Ooh, this was a fun read, Gillian, thank you! I love seeing how other people organize and categorize things. I also get "I need this!" stuck in my head - eg. I need a red sweater! And then I thrift a bunch, none of them work...and back I go. On the plus side, I do re-sell them all.
Although I'm not really a wishlist person, I'm on the lookout for...more weird Adidas, Interesting Skirts, and Amazing Blazers. Just to be super-vague, but that's thrifting for ya.
Ah, the fun and frustration of thrifting!! Tell me more about these weird Adidas - is there a particular style or colorway that you're after? And thrifting is the BEST for blazers - nothing beats a vintage wool blazer imo!
And thank you, Sheila! I'm so happy you enjoyed the newsletter 🫶🏻
Absolutely love The Horse bags now… adding to wish list for birthday….
Anyway I just hopped on to get in on the chat about a red top. I had a thing for red a while ago and I love your two choices but I was lucky enough to thrift a boxy short pure wool one from Olive last year and, the thing is, I’ve not worn it much.
But why? I like everything about it. It’s good against my greying hair, lovely fit, warm, there’s nothing I dislike about it. But, I realised that I’m just not keen on having bright colours near my face. I think it distracts me if it’s too close to my eyes or something. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never fully committed to any bright top and I think this is why: they tire me out a bit - maybe? I need to have a lie down in the afternoon if I wear them. Is that crazy? I can hang them up and enjoy looking at them and I love the idea of them, but I think they’re better as an accessory than a whole day, on all day type of item for me.
Ah those Babaa ones just look the absolute softest. I’m sure you will love it! It does look nice and deep in colour too so will feel rich and luxurious. Hope you love it!
I allowed myself to be bought a chocolate brown jumper for Mother’s Day too, even though I said this was not allowed in my no-buy year. I have learned from this though that I really mustn’t look at any resale sites at all if I want to be successful for the rest of the year because I let my mum talk me into that one. Why is she even buying ME gifts for mother’s day?? My mum is a terrible influence in this regard. So, I’ve slipped on that one rule but otherwise I’m holding on pretty well to the no buy year. I allowed shoes (which I wasn’t counting as clothes) because I just needed walking boots for a personal challenge and I also bought an under vest which I’m counting as allowed underwear which I did say I’d allow from the start.
While this is all starting to sound a little loose even to me, I would say that having consumed up to 5 items per week almost every week of last year (omg I’m embarrassed to write that! All thrifted) to have had 2-3 rule allowances in three months is still pretty good going. However, I did need to have a word with myself and not let myself cheat or expand any more rules. I need to stop looking online to do that. It has made me so aware of the accounts I follow people who are still pushing affiliate links. Anyway hoo you love the Babaa when it comes and happy Mothers’ Day!
I’m so excited to be able to wear the babaa - it came last week but Mother’s Day isn’t until May so I’ll have to wait a little while longer to see it but I think it’ll be worth the wait! I’m getting so good at delayed gratification 😂
It sounds like the no buy is going really well for you, Kate! I also allowed gifts during my no buy year and I hope that you love your new jumper. It also sounds like you are learning what your shopping triggers are which I think is one of the most important things to come out of a no buy, along with the confidence of knowing that you can go for an extended period of time without shopping. Don’t beat yourself up over a few purchases that you needed to make - You are doing great!!
Would be such a lovely gift! Aren't they just gorgeous?!?
Haha not crazy at all! I think it was a good purchase, simply for the purpose of learning that you don't like bright colors near your face which will save you from wasting money on similar items! I hardly wore my red leather jacket because it felt too bold in color and material but having a red sweater seems softer somehow - I really hope I'm right because I ordered the Babaa sweater today ( to have as a Mother's Day gift) 😅
Oooh, you’ve curated a great list! I can definitely see the Etnodim White linen shirt fitting right in with your wardrobe. I’ve got sandals and oversized tees on my mind!
I love that colourblock vest, which looks as though it might be quite easy to make... and that green bag that's reminiscent of the Loewe puzzle is gorgeous (the only designer bag I lust after). I also love the v-neck red sweater - I have a couple of sweaters with that high v, and I really love how the neckline feels a bit more modern, but still keeps me warm!
I did not draw the parallel between the horse bag and the puzzle bag but I can totally see it now - the puzzle bag is also the only designer bag that I lust after but I doubt I will ever buy it! I think I have convinced my family that the v neck sweater would be a great mothers day gift and I was made aware of a babaa discount code to be shared on the Cup of Jo blog tomorrow!
Love it! I have that Clementine bag in my wishlist too might get it next month 😊. I really like that 2nd car coat. I’ve been looking for something like that for over a year. I like the colour.
I love the green and that was my first choice too, but I also love the richness of the coffee color! I never thought that I’d want to wear brown anymore but I find myself so attracted to the darker shades.
Such a good, well documented wish list, Gillian. As it comes to basic t-shirts, if you have access to the brands, I do recommend Arket and COS. And then reg a flat ballerina type of shoe - definitely Aeyde. You can find so many summer appropriate Aeyde models on Vestiaire 🙌🏻😌
Thanks Ewelina! It was nice to get it all written out this way. Thanks for the t-shirt recs - I've looked at Arket in the past but I can't get that here :( Do you find the flats to be true to size?
I wear L in the women's style, and for this men's style I wear the XS -- just a little boxier but not too boxy so I don't feel sloppy. I also have one in XL for the days I want a super baggy fit. You can't get a better white cotton tee at this price point, IMO. It has a proper high crewneck and the sleeves on the men's one hit a little longer than the women's, which I quite like! Also it's completely opaque.
Haha I don't think you're enabling, just providing me with more options, which I very much appreciate! I've really fallen in love with the Babaa sweater and I think I've convinced my family that it would be a great Mother's Day gift 😆 but that Uniqlo tee looks so good! Is it as thick as it seems?
This was sooo fascinating. I really admire the amount of effort and organisation you put into hunting down the perfect item. And that embroidered white shirt immediately reminded me of your horses shirt, in the sense that every outfit you wear with it you love how fun it feels. It's not the same same, but it looks also really fun and visually engaging. My effort into clothes/wardrobe is just about nil haha, apart from what I knit and sew.
Thanks Ellen! I found it really helpful to get it all written out like this! I love how you drew a comparison between the embroidered shirt and my horse shirt and agree that the fun of wearing it would be similar. And that sounds like the most perfect wardrobe - are you working on anything at the moment?
I recently knitted a jumper specifically for an overseas trip which was super fun. I have a cosy cardigan on the needles now and also bought some mint green fleecey material, going to make some trackies for winter 😁 making myself "house clothes" feels like a luxury but it's so worth it
That sounds perfect! Knitting is a skill that I dream of learning, but I have a hard time finding the patience to sit down and learn it, so for now, I will live vicariously through you and settle for sewing 😆 I got the idea last night that I'd like to make the wattlebird dress by common stitch last night. I already have the pattern from making the cami a few years ago and I think I'll use some black cotton that I have.
I keep my wishlist in a Pinterest folder. I like having the visuals all there in one place and I can instantly identify which ones have to go and which ones I still want. I actually own a pair of the alohas sway in brown and they are my most comfortable and loved ballet flat. I did have to size up from my usual size but the exchange was really easy and free. I have emailed them about sizing a couple of times now and each time they sent me a 10% off code so it may be worth getting in contact before purchasing. I am also dreaming of a pair of white ballet flats and have a pair on my wishlist but something is holding me back.
Being able to see all the items all in one place like a Pinterest board must be so helpful! Thank you for sharing about the Alohas flats - that is so helpful!
I love all of this and I think I just found the perfect car coat while thrifting in the Hamptons! So sweet of you to link to me and ooooohhhhh I still want that asymmetrical vest and I also love the top you included. One day!
This was so fun to read! I’m looking forward to the follow up when you start getting some of these. That AYR white T is perfect. I wish I wasn’t so scared that I would ruin it on the first wear.
I really like your wishlist items! I’m also on the lookput for a trench/carcoat a not fussy one haha in a warm light colored ecru tone. A few days ago I ordered the a. Emery flats in the light color. I will make a picture when they arrive and post in the community! I ordered two sizes to fit and just look how they work with my wardrobe. I’m curious if the color is right for me and how comfortoble they are around the house. I still hope I can buy them somewhere with a discount. I now had a discount of 10% but they were €260,- (€236 after promo) would love to have a better deal on them 🤣. Ordering from the original website is very pricey for me because of import/duties/delivery cost. But if they are perfect I think they would be worth the price thought!
That would be so great - I would love to hear what you think of the flats! Did you post about them in the community chat before? Maybe that’s how I learned about them 🤔 I think the light color is beautiful and would be so perfect for spring/summer! They are definitely pricey but I’m justifying the thought of buying them with the fact that I’ll love them for years (assuming the quality is really good).
I did and also about the ‘the horse’ bag haha!! I think we have a bit the same style 😁 yeah I also feel the same. It’s such a timeless shoe! I keep you updated ❤️
The color of that red vneck sweater at the top is perfect.
Right?!? I ended up ordering it as a mothers day gift so I have to wait until May to finally see it but I think it’ll be worth the wait!
It’s great! I love red and am always on the search for the perfect red. Warmer reds don’t look good on me.
Ooh, this was a fun read, Gillian, thank you! I love seeing how other people organize and categorize things. I also get "I need this!" stuck in my head - eg. I need a red sweater! And then I thrift a bunch, none of them work...and back I go. On the plus side, I do re-sell them all.
Although I'm not really a wishlist person, I'm on the lookout for...more weird Adidas, Interesting Skirts, and Amazing Blazers. Just to be super-vague, but that's thrifting for ya.
Ah, the fun and frustration of thrifting!! Tell me more about these weird Adidas - is there a particular style or colorway that you're after? And thrifting is the BEST for blazers - nothing beats a vintage wool blazer imo!
And thank you, Sheila! I'm so happy you enjoyed the newsletter 🫶🏻
Absolutely love The Horse bags now… adding to wish list for birthday….
Anyway I just hopped on to get in on the chat about a red top. I had a thing for red a while ago and I love your two choices but I was lucky enough to thrift a boxy short pure wool one from Olive last year and, the thing is, I’ve not worn it much.
But why? I like everything about it. It’s good against my greying hair, lovely fit, warm, there’s nothing I dislike about it. But, I realised that I’m just not keen on having bright colours near my face. I think it distracts me if it’s too close to my eyes or something. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never fully committed to any bright top and I think this is why: they tire me out a bit - maybe? I need to have a lie down in the afternoon if I wear them. Is that crazy? I can hang them up and enjoy looking at them and I love the idea of them, but I think they’re better as an accessory than a whole day, on all day type of item for me.
Ah those Babaa ones just look the absolute softest. I’m sure you will love it! It does look nice and deep in colour too so will feel rich and luxurious. Hope you love it!
I allowed myself to be bought a chocolate brown jumper for Mother’s Day too, even though I said this was not allowed in my no-buy year. I have learned from this though that I really mustn’t look at any resale sites at all if I want to be successful for the rest of the year because I let my mum talk me into that one. Why is she even buying ME gifts for mother’s day?? My mum is a terrible influence in this regard. So, I’ve slipped on that one rule but otherwise I’m holding on pretty well to the no buy year. I allowed shoes (which I wasn’t counting as clothes) because I just needed walking boots for a personal challenge and I also bought an under vest which I’m counting as allowed underwear which I did say I’d allow from the start.
While this is all starting to sound a little loose even to me, I would say that having consumed up to 5 items per week almost every week of last year (omg I’m embarrassed to write that! All thrifted) to have had 2-3 rule allowances in three months is still pretty good going. However, I did need to have a word with myself and not let myself cheat or expand any more rules. I need to stop looking online to do that. It has made me so aware of the accounts I follow people who are still pushing affiliate links. Anyway hoo you love the Babaa when it comes and happy Mothers’ Day!
I’m so excited to be able to wear the babaa - it came last week but Mother’s Day isn’t until May so I’ll have to wait a little while longer to see it but I think it’ll be worth the wait! I’m getting so good at delayed gratification 😂
It sounds like the no buy is going really well for you, Kate! I also allowed gifts during my no buy year and I hope that you love your new jumper. It also sounds like you are learning what your shopping triggers are which I think is one of the most important things to come out of a no buy, along with the confidence of knowing that you can go for an extended period of time without shopping. Don’t beat yourself up over a few purchases that you needed to make - You are doing great!!
Would be such a lovely gift! Aren't they just gorgeous?!?
Haha not crazy at all! I think it was a good purchase, simply for the purpose of learning that you don't like bright colors near your face which will save you from wasting money on similar items! I hardly wore my red leather jacket because it felt too bold in color and material but having a red sweater seems softer somehow - I really hope I'm right because I ordered the Babaa sweater today ( to have as a Mother's Day gift) 😅
Oooh, you’ve curated a great list! I can definitely see the Etnodim White linen shirt fitting right in with your wardrobe. I’ve got sandals and oversized tees on my mind!
Thanks Reiko! Isn't it just such a work of art?!? And those sound just perfect!
I love that colourblock vest, which looks as though it might be quite easy to make... and that green bag that's reminiscent of the Loewe puzzle is gorgeous (the only designer bag I lust after). I also love the v-neck red sweater - I have a couple of sweaters with that high v, and I really love how the neckline feels a bit more modern, but still keeps me warm!
I did not draw the parallel between the horse bag and the puzzle bag but I can totally see it now - the puzzle bag is also the only designer bag that I lust after but I doubt I will ever buy it! I think I have convinced my family that the v neck sweater would be a great mothers day gift and I was made aware of a babaa discount code to be shared on the Cup of Jo blog tomorrow!
Perfect!
Love it! I have that Clementine bag in my wishlist too might get it next month 😊. I really like that 2nd car coat. I’ve been looking for something like that for over a year. I like the colour.
Ooo, what color are you thinking of getting? Re: the car coat - I love the color too - it feels different for a car coat!
I’m getting it in green! You?
I love the green and that was my first choice too, but I also love the richness of the coffee color! I never thought that I’d want to wear brown anymore but I find myself so attracted to the darker shades.
Such a good, well documented wish list, Gillian. As it comes to basic t-shirts, if you have access to the brands, I do recommend Arket and COS. And then reg a flat ballerina type of shoe - definitely Aeyde. You can find so many summer appropriate Aeyde models on Vestiaire 🙌🏻😌
Thanks Ewelina! It was nice to get it all written out this way. Thanks for the t-shirt recs - I've looked at Arket in the past but I can't get that here :( Do you find the flats to be true to size?
Sorry if I'm enabling, but it just so happened that I was just admiring this red cotton Polo sweater today on ebay: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/205323445289. As well as this red Eddie Bauer henley: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/205323445289. I especially love the henley!
Also I live in this men's Uniqlo U 100% cotton crewneck (not the Airism or Supima cotton ones) - https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E422992-000/00?colorDisplayCode=00&sizeDisplayCode=003
I wear L in the women's style, and for this men's style I wear the XS -- just a little boxier but not too boxy so I don't feel sloppy. I also have one in XL for the days I want a super baggy fit. You can't get a better white cotton tee at this price point, IMO. It has a proper high crewneck and the sleeves on the men's one hit a little longer than the women's, which I quite like! Also it's completely opaque.
Haha I don't think you're enabling, just providing me with more options, which I very much appreciate! I've really fallen in love with the Babaa sweater and I think I've convinced my family that it would be a great Mother's Day gift 😆 but that Uniqlo tee looks so good! Is it as thick as it seems?
I have this tshirt from Uniqlo too and agree it’s perfect and great value.
Thanks for this feedback, Melissa!
This was sooo fascinating. I really admire the amount of effort and organisation you put into hunting down the perfect item. And that embroidered white shirt immediately reminded me of your horses shirt, in the sense that every outfit you wear with it you love how fun it feels. It's not the same same, but it looks also really fun and visually engaging. My effort into clothes/wardrobe is just about nil haha, apart from what I knit and sew.
Thanks Ellen! I found it really helpful to get it all written out like this! I love how you drew a comparison between the embroidered shirt and my horse shirt and agree that the fun of wearing it would be similar. And that sounds like the most perfect wardrobe - are you working on anything at the moment?
I recently knitted a jumper specifically for an overseas trip which was super fun. I have a cosy cardigan on the needles now and also bought some mint green fleecey material, going to make some trackies for winter 😁 making myself "house clothes" feels like a luxury but it's so worth it
That sounds perfect! Knitting is a skill that I dream of learning, but I have a hard time finding the patience to sit down and learn it, so for now, I will live vicariously through you and settle for sewing 😆 I got the idea last night that I'd like to make the wattlebird dress by common stitch last night. I already have the pattern from making the cami a few years ago and I think I'll use some black cotton that I have.
I keep my wishlist in a Pinterest folder. I like having the visuals all there in one place and I can instantly identify which ones have to go and which ones I still want. I actually own a pair of the alohas sway in brown and they are my most comfortable and loved ballet flat. I did have to size up from my usual size but the exchange was really easy and free. I have emailed them about sizing a couple of times now and each time they sent me a 10% off code so it may be worth getting in contact before purchasing. I am also dreaming of a pair of white ballet flats and have a pair on my wishlist but something is holding me back.
Being able to see all the items all in one place like a Pinterest board must be so helpful! Thank you for sharing about the Alohas flats - that is so helpful!
Love the shirt from Etnodim. So pretty!
Their clothing is so beautiful!
I love all of this and I think I just found the perfect car coat while thrifting in the Hamptons! So sweet of you to link to me and ooooohhhhh I still want that asymmetrical vest and I also love the top you included. One day!
Another great piece. I love reading your work.
YAY!!! I'm so happy for you! The thrift gods were smiling down on you 😆
I laughed at the casual "House" in the middle of some clothing. "I'll get this red cropped cardi, a Chanel bag aaanndd... a house!"
Sounds like an expensive wishlist 😂
This was so fun to read! I’m looking forward to the follow up when you start getting some of these. That AYR white T is perfect. I wish I wasn’t so scared that I would ruin it on the first wear.
So glad you enjoyed it, Annette! It really does look like the perfect T, doesn’t it! Maybe no coffee on those days 😂
Yes! And an old T shirt over if when I eat. Kind of like a toddler 🤣
I'm sure this level of self-awareness has saved many tops 😂
Cup of Jo blog is going to have a babaa discount code available on Monday. May be your opportunity for that red sweater 😉
Thank you so much for this! I’ve never heard of a discount for them - will definitely check this out!
I really like your wishlist items! I’m also on the lookput for a trench/carcoat a not fussy one haha in a warm light colored ecru tone. A few days ago I ordered the a. Emery flats in the light color. I will make a picture when they arrive and post in the community! I ordered two sizes to fit and just look how they work with my wardrobe. I’m curious if the color is right for me and how comfortoble they are around the house. I still hope I can buy them somewhere with a discount. I now had a discount of 10% but they were €260,- (€236 after promo) would love to have a better deal on them 🤣. Ordering from the original website is very pricey for me because of import/duties/delivery cost. But if they are perfect I think they would be worth the price thought!
That would be so great - I would love to hear what you think of the flats! Did you post about them in the community chat before? Maybe that’s how I learned about them 🤔 I think the light color is beautiful and would be so perfect for spring/summer! They are definitely pricey but I’m justifying the thought of buying them with the fact that I’ll love them for years (assuming the quality is really good).
I did and also about the ‘the horse’ bag haha!! I think we have a bit the same style 😁 yeah I also feel the same. It’s such a timeless shoe! I keep you updated ❤️
Haha I think we might!! You have great taste - I don't think I would have found either of those items on my own!