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Besides my wishlist, I keep a text file listing items I would like to buy but haven't tracked down yet. I try to do this with practicality in mind: I probably don't need another slouchy sweater, for example, but I almost always have trouble putting together semi-smart or formal outfits. When considering a purchase, I often check over the list to see if it fits in anywhere; this is another way to focus my spending on things I could really use. However, a number of things have reminded me that I ought to inventory what I already own before making this sort of list, so this is a first draft. Once I've organised my wardrobe (and believe me, it needs it), I should have a clearer idea of what's lacking.

Dress: black, formal, versatile
I thought I could take care of this one after being invited to a formal party last autumn, but tracking down the right kind of little black dress in my size and price range was ridiculously hard.

Court shoes: black, ~3" heel
Again, something much harder to find than they seemingly should be - or perhaps I was just looking in the wrong places?

Blazer: black/navy/charcoal, fitted, cuffable sleeves
H&M seem to have basic blazers every season, so this shouldn't be too hard. I like Uniqlo's, but based on the product measurements (a fantastically useful feature) I'm not sure how slim-fitting they'd be.

Slim-fitting cardigan
Because oversized cardigans, as much as I love them, can only go so far.

Day dress: something that can be worn by itself as well as part of an ensemble
For me, this means it must be long-sleeved. I might end up sewing this one myself.

Dressy top or blouse
Something to layer under a jacket or cardigan for semi-smart occasions - like this gorgeous ruffled one worn by Extra Petite.

Tee: navy, long in the body, medium-short sleeves, scoop neck, fitted
If it wasn't obvious already, I'm too fussy about clothes for my own good. 

Tops: slim-fitting tees and camisoles for layering

Because I'm too used to wearing single layers (or a sweatshirt + another sweatshirt), meaning I don't have very much that will fit under a slim-fitting cardi or button-down shirt. Tights: basic black/grey/navy; at least one warm pair for winter; colours (pink, etc) I have no excuse for not buying tights, really; I'd get more wear out of my skirts. Socks: comfy, slouchy, warm (for indoors, sleep) Okay, this one is a total indulgence. Straw hat For summer. Tulle skirt Not exactly a wardrobe staple, but I just love them. I plan on sewing this one, and possibly more than one.

Labels: wardrobe planning, wishlists

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Although I don't shop for clothes very often, I'm a dedicated keeper of wishlists. For some, keeping a list of items you're coveting might increase the temptation to buy, but I find it actually helps me focus my spending towards things I really want and/or need. For example, after receiving some Christmas money, I took advantage of American Eagle's one-day discounts and ordered two items that had been on my wishlist for a good month. In the post-Christmas sales I was able to buy another item from my wishlist and one that met a wardrobe "need" I'd noted down at the beginning of the autumn (a pair of slouchy, comfortable jeans I could wear cuffed). I'm not naturally organised, but I thrive on a bit of organisation, and having a particular thing in mind feels better than aimlessly browsing.

Of course, the longer you keep things on your list, the more likely it is that they'll become unavailable before you get around to buying, but this has taught me that I can happily do without a lot of the things that appeal to me. I haven't been too disappointed over any of the things that have fallen off my list that way; I just shrug, delete the entry, and perhaps save images for future reference. The one thing I did snap up very quickly in 2010 was my Topshop duffel coat, but even so, I'd had "winter coat" on my wishlist for months.

Enough rambling; here are a few things I'm eyeing for spring 2011.

AE Cable Knit Long Sweater (American Eagle)


I was so close to adding this one to my post-Christmas order, and I'm strongly tempted to go ahead and order it anyway before it vanishes, as I haven't had much luck finding a nice cable sweater that would fit me (for once in my life, I'm not looking for something oversized and baggy).

Aerie Slouchy Band Collar Button-Up Shirt (Aerie)


This would look nice layered over a white, cream or pale grey tee, I think.

Black Floral Canvas Lace-Up (Miss Selfridge)

The antique floral print on black could work well in autumn as well as spring.

Merino Cashmere V Neck Long Cardigan (Uniqlo)
Either this or the shorter Merino Cashmere V Neck Cardigan A, though it looks like both of them might be disappearing soon.

Aerie Cozy Waffle Crew (Aerie)


Tight tees aren't my thing, but I've developed a curious fixation with waffle-knit shirts.

Button-Neck Dress (Zara TRF)


I think this could work over skinny jeans, or perhaps layered with other light, loose garments for a Mori Girl-esque summer look.

Labels: wishlists

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