Shopping Hits and Misses
This past weekend, I enjoyed a leisurely shopping day with one of my best friends! I thought it might be interesting to see what I bought and why, as well as read about the pieces that I tried but didn’t buy.
What I Purchased
Black mini skirt: the slim fit is flattering but not too tight, and I love the belt. It will definitely be wearable in at least three seasons.
Brown mini skirt: I even bought the skirt in another color, since I’ve loved this kind of brown with brights and neutrals! And I get a brown belt to boot.
Brown linen shirt: technically for my husband, but also for me to take! Just glancing through my closet, I can see a lot that it will go with. Sorry, Miguel, it might be just for me!
White shorts: does it get much better than comfortable white shorts that are lined?! They’re a tiny bit sheer so I have to be aware of what I tuck into them, but my underwear doesn’t immediately show so that’s a win.
Black sweatpants: I didn’t have black sweatpants, and these are high waisted, which I love. I went up a size because I like a fully oversized fit for my comfy pants so nothing is tight on my waist or knees. These are very fleecy on the inside, and have already been covered in cat fur.
Green bike shorts: I’ve had bike shorts on my summer list, and I love this green - plus they’re not see through!
And What I Skipped
While I’m pleased with what I purchased, I tried on a lot more that didn’t work for me. I’m not sure if this is everything (I didn’t document it and don’t have a perfect memory), but it is at least most of it.
Front tie blouse: loved the fit, felt amazing in it, but didn’t love the colors. Now I know to be on the lookout for a top in a similar shape that will mesh better with my closet.
Black crop: loved it, but it was $98 because it’s a free people top - no thank you! Not worth it to me.
Black flared pants: felt too trendy and young for me; wearing new versions of trends from my childhood is tricky! I think wide pants would be more my style than this pair.
White jeans: it was a trendy pair with the uneven buttons and balloon legs. The fit was horrible and I felt ridiculous.
White crop: pretty in theory, but didn’t look good or fit well.
Floral slip dress: very pretty, but didn’t feel instantly amazing, and I have other dresses for similar occasions.
Pink maxi dress: the proportion of the elastic waist hitting right under my bust made me feel like I was getting ready for a maternity shoot. Since I never want to be or feel pregnant again, it was a no from me!
A few pairs of fluttery shorts: one gust would have my entire butt out, no thanks!
White tie-back blouse: cute, but didn’t look great, wasn’t flattering, and was too sheer but wouldn’t work with a bra.
Babydoll dress: I looked like an actual child.
Linen shirt suit: scratchy linen and terrible fit.
Jumpsuit: tried in a petite size, which was too short for me, and a larger size, which was too big for even belting to salvage.
Cargo pants: liked the idea, but needed them to be higher waist and a bit slouchier through the leg.
Satin midi skirt: pretty fabric, but too big at the waist, and smaller size wasn’t available.
Bike shorts and sports bra set: the top was perfect, but the shorts failed the squat test. I could’ve gotten the top, but it felt weird to break up the set, and the pattern didn't have colors that I have in other leggings or shorts.
White pleated skirt with under shorts: cute as could be, but the shorts may as well not have been there. Nope!
One piece swimsuit: fit my long torso awkwardly and just didn’t make me feel good - pass!
Smocked peplum top: cute floral, but it was off somehow, and would only have worked with white jeans, which I don’t have.
Floral graphic tee: cute, but I have similar tees that I don’t wear much, and this didn’t stand out.
Pink sweater: perfect color, but the fit wasn’t what I wanted.
Scalloped cami: the fit was incredibly wide and the fabric had no drape, so it looked and felt ridiculous.
Black crop tank with lace straps: very cute, but the lace was a lot, wasn’t sure what I’d wear it with.
Mushroom crop and shorts set: shorts fit perfectly, and I liked the color, but wasn’t as sure about it - so I got them in white! The top was too tight to pull on easily, but too large to fit properly on my small bust.
Neon crop and pencil skirt set: theoretically great, but showed everything, from underwear to any body texture at all - no thanks! Tried the top in black, which was more flattering, but the size wasn’t right - oh well.
Black tank dress: visually what I’ve been looking for, but too stiff, scratchy, uncomfortable.
White jeans: couldn’t get my foot through the ankle opening!
The clothes I passed on didn’t fit me, didn’t make me feel good or spark joy, or didn’t suit my existing wardrobe or budget. It’s important to hone your instincts, know yourself and your preferences, and your existing wardrobe.
I hope this post was interesting! It is not too often that I am able to shop with such leisure, but I could try for photos of the process.