Building a wardrobe for the "look" you want

[pizzapizza]

Hello. New here - just re-into'd on MMM.

I am hoping you fashionable ladies can give me some insight into how to refine my current wardrobe to focus on a more sophisticated look that should work as I am getting older (35) and I want clothes that are beautiful, good quality, that will last, and are mostly baby/toddler friendly.  

Has anyone else done a complete closet overhaul to align their clothes with their changing/evolving style?

I love clothing and have alot of it.  My current closet has lots of different styles.  I want to build a more cohesive wardrobe that makes it easy to get ready in the morning and that ensures I always look put together.   My current wardrobe is all over the map - everything from Glittery, colorful, lots of prints, romantic and boho to monochromatic and minimalist pieces, and just some crap I need to get rid of.  

The look that I always seem to come back to is a more minimalist look.  I love the aesthetic of Helmut Lang and All Saints but they are super expensive, and when I shop I typically try to purchase things at least 70% off.  I can sometimes find the same vibe at BR/Ann Taylor, need to check out Zara, as well as some other contemporary lines. I am short and pregnant which makes shopping a little more challenging but I can get a feel for at least what looks good.  This look also tends to look best on me when I am at my skinniest. I would love an awesome pair of leather leggings and a fierce leather jacket - those may be presents to myself at the end of next year or whenever I am back to pre-baby weight.  I bought a pair of pleather front ones that may suffice . 

Here are a couple of visuals of things I like :

Older Helmut Lang campaign. All Saints for the next two pictures after that. 





As for the clothes I have right now that don't work in this look. What do I do with them? I am lazy and pregnant and tired and I feel like I should sell them but maybe the smarter strategy is to donate.  How do I also make myself get rid of the stuff that doesn't map to the aesthetic that I am going for? I have problems letting go of things so now I have an overflowing closet with many things I hardly ever wear.

I have been looking at Ebay and have found what I hope to be some pre-loved clothing made of natural fibers that will hopefully fit within the look I am going for at very good prices. 

Any thoughts insights on next steps would be appreciated.  Also tips on how to get Helmut Lang/All Saints at a good discount or other less costly brands with similar style would be appreciated.  

[msturtle143]

I did a major closet purge this past Spring. I have always wanted to have a less chaotic wardrobe and this website gave me the push that I needed. 

www.un-fancy.com/

I still make some of the old mistakes I used to, such as buying a less expensive item instead of buying the one I really like every once in a while....like when I bought the Mackage leather jacket that was on sale versus the style I really wanted because, duh, right? But for the most part, the impulse shopping has stopped. I don't have the impulse to buy everything that goes on sale or just because I can afford it. It's quality vs quantity now. I also now have to wear scrubs at work so I find it harder to justify a purchase especially when my goal is to keep my wardrobe under 37 pieces.
I have the staple pieces in your picture below, except for leather pants. My lifestyle will just never call for them, I know it. 

As for what to do with your clothes, for me it was easier to donate. I didn't want to think too much about the $$$ I wasted on my clothes. 
Good luck! 

[moreace01]

Helmut Lang is always at Nordstrom Rack, Off 5th and Last Call. I've picked up pieces at all three places. I usually wait till clearance.

All Saints is SOOOO EXPENSIVE for what it is IMO. Where I live, there is an outlet so I pretty much only buy from there or I wait for good sales on their website (right now they are running 40% off). I do find pieces at Nordstrom Rack from time to time.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 8, 2015 22:34:47 GMT -5 msturtle143 said:

I did a major closet purge this past Spring. I have always wanted to have a less chaotic wardrobe and this website gave me the push that I needed. 

www.un-fancy.com/

I still make some of the old mistakes I used to, such as buying a less expensive item instead of buying the one I really like every once in a while....like when I bought the Mackage leather jacket that was on sale versus the style I really wanted because, duh, right? But for the most part, the impulse shopping has stopped. I don't have the impulse to buy everything that goes on sale or just because I can afford it. It's quality vs quantity now. I also now have to wear scrubs at work so I find it harder to justify a purchase especially when my goal is to keep my wardrobe under 37 pieces.
I have the staple pieces in your picture below, except for leather pants. My lifestyle will just never call for them, I know it. 

As for what to do with your clothes, for me it was easier to donate. I didn't want to think too much about the $$$ I wasted on my clothes. 
Good luck! 

I am with you about sometimes just buying exactly what you want at full price instead of buying something else on sale.  I need to work on that.  May be cheaper in the long haul.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 8, 2015 23:20:38 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

Helmut Lang is always at Nordstrom Rack, Off 5th and Last Call. I've picked up pieces at all three places. I usually wait till clearance.

All Saints is SOOOO EXPENSIVE for what it is IMO. Where I live, there is an outlet so I pretty much only buy from there or I wait for good sales on their website (right now they are running 40% off). I do find pieces at Nordstrom Rack from time to time.

I have HL at the Rack and will have to check out the other places too. I am more hesitant to buy as I have been pregnant or losing baby weight so want to be careful on buying HL stuff even on sale as it typically is still pricy.

How is the All Saints quality?  We have a "mini-store" in a local Bloomingdale's which is the only place I can purchase it in person.  The leather jackets seem to be decent quality, I could see that some of the other sportswear would not be kid friendly.   How is the outlet pricing for All Saints, I wonder if they do charge sends if I know what I want?

[krisim]

I have just overhauled my wardrobe as well. After having kids, I decided to start dressing the way I wanted rather than how I perceived a "professional" should dress. Not that I dress unprofessionally now, but just edgier and more on trend. I've gotten rid of tons of cheap/poorly fitting clothing and have been trying hard to only buy items that fit well and are flattering on. Since I'm petite, I have more limited stores that I shop at, but have found nice pieces from Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, Loft and BR that fit my new style.  I do follow a lot of style blogs and keep a running list of items that I need or think will complement my current wardrobe.  I've also invested in a lot of inexpensive accessories (statement necklaces for instance) that really seem to dress up my look.  

I will say that in the last year since my wardrobe overhall, I've felt so much more confident about my appearance. I do a lot of public speaking and I feel like it makes me feel more confident in front of a crowd. And as a bonus, I receive complements on a daily basis about my "put togetherness" and was even featured in a online style publication in the city that I used just moved from.

[maddysmum]

Oct 9, 2015 10:57:51 GMT -5 krisim said:

I have just overhauled my wardrobe as well. After having kids, I decided to start dressing the way I wanted rather than how I perceived a "professional" should dress. Not that I dress unprofessionally now, but just edgier and more on trend. I've gotten rid of tons of cheap/poorly fitting clothing and have been trying hard to only buy items that fit well and are flattering on. Since I'm petite, I have more limited stores that I shop at, but have found nice pieces from Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, Loft and BR that fit my new style.  I do follow a lot of style blogs and keep a running list of items that I need or think will complement my current wardrobe.  I've also invested in a lot of inexpensive accessories (statement necklaces for instance) that really seem to dress up my look.  

I will say that in the last year since my wardrobe overhall, I've felt so much more confident about my appearance. I do a lot of public speaking and I feel like it makes me feel more confident in front of a crowd. And as a bonus, I receive complements on a daily basis about my "put togetherness" and was even featured in a online style publication in the city that I used just moved from.

I want to get to here. Particularly the bolded. 

I feel like I look in my closet for something to wear and 9 times out of 10, feel like nothing is quite right. 

I've made a concentrated effort to keep an ongoing list of carefully thought out pieces for the upcoming season - stuff that I want, that I can see how I will wear, that will work with what I have, etc. 

But...I fall for sales. I hit a rut ("I do not have anything to wear") and make bad decisions. 

I also think that I don't really, cohesively know what I want.

[moreace01]

pizzapizza - All Saints is extremely overpriced for what it is. The quality is probably comparable to Banana Republic. They should not be charging what they charge for their clothes. At the outlet, you can generally get dresses around $100-150.

[MDmomof2]

I haven't quite done what you're proposing, but since turning 40 and having young kids I've decided that I have a "look," that look is OK (even if it's isn't cutting edge), and that I should buy quality pieces that fit my look. I've found it easiest to buy from a few stores - Banana Republic and J. Crew are my go-tos as that fits my look with Nordstrom's thrown in for jeans and such. I can buy online and be confident about the size I need and if you like store credit cards you can rack up rewards.

I've also cultivated a make up look. I use one palette (Naked Basics 2) and use the pale shades with red lipstick or the darker shades with a nude lipstick. I look the same most every day, but I feel put together and professional even if I'm getting dressed and applying makeup while tripping over my kids, wiping their butt, and making lunches!

It's funny, I have one bohemian-style shirt in my closet that I really like but hardly ever wear because I can't fit it in with the clothes I own. I can't bring myself to send it to Goodwill yet, because it's a cute top, but it's only a matter of time before it goes!

[treedimensional]

A couple of people have touched on a key shopping strategy for me- NOT basing my decisions on price.
Price is definitely a consideration, but it should never be the primary one. That's always a mistake, and causes you to lose sight of your actual goal.
I think it really helps to list your wardrobe goals- as in, sit down and WRITE them out. For most people, the primary consideration is image.
So let's say you want to project a certain image, within a certain price point, and minimize time spent shopping and putting your outfit together every day. You want high quality items that look great and wear well. They should fit beautifully and feel luxurious. List these goals, try to put them in order, and memorize them. It will help you shop purposefully, rather than impulsively.
When I choose an item, I think very critically about how it will fit into my wardrobe. I must be able to picture the entire outfit. When evaluating an item, I ask myself a lot questions about it: 'Is this flattering?' 'Does this hide my flaws?' 'Does this drape well?' 'What kind of woman buys this item?' 'How much will I use this?' 'What is the first thing OTHER people will see when they look at this?' 'How will I launder this?' 'What does this item say about me?' 'Is this how my role models dress?' 'Is this how top people in my industry dress?' and 'Is it possible that someone would view this item in a negative way?' 'If an executive wore this to work, would she/he look ridiculous?' 'Do men wear this color?' 'Does this look silly/child-like in any way?' etc etc etc. Not every question will apply to every item, and not every question will apply to you, so make it personal; but all questons should help you focus on image. If it passes that test, and it is affordable, and you can picture it in a complete outfit that meets thos criteria, then it's a good item.
I think a lot of women buy frivolous, unique items because they are "cute" or "fun" or cheap. Don't fall into this pattern. It DOES cost more in the long run, and replacing cheap items takes time. If your closet is filled with cute, colorful, quirky items you'll have major headaches trying to pull yourself together before leaving the house. If you buy a few great items every year, in order of priority (use), you'll soon build a wardrobe and you'll never scramble to find something appropriate before an event.
Good luck and happy shopping.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 9, 2015 14:46:00 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

pizzapizza - All Saints is extremely overpriced for what it is. The quality is probably comparable to Banana Republic. They should not be charging what they charge for their clothes. At the outlet, you can generally get dresses around $100-150.

This is good to know.  I am big proponent of value and if the quality isn't up to par for the price then I may just use the looks for inspiration rather than trying to track them down on sale.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 9, 2015 10:57:51 GMT -5 krisim said:

I have just overhauled my wardrobe as well. After having kids, I decided to start dressing the way I wanted rather than how I perceived a "professional" should dress. Not that I dress unprofessionally now, but just edgier and more on trend. I've gotten rid of tons of cheap/poorly fitting clothing and have been trying hard to only buy items that fit well and are flattering on. Since I'm petite, I have more limited stores that I shop at, but have found nice pieces from Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, Loft and BR that fit my new style.  I do follow a lot of style blogs and keep a running list of items that I need or think will complement my current wardrobe.  I've also invested in a lot of inexpensive accessories (statement necklaces for instance) that really seem to dress up my look.  

I will say that in the last year since my wardrobe overhall, I've felt so much more confident about my appearance. I do a lot of public speaking and I feel like it makes me feel more confident in front of a crowd. And as a bonus, I receive complements on a daily basis about my "put togetherness" and was even featured in a online style publication in the city that I used just moved from.

I am petite also and I know how challenging finding clothes that fit properly can be.  I have had pretty good luck at the last three stores you listed.  I am bummed though that the quality of late hasn't been as good as it used to be.  I am starting to think it may be worthwhile to look into more contemporary brands such as Vince, Theory, Rag&Bone and the ones mentioned above and try to find some nice pieces on sale.  The fabrics seem nicer but the price point is not

Good for you for taking the time and effort to find a look that works for your lifestyle and congrats on the publication.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 9, 2015 14:22:36 GMT -5 maddysmum said:

Oct 9, 2015 10:57:51 GMT -5 krisim said:

I have just overhauled my wardrobe as well. After having kids, I decided to start dressing the way I wanted rather than how I perceived a "professional" should dress. Not that I dress unprofessionally now, but just edgier and more on trend. I've gotten rid of tons of cheap/poorly fitting clothing and have been trying hard to only buy items that fit well and are flattering on. Since I'm petite, I have more limited stores that I shop at, but have found nice pieces from Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, Loft and BR that fit my new style.  I do follow a lot of style blogs and keep a running list of items that I need or think will complement my current wardrobe.  I've also invested in a lot of inexpensive accessories (statement necklaces for instance) that really seem to dress up my look.  

I will say that in the last year since my wardrobe overhall, I've felt so much more confident about my appearance. I do a lot of public speaking and I feel like it makes me feel more confident in front of a crowd. And as a bonus, I receive complements on a daily basis about my "put togetherness" and was even featured in a online style publication in the city that I used just moved from.

I want to get to here. Particularly the bolded. 

I feel like I look in my closet for something to wear and 9 times out of 10, feel like nothing is quite right. 

I've made a concentrated effort to keep an ongoing list of carefully thought out pieces for the upcoming season - stuff that I want, that I can see how I will wear, that will work with what I have, etc. 

But...I fall for sales. I hit a rut ("I do not have anything to wear") and make bad decisions. 

I also think that I don't really, cohesively know what I want.

Maddysmum, I am with you on struggling to find something to wear and I have an overflowing closet.  It is ridiculous.  And then I tend to go for the same things over and over again anyway.

I am also a sale junky and tend to let sales cloud my thinking so I end up buying maybe 5 ok things when I could have purchased 1 amazing thing.  

I think I am finally honing in on my style, I just need to suck it up and do the closet overhaul.  
 

[pizzapizza]

Oct 10, 2015 6:55:56 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

A couple of people have touched on a key shopping strategy for me- NOT basing my decisions on price.
Price is definitely a consideration, but it should never be the primary one. That's always a mistake, and causes you to lose sight of your actual goal.
I think it really helps to list your wardrobe goals- as in, sit down and WRITE them out. For most people, the primary consideration is image.
So let's say you want to project a certain image, within a certain price point, and minimize time spent shopping and putting your outfit together every day. You want high quality items that look great and wear well. They should fit beautifully and feel luxurious. List these goals, try to put them in order, and memorize them. It will help you shop purposefully, rather than impulsively.
When I choose an item, I think very critically about how it will fit into my wardrobe. I must be able to picture the entire outfit. When evaluating an item, I ask myself a lot questions about it: 'Is this flattering?' 'Does this hide my flaws?' 'Does this drape well?' 'What kind of woman buys this item?' 'How much will I use this?' 'What is the first thing OTHER people will see when they look at this?' 'How will I launder this?' 'What does this item say about me?' 'Is this how my role models dress?' 'Is this how top people in my industry dress?' and 'Is it possible that someone would view this item in a negative way?' 'If an executive wore this to work, would she/he look ridiculous?' 'Do men wear this color?' 'Does this look silly/child-like in any way?' etc etc etc. Not every question will apply to every item, and not every question will apply to you, so make it personal; but all questons should help you focus on image. If it passes that test, and it is affordable, and you can picture it in a complete outfit that meets thos criteria, then it's a good item.
I think a lot of women buy frivolous, unique items because they are "cute" or "fun" or cheap. Don't fall into this pattern. It DOES cost more in the long run, and replacing cheap items takes time. If your closet is filled with cute, colorful, quirky items you'll have major headaches trying to pull yourself together before leaving the house. If you buy a few great items every year, in order of priority (use), you'll soon build a wardrobe and you'll never scramble to find something appropriate before an event.
Good luck and happy shopping.

I think these are all really good points.  So far, overall I typically stay away from the "fastest" of fast fashion stores as shitty quality does nothing for my 35 year old body.  Tailored pieces in a minimalist/edgy, yet comfortable style are where I want to be.

My mom and I went shopping yesterday and I really just wanted to look around and see what was out there.  We hit up a Runway TJMaxx and Nordstrom Rack, places I typically hardly every buy from because I am a super, bargain deal hunter and want things at like 80% off (I know, ridiculous) and whatever is at the discount is typically the dregs or damaged.  

Funny enough, two of the things I have been searching for casually but have not found any of good quality I found at a higher price point then I typically wanted to pay but nonetheless a great value.  They are the kinds of things I can wear everyday with nice thick ponte leggings and tall boots or flats and look chic and pulled together.  So I bought them and they are the start of a complete overhaul to my wardrobe and style.

Vince Wool Scuba Coat - 64% off retail

Looks great now open while pregnant and will also look great when I can zip up and I am no longer pregnant



Theory Ashtry Cashmere Cardigan ~ 69% off retail

Like wearing a luxurious bathrobe

I quickly popped into H&M as I was thinking about buying some sweaters online, I really never shop there, and the quality was just subpar.  Then I walked right out.

Next headed over to Nordstrom Rack.  I wanted to check out the boots.  I have been wanting a pair of Aquatalia boots by Marvin K for ever.  They are the knee high ones that you see Princess Kate wear. I just did not want to pay the $500 - $700 that they cost.  They are water resistant/proof, impeccably made and great for small calves, which I have and makes it difficult to find awesome fitted boots.  

Well I somehow hit the motherload and found three amazing Marvin K boots.  A brown leather wedge with double zippers, one on each side - which is freaking brilliant, black pointy toe low heel boot, and a gray point toe leather/suede dressy heel boot.  They retailed at $598 each and were on sale for $99.  I bought all three and saved over $1500 dollars.  I tried the black ones on at home and they may not work out so may have to return them.  I also ordered some more (from two other stores to try on at home and then I will return whatever doesn't work out).  I have never seen these boots for so cheap.  For some reason they only had this deal in my size.

After the sticker shock, of how much I spent, I am now determined to at least attempt to sell my nicer things through ebay (received a targeted offer of $100 coupon if I can sell $100 worth of items in a week) that I am going to utilize to motivate me to clear out all of the just ok/crap in my house.  I will 

I am pretty excited as this is the kick in the pants I need to move forward.  I would rather upgrade my wardrove and buy some nicer,quality pieces and just get rid of the older crap (through donation, ebay, giving ot friends) that no longer works with the aesthetic I am going for. 

All of the feedback I have gotten so far has been awesome, so thanks so much.

If anyone has any ebay tips and tricks let me know.

[kate]

Check out 9to5chic if you want outfit inspiration for a minimalist look. She also buys a lot of her designer clothes from discount websites like saks off fifth for example. She is probably my favorite fashion blog.

[10nille]

These posts really inspired me and I've just come home from shopping with only 1 item. I'm so proud of myself for not buying things which were great sales, but items I did not want to see myself wearing. I already have a closet full of good deals that are just taking up space.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 11, 2015 9:44:06 GMT -5 kate said:

Check out 9to5chic if you want outfit inspiration for a minimalist look. She also buys a lot of her designer clothes from discount websites like saks off fifth for example. She is probably my favorite fashion blog.

I do like her blog but she is pretty aspirational for me (the price points for some of her things are crazy high) and she is always wearing sky high heels but overall I do love her outfits.

If my legs every get super skinny (not likely as I carry my weight in my upper thighs) I am buying these shoes.  They look fabulous, maybe slightly scandalous:



I also really like this blog.  Seems more accessible from both a price point and what I would wear in reality.

Dressed Accordingly

[pizzapizza]

Oct 11, 2015 10:45:34 GMT -5 @amydrinkie said:

Oct 10, 2015 6:55:56 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

I think a lot of women buy frivolous, unique items because they are "cute" or "fun" or cheap. Don't fall into this pattern. It DOES cost more in the long run, and replacing cheap items takes time. If your closet is filled with cute, colorful, quirky items you'll have major headaches trying to pull yourself together before leaving the house. If you buy a few great items every year, in order of priority (use), you'll soon build a wardrobe and you'll never scramble to find something appropriate before an event.

So true. I have never once regretted a high dollar purchase because I definitely think more critically about those and plan ahead for them. It's the "good deals" that I usually end up wearing only a couple of times and being annoyed with myself that I wasted the money, or returning altogether.

Yep very true.  I really need to get this and be ruthless in my deal hunting as I tend to get easily sidetracked.

[pizzapizza]

Oct 11, 2015 16:55:16 GMT -5 10nille said:

These posts really inspired me and I've just come home from shopping with only 1 item. I'm so proud of myself for not buying things which were great sales, but items I did not want to see myself wearing. I already have a closet full of good deals that are just taking up space.

I am with you on this.  I just spent all day setting up my ebay account for selling and listed a bunch of things. Let's see how it goes.  It was really a pain in the ass but it would be nice to recoup some money to put towards some higher quality items.

[treedimensional]

Oct 10, 2015 17:30:25 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

this sounds so so exciting and anything that can improve your self esteem and self image will be worth the $$ hands down. I wish my weight would stop getting in the way.

Ok, this comment caught my eye. Please don't let it! Don't let your weight cloud this process! Weight can change at so many times in a woman's life. It is COMMON for women to fluctuate.

It is much harder for women who are larger than standard designer sizing (which is MOST women) to shop for top quality, affordable clothes. Don't give up. I know SO MANY WOMEN who unexpectedly gain weight and say they don't want to buy anything nice or expensive "until I lose weight". NONSENSE! BUY NEW CLOTHES. You should ALWAYS look your best, no matter what.

It makes me so angry when I see some of the crap they try to sell to "plus" size women. Weight can change, and it may not be 100% under your control. Your goal should always be the same: look and feel fabulous... at any size. Go ahead and buy yourself something AWESOME immediately.

[bcarp30]

I've started to do this within the past year and it's a slow process (that is now on pause while I'm pregnant too ). The hard thing for me is I've never really been a bargain shopper so the things I'm getting rid of were expensive, just not conducive to my SAHM role.

I've started to get a collection of cashmere sweaters from JCrew (theory and Vince have better cashmere TBH but I have a toddler so those will have to wait), Tippi sweaters from Jcrew, and Vince basics with DvF tops that I can wear with dressier pants or jeans. I'm short, but my legs are just long enough to not fit petite sizes to making sure I get things altered has been key. There's no point in spending the money on nice clothes if you don't make sure they fit properly.

It's important to still have some fun pops in your wardrobe so I've broken up a lot of the basics with fun sweaters and dresses from anthropologie and less expensive shoes like NB or converse sneakers. This helps me still feel casual but I can pair with a cashmere sweater and it's a good high-low option. For trendy items, I have to say I love my old navy destroyed rock star jeans. They're so comfortable and were really reasonable so when that trend dies it's NBD.

treedimensional had a great suggestion with making a list of what you want/need in your closet. I've started that and it's nice to pick up a piece when a promo is going on or I have a surplus in my budget and then when I want to wear it, it's already in my closet! Finally, it has cut down on my overall shopping budget because I'm realistic about what I will actually wear now! And I've realized that my style has never been trendy so investing in classic pieces is really the way to go for me. Have fun shopping!!

[pizzapizza]

Oct 11, 2015 22:33:23 GMT -5 bcarp30 said:

I've started to do this within the past year and it's a slow process (that is now on pause while I'm pregnant too ). The hard thing for me is I've never really been a bargain shopper so the things I'm getting rid of were expensive, just not conducive to my SAHM role.

I've started to get a collection of cashmere sweaters from JCrew (theory and Vince have better cashmere TBH but I have a toddler so those will have to wait), Tippi sweaters from Jcrew, and Vince basics with DvF tops that I can wear with dressier pants or jeans. I'm short, but my legs are just long enough to not fit petite sizes to making sure I get things altered has been key. There's no point in spending the money on nice clothes if you don't make sure they fit properly.

It's important to still have some fun pops in your wardrobe so I've broken up a lot of the basics with fun sweaters and dresses from anthropologie and less expensive shoes like NB or converse sneakers. This helps me still feel casual but I can pair with a cashmere sweater and it's a good high-low option. For trendy items, I have to say I love my old navy destroyed rock star jeans. They're so comfortable and were really reasonable so when that trend dies it's NBD.

treedimensional had a great suggestion with making a list of what you want/need in your closet. I've started that and it's nice to pick up a piece when a promo is going on or I have a surplus in my budget and then when I want to wear it, it's already in my closet! Finally, it has cut down on my overall shopping budget because I'm realistic about what I will actually wear now! And I've realized that my style has never been trendy so investing in classic pieces is really the way to go for me. Have fun shopping!!

If you are still looking for cashmere, I was pretty impressed with the Theory/Vince selections at a local Runway TJ Maxx store.  The price point is probably similar to full priced J.Crew.

For those items that you are getting rid of, any good tips on that?  I would love to do a swap with my girlfriends but we are all different sizes so I don't think that would work.  I tried one consignment store and I was not super impressed with it.  Seeing if ebay is worth my time.  In the end I will likely just donate a significant amount.

Funny enough, I would always go into Anthropologie and loved looking at their things and stalking the sale room. But for some reason, I have issues with fit there, nothing really looks that great or fits me.  Their things look awesome on other people, just not me

Agreed about making a list.  I think this is a fabulous idea.  
 

[kris356]

I have definitely moved into the quality vs quantity direction as I have gotten older, especially with my shoes and denim. This is probably why all of my flats look like crap and I am having a really hard time finding replacements.

I have also accepted that my style is definitely more preppy/classic then edgy and I am cool with that. I know what styles work and what stores work for me. I have definitely moved more towards dresses with boots/booties. I do love Anthro for dresses but I know which brands work for me. I haven't given up totally on places like Old Navy but I am way more discerning in my selections. Like I haven't bought anything there in years but this fall they have had some really cute dresses that work in my closet. And I definitely keep a list of things I "need" so that I can watch for sales on those items.

I do need to do a purge, but more for things that don't fit and I have been hanging on to for way to long. I did clean out my denim a month ago and gave my "skinny" weight pants to my sisters. If I do get back to that size, I will buy new pants as a reward.

[bcarp30]

I should check pizzapizza! I don't know if there is a runway one near me but I shall investigate! When I worked at Saks in college I stocked up on some good pieces but would like some more contemporary styles.

Most of my stuff I ask a girlfriend if she would like and whatever she doesn't I take to a consignment store. They will donate whatever doesn't sell and usually take a lot so I'm left with a small pile to donate on my own. I also got rid of a lot of Lilly Pulitzer but selling it in the B/S/T group re-lilly. After the target lilly deal there are a lot more places to sell but re-lilly still gets the most views and commands the most $$ for the seller.

I used to work at anthro in college too and learned quickly what designers look good on me and what doesn't! Sometimes you have to dig there but the sale stuff is so hard to find things that fit. I am definitely a spend more money and buy what looks good rather than buy something just because it's a good deal.