As retailers start bringing in Resort and Spring Collections, in the middle of Winter, it’s a good time to take a look in your closet to see what you do have that might be similar. I don’t have my Spring Shopping list put together but I do know of a few items I don’t need (from my favorite retailer) since I do have very similar items to what is now being offered. Take a look and see what I’ve found already in my closet.
The Voile Skirt in Stripe looks very pretty and I like the red and blue/black stripe but I do already have and LOVE the Gimlet Skirt in Coaster Stripe. I am not sure if the few inches of flat panel before the pleats would feel tight across the hips or not. Also, the length on the Voile Skirt is 23 inches, several inches below my knee. I have found I prefer above the knee or all the way maxi for my skirt lengths; I’m not a midi- girl. That still doesn’t stop me from wanting to see it, either IRL or on someone’s blog.
The Blythe Blouse in Pale Graphite is another one of my favorites. So much that I bought another one, just in case. It’s very rare that I will buy the exact same item as a back-up but I love it that much. Now, for Resort/Early Spring, there is a Soft Sand color with darker Polka Dots. I’m not so much a fan of the darker spots. For me, I think the appeal of the original from Fall was that the Polka Dots were in Gray/Graphite which blended slightly with the base color of the shirt. The darker spots are not doing it for me. I also think they should have switched these two…the Soft Sand for Fall/Winter because of the darker spots and the Pale Graphite for Resort/Spring. Makes sense in my head. Of course, if I see it IRL I’ll probably change my mind. But for now, definitely off my list.
I have similar variations of the Silk Short-Sleeve Blouse. I have the Striped Tee from a year or two ago and the Raindrop Lace Top in Navy. I wore my Striped Tee constantly after the initial purchase for several months and haven’t worn it since, maybe a year to 14 months. The Raindrop Lace Top fills a void of Spring/Summer Navy blouse and it’s Cotton, making it easier to wear than Silk. I’m sure the Silk Short-Sleeve Blouse is pretty IRL and the Warm Ivory would fill a void in my closet but it’s not a have-to-have. If it makes it to sale with a % off I’ll probably get it, that is, if the fit is right.
I have enough Striped Sweaters to last me a while. The Jackie Cardigan in Stripe is very similar to the Factory version I purchased last Spring. I have an Ann Taylor Loft green striped cardigan that will fill the void of the V-Neck Sweater in Stripe. If anything, I need two or three solid colors of the Jackie.
Shorts! I live in these all Summer and have quite a few pairs. I started trying to wear skirts more this Summer but still need a good reliable pair (or 10) of shorts. But I have found that these Anchor Shorts are at the Factory Store every Spring/Summer. That goes for the Denim Shorts. I found mine last year at the Factory and they were exactly like the Retail version that was offered this past Summer, which is the same pair being offered now. The only difference is that mine are darker, which I like. Also, the Factory comes out with lots of colors in the 3-, 5- inch and Bermuda Shorts, so I’ll look there first before the Retail store.
I couldn’t forget the Double-Serge Pencil Skirts, could I? J Crew pencil skirts are my favorite and they fit me very well but this year I’ll be looking for a special print, like the Porcelain Paisley from last Summer, before making a purchase. I have very similar solid Pencil skirts already to substitute for the pretty new colors being offered now. And, two of the colors I wanted last year went to sale I was able to get them for a really really good price.
First, instead of Indigo Blue, I have the Factory Casablanca Blue and the Retail Mini in Brilliant Blue. I am sure the Indigo Blue will be very vibrant but I doubt it will be that much of a brightness to make me change my mind. Next up, is the Spearmint colorway, and I am sure it’s super gorgeous IRL. But I do have the Bright Spearmint Double-Serge Mini, the Jardin Maxi in the Morning Aqua, the Cafe’ Capri in the Tropical Aqua and the Sterling Skirt in Mint to fill the Winter void. Lastly, is the Melon color. Oh, it’s sooo pretty online and is definitely going on my list. I have the Sterling Skirt in Autumn Coral. I suspect the Melon will be slightly lighter and definitely pretty for Spring and Summer.
So, picking one of the three colors isn’t bad. The Fresh Pear looks pretty but I wasn’t too much of a fan of the Kiwi so I doubt I’ll be attracted to it. And, I have the Natural from last year that I purchase for about $24. A good staple color to have.
Jewelry is last to discuss. The latest incarnation of the Frog Critter bracelet is pretty, especially with the gold links but I have the Summer 2012 version and like the resin better. It’s more playful, IMO. I love my Flower Lattice necklace in Multicolor and was oh so tempted to get it in the Crystal but I really wouldn’t wear it very much. It’s more for a dressy occasion and not every day, at least for me. That, and I’d rather spend $228 on something else.
With each rollout I will be looking to my closet to see if I have a similar version. I really am looking for those special pieces now, like the Jules in Scroll Print. Having a list for Fall helped me so much. I didn’t stray very far from it and really looked for the items I had on my list and found a few of them on sale, including my two Kate Spade pieces. So I may be paying more, but I will be consuming less.
You’ll also notice I didn’t discuss shoes or bags. Those really are special pieces for me. I may be more selective in my purchases and already have two very specific items on my list. Once it is finalized I will share it with you.
So, do you have anything new from your favorites stores that you might already have in your closet?
They were both very pretty and summery. I don’t know if J Crew does this for all their strapless dresses but there was a band in the back, like on a bra, that you hooked for more support. I’m always worried with strapless dresses that I will not have enough support to keep it held up and it will fall at the most in-opportune time. But this was supportive and I did remember to wear a strapless bra with it too. I don’t have any fears that this will fall off me.
I ended up ordering it online from Neiman Marcus. I didn’t want it to “get away” because I know I won’t be able to find it again. I hope it’s just a gorgeous in real life and that it fits!