2025 Resolution: Shopping my own Bag and SLG Collection

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I have been dealing with DH stuff for two-weeks straight. One step forward and two steps back. I am so tired and numb if I am brutally honest. Having my stitches out hardly registered (I still need to buy supplements). My dear auntie and cousin have been great as well as my colleagues at work. I am very grateful for these amazing people around me (all of you too - and I know so many are going through such difficult times too) :hugs:

I tried on a pair of cotton navy trousers today - just Cos, not expensive, but I did NOT buy. They looked great, but I need to check what I have already. They would make a great addition for AW working wardrobe. I can't see them with a velvet jacket nor tweed. They are very 'Dramatic Classic' if you know what that is (I've been typed DC :blah: but I usually hate the recommended looks on me). All I can think of to go with the trousers is a blouse or shirt, maybe tank-top or waistcoat (vest) then something 'mad' as outerwear. Maybe a graphic tee worn with a fedora hat. I don't want to think I am stress shopping though, and as you know I already bought a McQueen dress this week so I need to cool off from the shopping fever :sweatdrop:.
I'm sorry it's been so tough. :sad: Wishing you and your husband the best! :hugs:

I used to be such a stress shopper pre-pandemic. I'm pretty sure at least 30% of what I bought was from stress. I was growing in my career, and my favorite thing to do was just to go shopping. It was, daresay, a hobby at that time. :rolleyes::giggle:
Wow, you had my dream job! :love: I think original Levis designs hold their own completely, I just can't deal with the weird mix of fabrics now.

I haven't been into jeans for a while. I think, it's since I've needed to dress down jackets and bored of skirts. I like to break down suits and rework them. I have a pair of Dolce & Gabbana suit trousers on the rail at the end of my bed that need shortening right now (I put them there to remind me to do it). I've worn the jacket many times but never liked the whole beige pinstripe suit worn together. I'll wear the trousers with a vest (tank) a white shirt unbuttoned over and skinny scarf for trans-seasonal wear. It'll be hot next week here, but it can't be too long until the weather freshens.

I feel like I've finally gotten back into jeans! From middle school, to high school, to college, that was basically all I wore. I got super sick of them. And then I went into the world of trousers and suits, and felt jeans were just too stiff or restricting and thought I would never go back.
But I guess, never say never. :lol: Now I love those wide leg or more baggy fit jeans, especially ones that have sort of been "softened up". For more relaxed silhouettes, I actually don't like if there too much stretch in them. I think I like the feeling of a denim when it's feels like a heavier fabric than something super stretchy.
I still have a couple of skinny jeans to pull out from time to time for a specific look. Mostly wear those in fall/winter.
Still cannot go back to skinny jeans in California summer, lol, I don't know how I did it back then! :P
 
I have been dealing with DH stuff for two-weeks straight. One step forward and two steps back. I am so tired and numb if I am brutally honest. Having my stitches out hardly registered (I still need to buy supplements). My dear auntie and cousin have been great as well as my colleagues at work. I am very grateful for these amazing people around me (all of you too - and I know so many are going through such difficult times too) :hugs:

I tried on a pair of cotton navy trousers today - just Cos, not expensive, but I did NOT buy. They looked great, but I need to check what I have already. They would make a great addition for AW working wardrobe. I can't see them with a velvet jacket nor tweed. They are very 'Dramatic Classic' if you know what that is (I've been typed DC :blah: but I usually hate the recommended looks on me). All I can think of to go with the trousers is a blouse or shirt, maybe tank-top or waistcoat (vest) then something 'mad' as outerwear. Maybe a graphic tee worn with a fedora hat. I don't want to think I am stress shopping though, and as you know I already bought a McQueen dress this week so I need to cool off from the shopping fever :sweatdrop:.
Sending you hugs sweetheart. :hugs:
 
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I'm sorry it's been so tough. :sad: Wishing you and your husband the best! :hugs:

I used to be such a stress shopper pre-pandemic. I'm pretty sure at least 30% of what I bought was from stress. I was growing in my career, and my favorite thing to do was just to go shopping. It was, daresay, a hobby at that time. :rolleyes::giggle:


I feel like I've finally gotten back into jeans! From middle school, to high school, to college, that was basically all I wore. I got super sick of them. And then I went into the world of trousers and suits, and felt jeans were just too stiff or restricting and thought I would never go back.
But I guess, never say never. :lol: Now I love those wide leg or more baggy fit jeans, especially ones that have sort of been "softened up". For more relaxed silhouettes, I actually don't like if there too much stretch in them. I think I like the feeling of a denim when it's feels like a heavier fabric than something super stretchy.
I still have a couple of skinny jeans to pull out from time to time for a specific look. Mostly wear those in fall/winter.
Still cannot go back to skinny jeans in California summer, lol, I don't know how I did it back then! :P

I need a month on ban-island - and no shopping save for food. I think it will actually be good for me to STOP. At least to the end of August.

I have a feeling I shop more at this time of year because I'm looking forward to AW, but also thinking about next Summer (with sales bargains). It was the same last year and the year before. I hate being beaten by others to the best of the best so I go hunting in the new stock soon as it arrives, and whilst I'm in-store I browse the sale rail, same online. Next year I need a plan to distract myself. I have so (too) much already.

Having said that, my navy trousers should be here on Wednesday, and it is fun and a silly diversion to plan what I'll wear them with. I have a few things I'll take to the charity shop at the same time.

Skinny jeans are both warmer in the Summer and colder in the Winter - but apparently they are back (if people want).

Sending you hugs sweetheart. :hugs:

:hugs:Thank you
 
Kind of, :lol: defiantly the clip-on large earrings. Minus the Dynasty hair and makeup I hope

View attachment 6213046View attachment 6213047

I like pencil skirts but I can't wear DMs with them and they would definitely slow down my commute
Thanks for the photos! I’m still struggling to understand the style as it’s being offered now - especially since the second photo showed coats over the outfits and I can’t see them. I’ll have to Google.
I need a month on ban-island - and no shopping save for food. I think it will actually be good for me to STOP. At least to the end of August.

I have a feeling I shop more at this time of year because I'm looking forward to AW, but also thinking about next Summer (with sales bargains). It was the same last year and the year before. I hate being beaten by others to the best of the best so I go hunting in the new stock soon as it arrives, and whilst I'm in-store I browse the sale rail, same online. Next year I need a plan to distract myself. I have so (too) much already.

Having said that, my navy trousers should be here on Wednesday, and it is fun and a silly diversion to plan what I'll wear them with. I have a few things I'll take to the charity shop at the same time.

Skinny jeans are both warmer in the Summer and colder in the Winter - but apparently they are back (if people want).



:hugs:Thank you
I’m happily ensconced on ban island and am here to welcome you if you want to come by for a stay! I have no intention to buy any time soon as I’m reintroducing myself to what I have - the very definition of shopping my closet. This last 5 years has been a series of circumstances which hampered my ability to dress well - Covid isolation, brain tumor, 2 other surgeries, other sickness, weight gain… It’s been hellish and hard to stay positive.

So to be able to peek my head out of the hole a bit and enjoy what I have feels like a joyful exhale and cautiously hopeful view of the future.

And skinny jeans are back? I can’t keep up. :lol: I’ll always keep them for wearing with boots but I’m not so sure about embracing them for other uses. Do the ones this season look different from the ones that were in 8-10 years ago?
 
Thanks for the photos! I’m still struggling to understand the style as it’s being offered now - especially since the second photo showed coats over the outfits and I can’t see them. I’ll have to Google.

I’m happily ensconced on ban island and am here to welcome you if you want to come by for a stay! I have no intention to buy any time soon as I’m reintroducing myself to what I have - the very definition of shopping my closet. This last 5 years has been a series of circumstances which hampered my ability to dress well - Covid isolation, brain tumor, 2 other surgeries, other sickness, weight gain… It’s been hellish and hard to stay positive.

So to be able to peek my head out of the hole a bit and enjoy what I have feels like a joyful exhale and cautiously hopeful view of the future.

And skinny jeans are back? I can’t keep up. :lol: I’ll always keep them for wearing with boots but I’m not so sure about embracing them for other uses. Do the ones this season look different from the ones that were in 8-10 years ago?

The images are vintage. I will take a pic of the '80s glam 2025 trend board for you - lots of button earrings and statement jewellery, shoulder pads, funnel and collarless jackets, brass buttons, tulip and bubble hem skirts, luxe fabrics, skirt suits, leather and suede, romantic dresses. There's also a 70s revival too (isn't there always) with safari jackets and blazers. I think designers must be feeling nostalgic. Skinnies are mostly lower rise, some skinnies are low-elastane and worn looser but still tight to the leg. It's mostly a cleaner version rather than the boho/rock-chick. I think everyone will do their own jeans 'thing' but one thing is for sure, there are lots of jeans.

I am amazed by the strength of people, and you have been through so much. I am all for body positivity at any weight or shape, but I can only imagine it may feel like getting some part of 'you' back after illness and treatment and more treatment, to get back into your own wardrobe. I can only imagine.
 
The images are vintage. I will take a pic of the '80s glam 2025 trend board for you - lots of button earrings and statement jewellery, shoulder pads, funnel and collarless jackets, brass buttons, tulip and bubble hem skirts, luxe fabrics, skirt suits, leather and suede, romantic dresses. There's also a 70s revival too (isn't there always) with safari jackets and blazers. I think designers must be feeling nostalgic. Skinnies are mostly lower rise, some skinnies are low-elastane and worn looser but still tight to the leg. It's mostly a cleaner version rather than the boho/rock-chick. I think everyone will do their own jeans 'thing' but one thing is for sure, there are lots of jeans.

I am amazed by the strength of people, and you have been through so much. I am all for body positivity at any weight or shape, but I can only imagine it may feel like getting some part of 'you' back after illness and treatment and more treatment, to get back into your own wardrobe. I can only imagine.
I feel better in skinny jeans. When I put on looser jeans, maybe it is because I'm not used to the look, but I feel like I look fatter, less like me. I think jeggings and skin tight probably took the trend too far back when they were in style. I only feel comfortable wearing those with tall boots. I still have plenty that have been languishing in my closet.
 
I think I like the feeling of a denim when it's feels like a heavier fabric than something super stretchy.
Yes, absolutely. The super stretchiness was one of my issues with skinny jeans in the past because they would bag out after a while, especially the ones with lower rise. Or perhaps I was not buying the right, better quality premium denim brands?
It won't be 'fast fashion' if you get wear out of them.
This is a good point. However, some of these fast fashion pieces fall apart after one or two washes so not sure how much wear I will get out of them over a longer period of time. Hopefully they will hold up for at least a little while. Nonetheless, these pieces were helpful for me to try out the trend and know that it will work for me so I can buy them in better materials like silk or maybe even a soft, drapey linen.
I’m happily ensconced on ban island and am here to welcome you if you want to come by for a stay! I have no intention to buy any time soon as I’m reintroducing myself to what I have - the very definition of shopping my closet. This last 5 years has been a series of circumstances which hampered my ability to dress well - Covid isolation, brain tumor, 2 other surgeries, other sickness, weight gain… It’s been hellish and hard to stay positive.

So to be able to peek my head out of the hole a bit and enjoy what I have feels like a joyful exhale and cautiously hopeful view of the future.

And skinny jeans are back? I can’t keep up. :lol: I’ll always keep them for wearing with boots but I’m not so sure about embracing them for other uses. Do the ones this season look different from the ones that were in 8-10 years ago?
You have been through a lot the last few years. I hope things continue to get better and better for you as you recover from the health challenges. Hugs!:hugs:
I think everyone will do their own jeans 'thing' but one thing is for sure, there are lots of jeans.
This would be the ideal scenario: for people to wear the jean styles that suit them best!
I will be wearing wide leg jeans, barrel leg jeans and bootcuts this fall (in addition to the slim/straight jeans that I have been wearing the last few years). For wide leg and barrel, I plan to style them with fitted tops and fitted, shorter jackets to balance out the proportions. I've assembled all my fall stuff in one place but I am going to continue to enjoy summery clothing as long as it's warm. Summers fly by so fast!
 
Yes, absolutely. The super stretchiness was one of my issues with skinny jeans in the past because they would bag out after a while, especially the ones with lower rise. Or perhaps I was not buying the right, better quality premium denim brands?

This is a good point. However, some of these fast fashion pieces fall apart after one or two washes so not sure how much wear I will get out of them over a longer period of time. Hopefully they will hold up for at least a little while. Nonetheless, these pieces were helpful for me to try out the trend and know that it will work for me so I can buy them in better materials like silk or maybe even a soft, drapey linen.

You have been through a lot the last few years. I hope things continue to get better and better for you as you recover from the health challenges. Hugs!:hugs:

This would be the ideal scenario: for people to wear the jean styles that suit them best!
I will be wearing wide leg jeans, barrel leg jeans and bootcuts this fall (in addition to the slim/straight jeans that I have been wearing the last few years). For wide leg and barrel, I plan to style them with fitted tops and fitted, shorter jackets to balance out the proportions. I've assembled all my fall stuff in one place but I am going to continue to enjoy summery clothing as long as it's warm. Summers fly by so fast!
I feel like once I start wearing boots, I'm going to want jeans that are narrow in the ankle so I can tuck them in. Years ago, I used to try to buy jeans that fit over the boots but I haven't done that in years. Often bootcut wouldn't really fit well over boots.
 
I feel like once I start wearing boots, I'm going to want jeans that are narrow in the ankle so I can tuck them in. Years ago, I used to try to buy jeans that fit over the boots but I haven't done that in years. Often bootcut wouldn't really fit well over boots.
Agree, baby bootcut and straight styles (depending on the width at the bottom) don't always fit well over boots unless it's a sock boot or a boot with a short narrow opening. If you like boots, skinny or narrow pants are the best way to showcase a nice pair of boots. Cropped flares and cropped wide-leg styles also allow for showing off a nice boot since they're cropped but cropped styles are not my thing. The other way is to wear a sweater dress or a fall dress with long boots which is a cute look but will not work in slushy snow or severe weather. I have two pairs of knee length boots: one in black leather and one in a lovely cognac brown soft leather. I pair these boots with skinny pants. For really bad weather I have winter boots and rain boots, all paired with thick knit skinny style pants or skinny jeans. My other fall boots are all ankle boots with one or two reaching about mid-calf length if even that. I like my ankle boots but I don't like them so much that I am willing to wear skinnies to show them off, lol, so only my longer boots get paired with skinny jeans which is actually a nice look.

Speaking of boots, question for the group: What are your favorite pair of boots? What kind of boots do you love? Do you coordinate your boots with your handbags in terms of color? Share your boot collection (Pics of bags and boots welcome.)
 
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Speaking of boots, question for the group: What are your favorite pair of boots? What kind of boots do you love? Do you coordinate your boots with your handbags in terms of color? Share your boot collection (Pics of bags and boots welcome.)

My Guccis, which are all different, and H Land boots are my favourite

Gucci make outstanding boots and shoes IMO, sometimes just a horse bit or buckle, always such good proportions. Whereas newer offering from H seem to be a bit too logo-centric recently. Land boots have nothing bit their beautiful selves to recommend them.
I received the Quince Bella stretch wide leg jeans and they fit. I bought them in frosted blue and midnight blue. I preferred the midnight blue and my dh preferred the frosted blue, so both are staying. I hope they will eventually make straight legs one with a 32” inseam as well. View attachment 6213524

Lovely colour!
 
I saw a pair of Abercrombie and Fitch jeans yesterday-unfortunately, like most American clothes, they are vanity sized.

They claimed to be W23, or 000(not a size at all).

I carry a tape measure at all times, although I could see that they were too wide.
They were wider than my Diesel Slandy 24/32, which are also are bit large, and need washing after every wear to tighten them up-I haven’t tried them this year, that was last winter when I was slightly less toned.

I’m better with Japanese brands, as Japanese women tend to be very small with no hips(at least they were before McDonalds invaded Japan!).

When the weather cools down I’ll try on my Diesels.
 
I feel better in skinny jeans. When I put on looser jeans, maybe it is because I'm not used to the look, but I feel like I look fatter, less like me. I think jeggings and skin tight probably took the trend too far back when they were in style. I only feel comfortable wearing those with tall boots. I still have plenty that have been languishing in my closet.

I like most shapes but it's a pain to switch styles without planning as the proportions have to completely change. I'm Med height, so if I go wide and long on the bottom I have to go short and tight on the top or vice versa.
 
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