Thrifting Queen

Y'all know how much I love my bone/silver Fugitive sandal shoes - how comfortable they are and how often I have worn them in the 2+ years I've had them.

But they are starting to show some signs of wear (sigh...). I'm hard on shoes I love. Before Canadian Footwear no longer has them available, I'm thinking of buying the exact same pair that will be ready to step in when the ones I'm wearing fall apart.

When I mentioned this to DH, he quite matter-of-fact stated "why not - makes sense to me".

So...smart duplication? or waste of potential fall purchasing dollars and look for something new when these die?

Over to you ladies...

I couldn't be more excited about dark red for fall/winter. It is one of my all time favorite colors and it works well in my wardrobe. I had indicated in a previous post that my colors in my fall/winter wardrobe this year will be black, grey, navy, white and dark red/plum.

I have my burgundy skinnies from last year (or is that the year before???) which are a pseudo substitute for dark red I guess, but would love to add some actual dark red pieces to my wardrobe.

I did go ahead and order the EF dark tulip (her color name for dark red) dress from my fave eBay seller. Fingers crossed it works (pic #1).

I also found my favorite EF drape front dress in dark tulip - I guess "triplicating" my favorite style of dress would be too much? (pic #2)

I also absolutely LOVE the entire EF outfit in pic #3 - although I'm really worried about that poor model's neck! Although these pieces are from last fall, I think they are still current and stylish for this fall. Please correct me if I'm wrong?

And lastly, check out these deliciously gorgeous Doc Martens dark red patent oxfords. These make me swoon! The official Docs description states them as a "less chunky, slimmer profile women's oxford". These may be the oxford I buy this fall - my feet absolutely LOVE Docs.

Some food for thought anyway - let me know what you think about any or all of these, good or bad.

I'm almost wishing The Bay wasn't upping their game with higher end brands. There are so many gorgeous items on their website these days.

This silk Equipment blouse is absolutely gorgeous IMHO - I adore plaid and this blouse is close to Blackwatch, which is my favorite plaid of all time. I really like how the body of the blouse is opaque but the sleeves sheer.

How do Equipment blouses fit? Too long for a petite gal? Won't work over my apple-ness? No, I'm not buying now. Not in the budget. But if there were a hint of potential it might be something I would consider saving for. Just "kicking tires" here...

In addition to the EF charcoal waxed skinnies, black EF faux wrap pants and Doc Martens replacement boots (should receive by the end of the week), I have ordered the polka dot tube pencil skirt in Angie's finds. If the skirt works out, I will be removing one of my black pencil skirts from my closet - keeping to my one-in-one-out rule in my attempt to achieve some semblance of wardrobe simplicity.

I have also been lusting after this bronze metallic hi-lo EF cardigan (pic #2) for months now (to wear over my black EF drape front dress, with pencil skirts, the waxed skinnies and even jeans) and found one on eBay at a fraction of the cost. Hubby said to buy it "while the getting's good" so I did. Waiting for that to arrive.

After dismissing all of the Olsen Europe items I had originally lusted after due to poor fit and horrendous customer service, as well as getting information from various eBay sellers regarding my previous EF fall possibilities I had listed and determining fit issues as well as allergy issues (i.e. the fab jacket I had originally posted has mohair in it which I'm terribly allergic to) I have narrowed down three clothing items I'm seriously considering for fall. They are all EF (surprise surprise) and include:

Pic #2 - asymmetrical jersey blend skirt
Pic #3 - wool-cotton blend tunic dress in color called Dark Tulip
Pic #4 - asymmetrical knit jacket-cardigan hybrid

The first two items are from an eBay seller and good prices and the jacket is a full price EF item. At this point, I am unsure whether I am actually going to buy or not due to weight fluctuations. The skirt is not a petite length but Wonder Woman could easily shorten at the actual waist so as not to lose the hem detail. It would also be an easy item to take in due to the two side seams and no lining. The tunic dress might be too big anyway (I have detailed measurements from the seller) but might be worth trying as I can return for a full refund. The jacket is a more fitted style but can be worn undone as well.

Should any of these become closet contenders, my animal print pencil skirt would be purged for the asymmetrical skirt (can't stand how the animal print skirt shifts about when wearing); my v-neck BR sheath dress would be purged for the Dark Tulip dress (haven't worn the sheath dress this year at all as I prefer my EF drape front dress as my LBD).

I'm also very seriously considering the Naot Kedman oxfords (pic 5) Angie praised (in the black/ink combination) as my fall/winter shoe inclusion. This would replace my tri-color Jeffrey Campbell oxfords that I had to purge because they had become too narrow and had lack of arch support. I can see these Kedman oxfords with black trousers, jeans, the waxed skinnies, with pencil skirt and tights, and my blackwatch plaid trousers.

These items would pretty much take all of my fall/winter clothing budget so I need to ensure there is versatility. Would love to know your opinions on these items and whether or not they have potential for me and my wardrobe. Thanks for any feedback :)

Y'all know I had to pass on my Doc Marcie boots due to the heel height (waving at Una!). I've been waffling back and forth on what to replace them with that will give me the same vibe. Well it was pointed out in one of my previous boot threads that I should consider other Doc boots...well DUH!!! I don't know why I didn't think of that. Doc Martens work incredibly well for my wider high volume foot. And they have the support I need.

So these babies are on their way to me - they have the same shaft and foot as the Marcies, but a lower heel. The heel is not the gray I love on the Marcies, but I'm not going to get an exact replication.

I'm looking forward to getting these and upping my urban quotient again. And to those of you who have listened to me whine about my foot woes, my boot needs and provided me with dozens of fantastic options (I'm looking at you Inge!), thank you so much for your patience.

I purchased this cardigan at Olsen Europe today (from my Fashion Fund jar) as a fall item. It was one of the items I had shown to the forum previously from the fall line up of Olsen Europe items that I'm quite smitten with. I had a visceral reaction to it when I tried it on today and promptly purchased it and brought it home. However now that I've had time to eat dinner and relax and try it on again, I'm now feeling less sure.

Pros:
- the fabric is divinely soft and despite the small metal studs, the cardigan is machine washable
- it fits my new style direction of comfort with style
- it's sort of a hybrid of Eileen Fisher and edgy/avant garde (well, at least in my mind)
- it fits in the shoulders
- I purchased it to wear over my black dress, with my black pencil skirt, with the charcoal waxed skinnies, ponte pants, etc - it has some versatility
- a nice change from a crisper blazer

Cons:
- quite expensive for a cardigan so needs to look good
- concerns that it might overwhelm my petite frame even though technically it fits
- is it really the "new me"?
- perhaps not as versatile as I think

I'm now confused as to whether I truly love the item, or the IDEA of the item, you know? I do think it looks better IRL due to its fluidity and movement but still…ok, give it to me straight. Keep or Return?

I went last night to try on some of the Olsen Europe items I've been lusting after for fall (and driving you all crazy with lately - lol!). I'm afraid I had a very negative shopping experience that has left me not wanting to pursue any of those items.

The SA was pushy to the point of being aggressive and made no change to her behavior even after I asked if she could give me a few moments. When trying on items in the change room, she kept knocking on the door literally every couple of moments to ask to see the item on. I felt like I couldn't breathe or think. And when coming out of the change room for her to have a look, she insisted everything looked fantastic even when I knew the fit was wrong. To use an old expression "she was on me like hair on an ape"!

I finally gave up, left the clothes in the change room and very politely but clearly said that I was not going to purchase anything this evening since I felt too much pressure - then I went to Starbucks. I was literally quivering with anger and anxiety.

A few days ago I went on eBay to my favorite seller's site (the one I have purchased 80% of my EF items from) and put a few goodies on my wish list for fall. I'm thinking of going this route instead. As you know, I absolutely LOVE EF quality and fit for my odd little body. My fave seller has a fabulous return policy and very reasonable shipping costs.Anyway, here are the items I'm having a peek at - anything stand out to you as a good possibility? Not buying anything yet but once I have a wee bit more cash in the Fashion Fund jar, might apply it to something here.

And check out these kinda funky Naot shoes - in case I need to stick with that brand for my fussy feet.

I know I've been a bit of a forum hog lately and I do apologize - just working through a few issues re: dressing, shopping, spending and it's very helpful to post here for feedback. Thank you :)

I had not planned on participating in NAS this year but I am looking for replacement boots for my Doc Marcies, which no longer work due to the heel height.

Normally I don't order from Nordstrom due to the high cost of shipping/duties/taxes but there is one pair that I keep going back and looking at - the Pikolinos Brujas, in black (I know you mention brown or grey all the way but it's black I'm needing to replace). They are higher than ankle height (although not quite mid calf) and have a bit of a rugged vibe which is what I'm after. The heel height is perfect.

I note that you mention they are good for high volume feet (whoo hoo!) - wondering if you think they will work well for regular-bordering on wide feet? Would love your thoughts.

Thanks :)

Well I've done a fair bit of thinking and working through both my closet and budget this past week and have come up with a significant problem - my personality.

I wrestle with what I want to achieve in terms of cutting back on personal waste, excessive spending, simplifying choices, managing clutter, etc. with who I am at my very core - someone who enjoys variety and introducing new items into my wardrobe. Somehow I need to find a balance.

I think I've really narrowed down and come to some conclusions about my current style regarding comfort and aesthetics. I would sincerely hope this will decrease purchasing mistakes and closet orphans. I will say that I am much more confident and sure in my choices these days than I ever have been before. That is in no small part due to YLF and all of you :)

So how does a gal who wants a few things to refresh her fall wardrobe deal with a small budget, not expanding her closet and making sure these items will fit for a while during her weight loss journey?

1. I still plan on sticking with my previous commitment to the one-in, one-out rule. This has been working incredibly well for me since I started.
2. I have made up a wardrobe budget with hubby's input. Because it is his salary that will be decreasing due to the change in work hours, he needs to have some say and input IMO. He knows my personality well (after 30 years together, he should!) so gets that I need a new "something" every now and again. I can either purchase one item per payday up to xxx amount, or accumulate that amount in order to purchase something more pricey. And I will be using the "jar" method for this - literally putting those dollars into a jar so that I can see what I'm saving/spending.
3. I am quite smitten with several of the items in the fall 2014 Olsen Europe line (as per my post here http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....sen-europe) and would like to add a few of those pieces. I do like being able to shop in a local brick and mortar store. The items that I am considering adding are in pics below. They are items that I can purchase to fit now but will fit for a while due to the style/silhouette, the fact that I don't lose weight quickly at my age and because the current trend is for a looser fit. And if any of the items successfully make their way into my closet, I will be practicing one-in, one-out in order to allow them in.

I am really happy with the earlier purging I did and am very pleased with what I've accomplished so far. I feel so much more in control than before and even with this slight concession (for lack of a better term) still believe I am sticking with my overall plan to simplify. Would love to hear your feedback on a) does my plan seem reasonable and still responsible?, b) what do you think of these items below for me?

If you've made it through all of this, I applaud and thank you :)  Putting all of these thoughts down has been absolutely crucial in helping me reach this point.

If you want to catch up at all on my series of simplicity posts, here are the links:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....post-1long
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rch-post-2
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rch-post-3
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-continues
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....tting-real
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....he-numbers

I'm having to pass on my Doc Marcie boots which I have loved and worn for a few years now. They were the perfect mid calf slightly edgy/tough boot for me to wear with skirts and dresses. I adore how they can take a simple black sheath dress and change the whole vibe. But I can no longer do that heel height :(

I will be looking for a replacement pair of boots with the same type of feel to it - mid calf, a bit tough, can be worn with skirts/dresses or tucked in skinnies. I have my lovely black patent Ara booties for dressier.

I came across these Ugg boots that have possibilities I think - lace up front like the Marcies, low heel, mid calf. And I know that Ugg's are very comfortable. These aren't inexpensive for sure but I don't mind spending on good quality, comfortable footwear now that I have fussy feet.

I've decided not to pursue anything too chunky like the Fly London shoes/boots I had shown a week or two ago, nor the Frye boots as they are not quite as comfy for my feet.

What do you think of these Ugg boots?