Stocking up your spring wardrobe
One sure sign of spring for me is the fact that all of a sudden I don’t just walk by shop windows (which have been decorated in bright colors for more than a month now), I actually look at them to gauge what will be in fashion this spring and summer and what of that might actually suit me.
Another sign is shopping on the spur of a moment. I know the sensible way: You go through your wardrobe, try on everything, find new combinations, take at least one item to the tailor’s, at least three on the mending heap, at least five into be bag for Oxfam (or the charity of your choice), and then write a list of what you actually need for spring. So much in theory.
In reality, I walk by a favorite boutique, get attracted by something in the shop window, walk in, and end up buying something I hadn’t expected to. The first time I do this, each spring, it’s really hard to recall what else there is in my wardrobe for that season. I do remember in the end, but there’s always that minute in the changing room when I try to visualise all my other skirts to find out whether this delightful new one is too much like one of the old ones in color or styling.
This year I was lucky: The skirt I fell in love with has the exactly the same taupe color as an old one, but as the old one is rather tight in the waist and I was planning to replace it anyway (I got it during a period after I had serious stomach problems for several months – not a clever phase to buy clothing, in spite of your happiness that you can buy a size smaller!), the new skirt was a real find. The two long-sleeved tops and the scarf I also bought were perhaps on entirely necessary, but you can never have too many monochrome tops, can you?
Anyway, impulsive buying can also gain you some lovely clothes. Yesterday I walked by a shop which mostly sells decorative items, when I spotted a scarf in the window (off white with embroidery – lovely!) that looked just perfect for my off-white summer party dress. I bought it, and not only is it great with the dress, it also goes extremely well with several other outfits.
The sad fact is, however, that it’s still too cold to actually wear my new acquisitions. Still, their day will come!
Have you begun shopping for spring or summer outfits? What is the loveliest new item that you have bought?
– Rike Horstmann
I’m planning on going to the mall tomorrow, so I guess that doesn’t count as impulse. Normally i wouldn’t think of buying spring clothes for another month at least, but with temps in the 70s here the last few days, and predicted to continue for another week, I feel a sudden need for lighter weight clothes for work.
Since I work retail, I’ve been dealing with spring clothes for months(ours actually came before Christmas this year). I would say my first real impulse buy was actually a summer one (not sure if non-retail people really make the distinction) earlier this week. I tried on a maxi dress, and it was love at first sight. I’d actually bought a few into the fitting room to try, but didn’t even try any of the others because I liked the first one so much. But it’s very summery – it will be months before I actually wear it.
Too cold here to buy spring and summer clothes so haven’t even looked. But something to look forward to in a few months, hopefully. :)
I remember when I was younger and looking at my mother’s closet – I thought it was pitiful because she had so few nice clothes. Now I am my mother. Since I wear scrubs to work, and then spend most of my off time at home, doing yard work, housework etc I have no clothes now either. I spent more on dry cleaning back in the day then I spend now on clothes.
I have gotten out of the habit of even looking at clothes. Maybe it is time to change that.