stock).

I have also already ordered one sweater (NAS) and more bras and undies. The bras I won't keep if they don't work, obviously -- and will only keep the "best of." But what I am doing with that sweater? It's not a need. A pure want.

I enjoyed this exercise -- I can see that my real priorities are actually on my shopping list. Less clear is how well I KNOW my priorities. For example, I know that I will wear a bra and casual boots. That is a given. But will I actually wear that jacket enough to justify its cost? Already, I doubt it. OTOH, the JOY per wear will be super high when I do wear it. So there is that....

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA: your items are so specific and detailed. You know your closet and your style SO well. And each one would be amazing on you.

deb

Veteran

My list:

A long coat that fits beautifully in a light grey.
A white silk shirt, not too sheer.
tall burgundy boots

Niki Lea

Veteran

Tall, cognac boots with a heel (not stiletto though)
Work appropriate dress with longer sleeves
Some kind of a cozy, longish sweater that I can wear to work with a pencil skirt or on the weekend with jeans

Jules

Veteran

I'm going to need some darker-wash skinny jeans for fall/winter as my current ones will need replacing.
Other than that.... I don't think I have any true "needs". I have a few things such as a custom wool winter coat and stylish snowboots (ha) on a long-term list, but I can practice PPP on those (in more ways than one - I don't want to invest in a $500+ coat at my current weight anyway, so I'm waiting Patiently to be ready, either at a lower weight or accepting this one long term).

Anonymous

This question neither makes me twitch or excites. I can get by without buying but would like 1: those elusive knee high or lower riding boots that fit perfectly and are weatherproof if possible. 2: a non black puffer coat that hits just below the knee and is somewhat fitted, and 3: a great multimedia dressy sweatshirt.

Susie

Veteran

I'm twitching

Hmmm, this IS a good exercise. Several wants come to mind:

silk (or similar) kimono-like topper, drapey in colors that work for me. I've actually tried several but haven't found the one.
burgundy leather booties. I have suede ones that I've worn a lot and would like to find a replacement in leather.
camel leather booties
navy pants- these would be a replacement for 2 current pairs
pewter booties or shoes- not sure what style
black and cognac booties that I am considering but haven't ordered yet
a loose fitting not too heavy wool coat in an interesting color. This is still on my list from last year. I did get a sweater coat and faux fur but still have a coat in mind.

I don't truly NEED anything. I'm not sure which 3 I would choose, assuming that I can find the perfect one of each. Since that isn't likely, I will continue to look for all of them!

Or, I'll give up a few of those and order this from NAS:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....rigin=shop

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I would have to quit the forum and my blog.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

1. Canada Goose coat - otherwise I'm gonna freeze my bejeebers off again.

2. ...

3. ...

There isn't really anything else I "need" or else I was spontaneously combust. Some blazers with sleeves that fit would be nice.

Anonymous

I haven't got a clue. Oh wait, I know. 3 magic wardrobes that have an ever changing supply of fab and on trend clothes every time I open the door

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm imagining everyone's items. I can see them in my mind's eye. Like, Deb, I can picture all of yours worn together fabulously!
Anna, can we put you in the twitch column, then?

Tanya

Veteran

Count me in as another person that is twitching!

Hmm, my items would be:
1. A non-black puffer that ends right above the knee
2. A statement blazer, like Smythe from NAS or HL cropped tuxedo
3. A pair of tall Aquatalia boots, like the ones from NAS

Janet

(website)

Veteran

LOL Despite my shopping habit, this question doesn't necessarily make me twitch. I'm really happy with my closet now and I've found a few great items this year that will carry me happily into future seasons. I've refreshed my handbag collection, I found my HEWI black blazer/jacket thanks to Angie's help and the Boston BCBG stop, my summer sandals are refreshed, and I'm pretty happy with my f/w footwear collection from last year.

But for the fun of the exercise, I just thought for a moment about what I'd still like:

- I would still like to find my HEWI dark neutral solid sleeved casual dress for F/W/into spring. It's been years since I gave away my old black casual dress to my niece and still no luck.

- A moto or other interesting style jacket in teal. One of my best colors and it's not represented in my jackets.

- Cognac boots or booties.

I'm prepared to be really, really picky about all of the above.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Not sure if these are truly needs as I could live without them but:

1. A mid length coat for the coldest part of winter in a timeless style and color if possible (motos just don't cover enough and my jackets were a bit too thin last time I traveled north).

2. A deep brown satchel with cross body strap option. (I love my dark brown Fossil saddle bag but my shoulder doesn't love that I can't easily hold it in my hand).

3. A long sleeved top in deep emerald green. (HEWI for me)

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

black jeans
black ribbed t-neck
something cobalt-handbag, blouse or shoes-whichever I find first

Unless I decide to get the custom cowboy boot maker to make me a pair before he dies if he is even still in business. That's the only way I'll get into a low enough heel. DH got a pair a few years ago and they are amazing. Maybe I should order them now since it takes 6 months or more. But they could have cobalt uppers, right?

Meredith

Veteran

I definitely have some holes in my wardrobe that would be filled by black knee-high or over the knee boots (I wore my old ones to death last year), a cream cashmere sweater, and a new handbag in a pewter metallic color (I have just one I use everyday and it's borderline tattered).

Susie

Veteran

Wait, I want to add one more to my list- a dress. Long sleeves, shift style, not too short in I'm-not-sure-what fabric.

Ok that's it!

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