It may just be the rising temperatures, the powdery fragrance of fruit trees in bloom, the tenderness of leaves erupting everywhere, the colour of the ocean when it’s reflecting blue skies and sunshine. But suddenly, all the restraint I’ve managed toward retail wardrobe augmentation is out the now-open windows.
It’s not so bad. The shopping I’ve done is fairly modest: popping into The Gap at the call of a 40% off sale yielded these two shirts, totalling under $100 together. The top is in a fresh, clean dark wash, fits slim, and promises to finally be the denim shirt that works for me. I’ve been promised that before, and each time eventually realized those promises were lies. If so, at least I’ll get a gardening shirt, right? I’m blaming this purchase on That’s Not My Age who issuedthis siren postnot long ago. Danger lurks there — you may end up craving some fresh denim of your own . . .
I’d similarly blame Duchesse for the white shirt acquisition. After all,she published convincing photos of illustrious women looking cool and classic and sophisticated in theirs. Another promise I should have learned to mistrust, but if at first you don’t succeeed. Well, you know . . . So I’m trying again, and I must say, so far I’m pleased with the freshness of this inexpensive number which I’ve so far worn with a navy pencil skirt, with jeans, and open over a t-shirt and a floral pencil skirt from last year.
But who to blame for the online ordering that I suddenly succumbed to? I’m not going to ‘fess up about all my purchases (and they’re really not so bad, nor so many; it’s just that a girl needs few secrets), but I did use an online code to order this denim pencil skirt from The Gap. It’s not as covetable as the one I wanted from JCrew, but that was only available online, and the JCrew Return policy for online Canadian shoppers is too much trouble for me. This little skirt from The Gap was so inexpensive at 30% off that I’ve ordered one in each of the two most likely sizes. Returns can be made in the nearest store — or, at that price, I’ll just see if one of my daughters wants one. If one of them fits me, though, I know I’ll wear it often spring through fall, but especially in the summer. Easy dressing with a T and cardi or blazer. . .
Anyone else finding that either warmer temperatures or simply turning that page on the calendar has your wallet loosening just a little? For me, the change of season rolls me around to a wardrobe reality of clothes that fit last year but won’t anymore. But for all of us, some sartorial adjustments are beginning, no? Are you managing those adjustments by shopping your own closet? Do you save the Retail for the more dramatic seasonal demands of Summer Heat? Is it colour you crave or a change of texture or layering proportion or coverage or all of the above? Perhaps just a pedi in a sorbet-fresh new colour. Comments always and always welcome — you know it!
I will be adding a few summer things to my wardrobe soon….like you I need to replace those things that are too big and will be donated….
I approve of your new pieces and hope you like them. With easy return policies it does make for safer online shipping I shy away from having to pay to return things that do not fit or flatter.
I'm thinking you're just starting your shopping!
I see you've added some colour to your usual background palette — very summery!
It must be in the air. I recently bought 3 spring cardigans in one fell swoop. I'm on the lookout for some navy slim cut pants and a few tops. From your shopping, it looks like the Gap might be the place to begin.
Hooray for spring!
There's just something about the brightness and lightness that's so enticing after a grey winter, isn't there? I do find the Gap a good place for spring/summer garments, and the price is right, especially on sale. Hooray indeed!
It has been warm in France and I have been tempted but I remember my over-full closet and pull back. I did buy a cashmere v-neck in the Edinburgh Woollen Mills shop and have enjoyed wearing it without a coat.
Ooooh, that would have been an ever-so-tempting shop, and I'll bet that cashmere is wonderful!
Oh yes. For me spring and retirement have conspired to bring me Birkenstocks, white shorts, and an IDLF navy linen-blend blazer. The crisp practical incarnation of spring, to be sure:).
The combo of crisp and practical well suited to Spring, it seems to me. And you will make Birkenstocks look good with your shorts and navy blazer!
Oh yes.. my spring shopping list is well under way. Has been since February. I started early because we made a trip to Florida in late Feb early March and I knew there would be outlet shopping!
I'm quite anal about surveying my wardrobe, leafing through magazines (I do this while on my exercise bike) and planning what I need for the new season. It smacks of too much time on my hands, I know. But I have done it for years even when I taught full time and was a dept head and fulfilled all the other commitments that a full time teaching job brings. I guess it's a labour of love.
I also love shopping Gap online. I always know how things will fit and if they don't it's so easy to return them.
I'm not nearly as well organized nor disciplined as you, shopping wise. I'm sure that approach pays off.
If more stores made shopping online as easy as Gap does, I might indulge more. Hmmmm, maybe it's just as well they don't!
If that white shirt is from The Gap, I tried on exactly the same one a few weeks ago and would have bought it but for one tiny flaw in the weave – and then they didn't have another in my size. I was so sad about it!
I am trying to fill some gaps in my wardrobe (not enough tops) but slowly, only buying when I find something perfect. Given that I really dislike shopping, it is proving a bit of a challenge! I also need a jacket as we move into cooler weather, but I'm not sure what type, so I'm going to have to steel myself and go and try a stack of different ones on …
It is — and I'm sorry they don't have your size available — not even online? Again, I have to say I admire the discipline required in only buying the perfect pieces. I've been trying, but I don't really dislike shopping enough, perhaps. . . . just get tempted too often. . . .Good luck with your search.
I'm finding myself tempted by some linen sweaters and tops, and some other knit pieces (what I'm keeping TBD) that will go with us to France in three weeks. I took advantage of a 30% off promotion at J.Crew to take one more stab at finding an ivory silk blouse. Then I noticed after I'd ordered that it has boob pockets, so will probably end up being returned.
I think the pieces you chose have the potential to be solid wardrobe performers.
I really like the linen knits (Tshirts included) that have been showing up increasingly, and at fairly reasonable price points. Besides their coolness, I like the weight and drape of linen, and in a knit, the wrinkle factor isn't really an issue. Too bad about the pockets — I'm such a fan of JCrew's silk shirts. Especially love the way they can be home-laundered.
Well, you know I've bought shoes – and my always staples of yarn, fabric and notions. I also may have bought a short sleeve, fitted knit peplum v neck in electric blue with black trim from BR Monogram. I'm considering returning it after rediscovering the wealth of things I never wear. Actually, practically everything I buy from BR, I end up returning before wearing. I don't know why that is. Mind you, I've found new homes for about 20 items in the last week.
I have a (very) few great pieces from BR, but I most often find, like you, that the majority of the pieces that tempt aren't worth bringing home. Something generally disappoints in the fitting room or falls short in some small way. Good for you for the garment rehousing. . . đ
I've ordered a few things from the States (b/w striped tee, black trousers, a long chambray shirt) — to be brought by a sister who is coming for a visit over Easter weekend — but am holding off until I've had a chance to see what's put away from last year to do any more shopping. If there's anything else I can't live without, MamaRubi will be here at the end of May and can it. (Along with a 6-month supply of vitamins and skin care goodies!)
I'm trying to save for a sewing machine, which is also helping me to control myself, as they cost about twice as much here as the do Stateside.
The whole ex-pat thing must complicate all kinds of shopping decisions, as you suggest here. Shipping gets expensive but it must be frustrating to see the price differential on key items you really need/want. Then again, you're living in Madrid, so how much sympathy can I give you?
I love denim shirts but have not found mine yet. Since I had a major wardrobe overhaul to do last summer/fall, holding off- at least until a trip to NYC next month. Bet you get a great deal of wear from those shirts!
Oh, the anticipation of some NYC shopping! Although you're already living in a city renowned for style. . . . I do think these shirts will prove really versatile, and I'm pinning great hopes on the denim wearing into perfect faded perfection over years and years until I'm as cool as a very short, solid Jane Birkin. A girl can dream . . . . đ