I have decided that I am not going to buy things unless they are on my wishlist…and I will make a wishlist for each season. If I do buy something that isn’t on my wishlist, then it must REPLACE something on my wishlist. That will keep me in check about my spending and my clothing hording.
Speaking of my wishlist, I tried on the Target boots. They weren’t as slim cut as they look in the photo. Actually they have more of a cowboy boot profile. That’s ok by me and my thick ankles. The only thing I didn’t like was they actually look a little cheaper than in the photo. Like where the leather meets the sole. But maybe they just need a little wearing-in…you know, for character. If I do end up purchasing them, I will probably do it online – cause of the free shipping over $50 🙂
Now onto this Walmart shirt. I swung by the Junior department on a toilet-paper run and tried on the plaid western shirt. Not so cute. In fact, the flannel-like fabric wasn’t as pretty in person as it is online. And the collar with the v-neck isn’t as flattering as one might think. If I were a teacher, it would get a C. Not even a C+.
But I did find an alternate and kept with the miley & max brand. This plaid pintuck tunic is way more flattering…and since it has the little tie-back strings, it can be ‘personalized’ for that perfect fit. Plus, it doesn’t have an awkward collar. AND it’s much longer…which is perfect for those girls transitioning in a pregnancy or with a little pooch (like me). Plus, the colors online don’t do the fabric justice…it’s a flattering red hue that would look great with a pair of blue jeans. And the light weight fabric seems a lot better for the fall months (which could vary from ninety degrees to 60 in a heartbeat!) Oh and did I mention it went on sale? Yup…marked down at my local Wallyworld from $14 down to $10.
My last update comes in the form of this shawl cardigan from Gap. I bought it. I love it.
I got a different color though…I got the darker version. The shade went better with my skin & hair.
And I scored it on sale. Guess how much…oh…you’ll never guess. $7!!! I had a $20 off coupon and it was marked down from $50 to $27. In the words of Rachel Zoe…it was Baahnanas. And know what? I LOVE it. I threw it on (over my pajama top) and a pair of jeans and didn’t brush my hair…and got two compliments at Texas Roadhouse. Granted, you gotta consider the source there…but still, I’ll take two redneck encouragements with steakbreathe any day of the week.
So that’s my clothing update for the fall so far and my method for curbing clothing spending. Have you been adding anything to your own wardrobe? Maybe you tried on the boots too and wanna chime in? Or perhaps you have your own method for keeping your wardrobe (and your spending) in check? Spill…
Lmao @ rednecks with steakbreath.
I bought 2 plaid shirts from Target a few weeks ago. They’re really cute but both needed to be taken in at the waist so that I didn’t look man-ish. I still love that purse, the jeans and the hoodie. Very cute. And I think I might need to make a little trip to WM for that Miley shirt. Thanks for being our personal online shopper.
After seeing the boots on your wishlist I put them in my Target.com shopping cart and almost bought them but got sidetracked. A few days later I saw them in person and realized they just did not look nearly as cute! I haven’t decided for sure if I’ll get them or not but it sure was good to see them up close and personal.
I love the shawl cardigan and I am so jealous that you got it for 7 bucks! I LOVE finding great deals on clothes!
See, that would just make me sure to buy every single item ON my wishlist, actually causing MORE shopping for me. BUT I love virtually shopping with you – keep those posts up, they’re fun!
What a good idea to keep your clothes shopping under control! And I love that you’re playing the guinea pig for us 🙂 I’ll have to swing by Wal-Mart today to check out that shirt.
I recently bought a grey shirt from Target, a yellow & grey sweater from Old Navy, and a grey striped shirt from Old Navy. I’m on a grey kick. I should probably organize the clothes I already have better and buy less, but i don’t know if that’ll happen…
I tried on the boots, too. Not impressed. I guess you get what you pay for, and they are cheap, but I don’t know if I even like them enough to pay that little money for them, you know? I may save up for a (slightly) nicer version.
I bought the Perfect Boot Jeans from the gap. You are right they are absolutely perfectly for the post baby belly. I’m still not back into my pre-baby jeans, so I gave in last weekend and bought them. I had at least one person tell me that I looked “skinny”…now I know that isn’t true, but I definitely felt better and “slimmer” than I would have stuffed into my old jeans with a massive muffin-top pouring over the waistband.
Thanks for the post! I also love the shopping updates. It’s like we’re shopping but we don’t have to spend the cash! I love the Gap top, very cute. Although I have never given birth to a little one… I have, on occasion, had a muffin top problem. I may need to try on the Gap jeans!
I LOVE my chuck taylors! I’ve had my white pair for 6 yrs and they really need to be replaced, but I too think the worn in look gives more character 🙂 I purchased a similar plaid shirt from F21 in a great green color for around $15. It brings back memories from the early/mid 90’s of the whole grunge look, but with a modern update that is the trend now. Just a thought on ur search for tall boots – I have had great luck finding vintage frye boots on ebay for super cheap. I have at least 5 pairs and they were all in fairly good condition.
This pair of lace up ankle boots is on my wishlist for fall. I can’t wait to wear with dresses, skirts and my black skinny jeans!
http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=794696&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=
Great list! Fall is my favorite time for clothes shopping…and thank you SO much for showing affordable items! We are on a super tight budget so Target and (as much as I hate to say) Walmart are my best friends. 🙂 I just ordered a different pair of gray boots from Target and I’m SO excited to get them. Yay for gray boots!!
Mandy @ This Girl’s Life
I love this post! I think it is a great way to keep clothing spending in check. I have also taken steps to prevent myself from going bananas at my fave clothing stores. I’ve decided that from now on, all items I purchase have to be something I LOVE (“like” no longer makes the cut), fits me well, and I have to pay in cash/debit (to prevent running up any credit cards).
For the last 3-4 months I saved up to buy these Frye Jane boots:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2988531?origin=category&resultback=618
I heart them! It’s been too warm to wear so I’m really looking forward to the cooler weather.
I’ve been on a little buying spree because my midsection is RAPIDLY expanding! I don’t suppose you want to do a preggo wishlist do you??? 😉 I can’t wait to get the GAP jeans, but for now I got the GAP skinny maternity jeans to wear with my new brown boots.
Love seeing how you shop with a wish list! Also love your style! Would you mind going back to the prego days? What did you buy this time last year? Because I second a pregnancy fall list… I’m 14 weeks and so clueless as to what to buy! None of my clothes are fitting me right anymore.
I bought one of Miley’s plaid shirts at Walmart last year and everyone laughed at me buying clothes designed for a 12 year old, but everytime I wear it I get compliments! Thanks for sharing such cute, affordable options for us. I like the idea of making a wish list and sticking to it–good damage control 🙂
Thanks for sharing your updates, so helpful, especially because I had listed the original Miley & Max shirt on my Christmas list. (I know it’s September but our family gets an early start on wishlists.) I’ll update my wishlist for the other Miley & Max shirt, thanks to your comments. I also added the Target handbag you pointed out and a shawl collar cardigan (also from Target because it was about half the price of the Gap one).
I’m looking for a pair of skinny jeans to wear this fall/winter with tall boots but am not having good luck. Are you on the skinny jeans train? If so, any recommendations? I’m only on board for wearing them with boots but am open to suggestion.
Just got a pair of the perfect bootcut jeans on ebay for $25. tried them on in the store and fell in love with them!! glad I didn’t pay $70!
Great post! Where do you get a $20 gap coupon? Please divulge!
I think I need a wishlist – should there be a limit to how many items are on the wishlist… cause this could also be bad news 😉
I love your first post on your fall wishlist – thanks for the follow up!
My rule is that if I buy clothes and I don’t have enough hangers in the closet, then it’s time to clean out my closet (not buy new hangers!) I constantly take bags of clothes to Goodwill. If I haven’t worn it in a year, I get rid of it. And I try to stick with the rule of never buying anything I don’t love.
I also recently saw a pair of super cute boots on somebody else’s blog and realized they were last season’s Steve Madden’s. Well wouldn’t you know it, I found the EXACT pair on Craigslist in my size. Yahoo! I’m pregnant and I couldn’t wait to wear them with my big pregnant belly this fall. Well, yesterday it was 112degrees here in L.A. Ummmm, yeah, I dont’ think my boots will be getting worn anytime soon!!! I can’t wait to wear all these cute sweaters and boots, but it may not be until after the baby! And btw, AWESOME Gap purchase… gotta love those deals!
I bought a car….so lets just say there will be no fall wardrobe for me!
I find the best way to avoid this….stay outta the mall!! or any store for that matter! haha 🙂
That sweater looks soooo comfy! Plus I hijacked my husband’s Gap gift card since he wasn’t going to use it. Score! Maybe I’ll have to take a detour on my way home. Oh, and those boots — I went to Target after you showed them, and I just couldn’t do it. I don’t know what to do because I want new boots that are mostly flat, but I feel that I’m far too picky and end up with none.
Katie, You Max & Miley shirts you have above are actually at Walmart right now for $5. At least our Walmart here in MN. I was just there yesterday and looked at them. They had a black & white striped one that I was oh so close to buying, but like you are trying to cut back. 🙂 I have WAAAAAY to many clothes already! Hope this helps! Good luck!
BTW….LOVE, LOVE your Blog!
http://sustainablychicdesigns.blogspot.com/
Not only do we have the same fashion taste, but it thought it was very cool and informative that you actually went in to the stores and tried some items on and later commented on it here on your blog. More of this! Love it love it love it.
I love the plaid that is out there! Kohl’s had a few fantastic tunics in plaid that I almost bought today, on sale for 19.99….now I just have to ask my friend with a 30% coupon to buy them for me so I only spend a whopping $13.99!
The best way I control my spending is by having a style, oddly enough. I have tried trendy clothes, styles that look good on others, patterns that look fun to everyone else, but as I have gotten older (to the ripe old age of 23:) I have realized a few things. 1)certain cuts look good on my figure. Certain ones don’t. stick with the good stuff. 2)if it isn’t comfy in the fitting room, it won’t be comfy in the real world. So if it doesn’t button over your boobs right now, resist. 3)depending on the item, somewhere else might have it for cheaper. For example: I have been needing (okay, wanting) a basic short skirt, black, grey, or jean, that will look good over leggings for winter. I have been to multiple thrift shops in the last week, but wouldn’t you know, it wasn’t til I was in Kohl’s today that I found the perfect skirt for only $8. Good thing I waited!
Other than that I try to purge my closet of clothes. If I haven’t work it more than once or twice since january, it’s out. Keep only what you love and live lighter!
I spent the most I’ve EVER spent on shoes to buy a pair of camel boots. I spent ALL last fall and winter looking for a pair with a very specific list of requirements (including fitting over my, ahem, athletic calves, and skinny jeans too) with no luck. So I upped my budget, and BAM!
So I am only getting a few other cheap tops for fall this year. Also, fun colored tights. And a lightweight olive-colored jacket (on sale for $24!) And if I ever find the right one at the right price, a camel purse to match the boots. ; )
erm … camel-COLORED, not ACTUAL camel! In case that wasn’t clear …
I did buy those boots, but I haven’t decided if I’m going to keep them or not. They were more weathered-looking than I expected, more grey and less brown, and looser at the top than I thought they would be. And they ran about a 1/2 size big. I tried on several pairs of boots and my 3-year-old voted for those. He probably just wanted to get out of Target already, Mommy. But I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt at Target so I figured I’d bring them home and try them on wearing some different clothes and take them back if I can’t find something that works.
I’ve added just a few things so far this fall to my wardrobe (with it still being in 70-80 degree range here in NC, I haven’t been that into it yet)..I got two lightweight hoodies in pink and white on clearance at Target(8 dollars and they are super comfy)…Also found a cute plaid shirt at Target, wore it today for the first time and got several compliments..My biggest splurge was to break down and buy myself some Sperry’s…They are expensive shoes but so comfy and since I stay on my feet most of the day, it’s well worth it to me! Great post and great to read the comments from others as well…:)
Got it…camel colored not camel hair.
heehee 🙂
xo – kb
whoa Michelle – good deal!
mine here in ga were still $10…dang non-mn-redneck-state.
xo – kb
I like the hanger-rule Theresa…I might have to try that one…I do have like 6 million hangers though.
xo – kb
Hi Jill,
We get sent discounts and coupons because we opened a Gap card a while back. It’s pretty great because usually they are % discounts…and apply even on sale items but this time it was a dollar amount off 🙂
xo – kb
Hi Shelley,
I’m not really a skinny jeans girl unless I can wear em with boots. I did buy a maternity pair…and loved them with my Target boots (you can read about em here)…I honestly think that Gap ones are great 🙂
xo – kb
Hi Jordan,
There are posts just for my past maternity wear! Yay!
Here is the first, second, third and last ones 🙂
Happy Shopping!
xo – kb
Julie,
I’ve been eyeing these maternity items…you know for stocking up for next baby 🙂
Denim utility tunic
pintucked tie top
striped shirred shoulder top
tie waist rollup lounge pants
semi-sheer cross front tops
xo – kb
I love the idea of making a mood board for every season, and only shopping from that. I don’t buy a whole new wardrobe every season, but at least this way I can stay focused! I’m off to the Gap because I’m sure even my hubby would agree that I *need* the shawl cardigan: perfect for mom-ing it up during the day.
Ah – you are so sweet and generous, thank you! Can’t wait to check out your finds!
I think it’s time for an update on Will’s wardrobe! I’m still waiting to see the cow pajamas!
Your style is so fun! Love these types of posts!
You should do something like a ‘daily look’ post with the clothes you end up purchasing!
You inspired me to ask for that fur hoodie thing from Old Navy for my birthday!
My mom ended up buying it for me and I LOVE it. Soooo soft and comfy ~ definitely a must-have for Fall!
Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
I was in Walmart yesterday with my sister having some grown-up time and getting her away from her busy life as a mom of identical 2 year-old twin girls. Remembering this post, I tried on the red plaid tunic and you were totally right! It was flattering on both of us so we both bought it and…
UPDATE!
The tunic is now on clearance for $5!
…I bought one if every color. 🙂
-Emily
Hey,
Just wanted to give you a big thanks. I went to Walmart to get that plaid tunic for $10. They were in clearance section and I thought it was such a good deal. Got one in every color. Went up to the register to ring up and they were marked down to $5! Holy cow…I was so happy. I’m 4 months prego right now and HATE spending money on maternity clothes. But these are so cute and so affordable, thanks!
Nicole