4) A different cut of jeans
The flares I finally kept! What finally triggered it was that we were walking home from school and I saw a girl wearing a pair that just hit perfectly and I was finally motivated. I ordered 9 pairs from two stores within a few days. It took me awhile to try them all on but found one pair I liked enough to keep and I've even worn them so I am committed now. I still have A LOT of thoughts of the resurgence of flares but for now, I am tolerating them. Plus, they keep my ankles warmer than my beloved skinnies! I still wear skinnies most of the time (just less fabric to deal with!) but flares are a nice option to have too. We'll see in the spring check-in how much I ended up wearing them!

Fall 2019
Spring 2019

Fall 2018
Spring 2018

Fall 2017
Spring 2017

Fall 2016
Spring 2016

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Spring/Summer 2024 Shopping List

First of all, I can't believe how long I've been doing these posts. That's a lot of my clothes shopping that I have documented. (It's 8 years...they are all linked at the bottom.) Styles have changed quite a bit in the last 8 years and yet...I still have MANY things from 8 years ago, when I really worked on updating my wardrobe and apparently am still stuck. Not completely but I looked at this post and I still definitely have 7 of those items from my "extra" list in my closet/dresser. And I WISH I still had those sunglasses, they are my favorite that I've had in the last 10 years but they broke in New York and I've gone through 3 pairs since! (Two of which I lost for good in water.)

Second, so jeans are still interesting! I tried on some flares last fall. I was finally going to do it. I put them on and oh. my. goodness. I couldn't deal with having so much extra fabric around my ankles. WHY?!?!? I still appreciate the silhouette of well fitting flares, it's what was "in" when I was in high school and what I wore for at least a decade after that, but at 40, I couldn't handle with all that extra fabric. It was NOT as comfortable as my beloved skinnies. Other than a few "dressier" occasions, I couldn't ever see myself reaching for them in my day to day life. Also, my shoes, sweaters, and general tops all were bought to go with my skinnies. Yes, I'm sure some would work fine with flares but I keep hearing you have to update all tops and shoes with different cuts to balance the fabric and, you all, I am NOT interested in reworking my whole wardrobe. That's time consuming and expensive! And I'm definitely, even as a Mom, not interested in anything that could be described as "mom jeans", even though I don't think we call them that anymore. They are not flattering on anyone I have seen. I was about to buy some "girlfriend" jeans to try which are basically a more relaxed skinny but then the sale ended right after I made up my mind to buy them. So now waiting on a sale again. My current jeans will have to get me through our chilly days for awhile!

I appreciate the twice a year chance to rant about jean trends. I have a lot of thoughts apparently.

Here's how I did on my Fall/Winter 2023 shopping list:

1) Raincoat
My sister passed one on to me for free! It's not exactly what I had in mind but until I find that, this has been working out just fine, been getting it's use at rainy soccer games!

2) Dress for nephew's wedding
Bought the exact one above from ThredUp and wore it to the wedding. We have 3 more niece weddings on the calendar and I cannot keep buying new dresses for all of these (we have 60 nieces & nephews...a lot of weddings ahead of us). But I still like this one. It will probably make an appearance at another wedding.

3) A thinner black sweater to wear with my Christmas skirt
I bought and wore the exact one I linked to last fall! Wore it on Christmas and that was it but a black sweater is a good staple??

4) Two Sweaters, one being grey
I bought a few grey sweaters, none of them worked for me (why is everything so boxy???). But I did get two new sweaters! A teal glittery one from ThredUp and this one from Kohls in green.

5) A Sweatshirt
I bought two, another one of these fleece sweatshirts from Kohls (I also bought a back-up of the Blue Crayon color I already had but that'll eventually be a replacement so I'm not counting it) and this White Christmas themed bright green sweatshirt (mine is "Irish Green") off Etsy. I wanted a White Christmas sweatshirt but not one that said "White Christmas" and so got this one but realized it said something about snow. I still wore it nearly every Saturday mid-December - April and a bunch more days around Christmas (including Christmas Day itself). I have 4 crewneck sweatshirts I regularly wear all winter PLUS my beloved from Kohls 2 years ago that I save for camping trips and special occasions. That was the sweatshirt that started this all! (I have also checked ThredUp more than once for a duplicate of it.)

6) SOME jean that isn't skinny
I bought them. I returned them.

7) Sneakers
Technically I bought zero with my allowance money but Matt did give me a pair for Christmas (Cole Haan's which I can't find online anymore) which I have been wearing more as it warms up but everything is still so muddy that I still reach for my Converse anytime there is even a chance of mud. Then for Valentine's Day we got each other coordinating green Pumas (mine are these) that we both wore out to lunch on our recent wedding anniversary and I cannot tell you how much that delighted me. I made Matt take a picture with me of our shoes.

EXTRAS:

Other than replacing my bras and some socks (I don't count those because those are generally categories, along with underwear, that I am an under buyer on, waiting as long as possible to replace them). I think I just had one extra item all winter, and that was a top from ThredUp that is maybe more appropriate for spring/summer but I've worn it a few times already so I'm putting it here.

Now for the rest of spring/summer 2024...

Looking back over the last few years, I've had more holes in my fall/winter wardrobe and seem to be pretty content with what I wear in the spring summer! And that's still how I feel, no major holes to fill which is nice!

1) A dress for a niece's wedding
Already bought the one pictured from ThredUp. Again, at some point (probably soon), I have to stop buying a new dress for every wedding. We're going to have so many.

2) 2ish Tank Tops
I wear these a lot when it's hot and it's always nice to add a few more to my rotation, especially as I've had some for ~8 years and they are wearing out. (I already bought a few from Old Navy because I've been happy with their tank tops, but I haven't gotten to trying them on yet.)

3) 2ish Crew Neck t-shirts
Not relaxed fit t-shirts which I wear A LOT in the spring and fall on days I'm not leaving the house for much more than school runs but ones to wear when we are doing things, having people over, going to cookouts, whatever. I like crew neck because I can bend/lean over without worrying about flashing people and also just easier. Some of the ones I've had for many years are ALSO wearing out. This is, honestly, probably where I have the most holes in my wardrobe. I have plenty of casual, just being at home or running errands clothes. And a good amount of nicer dresses in a range of casualness. But I don't have much in the "nice enough for a cookout but also for possibly playing with kids" category. Hum....

4) Jeans
I don't know, will I expand from my skinnies??? Nothing crazy but something I am interested in trying when we start easing into cooler weather in a few months.

5) A sundress
I've bought one a summer for many summers now and it's nice to have some options. I wear them to church most of the time May - September, to work, on dates, and on our anniversary & Mother's Day just because I want to.

I'll report back in a few months and probably continue to rant about jeans! Doing these lists so many years ago really has helped me get more focused in my shopping. I highly recommend the practice!

Fall 2023
Spring 2023

Fall 2019
Spring 2019

Fall 2018
Spring 2018

Fall 2017
Spring 2017

Fall 2016
Spring 2016

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Fall 2023/Winter 2024 Clothes Shopping

FASHION. I have been making these lists for 8 years and I have never been more confused by what is "in" and what stores are selling (and not selling). I've been at Kohls twice lately for pickup orders (do not sleep on Kohls...they were a staple of my high school years and they have become on again. It's where my beloved sweatshirt is from) and the amount of clothes that look like they time traveled there from about 1999 is...mind boggling. Like seriously, it feels like some of the exact same clothes down to the style and color of pants.

I've been wearing only skinny jeans for 10 years, my whole wardrobe is based around the fit and cut of skinny jeans. My sweaters and shoes all work with my skinny jeans. And NOW we are back to flares?!?!?!? You know what the problem is with flares?? Just wait until there is snow on the ground and your pants are wet halfway to your knee. With salt marks. THAT is the problem with flares. Every time I think maybe I should try them again (I did love them for a solid decade plus from high school until...10 years ago) I remember how terrible they are in rain or snow.

Although, I have also been deeply devoted to my flair like yoga pants, for almost our entire (17 year) marriage. I have own a black pair for at least the last 12 years, replacing them AS SOON AS they wear out (I think I'm on my 3rd). I wear these constantly and never switched those over to leggings. Although I also only wear these in my house or to run something to the trash bin or whatever. I ALSO still have these black flare pants I bought at Kohls, on clearance, approximately TWENTY YEARS AGO. I think they were like $8. I wore them for a solid 10 years regularly, including daily to my office job for a few years, and couldn't get rid of them when I got rid of the rest of my flares...and I have pulled those out again and wore them. Haha, I'm down to pennies per wear at this point on those. And if I had hung onto my flares I probably WOULD wear them again...I'm just not sure I want to commit to a new jean silhouette. That seemingly requires different shoes as well! It's not like I follow fashion that closely but this whole jean shake-up is...A LOT. Maybe my 40s will be my "I don't care" decade. We'll see!

Before I lament jeans some more...let's check in with my spring/summer list:

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1) Rain coat
No, I still hadn't bought one although I keep thinking it would be SO NICE to own.

2) 2ish tank tops
I bought two! The green is J Crew Factory and I had it before I wrote my spring shopping list. Then I bought this blue one later in the summer. It's no longer on Kohl's website.

3) 2ish dresses
I bought 3, returned 1 so 2ish was correct! I LOVE the teal J Crew Factory on the right and wore it A LOT. Then I bought a blue sundress in July that I LOVED and wore that one a lot. I forgot about it because it's not sleeveless dress weather here anymore (we have our heat on) but I will be delighted to pull it out again in the spring!

4) 2ish t-shirts
Have I already bought one? Yes. The other, from Amazon, isn't really a t-shirt but it's t-shirt shaped so I am counting it here. This is what I wore with my 20 year old $8 black flares! (If you are sensing a color theme with most of my purchases...that is correct.) I like the fit and would consider it in more colors if I thought my closet needed that!

THE EXTRAS:

Only two! I bought the fascinator to wear while watching the coronation and the coral sandals I wrote about here.

NOW...Fall/Winter 2023:

1) Raincoat
Some day I will actually buy this.

2) Dress for nephew's wedding
We have a nephew getting married this fall (the third fall in a row we've had one!) and I think I'd like a new dress for it. Later fall weddings are hard I think because I'd like to look nice but also be warm. (With more weddings coming next year!) (I already bought this one from ThredUp.)

3) A thinner black sweater to wear with my Christmas skirt
Last year I wore this skirt with a grey sweater, black heels and black tights. It worked fine but this year I think I'd like to do all black with the green? I'm going to try it. Maybe 7-8 years ago I bought a grey sweater from Target that seems like this one and it's still a cooler weather staple. Great for layering.

4) Two Sweaters, one being grey
I don't have a thicker grey sweater and that would be nice to add to my sweater rotation. And it's just inevitable that I'll buy another (already have...). Sweaters are a STAPLE when I'm dressing up more than my daily sweatshirts. And maybe I need some that aren't blue...

5) A Sweatshirt
Again, this is what I wear 75% of the time I am not in pajamas/lounge clothes. Basically anytime I'm not going to church or work or sleeping...I'm wearing a sweatshirt in the winter.

6) SOME jean that isn't skinny
I don't know, maybe I'll dip my baby toe into the new jean trends. I DON'T KNOW. I obviously have a lot of conflicting feelings on this! I bought some kick flares from Target but haven't worn them yet and already their window seems to have passed because it's getting to the point where I often want my ankles covered. Also, they are no longer on Target's website. WE'LL SEE.

7) Sneakers
I have been very devoted to my Converse (look how white they used to be!), especially since COVID when my wardrobe got a lot more casual (hence my sweatshirt collection). I wore them to hike ALL OVER Acadia last summer, to the point where Matt had to glue them together when we got home (I now own hiking boots.) However, they are getting more worn out from daily wear over many springs & falls and maybe updating my shoes would help my skinny jeans look more modern?? I DON'T KNOW. But maybe I'll try it.

____________________________________________________
This list is some sticking to what I've been wearing forever with a lot of I DON'T KNOWS. This season especially feels like a bit of a crap shoot so we'll see what comes of it!

Spring 2023

Fall 2019
Spring 2019

Fall 2018
Spring 2018

Fall 2017
Spring 2017

Fall 2016
Spring 2016

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Things I Like - August 2023

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, links for which are included within this post, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for helping support this blog! Of course, utilize the library or shop used or from an independent bookstore, if you prefer!

1) Neck Reading Light
Janssen at Everyday Reading has been raving about these for awhile but I never saw a strong need for a reading light but then with some of our camping trips this summer I finally thought one would be helpful. Initially I was going to order two, one for me and one for Luke, but then decided to try it out first. And you all, this reading light is amazing. (Luke still hasn't used it, although I would share should the occasion arise, we usually aren't night reading at the same time.) It has fabric on the part that rests on the back of your neck. You can aim where the lights at each end hit on the page. And there are TWO lights so you aren't constantly readjusting after reading one side of a page. It's around your neck and not the book so you aren't adjusting every time you turn the page. You can choose a warmer or cooler light setting. You can choose a brightness level. It recharges from an outlet so no batteries required. It is a great reading light. I used it when we were in a one room cabin at Jellystone and didn't want to keep Matt & the boys awake with my reading. And then at our most recent KOA camping cabin, neither Matt or I had reading lamps by the bed (which we always had before, at 10 different cabins) so I pulled this out again! Highly recommend for anyone needing to read at night. Or do anything where aimed light would be helpful!

2) Amazon maxi dress
I bought this dress for the color (I was just rereading past Things I Like post and realized how much that was a theme over the past year - July, October, November, December, January, February, May) but then I tried it on and loved it and now it's my favorite dress. I have the "navy" which really isn't navy but a darker blue. A slight difference that I actually prefer. I think it's flattering and it's very comfortable. I do wear a strapless bra with it because of the cut of the shoulders. It's longer on me (5'5") but I've worn it with flats or wedges (still those!) and both work! Very happy with this purchase.

3) Waterproof Sandals
These were something of an impulse buy after really liking the Target knock-off birkenstocks I bought last summer. I realized there are multiple trips we've taken lately where, because of water activities, I've needed a waterproof sandal but, also, I appreciate having a slipper or sandal I can put on with socks for walking around a hotel room or cabin. Enter these. The color is VERY bright but also cheery. I wouldn't wear them all day at an amusement park but they were great for walking to the beach and back in Florida and around the pools at Jellystone and KOAs. And at ALL those places I could slip them on over my sleeping socks for late night trips to the bathroom (even at most of those places we had our own bathrooms...I rarely go barefoot places that aren't our house or walking from our towels to the water at the beach). These have been great.

4) Dark chocolate covered almonds
Coming home from Florida this summer we stopped at a Buc-Ee's. Before my sister texted about one earlier this summer, I had never heard of them or if I had, didn't pay any attention. Then we saw a bunch on our drive to Cocoa Beach and back but they never were when we actually needed gas. Finally, we stopped at the ONE in Kentucky which turned out to be the exact same one two of my sisters had, on separate trips, stopped at earlier in the summer. The cleanest bathrooms I've seen at any gas station EVER. We also stocked up on some snacks (and got gas) and Matt got some dark chocolate covered almonds. Well, we went through those pretty quick and then I found similar ones at Target. I can't explain it but these aren't quite as good as Buc-Ee's but considering we have none of those anywhere near to us, these will do. We opened one bag and I immediately added another to our cart. I can pretend they are healthy because they are more nut than chocolate. Maybe??? Great for a quick energy pick-up.

5) Waterproof Phone Cases
Matt talked me into these for the paddle board he bought this summer (after the one he bought last summer was recalled, returned, and refunded). We ended up using them a ton at the beach and they worked wonderfully. And they still take good pictures through the plastic! Matt often had his phone in here, in the pocket of his swim trunks (and tied to his drawstring so they wouldn't get ripped away like my sunglasses, RIP) for HOURS of swimming and bobbing in the ocean without a drop on his phone. They really work very well. I didn't take mine in the ocean (no way to keep it connected to me if I got grabbed by a big wave) but did keep my phone in this in the beach bag when I took it to the beach (sometimes I left it in the condo but then got tired of asking Matt to borrow his for pictures). If you are spending time on boats or at the beach, these are a worthwhile purchase. Especially at $14 for two.

Those are new things that I've been loving this summer! How about you??

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Spring/Summer 2023 Shopping List

My shopping feels very different from when I started doing these posts 7 years ago. Back then I was building up my wardrobe. I "dressed up" more than I do now. Covid really had me start dressing more casually and that stuck around. I don't have many holes to fill anymore, more about just buying a few pieces each season. I don't rely on these lists like I did back then BUT I do still appreciate the consideration into what holes I might have, what might need replaced, and keeping my overall spending in check. That is also helped by our allowances which have been going strong for 8 years. So the purpose of this exercise has changed a bit but overall, they still do have a purpose. Also, I find it fascinating to see what my spending and buying was like over the years!

Checking in on last fall's list...

1) A sparkly top
I had this one purchased before I even wrote the last list. I'd still like a non-sparkly grey sweater but it is fun to have something sparkly!

2) 2ish Sweaters
I did buy exactly 2 sweaters. Are they a very similar shade of blue? Yes. Did I really need two? No. But I still wore them A LOT.

3) Another crewneck sweatshirt
Yep, had already bought this before my list and then also wore it a lot. Also received one as a Christmas gift (from Matt) that I don't have to count on this list (my rules) but that I wore even more. I wear sweatshirts CONSTANTLY in the fall/winter/early spring. Daily.

4) Casual Boots
Bought these, wore them constantly and then when my sister alerted me that they were on clearance I bought a second pair for when the first wears out. I regret NOTHING. Although I am not counting the second as a bonus items since EVENTUALLY it will be a replacement.

5) Something to wear for Christmas Mass
Kept the green skirt that I mentioned in the original post and DID wear it for Christmas mass! And that was the sole time I wore it however there is a good chance I will wear it again this Christmas!

6) That Elusive Raincoat
I think I finally, maybe, picked one out. Maybe. But then I bought other things and now have no room in my budget for it for now. But maybe sometime this year!

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH

Only three extras! A Christmas long sleeved tee (Kohls), a new pair of jeans (Old Navy rockstars), and a purse that I've really used a lot (Target).

I've decided I'm not counting spirit wear type of things here (of which I bought two this winter) because that's not so much filling a wardrobe hole or a shopping impulse but more a support of my kid or whatever.

Now, Spring/Summer 2023 Plan!

1) Rain coat
Will I finally do this? It's supposed to rain tomorrow and I keep thinking how nice it would be to own one...I'm sure I'd wear one a lot, if I had one...

2) 2ish tank tops
It's just inevitable, I will buy SOME. (This one is J Crew Factory and it is in my dresser.)

3) 2ish dresses
I always buy at least one new dress a summer, for church, dates, work, etc. Have I already bought these two? Yes. (green Target, teal J Crew Factory)

4) 2ish t-shirts
Have I already bought one? Yes.

That might be it??? I can't even really think of anything in my closet that needs replaced and I have a pretty good supply of tanks and t-shirts that I am happy with! It's just that elusive rain coat which I need to just suck up and buy at some point!

If you make a clothes shopping list for the season I'd love to hear about it!

2021 {10} Item Christmas List
2020 {10} Item Christmas List

Fall 2019
Spring 2019

Fall 2018
Spring 2018

Fall 2017
Spring 2017

Fall 2016
Spring 2016

Thursday, December 8, 2022

{10} Item Christmas Gift List

My blog reader feed has been filling up with gift guides for WEEKS and I always enjoy browsing them, even if the tastes or price ranges are to my own. It's just interesting to see what other people like! And sometimes I DO find a good idea!

This is my 3rd year of doing a very short Christmas gift list. These are all items we own or items on our own Christmas lists. We do pretty specific gift lists with most of the people we exchange with but I always dream of getting the perfect present that I didn't specifically want. Even though I am always aiming to have less. But the IDEA of someone filling a hole in my life I didn't know I had...that appeals greatly. Even though I am also find with not entering into any more gift exchanges. I didn't say it all made sense!

Here's the lists from the past two years:

And here we go!

Note: There are some affiliate links below, I make a small (very small) commission off items if you purchase through those links, at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your understanding and support! Of course I fully support utilizing the library or shopping used or from an independent bookstore!

BOOKS
1) The Sea Below My Toes by Charlotte Guillan, illustrated by Jo Empson
For: Your 3-8 year age range interested in animals and/or the beach/ocean!
I always start with books and we're starting with the youngest age range book! This is a GORGEOUS picture book that has fold out pages so if you laid it out, it would be about a 10 foot long picture of the different layers of the ocean. It is wordy if you just sit down to read about them all (we did it over two reading sessions) but I learned SO MUCH about the oceans and about the creatures in them. Plus, pictures are fantastic.

2) Unsolved Case Files Series by Tom Sullivan
For: 8-12 year age range who likes mysteries
Luke read the three in this series in the fall and they were right up his alley. These are colored graphic novels about three different unsolved mysteries. He would be VERY interested in finding the answers and the idea of these mysteries still out there intrigued him! Plus, a nice change from Wimpy Kid or DogMan.

3) The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
For: The Office lover in your life (there probably is one)
I've been listening to their podcast since it started in 2019 and Matt gave me the book for Mother's Day/our anniversary in the spring. It's even more behind the scenes from the actresses who played Pam and Angela. A ton of behind the scenes pictures. Just so fun, cheerful, and interesting!

4) Katherine Center novels
For: romance readers in the 20-40 age range
These are romances that I feel pretty comfortable recommended to most anyone in that age range (or even higher or lower). I've read Things You Save in a Fire, The Bodyguard, and What You Wish For, and maybe getting one more for Christmas. She's very consistent but also writes intriguing, complicating, and romantic romances while also keeping it all pretty chaste. I know when I pick up one of her books that I am in for a good reading experience.

5) Messy Minimalism: Realistic Strategies for the Rest of Us by Rachelle Crawford
For: anyone who feels like they have too many THINGS
This will be on my favorite reads of 2022 list. I've read many minimalism books and this had a different tone that felt very relatable and also like advice from a funny and caring friend. I've been following her on Instagram since and she is a good follow with funny reels and such. This just makes minimalism, in whatever form you pursue, actually seem doable.

OTHER
6) Salt Lamp Night Light
For: anyone interested in pretty things that are real expensive but also a little useful
I bought this for myself last winter and it has been a lovely little bright spot, literally, in our kitchen ever since. I simplified our counter a bit (it might have happened after reading #5) but still wanted to hide an outlet there. Enter this nightlight which adds such a cozy glow to a darker area. It's just pretty. And functional!

7) Lego Succulents
For: adults who grew up on Legos and also appreciated home decor
This was one of my birthday gifts from Matt and he picked it out on his own (Legos are always a good bet for anyone in our family). I put it together over three evenings when Matt & I were watching Stranger Things after the boys went to bed. It was just a delightful experience and they look pretty good! It currently sits on top of the printer next to my desk and it's the perfect amount of cheer and, also, needs NO watering.

8) {50} Awe-Inspiring Travel Destinations
For: anyone who likes puzzles and can handle the pieces
This one might be on my Christmas list. I went on a REAL BIG puzzle kick last winter and I am just waiting for most of my Christmas work to be done so I can get my puzzle table set back up. Then I will be back at the puzzles again this winter. And it's always fun to work in some new ones. Although my puzzle collection is certainly big enough to not need new ones.

9) Letterboard
For: anyone who wants an easy word display
I thought about buying one of these for the boys for awhile since they kept wanting to play with mine but they eventually stopped so I haven't. But I still might eventually if they show interest again! I have a larger one that I got right after Sam and I semi-regularly change it out for the seasons. Mine lives in out kitchen, a very frequented area of our house. If I were to get a second, I personally would prefer the blue pictured...

10) Play-Doh Grill and Stamp
For: kids who like Play-doh
That's every kid, isn't it? Sam's getting this for Christmas. Please don't tell him. He's at a perfect age for Play-doh and Luke will even play with him on weekends and breaks. I'm sure this will get a lot of play over Christmas break!

Happy shopping!

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Fall 2022/Winter 2023 Shopping List

At some point I was going to get to this post (my blogging has been VERY sporadic this fall...because, life.)! These posts helped me a lot many years ago when I felt like I was building my wardrobe, it really helped me curb in my spending and prioritize the items that would fill holes in my closet. I'm pretty happy with my closet now, only adding, usually, a few things a season, filling holes like the raincoat, or replacing broken/worn out items (usually that I've had for years!)! But, still helpful to think about this purposefully twice a year, as I switch over my closet (really, just moving clothes for the season front & center)!

I also read Project 333 last month and was really inspired to take that on, which might happen in January. That really made me think differently about my closet...even if I followed it shortly with some shopping...

Checking on my spring/summer list:

1) Rain Jacket
I still haven't bought this but I would still like one. It'll be like the navy wedges that were on this list for years before I finally found them. Or the end table on my annual project list. Someday.

2) 2ish tank tops
Yes! I bought (or at least kept) exactly two of these!

3) A new dress
I bought two of these so over by one! Below is the one I wore the most, most often to church (in Texas and on two camping trips!) but also on a date and maybe to work? It might be a swimsuit coverup, not sure. I wore it often.

4) Another pair of jeans
I DID finally get a pair of raw hem jeans, from ThredUp, probably because they aren't "in" anymore. But I still like them. I didn't get these until October but still including here since they were on the list! (I'm wearing them right now!)

5) Metallic flats
Nope, I think I'm giving up on this one. I mostly wear my Converse or booties when we're not in full boot season anyways.

6) Daily flip-flops
Yes! Bought my knock-off birkenstocks which I enjoyed much more than I anticipated, even though I didn't break them out until the end of July. And then also did a direct replacement of my waterproof flip-flops for the beach, pool, etc. Those are also pictured below.

The Moment of Truth - THE REST

I didn't do as well I did over last winter, when I bought NOTHING not on the list. BUT...one thing I did buy is one of my all-time favorite clothing purchases (the blue sweatshirt) so I REGRET NOTHING. Besides that, I did buy the above mentioned second dress, a new swimsuit top, a swimsuit cover-up that is actually a cover-up, heels for a nephew's wedding (I had a dress to wear but no cocktail attire shoes for warm weather, I even checked with my similar sized feet sisters first!).

Not too bad! Especially considering how much I wore that sweatshirt...

Fall 2022/Winter 2023 Plan

1) A sparkly top
I like sparkles and this would be fun and festive, especially around the holidays! (You can't tell from the picture, just like I couldn't before ordering, but it is sparkly.)

2) 2ish Sweaters
To be honest, I've already bought these. They are the same blue as my beloved sweatshirt which is largely what drove those purchases. Still regret nothing.

3) Another crewneck sweatshirt
These have become STAPLES in my wardrobe, they are what I wear nearly every day that I am not doing anything that requires even slightly dressier clothes (work, church, date). And I have made too many "rules" around the ones I own (one I only wear on Sundays and only at home, one that is more Christmas-y so not so appropriate for September, my beloved sweatshirt I don't want to wear out...I realize this might not be normal). I am also wearing one of these right now.

4) Casual Boots
Is this overkill if I already own rain boots, snow boots, riding boots, and booties?? Maybe. But since I wear the aforementioned sweatshirts nearly constantly, it would be nice to have a less dressy boot than my riding boots to wear with them. I do often wear my rain boots, especially when it's wet/slushy/snowy outside, even though they aren't super warm. But also, clunky if they aren't actually needed to keep my feet dry.

5) Something to wear for Christmas Mass
This is what I get for doing this list in November - I end up just saying I planned to buy the items I already have...I did somewhat impulse buy a green skirt from Walmart (when was the last time I bought clothes there for myself??) to possibly wear for Christmas Mass. Might get returned, we'll see! (It's not here yet.) If that doesn't work it'll depend if I have the energy/will power/interest in looking for something else...

6) That Elusive Raincoat
We'll see if I can find this.

Will these 6-7 items be all that I buy? Or will I buy a different 6-7 items?? (Other than the...4 of these I already bought...). Will I actually undertake the Project 333?? We'll see!

If you do any sort of similar wardrobe planning, I'd love to hear it!

Spring 2022