So I'll start simply with a reminder of the list of purchases I had settled for:
- DvN scarf
- APC gloves
- Black jeans
As you certainly gathered from outfits posts, I managed to get the DVN scarf, the last one at the boutique, on sales and I'm still incredibly happy about this addition to my collection.
coat/ manteau: Isabel Marant - scarf/écharpe: Dries van Noten - pull/sweater: COS- jeans: H&M - shoes/chaussures: Fratelli Rossetti - bag /sac: Céline
The APC gloves on the other hand turned out to be a wild-goose chase: with the mild winter and the fact that the gloves were available online, I assumed finding them in store would be easy. Wrong. After calling and popping by a few stores and corners, I finally found them at the rue Madame boutique and was glad I had the opportunity to try them on there because otherwise I would have lost more time and money had I ordered them from the e-shop. The smallest size was too big for my hands and as sorry as I was to give up on them I knew it was the right call.
Soon, very soon after this disappointing turn of event, I started to think of a "replacement" purchase for the gloves.
So instead of the gloves, sales at Zara gave me an opportunity to get the classic camel deep v-neck cashmere sweater I wanted to copycat one of the DvN sales assistant.
pull/sweater: Zara -pants/pantalon: H&M - shoes/chaussures: Dries van Noten - mittens/mitaines: C&A
Two down, only one to go and at that point, January was not even over...
As it happens one of my eBay search made me stumble upon a long time coveted item, the Uniqlo faux fur peacoat and the moment I saw it, I knew there was no way I just could pass on this occasion.
faux-fur coat/Manteau fausse fourrure: Uniqlo - pull/sweater: COS - jeans: H&M - sneakers/baskets: Nike Blazer x Comptoir des Cotonniers - bag/cabas: Céline
In all logic, this third buy should have marked the end of the shopping right?
Why, there was still the matter of the black jeans of course which were found at Uniqlo. My "excuse" to cave in relying on the fact that I really needed them and wouldn't break my bank account even if I did break my promise... Twisted.
For a complete disclosure, by February, once the ban was officially broken, I felt no guilt getting the Acne Canada scarf in camel which was neither on the list nor a necessity...
voilà, this ban taught me or rather enhanced what I honestly had figured out:
Focusing on a limit of purchases allowed made me realize that the vast majority of my buys, though 95% of the time thoughtful because the permanent goal in my mind is wearability, compatibility with the rest of my belongings - were unnecessary impulsive ones (i.e. a 4th blue shirt, another pair of black cropped pants, the umpteenth grey sweater, etc.) justified by the fact that most are "inexpensive" or at least affordable.
Controlling these shopping habits were at times incredibly frustrating because often related to stress, to an easy access to stores as a way-out, a feel-better excuse.
Even if I failed to completely enforce this ban, it has this lasting positive effect -besides the money saved- to make me even more assertive about my shopping choices. At the slightest doubt, I don't buy it. If it's cute but feels like déjà-vu -as in, already featured in my wardrobe- I don't buy it.
So as a matter of fact, my fashion envies have soared - I want so so many things- especially since the bout of spring we had in Paris but my actual purchases are few not to say rare.
What's your status regarding shopping nowadays? Do you have a shopping philosophy/process to restrain your purchases?
Why, there was still the matter of the black jeans of course which were found at Uniqlo. My "excuse" to cave in relying on the fact that I really needed them and wouldn't break my bank account even if I did break my promise... Twisted.
coat/manteau +jeans : Uniqlo - top: Dries van Noten - scarf/écharpe: Isabel Marant - sneakers/baskets: Eden - bag /sac: Céline
For a complete disclosure, by February, once the ban was officially broken, I felt no guilt getting the Acne Canada scarf in camel which was neither on the list nor a necessity...
leather jacket/Veste cuir: ASOS - scarf/écharpe + pull/sweater + boots: Acne Studios - jeans: Uniqlo - bag : Céline
voilà, this ban taught me or rather enhanced what I honestly had figured out:
Focusing on a limit of purchases allowed made me realize that the vast majority of my buys, though 95% of the time thoughtful because the permanent goal in my mind is wearability, compatibility with the rest of my belongings - were unnecessary impulsive ones (i.e. a 4th blue shirt, another pair of black cropped pants, the umpteenth grey sweater, etc.) justified by the fact that most are "inexpensive" or at least affordable.
Controlling these shopping habits were at times incredibly frustrating because often related to stress, to an easy access to stores as a way-out, a feel-better excuse.
Even if I failed to completely enforce this ban, it has this lasting positive effect -besides the money saved- to make me even more assertive about my shopping choices. At the slightest doubt, I don't buy it. If it's cute but feels like déjà-vu -as in, already featured in my wardrobe- I don't buy it.
So as a matter of fact, my fashion envies have soared - I want so so many things- especially since the bout of spring we had in Paris but my actual purchases are few not to say rare.
What's your status regarding shopping nowadays? Do you have a shopping philosophy/process to restrain your purchases?
You did pretty well! It's such a maddening thing always wanting more, isn't it? I guess the goal is to keep it in check like you have.
RépondreSupprimerLately I waver between "needing" and wanting new things (especially with the season change) but I'm saving up since I'm going to a wedding in Scotland in June and then going to Paris for a week! That has been good motivation money-wise but I still have lots of wants.
Your comment's very kind Rachel! I'm quite on the same page as you regarding the change of season which is for me one of the ultimate shopping trap I always fall into and the motivation to slow down the buying process when big plans are coming up! Yay to Scotland and Paris!! Not that the latter destination will help you temper your shopping needs and wants I'm afraid... ;))
Supprimeri'm going to echo rachel and PPP here - all your purchases look great on you and look like they'll be essentials in the long-run. i got the camel acne scarf too; not that i absolutely needed a 2nd one, but i've learned that it's good to get another version of a wardrobe workhorse.
RépondreSupprimerThank so much for your kind input! Your comment about having versions of a wardrobe staple got me thinking. It's a vision I wouldn't have applied to myself several years ago. But now that, for example, I found these amazing just what I wanted black pants after such a long search, considering buying multiples or at least a safety backup version of the pair doesn't seem far stretched but actually very wise!
SupprimerThat Acne scarf looks awfully good right now, since it's a tad chilly in The Hague. I think you have a really good eye for what works for you because your choices are always interesting and yet consistent and in sync with your style!
RépondreSupprimerI've hardly shopped this year - for this work trip I decided I needed a trench coat that would look good for work and when I saw a one appear on Laws of General Economy in my size (which is really rare) I thought it would make a good investment item. So far it;s done a nice job keeping off the wind and drizzle. That's all I've bought all year - I keep feeling attracted to things but yet reluctant to commit to bringing them home - I think the ankle boots I bought in Dec/Jan are great because they make my clothes and uniform look fresh again and I don't feel like I need new clothes.
I think as always it's a balance between what I need and what I want. So far "needs" are winning for me - I'm focused on trying to build more savings and take a few more holidays this year so clothing doesn't feel so important to me. But I still want to treat myself from time to time so I let my mind dream a bit and see what wanders my way.
I'm always impressed by your ability to control your shopping impulses and to put other needs forward! Your attitude and the way you documented it really influenced me to take a step back and slow down the buying process. It's helpful to see fashion in another perspective than just adding more stuff.
SupprimerI guess the day one doesn't want anything anymore, one should start worrying... I used to buy 9, 10 things in a month so I'm staying quiet on the numerus clausus matter of purchases! Both Lin and you are the ones who really influenced me to reconsider my spending habits.
RépondreSupprimerOh dear Zara, lots of things look so good! You know the radical solution for me is trying it on, that trick always works to put a stop to any fantasy...
You look absolutely stunning in all of these ensembles! Everything fits, both literally and figuratively - your style, and within your wardrobe as a whole. I am on the same page with you; having what I perceive as "too much" makes me very uncomfortable so I'm really trying to distill it down to what I actually need and avoid excess. Every so often though I feel the need for something new to inject energy into my wardrobe, but I won't keep unless I completely love.
RépondreSupprimerThanks Holly! It's such a nice comment and I'm really touched!
SupprimerIt's definitely hard to avoid the fashion (over) consumption trap especially when you're single, working and love fashion like me (!!) so it's been an exercise of will at first but it's getting easier. Yes to keeping only the most cherished items with you! It's a standard I also apply and saves me money and space!
I just left a comment about this over on miss sophie's blog. I'm trying a new strategy this year which is really working out for me. Since I'm pretty happy with the state of my closet, yet I know that to deprive myself of shopping completely isn't probably going to work, I put together a list of "ultimate items" that I've been wanting for a very long time and decided to only buy those items. I've already crossed off all but one on the list though - Chloe Susanna boots (60% off at Bergdorf Goodman clearance sale); Balenciaga shearling/leather jacket from an outlet; Louboutin patent leather pumps found on eBay - the only thing left for this year's list are those Ann Demeulemeester laceup boots which I'm currently stalking on eBay. I know there have only been 3 months in 2014 but I have not made a single impulse purchase - all of my purchases have been an "ultimate" so I'm very happy with my progress! I've already started a list of ultimates for next year though, lol... There are a lot of things I've seen this year that I passed on buying because they weren't an "ultimate" but I figure if I still want them one, two years from now, then they can go on a new ultimates list!
RépondreSupprimerCongrats on your wonderful purchases! Your shopping strategy is rather inspiring. I think I'm getting there with that phase of shopping for basics, not over, per say (I'm not kidding myself!) but less urgent now so I can focus on a few those "dream" items.
SupprimerThose are all some great buys! They look so good on you. I really need some of your discipline;)! Did you get the Dries shoes in plain leather as well? They're so nice, I can't quite forget about them. I saw a pair on eBay just now. I'm just not sure that they'd fit my usual style. Do you mostly wear them with cropped pants? I mostly wear skinny jeans, and I'm not sure if they look as good with skinny jeans as cropped looser pant. Take care! /Sara (garderoben)
RépondreSupprimerHey Sara! Dries is going to be the death of my bank account so I wouldn't mention discipline when it comes to his designs... Anyway, I got the plain ones a while ago from Vestiaire Collective and mostly wore these shoes with slim/skinny pants or with skirts/dresses. That's an easy style. I haven't tried yet the cropped pants association but now that it's getting warmer, it's something I could try. I'm a bit wary of the proportions though. Did you get any of DvN's wide pants from this season?
SupprimerHey! I know, my bank account is suffering because of Dries too! No, I didn't get any of the wide pants, I love the look but it's out of my comfort zone:)! I was thinking about slouchy but slim cropped pants versus skinny jeans. So they work with skinny jeans then? Hopefully there will be a fall version, my bank account can't handle it right now, even if the price is better on eBay. It's still not a deal (almost 250 euro). Thanks for your thoughts! /Sara
RépondreSupprimerYou're welcome! I have a feeling, theses DvN shoes will back next season, seeing as he did summer versions...
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