Awhile ago I wrote down my most wanted Fall items in a notebook. I mentioned a few of them here on the blog and also posted my Back to basics list. I’ve bought a few things recently so I thought it would be a good time to review and refocus. Also, DH asked me yesterday to cut back on shopping for myself until after Christmas. He doesn’t want me buying everything I want myself and leaving nothing for him to buy as gifts. At first I thought, “Eeek, but I have several things I am waiting for markdowns on and I have to snatch them all up!” But do I really? I decided to take a HARD look at my wishlist and decide what I really do want and what I can live without. Another consideration is our fast approaching London vacation. Every bit of money we save for that will result in a more enjoyable trip.
Original Wanted List
Skinny Trousers- Loved the Anthro plaid Aylesbury cords but waited for sale and they s/o. No other contenders so far. Can certainly live with out
Something camel- Swapped that wish for something olive. Then thought, already have olive D’armee dress so something small. How about getting olive and military fix in one by adding JC vintage military beltto xmas list. However, if we’re talking belts, I am really coveting the Anthro 3 piece belt
Arm warmers- Done. Black elbow length from Sock dreams, wear them almost every day
Leather crossbody bag- Want mbmj but cannot bear to spend over $400 on a single item… Would rather save that $$ for vaca. Also have seen coveted bag sell out and restock. So will revisit idea of saving for it in the Spring
Scarf- Bought wool blossom scarf from JC outlet. Can look for awesome scarves cheap in London
Knee boots- Done and done. Frye veronica and Jane stitch. Major shopping indulgence for me but feel quite good about ditching crappy adidas and replacing with fab boots all winter long. Note that Shoe ban is now in effect!
Tights and warm socks- No new additions but digging forgotten ones out of my dresser. Warm socks in always on Xmas list
Plaid dress- Swap for plaid skirt. Obsessed with Made to Measure skirt. It is top of Xmas wishlist
Heavy knit non grey cardigan or huge-o scarf to belt- Love this Free people one but no way on price.
Sweaters- Especially obsessed with cropped sweaters to wear with skinny jeans and full skirts. Bought this cheapy from Alloy, wore here, and ordered this from Topshop the other day
Oxfords- Put on the back burner because of shoe ban. Will go out and try on after Xmas. Thinking maybe Haan air insole oxford, vacation walking shoe answer?
Tops- Deep colors: Bought two slouchy grey tees, wore a few times already. Also longer tops & layering: Wishlisted Maryam tank, Philomene top. Tried on and sale listed previously: Eze Sur Mer tee, Crossing paths top, and Facile Camp shirt.
Black skinny jeans- Haven’t been looking much for these, back burner for now.
Knit hat- Nothing yet. Not a necessity
Long layers cardigan- Bought and have worn a few times, this one from Nordstroms instead of the lightweight fly away style originally envisioned
Bought and returned: 1- Anticipation Heels: Do not need slightly too big peep toe heels in the middle of winter. 2- Jcrew outlet blazer- Did not want THIS to be the navy blazer in my closet. Still would like a versatile little jacket.
So what’s left on my wishlist that I really want? Made to measure plaid skirt, Eze Sur mer tee, All along jacket, 3 piece belt, and Maryam tank. The first four go together to form a complete outfit, paired with boots I already have. The Maryam tank will be a useful under layer for many tops and sweaters.
I will put these items on my Christmas list and won’t be doing any shopping for myself until the New Year, oh that’s a little hard to type lol. When I come across a look or item I love, I’ll turn to my closet and use what I already have to satiate that must have new stuff impulse. Anyone care to join me on a No buy, work with what you got challenge??
yes! great idea, shannon.
i passed on a very cute polka dot dress from zara for $40 dollars. fit right, but do i need more dots in my closet? no. do i have enough dresses? yes. do i need to buy polyester? NO! (hee)
same thing with a very cute pair of jeweled flats. i already have a pair that i haven’t worn yet. do not need another.
also: if i really want something, try to buy vintage on ebay. case in point: oxfords. found a very cute tan leather pair for ten dollars!
I already decided to this ban starting Oct. 30th. I lived in England for several years. SAVE your money:) you are going to need it. Have a great trip.
Sorry, I really need to proofread before I hit Submit Comment. I meant to say I already decided to DO this ban……
Great idea! Oh and I love your wishlist.
I’ll go on the ban with you, I also need to save $$ for my trip to France next year!
Yay Dani! I’m glad to have a ban mate
Julie- I know, I’m scared lol. London =$$$$
Meg- Great idea saving with vintage!
I`m forcing myself not to shop until my wishlist items go on sale. It`s tough, but hey- I have better things to spend my $$ on. But I`m saving up to buy my family and friends nice presents for the holidays instead!
Have a good trip!
I tried going cold turkey last fall from Oct to December. It didn’t work out that well for me and I fell off the wagon a couple of times, with all the ensuing guilt and obsessive behavior, kind of like in my anorexic days when I spent all my time looking at food magazines, LOL. Lately I’ve simply tried to be more mindful of my purchases and focus on what I need. Polyvore has been very helpful for this. So, I probably couldn’t go on a complete ban but perhaps I could limit myself to two items a month.
Oh, I would definitely save my pennies and do some great shopping in London! Enjoy!
So interesting to see your wishlist and your revision process! I’ve found that writing down and continually revising my wishlist periodically has really helped me think about what I’m wanting/buying/saving for and why! Love the outfit set created by all your remaining wants
London is one my favorite places I’ve visited, and I’ve seen a lot in the last year living in Europe. I hope you don’t plan on making any Anthro purchases in London because when I was there they were charging the same prices in pounds as they charge in dollars in the states. OUCH! But it’s worth visiting at least one of the stores because they’re beautiful. And make sure to check out the status of the Tube construction before you head out. Hopefully they’ll be done by then, but they had half the system closed when we were there (Easter 2010). (I think most of the work is done on the weekends though.) We walked and walked and walked some more. Way more than in Paris. Ughhhh.
London has awesome shopping though and I find that the prices are cheaper than in France (and they actually sell COLORS!!!) haha. Enjoy your trip planning!!
you really must visit Topshop – and save all your $$ for that!
Lately, my wishlist has been dwindling as well. But I agree with you, I’ll be on a no-shopping ban until the new year! =)
Hex-Limiting to two items a month rather than full ban is very smart. I think I may try that after xmas!
Anjali- List really do help! And it felt so freeing to cross so many things off
Angela- Thanks for your thoughts on London! I am looking froward to a bit more variety in the shops, Paris was a little one note. And being able to read the label will really help lol.
Anon- Oh yes, can’t wait!
Stylepint- Great to have some ban buddies. I hope every one will let me know how how their no shop is going!
I made it through a trip to the mall yesterday and only bought Christmas gifts. Usually I would buy something for myself as well. It was hard but I did it and feel good;)
Well done Julie!!
I am so tempted to order some tights and a belt. I have outfits that require brown and I have none, argh