Discussion Style

Have You Been Buying?

Today I want to ask a question to you all – have you been buying lately? Clothes, accessories, beauty, etc? And if not, why not, and if so, what have you been picking up?

I know it’s kind of a strange question given the content a lot of the time on the blog, but lately I feel I haven’t really been buying too much. Accessories yes, and some few clothing pieces here and there, but even those tend to be on the super practical side. It’s to the point where sometimes I have a really stressful day and at the end of it I’m like – I want to order something! Only for me to look and waste an hour and not find anything that piques my interest. Or, even worse, I’ll just order a few items and then end up having to return it all because I kind of knew it wasn’t going to work or that it was overpriced but I still wanted to try it out. Before it wasn’t like this. Before I had a long list of things I could easily purchase.

I can’t figure out if this is just due to lifestyle changes  – aka having a new baby and the cold weather and realizing that all my beautiful dresses and heels are getting dusty in the closet – or a larger trend. When I look at retail sales figures, they seem to be pretty good, so I think it’s just me? Yet everyone else I talk to seems to be going through the same thing too (but maybe that’s because my survey group is comprised mostly of are desperate mothers like myself).

The one exception is sales – I’ve been doing quite well there – but that’s because almost everything I eye goes on sale, at least for designer. And it stays on sale (aka doesn’t sell out) for way longer, at least that’s been my impression. It’s to the point that when it comes to designer clothes, I basically don’t buy full price at all any longer, except for very specific exceptions. And even sometimes those don’t work out, so I have to be very careful. Actually, my last few successful clothing orders have been from LL Bean and Everlane – basics that I can wear in the cold weather that don’t need to go to the dry cleaner if someone accidentally spits up on them.

So, what’s going on with you out there? Have you been buying? What’s going on out there?

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50 Comments

  • Reply
    Archana
    February 26, 2018 at 9:11 am

    A new stripe top arrived from Everlane and I have been very pleased. After a month of wearing all black solid color outfits, its some visual interest. I have been eying a pair of Manolo block heels for months now. Come spring, I might get them. I am so sick of doing returns that if I have doubts, I don’t order the item anymore. Just don’t have the energy to add one more chore to the day. I have had a good last two months where I didn’t buy anything and I liked the silence. Now that I took a bite, I want more. Shopping has an inertia of its own. I want more stripe tops for my closet.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:53 am

      I love that quote – shopping has an inertia of its own. Thank you!

  • Reply
    Jill
    February 26, 2018 at 9:37 am

    As I get older, I shop less. I find I am less interested in it, there’s more than enough in the closet already, and I drifted away from trendier things as I’ve matured, so I don’t feel the need to keep up / change the closet as often. Ballerina flats, striped tops, skinny jeans, classic dresses…also I’ve worked from home since mid-2002 and that means far less wardrobing needs. I’m a jeweler and I don’t just design, I make it all too – so studio clothes are messy because they’ll just get messed up. So I need less “going out in public clothes” – and more often when I’m going out, it’s a dinner with my husband, or hanging at friends’ houses (they all have kids), so I don’t need a “going out” wardrobe like I used to have, either.

    And honestly…I’m overall just less interested anyway. I choose other things more now, time with the husband, or good friends, travel, being out in nature…none of those are pushing me to shop more online or in person (except for travel souvenirs, of course! but those are usually “smalls” – jewelry, scarves, accessories – or home dec.

    I don’t really mind. I am happier with the more highly edited wardrobe now, than I have been in years. And it allows me to focus on what’s really more important in my life. šŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:56 am

      I agree with a lot of this – thank you for sharing.

    • Reply
      Wendy/www.wannabeliz.com
      March 4, 2018 at 12:51 pm

      Hi Jill! I love jewelry! Do you sell too? Must be nice to be able to make what you want!

    • Reply
      Groupthink7
      March 8, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      I definitely agree. I shop but not as much. My finances have taken a hit over the past 2 years and I was kind of forced in this new way of life. Also, I am finding shopping boring. Don’t get me wrong, I still like to look nice. I tend to purchase more unique things (avant garde). I did buy a beautiful leather biker jacket from Levis and a bag from Ghurka on sale. As I have gotten older, I find that I need less stuff.

  • Reply
    Diane
    February 26, 2018 at 10:08 am

    Yes, Iā€™ve been purchasing….mostly clothing. (Plus, one more designer handbag.) I am 68 and retired. I wear mostly Eileen Fisher. I like the minimalist style and, to be honest, I also am pulled in by the ads. Although most are of much younger women, the photos promote a relaxed, clean, uncluttered look. And, in addition, I fantasize that I might achieve a look of having longer legs. Not sure where that comes from! I can comfortably order online as the sizing is consistent. Oddly, I find more EF on sites like NM, Nordstromā€™s, etc, than I do on the official EF website.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:58 am

      You know I was just eyeing some Eileen Fisher pieces and thinking my life would be much simpler if I just bought a bunch of EF! And comfortable, too.

  • Reply
    tata
    February 26, 2018 at 10:22 am

    you read my mind!!! I want to shop just for therapy but can’t find anything i like!!! I thought part of it is that i’m bored with the places i shop… mostly jcrew, madewell, nordstroms and ann taylor… so boring. i need more inspiration…

    and part of it could be the trend… i don’t care for all the funky sleeves that are in trend… bell sleeves and puffy sleeves… i can’t find anything i like with normal sleeves.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:58 am

      The SLEEVES! Yes. Driving me nuts. I think a lot of it is super cute but I only need so much.

  • Reply
    J.
    February 26, 2018 at 11:03 am

    I feel the same way. I don’t really follow trends, so I don’t usually have any “must have” items each season. And last year I started to really enjoy looking at jewelry — and suddenly wasn’t looking at anything else. It was like a switch went off and I lost interest in looking at other things.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:59 am

      Shopping for jewelry tends to do that to a person!

    • Reply
      Wendy/www.wannabeliz.com
      March 4, 2018 at 1:07 pm

      Hi J! I’m always looking at earrings! I make sure they are not so heavy I can’t wear them daily. I heard Deborah Pagani is coming out with two new collections.

  • Reply
    Ve
    February 26, 2018 at 11:26 am

    Iā€™m not shopping much and Iā€™m in the same demographic- mom to busy toddler so no dry clean items for me! I find that Iā€™m mostly reaching for jeans and machine washable tops or hand wash wool sweaters. Iā€™m also not a fan of the complex sleeves and I never liked the cold shoulder look last summer either.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 9:00 am

      I love that cold shoulder on others but it also doesn’t really work on me.

  • Reply
    Diane
    February 26, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Iā€™ve been doing a bit of shopping lately bought a few dresses, a bag, a couple of pairs of shoes Iā€™m the last month. The dresses and the bag were a practical purchase but the shoes have been completely impractical (but I love them)???

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 9:03 am

      Ooh the shoes sound worth it!

  • Reply
    sydnee
    February 26, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    I haven’t been shopping much either. When I do see something I like, I realize I have something similar in my closet already. So I end up ‘shopping’ my closet instead!

    x S | Design by Sydnee ?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 9:06 am

      Yes that’s been happening to me a lot lately!

  • Reply
    Ruth
    February 26, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    I feel the same as you! Ennui with current offerings. Also I donā€™t have the patience to step in stores. Online is more convenient if I desire to shop. Itā€™s objective & no sales associate opinions. I have a lot of things accumulated over the years & need very little other than some random wardrobe
    updating. I do like bags & have to discipline myself there.
    I love & look forward to your posts. The topics are fascinating & so relevant! I enjoyed your interviews too. Thanks!!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 10:20 am

      Ennui is the perfect word. And thank you for the kind words!

  • Reply
    Helen
    February 26, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Iā€™m in the same boat as you! Now that Iā€™m in my late 30s, I have enough disposable income that I donā€™t feel as pressured to seize on a good sale. Throw in a couple of moves and fairly regular excuses to travel, and Iā€™ve realized how little clothing I actually need to survive. I figure that every extra item I buy is one more decision about whether to keep/sell/toss down the road. Apparently Obama and Rahm had a joke that they wanted to open a t-shirt shack in Hawaii that only sold medium white Tā€™s … just so theyā€™d never have to make another decision!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 10:20 am

      Love that joke! Though any Obama mention makes me wistful for the past

  • Reply
    Emy
    February 26, 2018 at 5:56 pm

    I guess I’m the exception here. I was actually able to purchase quite a few items. First, I recently discovered a few Maje coats, they are more casual than Theory with a bit more interesting detail which fits the Bay Area vibe very well. I also bought several scarves from Nordstrom (sale and regular priced ones), including twilly-styled scarves from MCM (finally found some with no heavy logo design). I am currently eyeing the Rag and Bone Field Leather Messenger Bag (not on sale) because it’s very functional, cool/casual looking, and will also look great after heavy use. I’m feeling a bit guilty actually for my myriad interests =p

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:23 pm

      I have loved a bunch of Maje as well! Don’t feel guilty, you’re doing well!

  • Reply
    Jaime Stephens
    February 26, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    I’m an exception as well. For some reason, I now have a strange Goyard addiction and am buying them up like crazy, either new from my SA at the Chicago Goyard boutique in Neiman Marcus or slightly used from online stores like TheRealReal or Fashionphile. I’d like to get over this soon – I now have seven or eight and it’s out of control. They go with virtually nothing and I feel like I need to baby them but I can’t help myself. I probably need therapy!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      Jaime, since it feels like I “know” you, no more Goyard until you use the ones you have!

      • Reply
        Jaime Stephens
        February 28, 2018 at 1:50 pm

        Thanks, Kat, for the tough love!! I need it.

  • Reply
    Kimi, Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair
    February 26, 2018 at 10:10 pm

    I haven’t been buying anything, either! It’s so weird. I only bought (and kept) three things in the past two months which is very unusual for me (I usually add ~5 items per month). I keep browsing but nothing is really catching my eye. Glad to know it’s not only me, haha. I’m looking forward to seeing some more spring pieces.

  • Reply
    melmel
    February 26, 2018 at 11:41 pm

    Not buying a lot. I can’t even remember my last handbag purchase… Chanel WOC in early 2017? I’ve consciously been more mindful of purchases because this is the year I finally decided to buy an Hermes Kelly (wish me luck!)

  • Reply
    Coco
    February 27, 2018 at 3:08 am

    I have been buying a lot. Finally found a brand that carries jeans that fit well. Ie no gaping at the back! Can’t stop buying their jeans especially since they are on sale.

  • Reply
    Hui
    February 27, 2018 at 8:41 am

    I have not been buying a lot. Instead I am spending on the kids private school tuitions-the biggest expenditure ever. Not kidding, itā€™s like buying a basic kelly bag every month. I know people doing this for 3-4 kids without being super rich…. I guess itā€™s all about priorities.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      Completely understand about the tuition and I agree on the 3-4 kids. Those people are my heroes!

  • Reply
    The Luxe Strategist
    February 27, 2018 at 10:11 am

    I put a bunch of stuff in my cart on The Real Real, but wasn’t sure if I needed any of it to actually pull the trigger. There are also two sale jackets I could buy, but I haven’t. Even though I’ve been eyeing one of them for months! I think my problem is that these things aren’t basics, and I’m worried I’ll get tired of them too soon.

    I did buy a trend Madewell top from eBay. I find that I won’t pay for Madewell full price, but on sale is much more palatable and easier to re-coup money if I end up wanting to re-sell later.

  • Reply
    EO
    February 27, 2018 at 10:18 am

    I used to love shopping. I kinda still do but combination of lifestyle change (a toddler and pregnant) , age, and current trend, I lost interests in shopping. Children takes your time. Your priority changes. I am a full time working mom, I seriously do not have a time to go shopping for fun anymore. As I get old (getting closer to 40’s), I already have enough stuff in my closet. I am more into cleaning out my closet and have more minimal and comfortable wardrobe. Lastly I feel recent fashion trends are boring. Maybe it’s only me but not so many things excites me anymore. I am more drawn to classics. (maybe this is something to do with age too)
    This is where I am now but to be honest, sometimes fell it’s boring. I guess i am in the transition period.

    I am sorry this is turning into a letter to you! On the different note, are you planning on any trip sometime soon? I Love Love Love traveling and have a small child limits this and a little frustrates me. I am thinking either Big Island/Maui or Cancun. Which destination do you recommend?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 10:21 am

      I am biased but I love Maui, we just pick a hotel in Wailea and stay there the entire time!! Congrats on the pregnancy!!

  • Reply
    ella
    February 27, 2018 at 10:27 am

    I think a lot of this relates to where one is in life – and in particular, I think the period of raising young children is not conducive to shopping. When I had little kids and was trying to make partner at my firm, I bought relatively little clothing because my life was all either running around with the children or sitting at my desk. The things I did buy were pretty disposable. (And during that period when I did have to go somewhere –
    a fancy school event or a work dinner – I often felt like I didn’t have the right things to wear.) Now the kids are a little older and I’ve progressed at work; I travel a lot more now both for work and for fun, and I need the clothes to go with my life as it now. Over the past few years I’ve amassed a work wardrobe that I really like, and I’m trying to keep my purchases to a few key pieces each season so that I can build on what I have. So: hang on to your dresses and your heels! I suspect your shopping bug will return when your younger one is, say, 4 or 5 . . .

  • Reply
    ella
    February 27, 2018 at 10:28 am

    I think a lot of this relates to where one is in life – and in particular, I think the period of raising young children is not conducive to shopping. When I had little kids and was trying to make partner at my firm, I bought relatively little clothing because my life was all either running around with the children or sitting at my desk. The things I did buy were pretty disposable. (And during that period when I did have to go somewhere –
    a fancy school event or a work dinner – I often felt like I didn’t have the right things to wear.) Now the kids are a little older and I’ve progressed at work; I travel a lot more now both for work and for fun, and I need the clothes to go with my life as it now. Over the past few years I’ve amassed a work wardrobe that I really like, and I’m trying to keep my purchases to a few key pieces each season so that I can build on what I have. So: hang on to your dresses and your heels! I suspect your shopping bug will return when your younger one is, say, 4 or 5 . . .

  • Reply
    Phil
    February 27, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    When I entered graduate school, I cut back on shopping. As a matter of fact, I got rid of many stuff– such us work clothes (i.e., Turnbull & Asser, Band of Outsiders etc), and I’ve given away or sold many, many designer things that no longer spark joy or no longer appropriate for my student life.

    Lately, however, I got myself an LV Saratov GM (no longer in production) from a reseller in Japan and I love it very much. It has that 1950s schoolboy satchel look that I adore. LOL. Plus, it doesn’t scream LV! Branding is very subtle which I love more as I’m not an LV fan. I thought it’d be good for conferences and job interviews. LOL

    I also got a petite H card holder in Iris Chevre, Plomb Clemence, Gold crocodile and Chevre Gris Tourterelle from therealreal. I don’t think I’ll ever afford anything croc from H, so this was a nice entry-level piece without breaking the bank. Haha

    As a grad student, and as someone who no longer works in corporate, I don’t have a fancy lifestyle (anymore…). But there’s nothing wrong with wanting the finer things in life once in a while šŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 27, 2018 at 8:27 pm

      The education is worth it and you are right nothing wrong about wanting the finer things…you will get back to your fancy lifestyle soon, I have a feeling!

    • Reply
      Wendy/www.wannabeliz.com
      March 4, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      Hi Phil! I love accessories! Love that you have a satchel and card holders!
      I have a silver prada money clip ( in the shape of a paper clip) and a silver dollar sign money clip by Tiffany. I don’t lead a fancy lifestyle but I try to purchase nice things.

  • Reply
    CC
    February 27, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    I spent all 2017 shopping after a long absence raising my kids. Once my youngest of 3 kids turned 5 1/2, I went a little Chanel/HermĆØs and jewelry crazy. Now 2018 is a time to slow down and catch my breath. I aim to spend more time enjoying my treasures rather than the thrill of the hunt and kill! Lol. Hereā€™s to a calmer 2018 and ā€œtryingā€ at the very least to be saner when it comes to acquiring all the many pretty things.

  • Reply
    Monica G.
    February 27, 2018 at 7:29 pm

    I’m currently at a crossroads. I used to make 2-3 fast fashion orders per month, but I suddenly stopped this past holiday season. Now, the only items that interest me are things that I can’t afford. I’ve always been a “shoe person”, but recently, I’ve been wanting to invest in a quality handbag as well. The problem is, I haven’t found anything I love under the $1000 price point. Is it too early to retire from fast fashion in my mid-twenties!??!?

    P.S. My most recent purchases are a pair of plain white sneakers from Frye and a Gucci card holder.

    • Reply
      Wendy/www.wannabeliz.com
      March 4, 2018 at 1:01 pm

      A.P.C bags are under 1k as well as Vanessa Seward bags. The new Coach collections have been nice . There is an extra small Balenciaga tote under $1400 at Barneys I would love to buy! It has a zipper on the top.

  • Reply
    Christina
    February 28, 2018 at 4:37 am

    Iā€™m at the opposite end of the spectrum and have actually been slowly selling my stuff! I have been feeling the need to Marie Kondo since my daughter finished 3rd grade last year. My mindset now is a curated but luxuriously functional wardrobe.

    • Reply
      Bee
      March 14, 2018 at 8:15 am

      Love this! I aspire to a “curated but luxuriously functional wardrobe”. How did you get to this place? I have SO MUCH STUFF šŸ˜

  • Reply
    Michelle
    February 28, 2018 at 9:46 am

    I still buy but only if I love it and mostly online. I don’t seem to be having much luck in stores … I still shop for the girls, it’s fun šŸ˜€ and adds up! I seem to unconsciously focus my big ticket items like jewelry and bags to only a few brands. I need to be more careful with my H purchases because some bags just did not end up working out or my taste change or not suitable for my mostly W@H lifestyle so I end up sending them to consignment which the DH hates cos it’s a loss. For clothes, I prefer to shop from overseas labels cos I really hate to run into anyone with the same outfit šŸ˜› Japanese labels are still my go to and is awesome I can buy them online. I like some HK labels too but they are near impossible to get online & shipped here.

  • Reply
    S in HK
    February 28, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    I love these shopping habits posts, I have always been fascinated by what drives people to buy (or not).

    I used to buy a lot of clothes and shoes when I was younger and starting my career. I also worked so many hours that I rewarded myself with goodies. But lately, with a less demanding work schedule and with a young child at home, I just want to deal with fewer things. I mostly live in Hong Kong where space is constrained. We also can have big humidity/mold issues here. With those two issues, having far fewer things is so attractive. I found it became tiresome to constantly manage my things. Consequently, Iā€™ve been culling my wardrobe and being extremely selective when buying new things. Do I really need another striped shirt or pair of ballet flats? Probably not. Besides, there doesnā€™t seem to be anything interesting to buy. The piles and piles of merchandise at stores is depressing – who is going to buy this and if not, where is it all going (some of it is so ugly I wonder how they got to production!). Iā€™ve been a bit less restrained in buying beauty products, but those are easier to store (and get used up) . I still love jewelry, though I probably have more than I need. I still adore my Hermes bags and am glad I bought more timeless styles that Iā€™ve been enthralled with for more than 10 years. Finally – in Hong Kong the sales staff in stores is awful. They tend to closely follow shoppers, be pushy or condescending…it doesnā€™t make shopping very much fun. Yet another reason the wallet stays shut.

  • Reply
    Wendy/www.wannabeliz.com
    March 4, 2018 at 12:45 pm

    I have bought t- shirts at Uniqlo and pants at J.Crew. I have also purchased a pair of vintage Paloma Picasso earrings on EBay . I also bought the largest( comes in 3 sizes) Sculpted cable studs by David Yurman from the real real! Both pairs are in great shape! I’m contemplating a Coach Parker bag. It is very nice. I try to buy Coach bags whenever they have a nice design.

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