9.30.2010

I Have Shopped (Just a Little...)



So it occurs to me that I never really gave you a recap of my August spending hiatus, and since I’m about to tell you what I have purchased over the past few weeks, it seemed fitting to first tell you how my period of “non-purchasing” went…yes?

There was something especially fruitful about taking a 30-day shopping “time-out” right before a time of year when I traditionally want to re-think my wardrobe completely. The hiatus afforded me a chance to really evaluate my closet and put some serious thought into what I would buy for the cooler months. I also used this time when nothing new (well almost nothing new, alas it was not a perfect hiatus) was coming into the house (or in this case, the closet) to do a ruthless clothing purge…ideally in the manner of all those “how to clean out your closet” dictates in the magazines..

I followed all the rules and made the requisite “keep”, “toss”, “donate” and “mend’ piles…and let’s just say I tossed/donated a lot. I also took two pairs of heels to the cobbler for a little freshening up, had two handbags repaired and managed to find a slim black blazer with the tags still on it (!) lurking amidst the detritus in my closet. I should note here that “slim black blazer” happened to be on my fall shopping list, so major score.

Once the purge mission was accomplished, I made a list of what I wanted to buy to “fill in the gaps”. I put a lot of thought into this list friends, as my budget was small, so I wanted to be very intentional and get things I could wear with what I already had, and most important, that I would want to wear to death. In other words, the basics.



Topping my list were the skinny black pants I’ve mentioned ad nauseum. I had a very specific idea about what I wanted to accomplish with these pants (which was basically to shamelessly copy this outfit, oh and this one too)...the trick was finding the right pair. I was also looking for a new pair of slightly funky shoes that I could wear to dress up jeans and t-shirts for the weekend and a new taupe cardigan, as the one I’d been wearing for the past year was ratty and threadbare and apparently an embarrassment to Audrey (her words).

Last on the list was a super-functional, utilitarian tote (despite the fact that I have a closet full of perfectly acceptable bags...I know, I know).

The good news is I stuck largely to my list...I tend to get distracted by shiny objects and go off the reservation when shopping. My only “slip-ups” were a couple of Tucker for Target dresses that I literally tackled another shopper for, a striped sweater from UO (man what is it with the stripes?) and that necklace I’m sporting in these photos (totally didn’t need it, but spotted it on my friend Sara and was obsessed).

Ok there may have been a couple more necklaces but I'm not saying for sure.




So without further ado, here’s what I got -- all also featured in the pics above...
  • Black Slim Cropped Pants – Gap
  • Black “Slummy Tee Dress” – Alternative Apparel
  • Black Blazer – Banana Republic
  • Taupe Cardigan – J. Crew
  • Necklace – Forever 21
  • Shoes – Max Studio
  • Bag – J. Crew "Jericho"

So do tell…what’s your fall shopping strategy, what are you guys buying this year?

35 comments:

Just Martha said...

Such a logical process Joslyn! Such patience and great purchases... Well done!!

Elysa said...

i am going on hiatus of shopping for me and my neices and of eating out for the WHOLE month of October. shoot me. i just posted it on facebook and people are shocked and disturbed (the mothers of my neices!). but don't worry, i did major shoppnig damage this week and so i feel as though i am prepared for the fall. i bought some new knee high brown boots and a couple new blazer/jackets, along with some new tights and a few fall dresses. i feel good about this. now i just need to slowly work through my closet, as i'm sure i have many a item with tags still on them. oye.

but cheers to you! great job in august and you look great as always!

Rachel said...

You shopped smart! I've re-stocked my thick tights (I wear them nearly daily during fall/winter so they get pretty worn out), but I'm not really planning much else right now. Thinking maybe I can slide through this season without too much purchasing.

laura said...

Okay first I love that you included you bag in these pics as I love a good "bag shot." I'm also just buying a few pieces for fall. A new (to me) vintage Coach bag. The simple lines of Coach bags from the 80's kind of remind me of Clare Vivier bags. A chunky gray cardigan, skinny black jeans and a pair of clogs.

Unknown said...

I want those pants and necklace bad! I'm supposed to be good but my b-day is coming up so I might just have cave a bit.. :)

Sara said...

I have that J Crew bag, too! It's a good buy: versatile and reasonably priced. Good call.

Jessica said...

You are both efficient AND stylish. I need you to come fix my wardrobe, ha.

whoorl said...

I too want slim, cropped black pants, but I'm still dabbling with some post-baby weight so I am holding off at the moment.

I will say that I have bought many billowy blouses (Tucker, H&M, Tucker for Target) and I just can't seem to get enough!

elizabeth said...

classic and beautiful purchases. i absolutely love your style!

Laura Bear said...

oh that bag. that lovely, lovely bag.

Anonymous said...

I saw that bag in the catalog and decided I needed it but still haven't bought it! love everything!

Unknown said...

question for the ladies who have the jericho bag - is it a handheld bag only, or can you throw it over a shoulder? i go cross-eyed if i can only sling handles over my wrist or forearm.

Kate said...

In my opinion, you can never go wrong with black pants and grey sweaters-- très chic!

Joslyn said...

Cortney -- the jericho bag easily fits over your shoulder...i have to say, I love it.

Melissa de la Fuente said...

Love it all hun! You have such great style darlin & I love these picks...especially the bag, cardi and shoes!
xo
Melis

Laura Naples said...

Love the shoes...NEED the necklace.

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

I'm always on the constant search for the perfect pair of boots ~ one day, I just know I will find them.

Unknown said...

Love the bag! I miss shopping in the U.S!
I am in need of a pair of boots. Not to high, not to clumsy but still cool.
And a warm, but stylish, winter jacket! Brrr ...
Have a good weekend!

Unknown said...

Brilliant buys! That necklace is stunning and will go with everything. Long top ditto.

Further inspiration to bring the word capsule and wardrobe closer together in my sartorial life!

Michelle said...

Well, naturally you made faaaabulous choices! I was eyeing that cardigan...My strategy? What are they selling on Zappos! HA, no going to the stinky mall or any stores that never have my size, or whatever. I am shopping from home, done. You couldn't drag me kicking and screaming to the mall. yuck.

Jane Flanagan said...

Good for you! Sounds like the approach really paid off. And you have to forgive yourself a slip-up or two. That's where creativity and passion came in. If we were all deliberate and strategic all the time, wouldn't things get boring!!

near and far said...

Fall shopping has been a little disorganized as I've just ended a 6 month shopping hiatus and have moved from a major metropolis to a small town in between. This means I've been doing a lot of online shopping.

I try to think about what I've been wearing over the past few years, because for as much as there are many things hanging in the closet, a lot doesn't actually get worn. So, with that in mind, I generally buy more of the same in different fabrics and colours and weights. And maybe I'll throw in a new shoe shape or pair of earrings.

By the way, it looks as though you did the balayage thing with your hair that you'd been writing about. The blond looks good. Do you like it?

Anonymous said...

My strategy is to buy more vintage clothing. I just purchased an 80s dress for an 80s "prom" bday party... I realized that there are so many amazing gently-used items out in the world, if you have the time to find them. I think it's smart economically and very eco-friendly. PLUS, so many current trends are completely lifted from the 80s right now anyway!

bestie said...

just did the same thing with my closet! after my "off" week last week, it felt refreshing to purge and also assemble outfits with existing pieces, essentially "shopping my closet." i found it to be fun (a little red wine and chocolate to go along with the project helped too).

LOVE THE NECKLACE..probably another item i won't be able to stop thinking about...like this sweater...

http://goodiesandbesties.blogspot.com/2010/10/sweater-question-answered.html

domestic dish said...

I love your finds....I am new to the blogsphere and have just discovered your site. I am in love! And how you have decorated your house...in love with! You have some serious style! I am def looking for the perfect pair of moto inspired boots for fall and just the right chunky wrap sweater. Other than that I plan on living in boots, leggings, and various accesories. Dress me up, dress me down (mostly down unfortunately...

https://www.domestic-dish.com

Blair Friedeman said...

Oh wow, that necklaces is a stunner. Was shocked when I saw it was from Forever 21!

katie//salt+pine said...

I bought the Jericho hobo a few weeks ago when it was on sale and must admit that I am so in love with it. It is my go-to fall bag that looks great with everything. Love the outfit--great finds (both in the closet and in stores)!

Unknown said...

All fantastic - great necklace as always!!

Inha said...

Fabulous! LOVE the bag, but it's not in my budget right now, however Forever 21's doable. Do you mind sharing the name of the necklace?

Joslyn said...

lnha -- I just looked through the forever 21 site and unfortunately i can't find the necklace online. I found mine in the store here in dallas a couple of weeks ago...so if you live near a forever 21, you might pop in.

Not sure of the actual name of the necklace. sorry!

Victoria | Hibiscus Bloem said...

Great choices. Looking good!

On my list are new jeans, leather jacket, 'boyfriend blazer', A-line grey skirt with pockets - hmmmm thats it for now.

BJ and Shalene said...

What a great method for productive shopping!! And seriously, next time you purge your closet, you should let some of your DFW readers know! I'd be happy to buy some of your second-hand items! :-)

jeana sohn said...

Love the shoes!! The outfit looks chic! Xo

Inha said...

Joslyn, you're so sweet for looking online for me. thanks :)

Splendid Willow said...

Joslyn, my first time here. Came over from the lovely Emma's blog. I don't know if I should be happy I came here or not... Following you might get expensive! I LOVE that J Crew bag! Oh my! And I want it in Mink color. So perfect!

ox, Mon

http://www.splendidwillow.com