Fall Vibes - Part 3: My strategic approach to a new season
aka: how I don't accidentally spend all my money on impulse purchases plus all the pieces on my wishlist for Fall & Winter.
This is Part 3 in a series about fall fashion and style. If you missed it, you can find part 1 here, and part 2 here. Today, we get into how I create a seasonal wishlist, and diving deep into what’s on mine!
In the past two weeks, as we’ve gone deep into the trends I am most inspired by this season, I’ve alluded to the fact that I have been working towards being a more thoughtful, conscious consumer. My goal is to work towards a closet of things that I truly love, am excited to wear, make sense for my life, and feel like me!
This requires a bit of strategy, planning, thoughtfulness and restraint (ugh, annoying, I know).
Doing it really well also requires having an understanding of your own personal style, and your own wardrobe. I’m going to assume that we all have a general sense of this for the purpose of todays newsletter, but I promise I will get into this more (what I have planned for October!), especially as I plan to go through a little mini personal style refresh/reassessment now that I am out of the very early new baby days, and likely done with pregnancy/newborns (sob), but still a mom of little kids who works outside the home (although often from home!)
Every season, I create a shopping list. I start it by doing some diving into trends. I love this stuff, so as you know I go pretty deep and like to come up with my own take, but anyone can easily consume this information on Instagram, TikTok, magazines, online boutiques, window shopping, Pinterest, etc.
Then, I start to make a list of what I’m most interested in and excited about — this is a combo of embracing trends, and understanding what’s in my closet and what's missing. I start with Pinterest - pinning images of street style outfits that I like, as well as specific pieces/items that I love. My screenshots also tend to become overfilled with images that I like and am inspired by - sometimes I’ll make albums for specific things so I can see them all together. I stare at these things a lot and turn it all into a list on my phone - again, the handy-dandy, highly useful, extremely (not) data-driven Notes app.
This list becomes my quarterly/seasonal/bi-annual wishlist. I am always adding, subtracting, adding notes, shifting priorities, etc. When I go to get dressed, I notice when I feel like there is something specific that I’m missing.
I use the Note to prioritize and plan what I’m going to buy - sometimes I have something really specific I know I want. Like, I know I want the Dorsey James Bezel bracelet, but I want to sit with it for a little while. I’ll also use it for an item I need (or want), but don’t have a specific piece yet — I know I want a pair of loafers but I’m not sure which specific pair yet (I’ll get into that in a little bit). Same with black boots.
The Note helps me stay on track when I discover something new that I love. It makes it possible for me to ask - is it something I really want (or need), or is it something I want because I’m caught up in the heat of the moment and am craving that dopamine hit that comes with pressing “confirm purchase.” I’m not anti-impulse purchases - I totally make them when the right thing comes around. Every once in awhile you see something that you just have to have, and you are THRILLED to snatch it up while it’s still available. I am, however, against spending all my $$ on impulse purchases to find that I don’t end up getting the things I actually want. Having the list also really helps me take a thoughtful approach to sales, because I can look for things I actually want on sale!
I also use it to keep track of things that I have recently purchased - like a little “grateful for” list - the things that I have recently been able to buy for myself!
Also, I hope this goes without saying, but this is a wishlist. I am not buying all these things. I still operate within a budget, have to make choices, and have a lot of things already. This wishlist will last me through winter, and I’ll probably look at it again next year and add new things, remove things, etc. Building an intentional wardrobe takes thought and TIME! And, I really love clothes and style and getting dressed; I enjoy thinking about this stuff! I also enjoy helping other people find what they are looking for, you can always reach out if you want help!
So what am I obsessed with and wishing for right now? If you are curious, you can see everything on my ever evolving wishlist in my new ShopMy Collection, where I’ve slowly been putting together some of my favorite things, wishlist items and best pieces I’ve seen for the season.
Or, read on to dive deep into my psyche about the purchases I am considering right now.
Oversized Navy Sweater: How many Marins is too many Marin’s? I don’t know, but I do know the Solid Marin in Navy would be a great add to my closet. I also love this cableknit from Favorite Daughter. But, also this much less expensive option from & Other Stories is great!
Black Kitten Heel Ankle Boot: In my ideal world, I would have these in my closet, but I’m not sure I am going to invest that much this year. But, that’s the vibe. This pair from Emerson Fry is lovely too - love the interesting heel & the great visuals of how many different ways they can be styled! I need to decide between a more classic point toe, or a more western-spired square toe (and croc-effect or smooth leather?)
Dorsey Bracelet - Straightforward one - I want the James Bevel bracelet; I might ask for this for Christmas!
Chocolate Brown Tote Bag - The requirements here are large enough to schlep around my items + my children’s items that I seem to always be toting, and large enough to slip my laptop into. Top of my list is the J.Crew bag that everyone seems to be raving about - even though I don’t love having something that everyone else has, I have a $200 J.Crew credit - sometimes practicality wins!
Long, Tunic-Style Sweatshirt - I actually have two pieces I found for this, and am not quite sure yet which I will keep. The first is this from Varley, and the second is this from Gap!
Small Shoulder Bag - Requirements are that it also works crossbody; I took advantage of the Matches sale and am trying this (also available at Saks - I would search to find the lowest price if you are interested), but I thought about many other options, including this green one. If I had unlimited budget, hi. This is more affordable and looks great!
Navy Wool Coat - I know I am going to try this one from Sezane.
Dark Brown Penny Loafer - These are top of my list (technically dark red), although I am still hoping Sezane restocks these.
Sporty Sneakers - Leaning towards a pair of 990v6 (these are men’s shoes, so check sizing!) or maybe the 550s.
Lady Jacket / Cardigan-Style Jacket - I actually got this sweater from Sezane which I adore, definitely has more of a cardigan than a jacket vibe! I love the Ba$sh Meredith Jacket (I really love the buttons and the crop) or this one from Massimo Dutti, but realistically am planning on spending less here and leaning towards giving this new-to-me brand a shot!
Chocolate Brown Sweater - Talked a lot about chocolate brown here. I am eyeing this sweater from La Ligne.
Maxi Slip Skirt - I wish I had scooped up the Abercrombie one, but its sold out. Eyeing this via Anthropologie. I have this from J.Crew, but want something a little longer (Also I found that the light color stains SO EASILY - like, a drop of water leaves a mark which doesn’t really work for me!)
Navy or Black Blazer - I need to replace my black blazer and I don’t have a navy one. This may honestly move to the bottom of the list - if I need it for work, perhaps that will change. In my ideal world, it’s this one. A less $$ option would be this.
Dressier Down Jacket - I need something warm, but feels nicer than my LLBean coat. I tried this on but its out of my budget right now. Still searching here honestly!
High Waist, Wide-Leg, Medium Wash Jeans - I just got these jeans which I love. I’m still sort of in between sizes in pants, and I needed something that fits great. When I feel a little bit more like myself in my body, I know I want a pair of SLVRLake Grace Jeans, either in this lighter wash, or this darker wash.
Knit Set - In my ideal world, I’m getting this cardigan and these pants. In actuality, I’m thinking something more like this with these pants!
Oversized Grey Sweater - I just discovered Sister Katie and am completed smitten and obsessed with this sweater. This is another great one!
Dark Jeans, Ankle Length - I ordered these and hope they will work out. I ordered the tall length, as the regular was too short (too far above my ankle for my liking). It’s a raw hem, so as long as they fit other places, I will be able to cut to my liking. I also love this pair.
Wow, what a wishlist. I love fall and winter clothes! Be sure to come back next week - we’re going to get deep on how to wear & style all these pieces (using new things, and what you already have in your closet!)
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, I am so glad you are here. If you want to follow me on @ct_shopguide I’d love it! If you like what you’re reading, please consider sharing this newsletter. All products highlighted are chosen by me, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated!
fantastic roundup as always, ty!
very random plug for quince: i wore their silk midi skirt in light green to a brewery (why) and of course some beer was spilled. i thought i would be walking around looking like i peed myself for the rest of the night but no! just dabbed with water and no staining. plus one for quality but j.crew’s color selection can’t be beat.