Would your wardrobe go into shock if you won the lottery? - YouLookFab Forum

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Would your wardrobe go into shock if you won the lottery?

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

I had a total epiphany recently. I looked into my closet and asked myself what I would keep if I won the lottery and could buy anything I wanted without worrying about money. Whoa. That turned things upside down! I think I would probably only keep 1/3 - or more likely, less. Armed with that knowledge, I did a pretty good purge, but since I didn't actually win the lottery, I did keep some things in a holding zone. And for sure I kept more than 1/3 of my clothing. The biggest revelation from that train of thought was that I would replace all of my lounge and sleep wear with well made pieces in luxurious fabrics. Even if I never have a big budget, I do want to follow up on replacing those things, as I'm able, with beautiful and comfy pieces. Life is too short to not wear lovely things in my favorite place on earth... Home.

(Now to start playing the lottery...)

So my questions are:
How an extremely high budget would
1. Change the landscape of your current wardrobe
2. Focus your future purchases
And since it is unlikely that most of us will experience such a windfall:
3. Does this knowledge translate into any realistic and viable changes to how you do things within current budget constraints?

57 replies

Latest reply was from SarahTheWhite

Deborah

Veteran

Interesting thought and one I must confess to having had

If I won lottery, I would definitely replace certain things in my closet with better quality versions. For example, I have a cool asymmetric hem faux leather skirt. If budget was not an issue, I would replace that with the real deal, maybe a Rick Owens piece (tho I don't think I have seem leather skirts from him)

Given that the amount I could spend would be more, I would probably become even more specific and particular about purchases. I wouldn't want very spendy item in my wardrobe that was a mistake.

I don't think it changes the way I think now, because my goal is having the best I can on the budget I have.

So did you buy a lottery ticket???

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, Sarah, this is a fantastic question. I am just about to turn off the computer and get some sleep but I am going to be pondering this in my dreams. I really like your revelations.

Deborah

Veteran

I forgot to say that while my wardrobe might not go into shock, I am pretty sure my husband would!!! His eyes would be on our mortgage, mine not so much lol

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

LOL, Deborah. No ticket... I'm not that lucky. At least not in the good sense. Lightening striking twice, however - that's another story! And yes, my husband would be looking at the mortgage... my leather shoes and handbags and jackets... not so much! And PS, your wardrobe thoughts are what I thought they would be. Your sense of style is so well honed.

Sweet dreams, Suz! :-). Looking forward to your response!

DonnaF

Veteran

Ha, ha, ha. I've been submitting reviews daily into Nordstrom.com in the hopes that I would win their $1,000 sweepstakes which is not quite winning the lottery but close enough for me.

I don't think that much of my regular clothing would change that much as Petite size offerings are pretty limited. If I could find one that fit my short arms, I would like to see what a high quality cashmere sweater is like. My priority would be to try spendier footwear for my fussy feet and be less worried about making costly mistakes. Thus, $1,000 could easily be spent in three pairs. My exercise gear is ancient and faded, but at this point I'd kinda like to see how long it takes to truly wear out. REI brand stuff seems to last over a quarter century.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

No, I'm pleased to say mine wouldn't go into shock. I am really happy with most of my wardrobe & the parts I'm not happy with are only there until I find a better replacement. The only thing I would have to do is make some more room for (expensive) shoes

Janet

(website)

Veteran

No, in fact, I'm looking at tightening up the generous budget I've had over the last few years as I've (re?)discovered style and indulged my shopping whims. My family has been lucky financially over the last decade but we are making changes as we move into the next phase of our lives. I don't spend much on anything else that's not related to my work, so style has been my indulgence.

So in a way, I guess you could say my wardrobe already went into shock, and now I need to recover -- over the last few years I experimented, shopped, and edited my closet, repeatedly. I'm now feeling like I have a handle on where I am and where I want to be, stylewise, and I'm pulling back. I am hugging my closet and feeling more content. When I feel the urge to start shopping, I am going to try other diversions. For the first time in my life, I'm thinking of setting an actual concrete number as a clothing budget next year. Wish me luck!

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

I am really enjoying these comments and loving all of the contentment! With the help of YLF, I have been working my way much closer to where many of you are. I am definitely thrilled with a number of recent purchases, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that my first stop would be Seattle to visit Angie and I'd buy every single item she advised!

Donna and Caro, I hear you on the cashemere and shoes. I'm right there with you on those purchases!

Janet, I am so happy for you to have had the ability to purchase and experiment! And I love your perspective on both the experience of it, and the coming times of limiting to a budget. I think that it would be hard for me to go from freedom in spending to reigning it in. I really admire you for that!

Runcarla

Veteran

My wardrobe sort has kind of been along these lines already, since I have been trying to figure out what I'll be needing/wearing into retirement in a couple of years!

I've been moving from formal business/corporate looking to more business/casual and some of my clothes get worn at work and for play. Since the lottery winnings would propel my retirement date forward I'd toss the dresses and skirts and dry clean only items.

Need to follow through with the dressy capsule though. Been procrastinating and falling back on work dresses for special occasions. Very HO-hum.

Dimity

Studies show that several years after a lottery win, most people have no money left and aren't materially happier, but that's no fun to think about!

If I won the lottery, yes, I'd toss 95% of my wardrobe. The other 5% would be what I wear to the shops to buy new stuff and would go the next day.

I counted the things in my closet the other day and about a third is made by me, half is from the thrift store and the other little bit was bought new, but generally a few years ago when I was working and had a clothing budget.
I don't dislike what I have but my style changed dramatically when I left work. I've been experimenting ever since, but usually from what I can find at an op shop.

I'd get really beautiful, simple things that are cut well, in the best fabrics. My thrift store finds just wouldn't cut it as I stroll across the foyer at The Plaza while on a NY shopping junket. I guess the lesson from this for me is to wait til I find better things within my budget, but I have been learning about what works and doesn't work through my cheap experiments so it's still fun.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Good point, Runcarla... The winnings would sure change a whole lot more than just wardrobe.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

I know exactly what you mean, Dimity. I have experimented a lot by buying thrifted items and less expensive things. That had definitely helped to not waste too much money during the searching for my style phase. That's the reason so much of my clothing would go - I would want higher quality... especially for the Plaza!!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Sarah, this is an excellent question. I had to think about it for a few minutes. I don't think a lot would change regarding my clothes. I'd wear the same types of tops and jeans. I'd sleep in the same things. I'd wear the same lounge clothes. I might buy a few backup handbags (I only have the one, and sometimes, it doesn't "go" with my outfit). I would probably buy a few styles of shoes that I've been holding off on because of price. But you know, I don't know if it would be good for me to have access to more shoes. I don't really need them -- there's no wardrobe hole. They are just 'wants'.

One thing for sure, though -- I would get myself a really f#@%ing expensive wool coat.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Wow, Aziraphale... I'm impressed. It is pretty amazing to think of resisting the "just wants" when one could afford any of the wants they have. I'm afraid I don't have that kind of self control when I CAN'T afford the wants! But your comment about the wool coat restored my faith that you are still human after all! (Although I'd want the coat, and the shoes, AND the handbags...). You rock!

Sharon

Veteran

Haha. Fun question. I don't think I would change much as I really love my clothes, but future purchases would probably include some designer labels! I have kind of already integrated this thinking into my current wardrobe plan by cutting down the number of items I buy and using lay-by to acquire some spendy objects of beauty.

SarahTheWhite

Veteran

Thanks for that, Sharon. I have been trying to apply similar thinking. I would like to get to the place where I start becoming very choosy and buying fewer, higher quality pieces. I really think I'm nearly there, other than the desire to overhaul my loungewear. I think that if I had the money, I would follow through on getting rid of more things and then adding back selectively. Even if I got rid of 2/3 of my clothes, I would certainly not be lacking for things to wear! I do appreciate the thoughts you shared, and your contentment with what you have. You all are really inspiring me to love and work with what I have!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

First, I would hire Angie to help me do a closet edit. Then, we'd develop a list of holes and shop around it, not in Seattle, but here in California (San Francisco) where the selection is geared more towards our climate.

I don't think very much would change in my own taste, it's more that I'd be relying on Angie to help me better express it and manage my wardrobe.

Off the top of my head I wouldn't wait for things to go on sale. I'm already really picky and return a lot of my purchases (sorry retailers) and that wouldn't change much.

I would think about making some heirloom purchases. For example, high end bags that could be passed onto future generations, even beautiful sweaters.

I would also hire Angie to help me with decorating my home, I have a feeling she'd be great at it, and it would be fun to branch out. I'd take up some serious Angie time, making some of her other clients a bit jealous. o_O But I would still allow her plenty of YLF time.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Ha ha! Yes; I'd hire Angie to sort me out! I wouldn't dump my current stuff. It's nice & it suits me. But I would certainly start gradually adding things from the upper price points. Right now my most expensive coats, boots & shoes top out at about $250, my most expensive jeans, tops & bags at $150. If you added a zero to those individual prices... Ummm... Yes please! (But I would probably still own very little, because of my other proclivities!)

Fuegobella

(website)

I won't hit the road to make changes to my wardrobe, but that doesn't mean i won't buy anything. Lol ! I will but not much. I would rather use that lottery money to buy things that everyone in my family can use for long.

retailgirl

Veteran

I already buy nice quality things, but if I won the lottery I would move towards designer or, lines like Loro Piana...luxe but classic. I would indulge my love for Ferragamo shoes and would get some Hermes scarves...and maybe a bag! One thing that would put my current wardrobe into shock would be my new closet/ dressing room...because we would be moving and a huge closet/ dressing room would be at the top of a list of must haves in a new home.

Astrid

Veteran

I don't think I would suddenly start shopping like mad, but I would pay a lot more attention to quality. Something I want to do anyway going forward, but in a more limited budget of course. So I would buy good quality shoes, pay attention to fabric and make. Maybe even have some things custom made by a tailor. And I could afford to pay more for brands I knew to be sustainable.

My Opa's brother won the national lottery ages ago and it was a lot of money at that time (still would be, now). They paid the mortgage on the house, bought a new car and set a certain amount aside for holidays and retirement. And continued to live on their salary. The rest of the money went to the children, in equal parts, to help them buy or build their own homes. I think that's how you have to do it.

Staysfit

Veteran

No, I doubt it. I purchase what I like now. Anything more expensive than I already own doesnt interest me. I have what I want to wear now. If I have a specific function, maybe I would get a Carolina Herera dress. Love those! Also, if I had that much money, I wouldn't want to look like it. Being wealthy and dressing is an art, I've seen some pull it off well, and others who don't. New money and old money they call it where I am from. New money would be Kim Kardashian, old would be Jackie O. (There is probably a more current example, but it's early)

crutcher

Veteran

Outside of the fact that I would buy the next first class ticket to Seattle and Angie...No..I quite love my things...I can't imagine getting rid of the pieces that I have so carefully and thoughtfully added..with imagination and love...I would keep them and maybe add a piece or two..Oh, alright, I would find the perfect jacket that I have been pestering for...and my friends, cost would no longer be an object...(Angie, help me select this one...)
But I am far from the fantasy of wealth and winning the lottery...hey, it might help if I bought a ticket...smile...

chadya

Veteran

Bags and not cheap ones

Anonymous

I don't think my wardrobe would go into shock. I am pretty happy with where I am right now. BUT bags! I would go crazy buying bags of every size, color, and shape. I wouldn't be able to help myself.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Morning coffee in hand, I'm ready to answer here.

Like some, I'd be making a trip to Angie (or having her visit me). But I don't think I would be overhauling my closet, because I've been working so hard on building it (and editing it) these past two or three years -- and I love my things! What I'd do instead is use Angie's help to find some slightly higher end lines/ designers who "get me" and I would consider buying a few key items from these lines, either now or in the future -- whenever my current clothes needed replacement/ upgrade.

I would not be adding a lot to my wardrobe. Thinking it over last night, I realized that I really like it around its current size. So anything I did buy would have to be an improvement over something there. The exceptions would be coats, footwear, and possibly a higher end bag and warm cashmere scarf or two. I think a person can almost never have too many coats in my climate, and a few more wouldn't hurt me. Ditto for boots and shoes. My collection is decent sized but hardly exorbitant and there are a few types of item (like a dressy winter shoe, a taupe or grey bootie) that I could definitely use!

I'm certain that my family would also set aside money for travel, so I might need a new carry on bag! And it's possible I'd need different clothing items for the kind of travel we'd do.

But by and large, it sounds like I'd be leaving things as they are. So does this translate into an action plan for today (without those lottery winnings)? I think it means keep on doing what I am doing! And keep my eye out for any fab and affordable coats, and feel no guilt about purchasing those.

E

Veteran

Not shock; I love most of my closet. But I would start adding custom tailored pieces in sustainable fibers, the kinds that I've been hoping to buy for years & still haven't run across. Oh and bring current favourites that don't fit just right to the same tailor for fixing. I'd definitely buy silk undies; I already have silk pjs and love them. I've recently realised part of my discomfort with bras has to do with the weird fibers they're made out of, so I'd want some silk and organic cotton bras too. I'd upgrade my tights drawer, but I'm planning on doing that already, just more slowly. I'd definitely be adding a piece or two of Brora knitwear as well and expanding on that every winter.

I suspect that once I began wearing the custom made, perfectly fitting clothes, I'd then want nothing else! hehe So that would affect my future purchases for sure. But I think I'd go slowly other than the undies & tights; style evolves over time and I'd hate to fall out of love with a completely revamped wardrobe in 5 years. I'd probably aim for 1-2 pairs of shoes & 12-20 clothing pieces a year and start practicing a firm 1 in, 1 out on the latter.

As far as lessons for my lottery-free life? I already had the shoe plan in place. I'm also already planning to start learning how to sew next year so that I can start making my own custom pieces, although of course they won't be to the same quality as an expert tailor. Sustainable fabric costs more than thrift store clothing, not to mention the price of sewing patterns, so that will cut down on my item acquisition number on its own. But since I've moved in September, I've been happily buying only one needed clothing item a month (via Ebay & its search filters) instead of spending that $20-$25 at a b&m thrift store buying a larger quantity of beautiful clothes that fulfill spur of the moment wants instead of previously thought out 'needs' (of course, even those needs are relative, as except for the trench I got in October, they're about colour/pattern/fabric holes rather than protecting me from the elements) and aren't always just right for me. I definitely need to make that official/keep up that pattern in 2015, as I ended up acquiring far more new pieces this year than I expected to!

This was a great prompt Sarah! Thanks for posting it & I'll continue to mull it over. For now, I just feel lots of gratitude that I love so much of my closet.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Since I tend to prize things I find thrifting above all others, I would probably not get rid of a lot of those prizes but I would start hunting in more expensive...consignment shops!

Anonymous

I really like Suz's suggestion - a shopping trip with Angie would be the ultimate luxury!!

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