Happy Sunday All!
The sun is shining here this morning, having dumped 2 feet of snow on us again! Not as bad as some folks are having it and I am not complaining as we had power the whole time, which again, is better than many folks had!
As you know, I am actually on a budget for this spring's wardrobe purchases. Having a budget, which in my case is around $500-$600, is requiring me to be very judicious in my choices and filling in gaps. I have many nice pieces already in my spring closet from the last two years, so I really need to focus on those things that would make the items I already have pop.
I also need a plan before I go to NYC and have gob-smacked by every shiny object. Apart from the list below, I am allowing myself $100 for something unexpected. It doesn't sound like much money and that is a good thing!
I decided to go with Dani's advice and develop a colour story, which I did try to do last year, but to quite mixed results as I kept shopping EVERY time I saw something lovely and so have a multitude of colours already - greens, corals in light and dark hues, blues, pinks, yellows.. The list goes on and on...
My primary colours for spring into summer will be blues - navy, royal, peri. Other colours I will look for are ones that are complementary in nature - a yellow, a coral.
I know that it will NOT be warm enough for bare legs until May. No matter how much I want it to be. No worries about looking for a nice pair of sandals for my spring list - won't be used till late May. That will have to come out of my summer shopping budget!
I am also unsure as to what I will be doing work-wise come spring. I need things that can do double-duty, which means they must be comfortable! Since I already have blazers, and since blazers are expensive, I think I will focus on getting one or two new cardigans that can be dressed up or down.
I would like a new pair of comfortable shoes that can be dressed up or down. I would like to find a couple of inexpensive nice scarves that pull it together. However, I have a LOT of scarves, so I may be okay there!
The list:
1) a comfortable spring skirt, not a pencil skirt. I will be on the look out for a swingy type of skirt that is not constricting at all, something like (but not this one) the skirt below in terms of shape but in my colour story:
The alternate here is a fun patterned blouse - options:
The Sera in Medallion Paisley:
I have had good luck with these little silk chiffon camisoles from JCrew. or the painted Carousel shell from Anthropologie, which I have blogged about before:
2) a new dress from Nougat London
I have quite fallen in love with this brand (if you recall, I bought 3 dresses by them last year!) and am waiting to see the spring picks. They typically are pricey and run in the $250 range in summer, but I have a $50 store credit for where I usually buy one, so that may work out if one is nice. Unfortunately, Nougat London has not released their spring 2013 preview, although the teaser on their facebook page shows a floral sheath which looks like it could work:
3) 2 cardigans
I think I will go buy my old Jackie standbys here, which I will watch for on sale:
The neon rose and lemon pulp cardigans could be a nice offset for all of my blues. These are currently on promo and if there is a president's day sale promo, I will jump on them and call it a day for cardigans.
4) Something embellished - you know I love my embellishments. I keep looking at the sweater below, the reviews have been good and it would go with many items already in my spring wardrobe - navy tweed pants, silver cotton trousers, etc.
This one I will watch for on sales. We are never, ever, ever, paying full price for JC again....(sing it sisters)
5) A spring purse
I would like a light coloured smaller purse for spring. I really like the Brompton straw mini, most of all because it is a faux straw and therefore a little tougher. However, I am going to haunt my local winners, as I may be able to score something very similar there, such as the London Fog purse I got last fall which looks brand new 6 months later.
6) shoes
If I do well on the other items above, I am hoping to get a decent pair of comfortable shoes, but there will be no Chie Miharas this spring (although I absolutely must try to find a place to try them on so I know my size and can watch for sales this summer!)
However, there are two pairs of shoes I am eying at French Sole to try on while I am in NYC, which I think could be a smashing addition to the Spring wardrobe, both neutrals but from the opposite end of the colour scale! These are both flats, which is good - I am every colour of pump required for work - nude, navy, black, chocolate, silver, etc. I want comfort that I would also wear with a dress.
The Penelope
or The Henrietta:
The Henrietta's are about $80 cheaper than the Penelopes, but I may like the former slightly better...However, I already have black ballet flats that would fit the bill. The Henriettas also come in a golden ivory mottled hue which is lovely as well.
Update - just found out that the French Sole Store in NYC is not the same as the French Sole Store in London, which is the website I was looking at... Darn it - this could require a mule...
Sooo.. How does it all stack up?
Skirt - $80 max if I can find one I like
dress - $230 max
cardigans - $0 (I have a $100 JC store credit)
sweater - $100 max (need a promo and a percentage off..)
purse - $100-$200 (revised to $80)
shoes - $200-$250
total: $860 at the upper end! WHOOPS! Too much! Okay - I will look for a purse for around $80 at winners or at outlets coming back through Maine. That takes it to $720. Hmm... i know I want a dress and I know I want good quality comfortable shoes...(of course the french soles may not be those so we will have to see..) I may hold off on one of the cardigans till summer purchase... Regardless, I will stick to my budget!!!
So what do you think? Am I missing something? If I am it will be exchanged for something else. I will most definitely stick to the budget this year!
Have a most happy Sunday and stay safe out there!!
The sun is shining here this morning, having dumped 2 feet of snow on us again! Not as bad as some folks are having it and I am not complaining as we had power the whole time, which again, is better than many folks had!
As you know, I am actually on a budget for this spring's wardrobe purchases. Having a budget, which in my case is around $500-$600, is requiring me to be very judicious in my choices and filling in gaps. I have many nice pieces already in my spring closet from the last two years, so I really need to focus on those things that would make the items I already have pop.
I also need a plan before I go to NYC and have gob-smacked by every shiny object. Apart from the list below, I am allowing myself $100 for something unexpected. It doesn't sound like much money and that is a good thing!
I decided to go with Dani's advice and develop a colour story, which I did try to do last year, but to quite mixed results as I kept shopping EVERY time I saw something lovely and so have a multitude of colours already - greens, corals in light and dark hues, blues, pinks, yellows.. The list goes on and on...
My primary colours for spring into summer will be blues - navy, royal, peri. Other colours I will look for are ones that are complementary in nature - a yellow, a coral.
I know that it will NOT be warm enough for bare legs until May. No matter how much I want it to be. No worries about looking for a nice pair of sandals for my spring list - won't be used till late May. That will have to come out of my summer shopping budget!
I am also unsure as to what I will be doing work-wise come spring. I need things that can do double-duty, which means they must be comfortable! Since I already have blazers, and since blazers are expensive, I think I will focus on getting one or two new cardigans that can be dressed up or down.
I would like a new pair of comfortable shoes that can be dressed up or down. I would like to find a couple of inexpensive nice scarves that pull it together. However, I have a LOT of scarves, so I may be okay there!
The list:
1) a comfortable spring skirt, not a pencil skirt. I will be on the look out for a swingy type of skirt that is not constricting at all, something like (but not this one) the skirt below in terms of shape but in my colour story:
 |
| skirt here |
The Sera in Medallion Paisley:
I have had good luck with these little silk chiffon camisoles from JCrew. or the painted Carousel shell from Anthropologie, which I have blogged about before:
2) a new dress from Nougat London
I have quite fallen in love with this brand (if you recall, I bought 3 dresses by them last year!) and am waiting to see the spring picks. They typically are pricey and run in the $250 range in summer, but I have a $50 store credit for where I usually buy one, so that may work out if one is nice. Unfortunately, Nougat London has not released their spring 2013 preview, although the teaser on their facebook page shows a floral sheath which looks like it could work:
3) 2 cardigans
I think I will go buy my old Jackie standbys here, which I will watch for on sale:
The neon rose and lemon pulp cardigans could be a nice offset for all of my blues. These are currently on promo and if there is a president's day sale promo, I will jump on them and call it a day for cardigans.
4) Something embellished - you know I love my embellishments. I keep looking at the sweater below, the reviews have been good and it would go with many items already in my spring wardrobe - navy tweed pants, silver cotton trousers, etc.
This one I will watch for on sales. We are never, ever, ever, paying full price for JC again....(sing it sisters)
5) A spring purse
I would like a light coloured smaller purse for spring. I really like the Brompton straw mini, most of all because it is a faux straw and therefore a little tougher. However, I am going to haunt my local winners, as I may be able to score something very similar there, such as the London Fog purse I got last fall which looks brand new 6 months later.
6) shoes
If I do well on the other items above, I am hoping to get a decent pair of comfortable shoes, but there will be no Chie Miharas this spring (although I absolutely must try to find a place to try them on so I know my size and can watch for sales this summer!)
However, there are two pairs of shoes I am eying at French Sole to try on while I am in NYC, which I think could be a smashing addition to the Spring wardrobe, both neutrals but from the opposite end of the colour scale! These are both flats, which is good - I am every colour of pump required for work - nude, navy, black, chocolate, silver, etc. I want comfort that I would also wear with a dress.
The Penelope
 |
| see it here |
 |
| See them here |
Update - just found out that the French Sole Store in NYC is not the same as the French Sole Store in London, which is the website I was looking at... Darn it - this could require a mule...
Sooo.. How does it all stack up?
Skirt - $80 max if I can find one I like
dress - $230 max
cardigans - $0 (I have a $100 JC store credit)
sweater - $100 max (need a promo and a percentage off..)
purse - $100-$200 (revised to $80)
shoes - $200-$250
total: $860 at the upper end! WHOOPS! Too much! Okay - I will look for a purse for around $80 at winners or at outlets coming back through Maine. That takes it to $720. Hmm... i know I want a dress and I know I want good quality comfortable shoes...(of course the french soles may not be those so we will have to see..) I may hold off on one of the cardigans till summer purchase... Regardless, I will stick to my budget!!!
So what do you think? Am I missing something? If I am it will be exchanged for something else. I will most definitely stick to the budget this year!
Have a most happy Sunday and stay safe out there!!
SPRING ALONG Hi WMM, first big congrats for having a wardrobe plan and a firm budget - that takes thought and work. Now, I must jump in on the bag first as that is a bit my thing. I love the straw mini Brompton which I ordered but returned last year (shocking I know) since my work life was too formal for a straw bag. DBP does/ did have it and I think she's found it good wearing. But since we are on a quest for a budget option, I'd recommend checking Eddie Bauer (they always do 2-3 straw bags a season including one that's more bag than tote), BR and specifically this Lands End sale pick which I have seen in person:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-refined-straw-tote~235762_-1.html?CJSID=642764577&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Lands%27+End+Product+Catalog-_-1909792_2178999-_-ShopStyle.com
It is already on offer and with one of the additional LE promos could be a good deal.
I think your plan of concentrating budget on one great dress (or that tailor-made one) and comfortable pretty shoes is smart. Re. skirts, also keep an eye on JC Factory as they usually do some non-pencil, all cotton styles.
Re. sandals I have to firmly remind self that I don't need these until May either! But your happy picks are a good antidote to the snow blues. Off to slog through sidewalk mush. (My budget includes a new doormat.)
Oh, and I am definitely adopting the term "smudget" (always rubbing mine out to juggle or muttering under breath about it).
DeleteEeep, scratch that bag suggestion too big and basket-y, not the one I thought they still had! Will keep an eye out tho'.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Much as like the LE, I definitely need a purse that will zip closed - I always get so much stuff and am a klutz and stuff falls out at the best of times!!! However, I am confident I will find a good small bag. I already have summer clutches - a lovely yellow one and a shell one from the BR collection that I bought last summer but never used - it will be used this year!!
ReplyDeleteI always forget to look at JC factory! Will do so for sure! Good idea! I think the EIleen Fisher Tshirt dress in the blue will be a likely contender for summer dressing..
I have a WHOLE rolling bin of summer shoes/sandals. Honestly, I am afraid to open that one for the purge..
I like your picks. I think you could defer the straw bag to summer or find a less expensive option. I like the idea of a straw bag, but I don't feel like it's going to be a big impact item that you'd be glad you spent $$$ on. The Nougat London dress, whatever one you find and based on your previous experience with them, could be the memorable item and one that you have a long time. I think that's a smart item on which to spend $$$. The J. Crew printed/screened sweater is cool, I tried it on and really liked it but I didn't have to have it. I don't think it's very versatile. It probably won't look good over another shirt, might look odd under a blazer or cardigan, probably won't go well with skirts (someone will probably prove me wrong though!). It's so pretty, but kind of one-note.
ReplyDeleteWell I applaud you for even making a plan, I have not done that and need to. Good job!
Hi Cate!
DeleteThanks for your two cents! I am waiting to see that merino sweater in person. and I suspect that I can likely find it for a song in April if I am patient.. That one would be a nice addition, but only if it fits. The good thing is that I know what to expect with the Jackies and the dress will definitely be a try one here and maybe none will work..
This is a detailed and well-thought plan, Wendy, bravo! Also good for you sticking to budget.
ReplyDeleteThe JCrew straw brompton is not worth the price IMO. I have it and will be using it this summer once again but the straw bits have come away on a couple of spots even though I have been careful with it. I actually need to do bag surgery and snip off the unravelled bits which stick out like pieces of hay so that more of them don't come undone. I mean really!
That shift dress is gorgeous. Love it. I think the Jackie cardigans are a terrific way to use up your JC credit.
I am so looking forward to your NYC trip you'd think I was going.
Bag rehab Dani, have to tell DH as he thinks I am only "nutter" who does that kind of purse maintenance stuff. Also now extra glad I returned it in 2012 and went for the British Tan Willis now, instead of being sucked back in this season. As you know, fond of that three-pocket Brompton style.
DeleteDani - thanks for the Brompton reality check! I am hoping to find a lovely light coloured purse in a similar shape - I find that they are easier to find then a good winter bag! I definitely want a dress and am anxious to see the whole N.L. spring offerings before I make any decisions! My issue is that I jump too soon! There is a white dress on their facebook home page that just screams Dani to me! I already have a white linen dress so that is not required this year!
DeleteGF - I have been doing a LOT of rehab this winter on things. Lots of things to be consigned that never got worn, not once. Feel quite silly about those mistakes!!!
DeleteGlad to hear you didn't lose power WMM. As much as I like the look of freshly fallen snow, I'm thankful we only received about a foot of it this time.
ReplyDeleteThe carousal shell is such a fun piece, isn't it? It's one of my favorites from your picks, although I like them all. It seems like you can have something new to wear, or mix and match with your older items, for almost any occasion. I'm sure you can keep your spring list within budget by shopping around for some items and waiting for a sale on others. :)
thanks ABC - I am going to try on the sera and the carousel tops in NYC and see what I think. The good thing with them is that I could begin to wear them soon. The spring skirt can wait till March to find...I may have snow here on Mother's Day the rate things are going!
DeleteI would save my money from one of those categories and buy a better handbag. A quality bag will last for a few seasons and elevates everything you wear. Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Cole Haan and Saks all have Friends and Family sales coming up. I second Emma's suggestion of TB shoes, although I have the Romy, not the Reva and have walked for hours in them. They are leather lined and the Eddies which are even more padded are less expensive than the others. I also hear that AGL ballet flats are very comfy. I just think you should buy a more interesting looking shoe than a pain ballet flat, because, as you say you have many of them, and they will not change your wardrobe options. I would not box myself into a color story because I can be fickle and I would wait to see what new colors tempt me and work with what I have. Jackie cardigans are always a great buy, but again, if you are going to look in your closet and feel that you have nothing to wear, it might be time to stop buying the same pieces. New sleeveless blouses that can be worn multi seasonally are always great and add spice to basics you have already. I like your choices very much. Save your money for NY!
ReplyDeleteOh- I have a 15% code for Kate Spade if you change your mind! Let me know if you need it- it is good for 2 weeks.
DeleteGreat advice Knityarns - I bought a lovely large hobo bag last summer - it was very expensive but well worth it. This spring/summer I would like to have a smaller bag for other events - good advice and I may see something I love in NYC! I think I will wait on the 15% code since I won;t be in NYC till the third. I do like cardis as they are good for work and the A/C but two may be overkill this year and perhaps will stick with one or none, once I get all out!
DeleteAh the shoes - I definitely want flats, so I will check out TB for sure, along with french sole.
It's awesome that you made a list, this way you wont be tempted to stray. As you know I am a shoe girl, so my suggestion is to buy the best shoes for your money. Your feet will thank you:)
ReplyDeleteA I am with you a 100% on comfortable shoes. I am being brutally cruel about uncomfortable shoes now or shoes that are not all leather!
DeleteWell send good vibes to me - the point is to stick to list or at least budget!
Good for you for making a list, and trying to stick to it. I tend to agree with KnitYarns, about the handbag, which I think can make or break an outfit.
ReplyDeleteOkay - two behind better handbag, but no to brompton. I think I will go all leather then rather than straw - just a nice light leather
DeleteI think this spring summer both you and I will be finding the Joe Fresh items appealing...I already have. Check them out for shorts and pants...some nice floral prints that are on trend but not expensive. Carolyn from Vancouver
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn - I will definitely be getting my tees and shorts there - they have amazing colours this year!! I may be able to score some of what I need for much less, depending..
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of a list and a color story! I am all over the map. I try to make a list and then of course I am drawn to every bright color and shiny object. I have been pleasantly surprised with Banana Republic this Spring. Lovely modern silhouettes and wait for it . . . .even some natural fibers! I've just ordered a gorgeous silk top in a floral print and a few silk tanks. Prices are much easier to swallow than JC these days, especially as they seem to run a promo every other day. Good luck with the hunt. I am eager to see what makes the cut.
ReplyDeleteHI Robin! I am just like you naturally - I want the shiny thing in front of me! I haven't really been shopping online - it helps me to stay away! I will go look at their site today however, as I really do actually need a silk tank for spring!
DeleteFor me the big thing will be the categories - and staying on budget!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for making such a detailed list (and facing the reality of your budget).
My two or more cents:
- I agree about nice handbags, but do you need a particularly nice summer one? I find I can usually go more casual in the summer. It depends on your work situation, I guess. That said, I think you could stretch your LF through the spring, delaying the decision.
- Do you need more cardigans? And do you want bright ones? My usual MO, and granted I am a less colourful dresser than you, is to wear the "interesting" piece as a shell or top, and then wear a more neutral cardigan. Since tops usually wear out faster and cost less (sometimes), it's a way to own fewer cardigans and change things up more often. Since blue looks so nice on you, why not wear tops in complementary colours under your nice blue cardigans? And, in doing that, you can choose ones with some "interest" - pattern, texture - and kill two birds with one stone.
- Good call on comfy shoes. Make sure you buy ones that make you feel fantastic in, in every respect, and that make your outfits work. For me, the missing link with most outfits is shoes ("I would wear this if only I had x shoes..."), so I am always thinking about that when shoe shopping.
Okay, then the big question: what do you really really NEED? Which of these items would open up a world of possibility for you within your own closet? It's also fine to shop for things you don't "need," but I find identifying the true needs makes the just for fun purchases a lot more, well, fun.
Oh Abby - you are making me work, girl!
DeleteI need an appropriate, tasteful bag that can be used to go to meetings or to the grocery store. It doesn't have to be really expensive and you are right, I do not need it till likely April or May as my current bags will get me through until then!
I tend to avoid prints on my tops and so I love colours. I definitely need something coral-y to help out an orphan in my wardrobe - the feather skirt from last year's JC - bought, like quite a lot, have shoes that match but right now only wear it with navy on top, which is kind of dull. I may try ivory and perhaps look for scarf and that might save some $
WHat do I really need? Well truly, If I decide to go on and do something different, I really don't need more dressy clothes as I have plenty for spring and summer that I can get buy with. I would like a really nice pair of comfortable shoes that can be worn with lots of different things - I have lots of fancy ballets, and lots of sandals, but very few shoes that I could wear out in mid April onwards that are not open toe. I don't need pumps. I really do not "need" anything per se, except for the shoes and the smaller spring/summer purse. I would really love a nice dress (not too fancy_ that is comfortable, like my other nougat dresses. SO I guess the cardis and merino sweater were wants, not needs! :-)
Ooops, sorry if I asked too many questions!
DeleteI think that you'll have a great time in NYC shopping :) Like you, I live somewhere where there is not much shopping relative to elsewhere, and I also save up my buying. It's a lot more fun when there are choices!
I was about to say the same thing, I just walked by the store and they have lovely florals that reminded me of you!
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree on putting more money towards a nice handbag. I have to say that I am a fan of the mini Brompton, I think it is the perfect size if you already have a bigger bag you are happy with. What about a canvas one istead of a straw? I have the wildcat one and it is great in the summer. Maybe they will put out other fabrics later so I will wait and see.
I meant the Joe Fresh store, I was referring to Carolyne's comment.
DeleteHi Ema - i love the size of the mini brmpton as well - canvas could be nice and i know you loved your leopard one!
DeleteWill cross fingers on new joe fresh items!
Good for you for making a budget and a list! I must also try to be as disciplined. I like the others' idea for investing in a good bag or a good pair of shoes. Those items are the ones that will make an outfit "look they money". Although they are more pricey, I find the nice designs tend to either never go on sale, or if they do, they are snatched up immediately.
ReplyDeleteHi Louise! You are right! I am going to have to be prepared to pounce when I see the right thing!
DeleteWell bless your heart for putting your very small list out there for us all to see before going to NYC. May the force be with you. Just one step into Anthropologie and I would be toast. All of your picks are lovely. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteOh BB - I COULD be toast. Pray for me - I will need all the strength I can get! Plus I will have beady eyed Mr. Man with me!
DeleteWe will do the recap afterwards - i.e. how did reality relate to dreams!
I love all of your picks! I wish that I had snagged the Anthropologie Carousel Shell before it sold out. Enjoy NYC--it's one of my favorite places!!!!
ReplyDeleteRynetta! You are already saving me $ if the top is sold out! :-)
DeleteI love NYC too! We will see how I do! I am going to try to stick to the list! Oh but the list may change....gotta stay focused!
Hi WMM! Kudos to you for making your spring list and budget already! I agree with others that the handbag and shoes are very important. I really think they can 'make or break' an outfit, and should be given a lot of thought, as well as a good portion of your budget if necessary.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that you fared well in the snow storm. It has been close to 80 degrees(F) here, so it looks as if we will not even be getting any winter weather this year. Stay warm, and know that you are always welcome here! :)
Thanks FFM - best quality I can get for those three for best price!
DeleteOh FFM - I am about ready to get on a plane and come see you! This is a LOT of snow! I am still not sure, based on the excellent comments of the folks above, if my list is correct! I agree handbag and shoes are a good thing and a good investment. It is HARD to have great fashion on such a tight budget! It is self-imposed, but still! (do I sound like I am whining? I think I am!). Is going to take a lot of self-control in NYC!
ReplyDeleteOh FFM - I am about ready to get on a plane and come see you! This is a LOT of snow! I am still not sure, based on the excellent comments of the folks above, if my list is correct! I agree handbag and shoes are a good thing and a good investment. It is HARD to have great fashion on such a tight budget! It is self-imposed, but still! (do I sound like I am whining? I think I am!). Is going to take a lot of self-control in NYC!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is hard, but not impossible. I say put the shoes, handbag, and dress at the top of your list, and use most of your budget on them. Look for the skirt (or printed blouse) and embellished shirt at stores such as Joe Fresh where you can get them for a rock bottom price. Also remember that spring items will more than likely go on sale before spring even gets here, so you may even be able to catch your top of the list items at a reduced price.
DeleteYou're not the only one who was confused by French Sole London vs. French Sole NYC. The names are too similar! I think the Penelope is prettier than the Henrietta. However, I always seem to get creases in my pointy-toe shoes, so usually I opt for rounded or square toe boxes. Also, pointy-toe flats make my feet look really big. :)
ReplyDeleteI like Penelope best as well, though don't think I will find them in NYC. It is confusing isn't it? What size feet do you have?
DeleteI'm an 8 1/2 or 9. It looks like French Sole London is called London Sole in the U.S. There appear to be two stores - one is in Santa Monica, CA. I don't suppose you'll make it out here anytime soon? :D
DeleteI am a 6.5, so. Sometimes like those kind of shoes! I want o go o CA! I have ever been! I am going to write them tomorrow and see if they have any boutique representation in NYC! Maybe I can get the Canadian franchise!
DeleteI love the sweater in photo #4. I may try that one out soon. Noticed the Cosmo featured during Friday's happy hour and it got me thinking. The Cosmo was always the favorite drink of Carrie and the girls. Did you ever make it through the sex in the city series?
ReplyDeleteI am just starting it shopping celle - got sidetracked by House of Cards and need to watch it alone, as DH has no interest in it! But then, I don't watch Ice Pilots with him!
Delete