Here in Australia we're enduring the bushfire season so it occurred to me to make a list of what I'd regard as wardrobe essentials if I had to start again, as so many others are having to do.
I came up with an A4-page list and, when I reviewed it, to my amazement, I actually had everything on the list. We always think there are gaps in our wardrobes, right? And of course there are in mine for those "would love to have" pieces (no handmade lace or skinny jeans), but I don't actually *need* any new clothes or accessories.
Naturally, some of what's there isn't up-to-the-minute, so encouraged by Angie and the Forum, I've taken up the hems of three skirts to knee-length and resolved to think younger in how I put outfits together (I'm self-consciously 53). The not-fitted black jacket can be reworked as a boyfriend jacket with jeans, the animal print top bought for evenings can go under the denim jacket, I can get out the pearls for a drop of irony with the abstract-print skirt - and how could I have forgotten that pretty peony-print top, it goes with everything!
I won't be not shopping this year - Angie is (as always) right about the need for some fun - but without being overly recessionista about it, I will be shopping with a list so I can target particular items that will complement my newly discovered wardrobe.