I dare say it’s time to share my Spring Wish List! In the past I’ve talked a lot about shopping triggers, shopping fasts and reducing my closet as much as possible but that’s certainly not to say that I don’t LOVE to shop. I just like to shop smart, responsibly and only once in a while. Now that I’ve spent over a year really honing in on my personal style I feel like I have a very good sense of what works for me and what doesn’t. I can resist impulses like a pro and my fear of missing out on trends and sales is almost non-existent. But that’s not to say I don’t still need to keep myself in check. So, with that in mind, I’m sharing my Spring Wish List along with my top tips for making a great list and the 5 questions I always ask myself before hitting that ever alluring ‘Complete Purchase’ button.
I thought long and hard about every item on this list and even though I won’t end up with all of them, I think any of them would be a great addition to my wardrobe and get a ton of use. So let’s jump in shall we?
1 – SAILOR PANT by Jesse Kamm – These were easily #1 on my Spring wish list. Yes, I said ‘were’ because I bought them, adore them and can’t wait to style and shoot them! Jesse Kamm’s sailor pant has long been a cult favourite and I’ve ogled them for years. Wide legs, high-waists and cropped hemlines are all the rage this Spring and 100% on board! I bought them in Salt White (because I’m both insane and a sucker for Spring whites) but they’re also available in a beautiful Iron Oxide, Piscine Blue, Navy Blue, Black. Made in the USA.
2 – CHARLTON BAG by Nisolo – As much as I love a good classic tote, I’ve found that over the last year or so I’ve been scaling down on my purse size and this one looks just right. I also find in the Spring/Summer I walk and bike a lot more than I drive so it’s nice to have a hands free option and a crossbody bag is my favourite solution. I also LOVE the colour and texture of this leather. Ethically Handmade in Peru.
3 – BLACK CLOGS by BRYR – I adore my sky high mule wedges from Rachel Comey but it would be great to have a slightly more wearable option for my day-to-day in the Spring/Summer seasons. A high-heel black clog would look great with everything in my closet and I particularly LOVE this peep-toe style by BRYR Clogs. Made in the USA. CLOG LOVERS! Where do you shop for yours? I’m having trouble deciding.
4 – GEORGIA DRESS by Elizabeth Suzann – If I could, I’d put everything from Elizabeth Suzann on my Wish List but the Georgia Tee Dress in Ivory Raw Silk has me seriously swooning. It’s just the most perfect Spring piece that can be dressed up or down and paired with 100 different items I already have. I’ll confess this little number is currently on it’s way to me and I can’t wait to reveal what I’ve been cooking up! Made in Nashville, TN.
5 – CIGAR RING by Attic – Investing in fine jewelry is something I’ve yet to do. I love my current selection of accessories but I have found that my rings that aren’t made from real gold tend to tarnish rather quickly. If and when I decide to take the plunge and purchase a piece of fine jewelry it will definitely be something like a simple, timeless cigar ring. 100% recycled gold made in Canada.
6 – MATCHING SET by Lauren Winter – This colour! Those proportions! LINEN! All my favourite things rolled into one look. I love how these pieces pair together but can totally see them on their own with other pieces from my closet. I may have to pull the trigger on this set as a little birthday prezzy to myself. Made in Portland, OR.
7 – CLASSIC BANDANA – I love the retro, Parisian, cowboy, outlaw vibes that a bandana gives off. It’s one of only a couple trends I’m giving into for Spring and I can’t wait to push my boundaries a little and test one out. I found a great one from A Peace Treaty via Need Supply, and ordered the bandana version of this silk scarf. I also love this one by Block Shop Textiles. Both made ethically in India.
8 – MODERN TRENCH by First Rite – I’ve had my eye on this simple, chic trench ever since the First Rite SS16 Look Book was released and I just hope it’s everything I imagine it to be once it’s finally available. I also have a serious crush on this one by Jesse Kamm. Both made in the USA.
So that’s my Spring Wish List! Time will tell what pieces actually make it into my closet but you can bet a few will be seen here on the blog.
HOW TO MAKE AN EFFECTIVE WISH LIST
Start by thinking about the next 3 months and ask yourself:
- What is the weather going to be?
- What activities will I be doing most?
- What is my budget?
- What do you genuinely need?
- Is there something I wished for this time last year?
Keep your list to 10 items or less, which sounds easier than it is.
Don’t settle! This is a wish list right? So don’t sell your dreams short by under cutting what you really want. If it means you can only put 3 things on the list that’s better than putting 6 things that aren’t what you 100% love.
Put the list away and forget about it for a few days. Next time you review it ask yourself if anything fell off your radar when you weren’t thinking about it. That’s a good sign that perhaps an item might not be as high a priority as you thought.
Run the numbers. If you were to actually buy everything on the list, what would that set you back? I always find this step to be a bit of a wake-up call and a bit of a buzz-kill but overall totally helpful.
Keep it handy. This is more important than it seems. If you keep it handy, on your phone or in your bag, you can refer to it when you’re tempted to impulse shop or if something else catches your eye. Compare what you’re tempted to get with what you really want. This quick comparison is usually all I need to remind myself to wait and save for the item that I know is worth it.
DOWNLOAD THE STYLE BEE WISH LIST HERE
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU BUY SOMETHING
So you’ve found something you really like. The fabric is good, the fit is great and it’s been made well (and hopefully responsibly). Yay! But before you pull the trigger take a moment to ask yourself the following:
1 | Does this fit my personal style? Start by defining your style and distilling it into a few words. Do the words you chose apply perfectly to this piece? If yes, that’s a good sign. If not, then it’s probably just an impulse and not something you’ll wear a lot. I’ve found this the most effective, on-the-fly, way to assess whether or not something will work for me.
2 | Can I afford it? Like, really, is it within my budget or am I stretching my finances? This one can be a downer but it’s so critical to feel good about a new purchase. Too many times I’ve gone over budget and felt pangs of buyer’s remorse.
3 | Do I have anything else like this? If no, that’s a good start. If yes, is it something you wear more than twice a week and could use an alternate of? I’m all for buying multiples of something you wear all the time, whether it’s a different colour option or a new fabric for a warmer season, but make sure you’re not drawn to something just because it’s like a piece you already have. Each item in your closet should play a relatively unique role.
4 | Can I think of three outfits I’d wear this with? If yes, great! As long as the outfits consist of things you currently own. If no, then it’s probably a pass unless it’s for a very special occasion.
5 | Can I take care of this? Too many times I’ve ignored the ‘Dry Clean Only’ care tags and figured, no big deal, to find after a couple wears (or less), it’s in the bottom of a bag waiting to be dropped off to the dry cleaner, where it will likely remain for at least a week or two. With the exception of wool or cashmere sweaters I try to stick to things I can launder myself.
If you’re 5 for 5 then I’d say go for it! If you’re under 5 I’d say hold out for something better.
I have these from Chamelion Clogs and I really like them! She also makes them in black and with or without a heel. https://www.etsy.com/listing/150556627/honey-brown-oiled-dalanna-low-heel-with?ref=shop_home_listings
Awesome! Thanks for the link and recommendation Amanda. xo
I love this plan! I am currently planning my spring and summer wardrobe as well. To your question on clogs: have you looked into Lotta from Stockholm? I have a pair of their high heeled clogs and they are amazing. Living in Amsterdam has been rough on most of my shoes (RIP all of my flats), but these clogs have proven resilient through it all.
I’m so happy you inquired about clogs! I own way to many pairs and absolutely love Sven clogs and No. 6. They are made in MN (I used like live in MN so could go to their warehouse sales). The bases are made in Sweden and Norway but the clogs are lasted and finished in MN. My favorite part is that they finish the bases with a special waterproof paint made by a company in MN for boats. The No. 6 are a bit more pricy because of the designer, but Sven has some nice options too. They also sometimes have great items in the close out section: https://www.svensclogs.com/closeouts.html/
I decided to get a custom Sven low base maryjane in a light tan last time I visited MN and I’m sooooo excited to wear them when the weather warms up.
A note on heel heights in bases: No. 6 bases are a bit narrower and only come in mid and high heels. The Svens have all sorts of options including low, medium, high, bendable, and different bases. Be sure to check out the base guide before ordering just to make sure you find the best base for you. I hope you find the clogs of your dreams!
Thanks so much Nicola! You are officially my go-to clog aficionado 🙂 I have a pair of No. 6 clogs, which I love but they’re a veg. tan leather and not as dirt resistant as I’d like. I do love that the base is coated/sealed. Thanks for the reco on Sven clogs! I was on the site today and there are so many great options! Love the Mary-Jane peep toe so much. Really appreciate you sharing your insight. xoxo
Helpful, fun post! One of the biggest challenges I face when shopping for S/S is shoe and sandal buying because I have narrow feet. I’ve ordered several clogs and sandals only to return them because my feet swim in them. So, if anyone has any recommendations for narrow clogs or sandals please share! I’ve been eyeing the Bryr Barcelona clogs but am afraid to order them for fear of being disappointed with the fit.
Number 6 clogs have a narrower base. Also I love all of my Sven Clogs (I own way too many). They are made in Minnesota and often have great close out deals. They have a narrower base and will do special orders. I hope you can find the clogs of your dreams!
I should clarify that Sven clogs have a narrow base as an option, not as the norm. 🙂
Thanks Alexandra! Totally agree with Nicola that No. 6 clogs run narrow. I have narrow feet too and they were snug on me until they wore in a bit. So that’s definitely an option! xo
Great piece Lee!
I’ve wanted a Blockshop textiles scarf, but had to push it back to my fall list. They’re so gorgeous, and made ethically, major plus!
Before I changed my shopping habits I used to do a lot of buying just because of trends, or sales, or on a whim. I still buy on sales, but only if it’s on my wish list already!
Emotional shopping is my biggest trigger still, to this day when I’am sad, or upset. Also, just knowing I can shop. Lol. That’s why I’am back on an April- June shopping fast. They work really well for me.
Last month I got 3 new Everlane tees for spring/ summer (1 uneck, and 2 pocket tees in white and charcoal), and 3 items I needed from Madewell (all 30% off- 2 sandals and one dress, since I had a pair of sandals break one me, one wore out and one pair got recalled last summer so I needed another pair and dresses are SO HARD for me to find because I only like cotton, and don’t like them to be short/ skimpy).
I don’t really need anything else, and am trying to cut down on shopping for wants, so I think I’m done with it.
Can’t wait to see your spring capsule. Clogs would be awesome, but the price doesn’t add up for me right now, those are probably my favorite from your list.
Have a good week- it’s snowing here and cold!
PS: If you haven’t ordered the new micro-stripe tee from Everlane, I got the u-neck in gray and it’s awesome( per usual)!
Hi Jodie! Thanks so much for sharing your shopping plans! I can totally relate to your emotional shopping triggers. That’s what usually gets me too. Sounds like you’ve picked up a few great pieces and I agree that finding the right dress can be hard. Love what you said about shopping for ‘wants’ vs ‘needs’ such a great insight! Glad to hear that shopping fasts are such a successful tool for you, I find the same. Thanks for the reco about the micro-stripe tee, I was so tempted to get it but I just don’t need any more t-shirts 🙂 All the best babe! xo
Thanks for the link to Bryr as well as your checklist for the wishlist. Since I’m not purchasing any RTW clothing this year, my list has to be either makeable or thriftable. One priority is a pair of khaki culottes or cropped pants. I’m mulling over the options – full or not so full? I made a list on my blog in January of some of the items I’m thinking about, but now I have a wardrobe journal, where I’m going to note when I couldn’t make an item work and why, which I hope will also point me in the direction of closet deficits.
Good for you Claudia! I really admire anyone who can make their own clothes. Something I’m definitely working towards! Culottes are one of my favourite shapes for this Spring/Summer. I’m not a huge fan of shorts so they’re a pleasant alternative for me. Your wardrobe journal sounds like a great tool to keep track of your progress. Keep at it! xo
Hi Lee! Love this wish list! I have had Lotta from Stockholm clogs on my own list for a while now. I don’t know if they are produced responsibly, but they might be worth checking out. The reviews I’ve read have touted them as super comfortable, and they are more affordable than most wooden clogs.
Thanks Kate! Lotta’s are on my list of clogs makers to check out so I’m glad to hear your recommendation. They’ve definitely got A LOT of options which is great and even with the exchange rate they seem reasonable. Thanks so much! xo