Sale PSA: A simple lightweight shirt from Madewell, now $60, organic cotton joggers from Zella, now 40% off, and cotton shorts in the funnest print from Isabel Marant, now 50% off.
Anything? I myself wrote this post (I think it’s going to be a short one) because I myself realized…I don’t want very much. Actually, it’s quite close to nothing. And instead of feeling all satisfied/superior about it (I’m a minimalist! I have restraint!) instead all I feel is: very bummed.
I’m in one of those places where I’d like to find things to be excited about to purchase…mainly because I’d like a distraction from all the other craziness going on right now, the deja vu feeling of an absolute bonkers fall, the random posts I see on NextDoor mentioning XYZ about the vaccines being poison (AGH!!). I would like nice things to want and think about purchasing and yet when I browse websites I come away not liking very much at all.
There’s been a few things. I bought two pairs of jeans (one the Levi’s above, one Everlane) just because it has been VERY LONG since I wore denim and I now need a bigger size; some more candles, because I always like candles; various plants, but I don’t really count those as frivolous at all, but more in the grocery category.
Anyway.
I would like some inspiration. Or perhaps just to feel less alone. Are you wanting less lately too? Are you feeling a little blah, a little listless? And if not, and if perhaps say, you have managed to effectively compartmentalize all this insanity going on, and indeed do have a nice long list of things that have caught your eye as you browse Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, and the rest, I ask:
What do you want for fall?
12 Comments
Hadilly
August 23, 2021 at 9:39 amI am a shameless consumer all the time sadly. I just bought a pajama set at Soma and am waiting on a few dresses for autumn from Seasalt Cornwall, my new favorite label. I need some white tennis shirts and am going to check out Athleta today.
I recently got an oversized striped guernsey from Le Tricoteur and can’t wait to wear it. I’m also in the Bay Area so not for a while, but did wear it earlier this summer in Mendocino.
That said, feeling malaise about clothing because of the state of the world is no fun.
I need to do my due diligence and donate some money to help women in Afghanistan.
Carina
August 23, 2021 at 10:37 amI’ve already started slowly buying presents for Christmas. This helps with the whole what to buy thing and is productive! It helps kill the pressure and last minute rush I would have otherwise have had to deal with in December and helps me make more thoughtful gifting decisions. And bonus: I have the time to shop for discounts! So that’s what I’m buying. 🙂
mct16
August 23, 2021 at 1:25 pmI’m so glad to read this! I feel the exact same way. Just depressed and so listless. I immersed myself for a couple of weeks on vacation in Harry Potter as my oldest has worked himself through the series and I had not read them since they first came out so many many years ago. While it was really fun to re-read them, it was crazy how differently I perceive the storyline now that I’m older. And of course, just as I finished the last book, I’m right back in the same state of feeling blue like before I started.
Also craving nothing and wish I did. But why, when there is nowhere to go?
You are not alone!!!! I hope that lifts your spirits a little – it certainly did for me when I read your post :).
Melanie
August 23, 2021 at 3:54 pmThis post really resonated with me! Except in my case, I have seen some things I like but realized I have nowhere to wear them. I bought a few things at the Nordstrom sale but with the exception of the underwear, it’s all going back. I’m still not back in the office and we’re still not going out much on the weekends, so when exactly will I wear the moto jacket and platform loafers? Between the ongoing state of the world and not having a reason to get dressed up anymore (a first world problem if there ever was one) my life feels like one long, sad, never ending state of athleisure.
C
August 23, 2021 at 8:39 pmFor the vaccine to be authorized for kids. That’s all I want! The sooner the better!
Kat
August 27, 2021 at 8:58 am100%
Elizabeth
August 24, 2021 at 6:55 amThis resonates with me too, Kat. There’s very little I want…partly because there is nowhere to wear it, but also because the drawn-out, seemingly endless unknown of life has me feeling listless and uninspired as well. I have made small “happiness” purchases (H lip balms, candles) and bought some MORE versions of the Amanda Uprichard dresses that are my summer semi-dress up option (I love these, they are loose and cool but not tent-like and work on petites), in hopes that these will lift my spirits – but these are, in truth, just near-duplicates of the easy AR pieces I already own.
Life here in NYC is a very occasional outdoor dinner with friends and an even more rare wedding or party (had a family wedding last week in Vermont, also outdoors, vaccinated folks only) – these are where I wear the aforementioned Uprichard dresses which manage to look polished in 90 degree heat. Otherwise, there’s just.not.much.going.on. I feel ya!
The state of the rest of the world is not a help, but at least there we can donate and take some action.
We do have a big big trip planned, to Antarctica in November, and putting gear together for that is kind of fun (we are sailing – low carbon footprint, high exercise factor!), but I worry it will not happen – if Delta is rampant in Argentina, the Argentine government will probably keep Ushuaia open for the revenue, but it could get risky….so hard to get excited for it.
Kat
August 27, 2021 at 8:58 amI hope your trip goes through!! I looked up those AR dresses immediately, haha
S in the US
August 24, 2021 at 9:26 amOver the summer, I got some Athleta skort and pants and the most amazing J McLaughlin sleeveless stretch blouse – I feel there’s so little I need in terms of clothes now. It’s been so long since I’ve worm office clothes that that part of my wardrobe will feel new when it’s time to go back 🙂
That said, I find myself craving a tiny fun bag, perhaps a Chanel or that small Hermès Kelly. It’s been liberating to pare down a the contents of a heavy tote to just the essentials for quick errands.
Catherine
August 26, 2021 at 11:37 amI confess I’ve bought more Hermes scarves this year than any since I started collected in the 90’s. They cheer me up even if I’m just wearing one around the house. A bonus is they always fit! Up until a few years ago I lived in a climate that wasn’t exactly scarf friendly, but thankfully I am now. We’ve been mask mandatory here since spring of 2020, so don’t ask me why I’ve bought the H lipsticks and balms.
Kat
August 27, 2021 at 8:58 amLOL! No reason needed on the balms 🙂
Helen
September 2, 2021 at 9:54 pmJoin the Peloton bandwagon Katherine. The endorphins will lift you up. Invest not in the material things but in yourself 🙂