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?
Audrey – great post. I wrote along a similar vein a couple of days ago; I am finding JCrew so far is very derivitive of last year. I hope as they year goes along, it gets better. Thanks for the heads up on the factory skirt – I think I like the Casablanca Blue better for summer as well, so will try and get that one early as I actually do want that colour!
Have a great weekend!
WMM – I bought mine in the Spring but there is a Brillian Cobalt at the Factory now. I love that the Factory pencil skirt have pockets. I didn't find them to add any weight or odd lines either.
Those colored pencil skirts are so cute and the melon color looks gorgeous. I was over at the Garment Exchange, a consignment shop at Thousand Oaks and 281, yesterday and she had J Crew items…you might want to check it out for some savings!!
Pam – I saw your post on Garment Exchange and was planning on going by today!
I agree on everything you said, especially on the Blythe. the graphite is definitively more springy than the new one they just put out. I am going to try to be more patient this year, usually I find myself wearing more the stuff that come out later in the season.
Same here Ema. I get a lot more wear out of the late Spring/ Summer offerings.
I am so glad I found your blog! great reviews and helpful info! Can't wait to see more 🙂
Roxy
roxys-girl-time.blogspot.com
Thanks Roxy.
I love how you're comparing the new items with things you already have in your closet. I *like* to think I do that, but I don' always succeed before springing for something very similar to a piece I already own.
I don't have many spring pencil skirts, and the new crop this year is lined (according to the site description), so I'm *allowed* to pick up a couple, right? 😉
CC – I'm trying to be really good this year. As far as pencil skirts, now that they are lined may be cause for a pencil skirt re-vamp. That melon color is speaking to me.
Awesome post! J Crew repeats lots of things and it's good to see them side-by-side as a reminder. I really REALLY hope to go thru all of my spring/summer clothes before the season kicks in. I need to sell, sell, sell and giveaway.
Gigi – You and me both. My closet is crazy, which is why I decided to do this.
Great feature. I too have been noticing a lot of repeats which makes me feel good about what I already have and takes away the impulse of buying something new. What gets me in trouble is that I've got all my spring/summer pieces packed away in storage so I don't have them visually available to serve as a reminder of what I already have. Definitely comes in handy as new spring arrivals roll out.
Dea – I don't know how much room you have on your computer but I save all the pics of what I purchased to a Virtual Closet folder. Pinterest also has the Hidden Boards you can use to create a VC. I like my computer photos better because I can add pics I've taken that I can't find online and rename them strparting with the type of item first. Skirt_JCrewPencil_WarmJade or something like that. It took forever initially but now that everything is catalogged it's not as time consuming.
I love your posts and styling of various pieces. I find we are pretty close in sizing on most items, which is very helpful for me (especially when shopping final sale items)!