Do you have periods of your life when the shopping just isn’t about you?
That’s me right now. I’m ok, with it. Really. It’s just 64 days until I set off for New York and I plan on holding on tight to that shopping budget until then.
At the moment, if I’m in any way tempted, I ask myself: “would this be more FUN to buy in NYC?”.
I think you can hazard a not-so-educated guess as to what my answer is 😉
But life goes on and so does the busy-ness of those in mine. My eldest son has just had his school formal, prior to which I laid down some serious dollars at Roger David (definitely NOT a sponsored blog mention!).
Next up is my daughter’s school ski trip to New Zealand in July.
Not only did she need a bit of a winter wardrobe update but we also attacked this shopping wishlist with a view to her being equipped when in New Zealand and not on the slopes (she already had a ski jacket and I “won” two pairs of ski pants on ebay).
She needed basic long-sleeve tops she could layer with knits and scarves with her jeans; a couple of more dressy tops for going out; boots and a coat.
The upshot? Saturday afternoon turned into my favourite kind of clothes shopping: the calculated smash and grab.
When I shop with a goal or purpose in mind, I don’t muck around. I can scan a store or a section of a store in minutes, doing a visual edit of what’s available, what’s likely to suit, and what matches what’s on the list.
My daughter is quite used to that now after 15 plus years 🙂
Below is what we came up with. Bargain basics mixed with some more expensive pieces. I figure it’s never too early to learn the concept of high-low shopping and dressing. (Where I’ve found the item online as well, I’ve included a link.)
First stop: the Emerson section of Big W
Second stop: Cotton On
Third stop: Myer’s Super Saturday sale
Buy here
Fourth stop: my computer
Buy coat here | Buy boots here*
She did ok out of this session, didn’t she? A great little winter capsule wardrobe to add to her coloured and denim jeans.
So, I’m now handing it over to you … let the comments section be your shopping confessional. Tell me what you’ve bought lately?
Share something lovely … fashion pieces, makeup, skincare, something nice for the house. Was it a bargain? Have you been buying for others more than you of late?
Comments 49
My fav buy recently was a black crop jacket from Guess outlet store in Vegas… OMG it works perfectly for the Nina look (week 3). Just love it and only $69 (plus tax of course). To be honest I was a little dissappointed with the shopping in America… certainly not cheap like everyone made out & I really wasn’t finding stuff that rocked my world so didn’t buy & came home with shopping budget surplus… sad I know… Hope your trip is more successful. My trip was sightseeing with hubby first, shopping second so that would make a difference too, if you know what I mean…
I don’t buy alot of clothes unless I need them, such as throwing out old stuff at the end of the year and so need to refill the wardrobe.
I’ve recently bought two tops from my local Kmart as they are always cheap and throwing stuff out the front. Months ago I got two coats from Millers for $15 each, I love their stuff, it’s cheap and washes and wears well. I generally just get stuff that’s unusual or colourful otherwise I make do with what’s already in my burgeoning wardrobe.
Seriously Nikki, all of these items could move quite comfortably into my wardrobe and be loved and worn…we so should have gone shopping rather than lunching!! I am loving Sportsgirl’s ponte leggings and swing tanks in colours like chartreuse. Great basics for building a winter outfit. xx
We didn’t get to Sportsgirl but will do next time … she’ll top this haul up with stuff she wants to buy with her own money!
I bought 3 nighties as I am having a hysterectomy on Friday and I’ve been told I’ll want to have comfortable (and decent) nightwear! Dunno if they’ll get much wear after that – not usually a nightie girl!
Oh Janet all the best for the operation and recovery – I guess you can’t have things fastening across your stomach?
My 12 year old daughter is quite tall, but also slim – makes shopping challenging! We’ve found Cotton On, Jay Jays & Glassons have x-small or xx-small that seem to fit, but can sometimes look a little old on her. Target etc don’t fit as they are too short & wide. Any other suggestions for shops? Would love to find her some more great things!
I’m ski trip shopping too. Anaconda has some great ski gear on sale that I have been snapping up for the kiddos.
Currently looking for an orangey/rust top to wear with jeans at a girly lunch though, with no luck….
Oh – fun – a family ski trip! Good luck with the orange top search. Let me know how you go.
Oh I want that vest – no shopping for me at all lately, just on the hunt for a cute little jacket for my toddler that he’ll be able to climb in, is not covered in tv characters, and isn’t too expensive. Our winter is only 2 months long in FNQ and he’s growing so quickly, can’t justify too much!
Same here in SEQ … very conscious of not needing much for now but with an eye on pieces that are more trans-seasonal and can be layered. Hope you find that jacket for your son – know what you mean about the TV characters!
I just bought a Clarisonic Mia – damn you and your convincing posts Nikki!!:)
Ooh that is on my dream list! Your skin is going to be fabulous!
Oh, you will LOVE it! I can’t live without Mia.
Also seed leopard print cardigan..everyone who has seen it on me has gone and bought it including my 60 YO mother! It is amazing on.
http://www.seedheritage.com/new-arrivals/leopard-print-cardi/w1/i1708844_1001285/
xx
Oh, classic – I love it!
Sass and Bide stand and deliver sequin skirt ($390!!!)..cant go without a bit of bling! I am wondering re your thoughts on sass and bide on a 35 year old like me..do you think it is too mutton? I know Paula Joye always wears it….
Sasha – I’m a HUGE fan of sass & bide and would wear more if it could fit me. I do buy their loose tops and just recently yellow scarf. I have a friend in her late 40s who rocks sass & bide like nobody’s business. Not mutton at all.
Hi Nikki, thanks for the encouragement. I saw the yellow scarf and wanted the bright neon jumper that matched the scarf but all sold out..i think they are re cutting it as was so popular!
Okay this is a little strange….
Last week I was thinking, if only Nikki did a blog about teen girls. I kid you not!
I’m bookmarking this for my daughter.
I love those Emerson tops I have a drawer full lol
Oh, that’s spooky! What else is in your head! The Emerson size 8 is perfect for my daughter – the jeans are slightly too big but good for wearing for casual.
The jeans didn’t fit my daughter “just right” either. Still, she’s now is the very proud owner of a couple of pairs of coloured jeans.
It’s so hard to find jeans when they’re in between kids and ladies clothes!
Love what you have bought for your daughter ,lovely capsule wardrobe ,and she is lucky to have a such a stylish mum to help her.Love the boots and coat ,she is going to look very chic in New Zealand.
If I was going to NY I would be waiting too,maybe you can score some out of season bargains ,and makeup is so much cheaper in the US…..so you had better stock up.
I have bought a nice colour block jumper tan red and black and 2 new scarves a plain black one,and an orange and tan one, some pj pants from Coles in a lovely mint and grey pattern and so soft and so cheap$15,a new lippy from maybeyline, the one you suggested mango diamonds and the best thing was something my sister got for me it’s a cream for eczema ,rashes,dermatitis and dry skin,called Caroline’s cream it’s great (I’m now allergic to my watch)nickel allergy:( and It has helped clear up the rash from that,and a new watch from catch of the day a guess ballet slipper watch in animal print.
I’m really hoping to get some summer bargains in NY, Lisa! And I can rely on you to share a good “confession” here. Stay tuned for more on Caroline’s Cream. It’s amazing, isn’t it?!
Yes sure is!! that Caroline’s cream is THE BEST ,looking forward to hearing more!!
I just bought the mysteriously-named Black Ice wrap from Seafolly. Birdsnest delivered it very quickly and it’s just lovely with a black top, black ponte leggings and black or brown boots. It drapes so nicely and the colours are surprisingly rich. Very happy.
Oh, that sounds like my kind of wrap! Great buy.
Melissa shoes online. A pair of Vivienne Westwood Temptation II in pale pink and Edson Matsuo’s Celestial in mustard gloss.
Finances suggested otherwise, but they had them in MY SIZE!!! (which generally runs out fast) What else is a woman to do?
Exactly … what’s a woman to do … you’ve come to the right place. We understand 😉
Forgot to mention – also purchased the charcoal short ‘condom’ dress to add to my collection of SEED dresses (have 2 maxi dresses in black & persimmon? [orange-ish]).
Oh brilliant! That will look fantastic with tights and boots.
I recently went looking for new eye-shadows. Have sensitive skin so it can be tricky. Ended up splurging on some Dior – helped with a $40 gift voucher. Felt a little ill over the price, however have found it to be FANTASTIC. It goes on so nicely, looks fantastic (loads of comments on how well I’m looking) and lasts ALL DAY. Well worth the splurge.
And you should get a long time out of it as the colour would be pigment rich and you don’t need so much each time!
I like your mantra for NY – am heading over there in September, which is a bit further away, but I think I will apply that question when I am tempted too!!
How exciting Sarah!? And it’s funny, because I am going in August, in my mind winter’s already done … I don’t need more winter clothes. I’m all about spring 😉
I recently bought two skater skirts from Dotti – one is mustard the other a very convincing pleather. Being 6-foot tall means often these skirts look way too short and childish but I’ve worn both to work so far and received compliments! Also bought a gorgeous black Cue dress with a box pleat skirt and orange detail on the collar for 50% off ($109 down from $220) — WINNER!
Clearly those skirts are very ok Meg! And wow, the dress, amazing!!
What a successful shopping trip! I too usually shop for specific items and like to scan the area quickly and move on if i dont find what i’m after. As for confessions I have 4 words Oroton Online Outlet Sale! I purchased a handbag, wallet and umberella paid just over $200 for roughly $700 worth of items – how could I say no?? I also bought a new stroller on sale last week which is bringing me a disturbing amount of joy 🙂
Erin – the only reason I didn’t it the Oroton Online Outlet Sale was my upcoming trip – I shall live vicariously through your bargains!
I discovered Sacha Drake, and bought a black dress. This one, to be precise. Hopefully it looks all right… http://goo.gl/l0gd8
I wanted to buy another, but just couldn’t justify it… yet…
I’ve been a huge Sacha Drake fan for about 7 years now. My go-to place for frocks for any season and love supporting a QLD designer.
I went out on the weekend to buy the ‘perfect’ blue and white striped, long sleeved, boat neck tee. (I have a big meeting tomorrow and had it in my head that a pair of leather pants and the stripes would be PERFECT). I came home with a vintage red and grey harlequin print vintage leather shell top. yah. such a successful mission! So,..if you know where the perfect striped tee is,.please tell me!?!?!? JF X
Oh, I hate it when I have a vision that I can fulfil! I will keep my eyes out and good luck with the meeting!
I love the vest Nicki. Would love to see a post from you on vest options for a ummmm ….more mature audience …..
Great idea, Susan … I’d wear this if I wasn’t so busty – it’s not an age thing it just would not flatter me. I prefer open drapey styles that are a bit longer.
I have had a big shop lately. My daughter was a guest speaker at a function on friday night, along with Pru Goward, our local Member of Parliament, The local Police Commander, and Our school Principal. This was a function to celebrate about 20 young girls completing a 20 week course. This course is for young girls who have been identified as ones who might choose another path than staying in school- for whatever reason (- socio economic, low self esteem/confidence etc). The course has boosted them and made them feel like they can achieve ANYTHING. My daughter spoke as a role model of someone their own age who has achieved something pretty huge through really hard work and a fair bit of support from us and other whipcrackers.
Anway the shopping for an outfit for this was nothing short of a marathon spanned over 2 afternoons- WE have very little choice in this small town. We already had a beautiful dress I had bought for her last year that she had not worn- turqouise thick silk satin, A line with a low back and rosettes at the base of the back. WE had been having little fights about it, daughter wanted to wear a belt with it and I said she wasn’t to wear it if she was going to ruin it like that. We also realised that she should be looking great but not outshining the girls. So off we went. $380 at one boutique, 2 dresses, a jacket and leggings. plus two $20 marco polo dresses for me from the sales rack ( this shop has the most amazing sales racks!!!). The next day I thought about it and asked around at work and found that the girls were going to be in ball gowns, so our thursday purchase were not quite good enough. HHHmn, so friday arvo back into town to 2 more expensive boutiques NOTHING! Everyone else had bought heaps for the races! then we went around the corner to a little shop that I had never been in before, I had not ever liked the things in there, but we found 2 fantastic dresses for $60 each, daughter loved them (and more importantly would feel comfortable doing the public speaking) As you can see I am all about having choices! She chose a little short cream/gold lace dress with a high front neck and little peter pan black collar with the black jacket over the top. Looked great- but not better than the stars of the night.
She was comfortable, spoke beautifully, danced with the girls and could crack her whips in it( and missed the million dollar chandeliers in the ballroom!) We were all happy!
Oh, what a wonderful story, Mummaducka. You must be so proud of your daughter. It really is tough in regional areas when under a time limit and choices are limited. Even for me, we don’t have same choices as the city but being able to jump online and find a coat that would not be in stores here was so easy – it will be here in a couple of days!
What a fun shopping trip. Went shopping with my sister on the weekend for the first time in a very long time (I have a baby girl who isn’t a fan of shopping…yet) and enjoyed it. A productive shopping trip is sure to put a smile on one’s face 🙂
Oh, I’m glad you got out to enjoy some sister shopping time!