What would you buy with $500? - YouLookFab Forum

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What would you buy with $500?

Samar

Well, what would you buy if you were someone who was just starting out, who didn't own anything except ill-fitting pants and T-shirts? I know everyone has their own preferences, but what are your basic must-haves? I've read those sort of "5 basics for Fall" guides in magazines, but I'd rather hear from you, since those guides seem to lean towards business-wear and I'm a SAHM, so have less formal preferences. A crisp tailored white shirt, for example, is often cited as a basic mist-have, but that seems impractical to me (hello, sticky hands) and I don't think I could keep it ironed.

My husband just finished some freelance work and told me to take $500 to spend on myself. This is unheard of. I dont even know where to start, I hate to just go out shopping without some sort of plan . . . Or is that better, just to try stuff on and wait to see what I love? Maybe some shoes, a dress, some nice jeans, (? Read the threads on premium denim and thinking I should at least try it?) ?? Tops? I am an adorable apple and haven't ever worn blazers or jackets, but I see these are mentioned as good items for my body? Scarves, accessories? Please help!

Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from Queen Mum

Louise

Veteran

I'd start with the perfect pair of jeans x

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

shoes.

next question?

steph (have a blast!!!)

Mo

(website)

Veteran

As always - the bra fitting first. And it may cost $80+ for a good bra! I'd definitely get jeans, maybe not premium but a good fit at any price point. I would also get boots and sneaker alternatives (could be ballet flats, could be wedges, whatever). If you wear dresses, a day dress in an easy jersey knit would be great. A cardigan and a light jacket. The rest you could fill in as needed - tops, maybe shorts or skirts if you wear them.
How wonderful to have a start up fund!!

EDIT: Just for fun I did a quick Polyvore. Obviously I don't know your own personal style or size but this is a general idea of where I was going . . . and affordable $415 before tax or shipping. So it can be done!! http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=36189693

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modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Hi and welcome! Lots of us have been where you are now. I would start with a great pair of jeans or two, along with some easy care blouses and cardigans or light knit blazers. I always look for poly blends that can be laundered easily. Of course stylish comfy shoes are a must!

Take a look at Angie's MOTG formula's too-
http://youlookfab.com/2009/10/.....on-the-go/
They are very helpful!

DressLover

Veteran

Wow, awesome husband! It is wonderful he completed a job and thought of YOU!

I agree with you in that certain wardrobe "must-haves" just don't make sense for everyone. Unless you plan to look for work, I'd just stick with dressy casual pieces. I recommend starting with:

- pair of dark wash, medium rise, straight or bootcut jeans (If you can, try to find a designer pair on sale at Nordstrom Rack, Off Fifth, Last Call, or online sales. They really are worth it as they don't lose shape as much as other denim.)

- black leather flats

- a washable casual dress in a fun color or print

- date night dress!

- tailored jacket in a washable fabric like cotton blend, corduroy, denim, etc.

- empire waste woven top in a jewel tone (Since you are an apple, the structure of a woven fabric coupled with an empire waist will flatter your shape. Jewel tones flatter almost anyone.)

- large, structured tote in a statement color

- statement pendant necklace in your favorite metal tone

Angie has many blog posts about dressing body types and dressing for SAHM. I would definitely search for those too.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

A great pair of jeans that make your behind look FABULOUS, a gorgeous and comfortable pair of boots or shoes, and a blazer you can either dress up or dress down. I'm an apple too and can't enough of blazers.

What a sweet hubby - happy shopping!!!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Bra fitting, undies, haircut then a good pair of shoes.

HeleenH

Veteran

I agree with the ladies above: a good bra, good panties/knickers that don't give you VPL, a pair of jeans that fits you to perfection (you may have to try on at leat a dozen, or closer to a zillion before you find the right one). A couple of tops that you can wear with the jeans, preferably layers.
How about these excersises to find out what is important for you?
1) Take a look at the MOTG blogs and the blogs on apples and try to figure out what would suit you.
2) read about capsules and figure out what capsules you need. A MOTG capsule is sure to be part of it. My other capsules are: wet weather; underwear; garden/DIY; lounge/sleep; 4 holiday groups: - car, destination (which is the same as MOTG), beach, walking; parties/wedding (smart casual); funeral (same bottom as party, but more subdued top); sports; schoes; accessories.
Once you have decided which capsules you need: which capsules are covered and where are the holes in your wardrobe?

renae

What a nice hubby! Having a plan before you shop is always best, I think. Otherwise, I tend to come home with things that don't go with anything else I have, or too many of the same thing (too many cardigans!).

Samar

WOW, you all have such great advice! And yes, my husband IS the best.

@mo, that polyvore is amazing! And I even like the styles you chose. . . Thank you! I have seen collages from that site but never used it myself, but i would like to try!

@HeleenH, I hadn't heard of capsules before, this is going to be very helpful! The MOTG info is great too.

@renae, I agree, I get to the store and suddenly my mind is blank about what I already have, and I end up with the same things! I guess I am drawn to certain things, but unfortunately those are NOT always the things that will be best for me!

So, blazers. I like them on other people but always have a hard time trying new things. I am afraid people will see me and KNOW I'm new at wearing that style . . . "who do you think you are, wearing a blazer--you are not a blazer-wearer, you're doing it all wrong". But I trust you ladies, so I will promise to try some on! Love your advice, it is all so helpful! Thank you!

Laurinda

Veteran

Depending on your needs:

-- 3 new well-fitting bras (can be a life changer!)
-- new hairstyle
-- new prescription specs/sunglasses
-- classic handbag
-- comfy and classic footwear

Everyone has their likes and dislikes, I'm not a big fan of designer denim - for me jeans are jeans, old navy and thrift-store finds are just fine. Other people swear by them.

Laura B.

http://www.zappos.com/frye-rog.....1b2166c2c0

I will stalk them everyday if only to inspire me to finish school faster so I can afford them xD

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

What a lovely hubby!

You've received excellent advice, with really good specifics.

I'd definitely go with bra fitting and hair cut first. I'd then look at examples of the other things people have suggested that Angie has in her store - you might find eg the right jeans there quite easily.

You also might like to cost a few things up and decide what you want to get out of this $500, and especially what DH would like to see, to make sure that you get possibly a few things that update your look quickly and easily (accessories?) and some other things that will have more long term effect (bra and jeans possibly) but may not be so visible.

You could also think about moving the money into a separate account so that you could think about it over the coming weeks without worrying that it'll disappear on housekeeping. That's because I take forever to make decisions about clothes purchases, though. You may be quicker!

Have fun!

HeleenH

Veteran

Samar, I am just like you regarding blazers. I bought a blue blazer with a tiny white stripe and it is lovely, it just feels weird to wear it. it feels like I am faking to be going into the office, but I am not, I will be at home or on errands... I am glad I found a nice one at a reasonable price, now I have to just wear it one day to get used to wearing it!

Lisa

Veteran

Lots of great advice here already. A bra fitting, a good pair or jeans (or two one to wear while one is drying), washable tops (I thought I saw a sticky hands comment), a cardigan, a blazer, a pair of comfortable flats and boots (or shoe, depending on your weather). No one says you have to spend all the money at once, if you purchase one or two items at a time, that may help you incorporate items you really want and need into your existing closet.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Hermes scarf, necklace or bracelet.

April

Veteran

I would spend the $500 on foundation wardrobe pieces that cost a little more than you would typically spend. By that I mean, get a *good* bra instead of an adequate one, *good* jeans, and a couple pair of good-looking, good-feeling shoes that fit your lifestyle. No cheap bras, jeans, or shoes.

Afterward, when you're back on your normal budget, you can fill in with less expensive tops and accessories that look good and make you happy. But for those three things, I would go higher end with your unexpected funds.

Anonymous

I definately wouldn't worry about the crisp white blouse! I search those top 10 lists, too! And then I think, yeah, right. These are not SAHM lists!

I love what HeleenH said about blazers making her feel like she is "fake" going to the office. I have felt the same way. Maybe you could find something that is kind of a sweater/blazer hybrid. There are all kinds of cute jacket-y things out there that would look good on your shape and still feel casual and be washable.

One thing I learned about wardrobe capsules yesterday--every top and sweater or jacket must go with every skirt/pant/jean. I thought I was creating a capsule for myself, but I was breaking this rule. Google wardrobe capsules and see what you find. Imogen even has one for SAHM's.

Have fun, take your time, and don't beat yourself up if it doesn't go perfectly. You will be getting an education along the way!

rute

Veteran

A fabulous Winter coat!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

In your case, Samar:

- a hair do
- bras
- killer jeans

Scarlet

Veteran

I would prioritize in this order, 2 good bras, great jeans, hair, shoes, bag, coat.

Aida

Veteran

Great advice already on what to get, just wanted to chime in and say don't settle for something that's not really great! Especially on the jeans and bra front, you really want to make sure that what you get is perfect because they will be foundational to most of your outfits. So be ready to spend a bit of time looking, but it will totally be worth it. How sweet of your husband, enjoy shopping

catgirl

Veteran

I haven't read this thread yet, so I could be repeating, but a great haircut would be first on my list if you aren't happy with your hair. If you are, then the right bra, perfect jeans, a good jacket (if you live where you need one), and a pair of go-to shoes or boots would be on my list.

Off to peek!

catgirl

Veteran

Laura B., did you have to post those Frye boots? They are making me woozy!

Steph

Veteran

Since you're starting from scratch, I think you should go in with some semblance of a plan (but one that has some built-in flexibility as well). I have a good working wardrobe so I personally go the route of buying what catches my eye/I fall in love with, but I think a plan makes sense for you. So if I were you, I would look for:
1.) A properly-fitting bra. It's kind of sad because it isn't a ton of fun to buy, but it makes a big difference. Personally I would skip the undies, as long as what I had was serviceable, primarily because I just don't think it's fun to buy underwear. But maybe you do, in which case, go for it!
2.) A pair of jeans you love. As a SAHM, jeans will be a huge part of your wardrobe, and it is so nice to have a pair you adore.
3.) A pair of shoes that makes you feel stylish. I am a total shoe person, adore heels, and just feel like the right pair of shoes makes me feel cool, put-together, and all-around great.
4.) It sounds like you really want to experiment with blazers/jackets, so go for it.
5.) If you don't have a purse that you really like, the right purse can make a huge difference in your outfits and can garner so many compliments.

I didn't have a chance to look at all of the other posts, so this may have been mentioned already, but it might be helpful to look at Angie's mom-on-the-go posts for some ideas of the various pieces of clothing that might be helpful in your wardrobe.

Barbara

Veteran

Knee high riding boots and a fierce leather moto jacket. And a Missoni scarf!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Here's a little blog post about blazers for mom's:
http://stylemommy.wordpress.co.....st-friend/

Queen Mum

Veteran

That is a great polyvore collage that Mo put together.
I agree with the others...
bra, jeans, jacket, shoes...

I know back in the day, I could have bought a ton of stuff with $500, but most of it wouldn't have lasted through the season. While we all need some great layering basics, and don't need to spend much on them, when it comes to the other stuff, go for quality over quantity.