I know, people have been doing this for ages: taking wardrobe inventories, making shopping lists…but I have not. All my adult life I have shopped with abandon, simply purchasing what I love at the moment, or think I need, without first actually KNOWING exactly what is in my closet and the holes I need to fill. To a certain extent this has served me well, because right now, there is very little that I actually need (want, really) to complete my fall wardrobe.
Here’s what’s on my fall 2013 Shopping list:
3.1 Philip Lim Ryder Satchel | $1,050 at Forzieri
Rag & Bone high-rise skinny jeans | $180 at Shopbop
Rag & Bone Chamberlain jacket | $242 at Shopbop
Rebecca Minkoff loafers | $225 at Shopbop
Madewell loafers | $178 at Shopbop
Dark wash skinny jeans – I actually need these, all I have are my slouchy/holey lightwash Rag & Bone jeans, AG cropped tomboy fit jeans and stretchy Genetic jeans. I do have a pair of black sateen AG stevie jeans that are more like pants, but they’ll fill the black jeans “want” quite well. I’ve wanted to try the high rise Rag & Bone skinny jeans for a while, and the tend to get good reviews, so they may fit my requirements. But I also tried on these skinny jeans at Zara recently and thought they fit pretty well. And they’re only $59…so they may end up being my new jeans for the season. I do also LOVE the Mother denim trainer jeans with the striped cuff (in the “where to buy” section above), but they’re only a trend and I know I’d get tired of them earlier rather than later.
Military jacket – I don’t really NEED a military jacket but I wore my Madewell one to death until it just became too big for me, so I’d like to have a good replacement. So far, I think I’m set on the Rag & Bone Chamberlain jacket above because I like the shorter in the front/longer in the back cut; I think it will be very flattering on me.
Structured Bag – I already got this one 🙂 It’s the 3.1 Philip Lim Ryder bag in black from Forzieri. I cannot EVEN tell you how much I wrestled with this decision, because I was leaning towards the Pashli in cobalt blue before this one popped up. But then, I remembered how much of a pain it was to get into my old Pashli and that I don’t wear color, so settled on this one. I’m beyond excited about it and think it will serve my needs for a structured bag VERY well for many years to come.
Not-black loafer – I technically already have a pair of not-black loafers (my beige Dieppa Restrepos), but as I was going through my wardrobe and reveling in all the gray, black and white, I wished I had a nice burgundy loafer to provide a little interest. Then I remember seeing these at Madewell and thinking how nice they are in person. And I love that they have a slight heel and pointed toe. But I also love the gold Rebecca Minkoff loafers above…decisions decisions!! I’m leaning towards the Madewell loafers because they’re cheaper, but what do you say? Should I splurge for the Rebecca Minkoffs??
What’s on your fall shopping list? Have you done a closet inventory recently to figure out what’s missing??
The Rag & Bone Chamberlain jacket is EXCELLENT. I tried it on at Nordstrom’s yesterday (triple points right now!) and it was great–the cutaway style is very flattering. I don’t know why I haven’t bought one. Let me know if you find a good deal on one–it’s unfortunately excluded from the current Bloomingdale’s Loyallist promo 🙁
OF course, while at Nordstrom’s I got sucked into trying on some other things the SA suggested, and I found an $800 leather jacket the SA also brought over to me to try on that I ended up loving:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/miss-wu-zip-front-leather-jacket-nordstrom-exclusive/3449116?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_1_D
From the Web site, it doesn’t look that intriguing (I was planning on finding a mixed media leather / fabric jacket), but when I tried it on, it was perfect (for me). But it’s not on sale AT ALL, so I can’t bring myself to buy it anyway (besides being out of my budget).
And I make wardrobe lists ALL THE TIME. I’ve been doing this since I was 12, and used to feel embarrassed about it until I started reading blogs like Les Anti-Modernes that enabled my habit. That doesn’t mean I always buy from the list, but I keep one (using Pinterest and an Excel spreadsheet).
i was going to try and wait for shopbop’s F&F code for the rag & bone jacket – it usually comes in october, but seems like a few places have started early this year (helmut lang, theory, otte…). although i’m kind of afraid it’ll sell out.
love that miss wu jacket!!! it looks perfect for me too – nice and cropped. i just don’t wear leather jackets very much – so i can’t tell if investing in another would be worth it.
lol – yes, miss sophie is great at making lists, she constantly inspires me! i’m making it a goal to do one at least once a quarter, maybe once a month if i’m feeling ambitious!!!
I make lists of everything, including wardrobes. I’ve rebuilt some of the basics and am trying to figure out what “special” touches I need to elevate my style. Or at least keep me from complete boringness and boredom. I’m mainly working on what shoes I want for the fall/winter – currently leaning toward a heeled oxford or possible a wedge, but I don’t like heels (and short heels on oxfords look weird) Also contemplating a leather jacket, which I haven’t had in forever….
I don’t know when I started it, but I make a list of wants and needs for my closet when a new season arrives. I try to work off of it when buying things so that I can do my best in filling wardrobe gaps. I have lots of stuff on my list this year including a black leather jacket, cobalt and gray handbags, baseball caps, black heels and flats. Some of this stuff I’ve managed to snag already but there some that might take awhile to find the right one especially shoes.
I can’t wait to see this new Phillip Lim of yours!!! I was intrigued by the style when I saw the one with hot pink on the front. It’s a nice classy looking bag. 🙂
Rebecca Minkoff makes some really cute shoes. I’ve only tried on one pair a long time ago and they felt really comfy. However, I’m inclined to vote for the Madewell pair. I have several pairs of Madewell shoes and love them all (minus one but that’s because of the heel height and not the style). Unless you are married to the idea of the metallic shoe, I think that burgundy pair will suit your needs and the palette of your wardrobe very well. Madewell has been sending out $25 off discounts. Are you one their mailing list? If I don’t use mine, I would be happy to pass it along to you.
Oh, I was going to mention that I’ve been using this app called Stylebook and I have an inventory of the majority of my closet on it. It’s a great way for me to keep track of what I have and figure out how often I wear certain things. I pretty much use it on a daily basis to document my outfits.
there are some good oxfords out there right now – i keep looking at these by splendid and even these laceless ones are pretty cute… although how funny is it that the ones WITHOUT laces are more expensive!!
i’d love an oxford shoe too, but i think loafers are generally more flattering and versatile for me personally…
my bag arrives tomorrow !!! so excited 🙂
i loved the one with the pink hair on it too, but i know i would always wish it was bigger. and not pink sometimes LOL
i think i am going to go with the madewell shoes. – and yes, i’m on madewell’s mailing list but have never received a $25 discount! you must be very special…:) I do have a 20% off card though – i just always struggle when i have discounts with buying THE BEST THING POSSIBLE. which paralyzes me.
I really wanted fun sneakers I could wear with jeans, skirts, leather leggings etc. So I got 3 different pairs. Went a little overboard but I hadn’t seen splurged in a while so I don’t feel too guilty. I think I want to invest in a great warm jacket / coat. Maybe something from Burberry when it goes on sale. Since it’s warm in San Diego until November. And I’m finally gonna give in and get the PS 11. I’ve been contemplating it for months. The oldest thing in my closet is a pair of amazing cowboy boots my mom got me in 1999.
I love the Rebecca Minkoff loafers! They are gorgeous and I think you can never have to many metallic shoes.
In terms of my fall list, I am currently debating a Clare Vivier bag, the 50/50 Stuart Weitzman boots,
and I think I might just need:
http://www.stevenalan.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-stevenalan-Site/default/Wishlist-ShowOther?WishListID=cdHgQiaagkaRQaaadb1SNjoXgB
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/philip-stein-two-tone-customizable-watch/3388415?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=2833&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_8_C
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/eyewear/PRDOVR~40779/40779.jsp?srcCode=EMBW03710&[email protected]&siteId=DiUr5VCbo1I-DWxZJRV1DWJPrZM8S0Mwlg
That app sounds problematically addictive – I’m scared to check it out. But I really really want to 🙂
I actually made a list yesterday, too – skinny jeans in a dark wash, black pumps, those Dieppa Restrepo tasseled loafers OR a pair of Isabel Marant Dicker booties, an oversized burgundy turtleneck like a Zara one that I saw on bloggers a couple of years ago, and an oversized double-breasted coat like one by Mango that I could not get in my size last year.
This ties into your post earlier this week – about shopping your closet and not outside. My downfall is my local thrift store – it’s hard for me to stay on a list when I wander in and find things at very low prices, and I sometimes buy stuff I shouldn’t, and leave stuff I should buy – they don’t allow returns. I went in yesterday I found a pair of Rag and Bone high-waisted skinny jeans in a dark wash, but I hadn’t tried dark skinny jeans on in years and was a little scared off by how fitted they are. So I left them and am positive if I check back today, like a lunatic, they’ll be gone!
I think the Madewell shoes are perfect – more useful than the Rebecca Minkoff shoes, but still special.
i saw your sneakers on instagram i think – chanel right? they were gorgeous 🙂
and LOVE the ps11 – can’t wait to see that one!!
lol – i’m building my steven alan wishlist also, hope i win it 🙂
love everything on yours! and the watch, and the ray-bans…
go back and get those jeans!!!
sales are my biggest weakness, also H&M and zara – i get excited about the price, how CHEAP certain things are and buy them even (especially) when I don’t need them. if i can conquer sales/coupon codes, then i think i’ll be good. i think just because i can get something for 25% off i need it!
The jeans were gone — they did feel less than ‘me’ and also gave me flat-bum issues. Yet I found a pair of skinny, cropped Levis and have them on hold – the pockets are better for those with an unblessed backside. I also found Italian-made oxfords with a lug sole over the leather sole, black – not the Dieppa Restrepo shoes, but also a small fraction of the $300 pre-tax price. Last, I found a tags-on DVF burgundy wool ‘Bentley’ dress – not a turtleneck, but gorgeous, and I could wear it for the rare fancy occasion, but also use it as a midi skirt under blazers or big sweaters. All on hold.
The question of when deviating from ‘the list’ to stuff in the neighborhood of what’s on it is one I have a hard time with! C
I really like all of the posts you have up lately and the conversations you have with your readers – wanted to say thanks as a long-time lurker who is now comfortable commenting.
Yup they are! And so comfy too. I have a broken toe so for a while thats all I’ll be able to wear. Im excited for your bag review!
Grechen, I need to prioritize the Clare Vivier bag and Raybans over the 50/50 SW bag and coat!
And yes,I hope we both win the shopping spree!
nice finds!!!
that’s a good point – about deviation – i wonder if it’s helpful to have rules about that? like you make your shopping list and allow yourself 1-2 extras, IF they meet certain qualifications, like price, love, etc…i don’t know, i’m new to this “shopping list” thing, so i don’t know, but it might be helpful. i’ll try it next time!
and i’m so glad you’re commenting now too 🙂
In retrospect I stuck to the list, if not literally – I got the jeans and the oxfords, and feel like they are good subs for the jeans (obviously!) and Dieppas. The oxfords are by Jenny B. – it’s an offshoot of a store called Varda, which was known as a conservative, well-made Italian shoe company in NYC a few years ago. The jeans and shoes were from a consignment place and were together a very inexpensive purchase.
I found 2 items that could cross another thing off my list and I *hate* that they are so expensive but they are so beautiful – I tried the Vince one on and it’s gorgeous. And the Temperley is a classic, though even more expensive. The Temperley sweater is being sold in my size only by a place called “Gregory’s Shoes’ which appears to be Texas-based — do you happen to know if the shop is legit/ok?
http://www.gregorysshoes.com/store/12ATC50403B!884/Temperley+honeycomb+tunic
http://www.vince.com/cable-turtleneck-sweater/invt/vnv160975102&bklist=icat,4,shop,women,wsweaters
ack! love that vince turtleneck. it’s in my hearts section at shopbop. although i have a cowl neck that’s mostly a turtleneck from inhabit last year that’s similar to the vince one, so i don’t need it…i’d actually like something a bit thinner.
i have heard of gregory’s before – and i see they have a location at lenox mall in atlanta, so i’d be good with ordering from them. that temperly sweater is beautiful.
went to my consignment place today to take some stuff to sell and had to stop looking after falling for a few things that i CANNOT buy. it was so sad, but i feel good about my decision 🙂
The Vince turtleneck sold out last night on Piperlime, just as I noticed there was a coupon! (It’s back to regular price now and is again available but wasn’t last night which is weird?). Thanks for the info on Gregory’s — I have to decide soon, I am not likely to find bargain prices for either.
Not on the list but black/white/grey sweaters with mohair are also calling me. I tried this one on along with the Vince sweater and it’s great:
http://totokaelo.com/store/products/apc/fw13/striped-jenny-pullover/black
– and a great substitute for these which are so, so pricey:
http://the-northernlight.com/?p=53878
http://www.net-a-porter.com/am/product/372774?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-J84DHJLQkR4-_-ProductFeed-_-Isabel_Marant&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-u5yuecWHJKAnaahwPA0ozQ
http://www.forwardforward.com/fw/DisplayProduct.jsp?code=RODA-WK1&d=Womens
(^^ super insane but insanely cute alone and with the furry version of your Philip Lim)
those sweaters are all so gorgeous. the IM especially 🙂
i love the look of mohair but end up hating it in person – and on me – especially if it sheds a lot. my husband likes it though 🙂
this is crazy, but i LOVE IT – would get it in ONE SECOND if it wasn’t pastel blue!!
FYI, the Rag and Bone jacket is on sale plus extra 40% off at intermix!
http://www.intermixonline.com/product/rag+%26+bone-knit+chamberlain+safari+jacket.do?sortby=ourPicks&CurrentCat=105416
And yeah, I only posted here after I bought mine, hehe. I loved the look of this jacket the first time you posted about it. Doesn’t matter that I already own like 3 other army jackets. *sighs*
i saw that – i posted it over on grechen’s codes actually! but i didn’t buy it, i love it, but i’m not sure it’s still something i really *need* right now…
With every season change, I inventory my closets. That helps me know what I need for the new season.