WHY I Bought What I did on My Trip

If you're interested in the thought process. Here is the thread for context:

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....trip-in-nl

Fashiontern, asked a good question:

I’m curious: what did your shopping list look like? Did you have boot and dress shaped holes in your wardrobe, or was this a good old “shopping trip for x season” like my mom used to do, (hers were always very dependent on what was featured)? I know that your needs are very different from mine, but I can still learn from how you do it. Right now, I have few holes to plug up and more purging to do, but it won’t be that way forever, so I’m asking about shopping when you already have a good wardrobe".

Here's the answer, and I hope it makes sense:

Had navy boots on my list (passed on two uncomfortable pairs this year). Had to be flat, tailored, simple and very comfy.

Had holiday clutch for this years' outfit on my list. Had to go with the tonal burgundy vibe. Did not want to spend a designer price on the bag.

Was NOT allowed to buy neutral knitwear, but a colour was fine. Cropped orange did not fill a hole, but is a fun addition to the new Burgundy capsule, and looks great with all my blue. Orange and blue are a match made in heaven.

Was NOT allowed to buy a coat unless it was turquoise.

Was NOT allowed to buy jeans, blouses or skirts.

Was open to another fun, short fashion puffer jacket, but didn't see it.

I'm always looking for flattering dresses with sleeves that are long enough, and across all the seasons. This one had a matching scarf - bonus fun.

Was open to fun trousers, but didn't find any.

And here are items that followed me home - for visual recap.

COS

Cashmere jumper

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Top Pick

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6 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

Fascinating - thanks for sharing! I'm always open to dresses too because they're so hard to find. However, lately I've found so many that I'm going to have to cut myself off.

Anonymous

Great explanation. Thank you for taking the time to post.

And I repeat I love the bag. It is perfection in terms of color, fabrications, and size.

Lisa

Like Sterling I love a little insight into the thinking behind updating a wardrobe. Thanks for sharing!

JuniperGreen

Oo I love a targeted mission. What's helpful is seeing that you consider NON shopping items - I need focus like this or else my energy/motivation completely peters out (like at the Nordstrom Flagship store! I went into apparel and Could. Not. Handle. the overload, since I didn't have a mission beyond browsing). But in accessories I thought, hmm, I need a small delicate gold pair of earrings - and narrowed my search way down.

Dana

(website)

I love all your "not allowed to" buys! And love what you found!

I think a dress similar to yours would be a great addition to my wardrobe. After finally having a chance to try everything (almost) on in my closet, I found a couple of workhorse dresses too big and just not right. A big hole!

Toban

I really appreciate your sharing of your list, esp what not to buy. It’s flexible enough to allow for serendipity and restrictive enough to fit seamlessly in your wardrobe without duplication. Often what we have the most of is either what we find easy to buy and where our eyes turn to in the store.

Stagiaire Fash

This was so helpful! Like others, I found the no-go “red” parts of your list an excellent idea (I color-coded it all like a stoplight in my head).

Now I’m going to get a big head because you included my question in a post.

Barbara Diane

Thanks for sharing this. It will definitely impact my future shopping.

madeline

I love the line about the turquoise coat. I do that too. Decide I want a certain color coat and keep myself focused (or try to) on that color.

Ginger

That IS very helpful! I have found that "not allowed to buy" is a very helpful guideline. (For me, it's navy dresses.) But also like you, dresses in other colors, with sleeves and a good length, I am always open to.

Scarlet

Good question and good answer. As usual I admire your clarity of vision.

It's great to set well-defined purchase goals. I applaud you!

I, too, need a dress that has 3/4 or long sleeves. It occurred to me today that all of my dresses are summery. I think that's because I live in my boots during the Fall and Winter. However, after freezing at the family wedding last weekend, I've decided that it's high time I buy some dressier tall boots to wear with dresses, and get a dress that is suitable for cooler weather.

rachylou

That’s interesting. Have to think about this. I did a lot of idle shopping before YLF. Would just go and buy stuff that was interesting. Then would go buy stuff to go with it. I keep a much tighter reign on function now, pay more attention to how often occasions for wear arise. And I try to keep one basic style going, instead of giving all of them a go (altho I find that a lot of fun). But I haven’t really given much thought to evolving the whole wardrobe, as a whole...

skylurker

Rachy wrote my comment, more eloquently than I could have, thanks Rachy.
What I find the most interesting in your process is that capsule thinking, how a new item will play with the others, something I feel I’ve not mastered yet.

Roxanna

I love this. Your "not allowed" list really hit home. I do not have one and really should have one. My shopping ban had been working reasonably well but as I look to add pieces, your clarity here will provide a great guiding point. Thank you for sharing!

mtnsofthemoon

This is super helpful. I am trying to be more "mindful" and disciplined with my shopping. My goal is to one day be as focused, organized and intentional like you! Slowly getting there ;-). Hearing your analysis and strategies is priceless.

Dianna

Angie, thanks for letting us know about your thought process. You are brilliant. This will be very helpful for me.

Aida

Thanks for reposting this Angie! It's been interesting reading the responses, too. I shop with a similar approach to you, having both more specific things I need as well as a list of things NOT to buy, along with a handful of things I'm always on the hunt for. My "don't buy" list tends to be less about specific types of items, though, and more about stylistic tendencies to avoid so that my style heads in the direction I want it to. One of the joys of having somewhat eclectic taste, I suppose!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'm glad this was helpful, ladies. I enjoyed hearing your strategies. Fun to be on a similar wave length.

shiny

I have on my list

Holiday clutch, not too expensive, that will go with my new velvet taupe bell sleeve dress. Seeking rose gold (but not too shiny-- purchased one recently online and it's too dang shiny, even if my username is shiny!) or soft pink. With enough space for stuff I like to carry (eliminates about 3/4 of the formal clutch selections out there)
White long sleeve tops/blouses/sweaters... in any variation from casual to dressy. This is a wardrobe essential for me and I never seem to have enough.
A wool dressy coat in a color that's not black. Must be warm enough for winter, not just fall. Difficult to find as a petite.
I'm always open to dresses of any sort, as long as they hide my figure flaws and are comfortable.
Scarves in accent colors that will work with core wardrobe. I do seem to be missing some here.
Always on the look out for tall boots that fit my 13x13 lower legs.
Black booties to replace my favorite booties that have been going strong for years now, but are showing wear. Most booties have too high ankle shaft to work for my short legs, or other comfort problems. I'd be okay with non-black but if I can't even find in black.... I don't hold out hope for other colors.
Any flat /low-heeled shoes that are fashionable. I'm happy to say that I realized this week that I now own more flat/low-heeled shoes than heeled.
A pair of comfortable black dressy heels, for the rare times a year I need this, and my super-comfortable 3-1/2 inch nude pumps just don't work.
A laptop bag that works for travel. I am trying out a Los & Sons right now, not sure if it's my holy grail just yet.

Is that too much to ask??? LOL

Jaime

You are so admirably disciplined. I do often have a vague idea of something I might like (white bag, dark denim, red coat) but am so easily distracted. But I have no real needs apart from replacing basics from time to time.

Style Fan

Thanks for sharing your process with us. Good idea to have 'not allowed' ones.

Violettt

Active Member

Is the reason you say "NOT allowed to buy", because you have too many of these???? and don't need it.....I think so~

deb

Thanks Angie.

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