This autumn as I looked through Julia's clothing to see if she had enough + what would be needed to fill in the blanks, I started to get a little overwhelmed. Outfits were sketched, + a long list of items to look for formed. My budget did not seem up to the task, + I was getting stressed. Then it hit me...what if I tried to make Julia "a list".
My list of 25 or so everyday/all year pieces has worked out quite well, + Julia does not like having too many things in her closet either. I decided to just use the skeleton of my list... plug her existing pieces in...+ see what was lacking from that point. Wow...what a calming effect that decision had! Very quickly the shopping list became much smaller, + I felt that I knew just how to shape her wardrobe. It's also funny to me that when the list comes into play, the ability to let some things go (with less anxiety over whether they are helpful/necessary) gets easier. So not only did my shopping list shrink, some pieces were packed off to donate.
While making the list, I considered how Julia feels most comfortable, what she dresses for, special events, + weather. Julia is an individual + more into comfort than fashion...but I want her to fit in to some extent + do take "cool" into consideration (as far as she will wear it). We talked a little about all of it, + then I implemented my plans.
I was able to find three pre-owned, heavyweight, striped tops in brand names (Madewell + Everlane) I know quality-wise on eBay for good prices. I was also able to find a pair of pre-owned pants in just the size + style (Everlane) I was looking for on eBay. In the spring, we found a Patagonia jacket + a Madewell dress, both in great pre-owned condition, while thrifting. A pair of pants were sewn out of my jumpsuit. Julia's leggings (Pact) were replaced...and we are finished! For this cold season, Julia will be wearing:
4 striped shirts
sweatshirt
3 pairs of pants (olive, denim, black)
2 dresses
2 pairs of leggings
boots
flats
trainers
Strategy ::
-Budgetwise, these pieces were collected over time and are of a quality that will last.
-Heavier weight tops don't require extra layers, since I've learned that Julia doesn't like bulky sweaters.
-All of the tops can be worn with all of the bottoms (mostly including leggings for supreme comfort).
-Pay attention to measurements on eBay more than sizing. Sizing shifts even within brands + we don't know how a piece has been washed (shrinkage). Ask, if none are listed.
-Three of the pieces on eBay were found during the weekend, when it seemed more were listed. I snapped them up right away, since I knew just what I was looking for by then.
Not every teen is into "less"...I wasn't. :) I do think that the list could still be useful, however, with any teen. Maybe the list pieces are the ones that a parent will buy...and the teen can buy what they like outside of those pieces with their own money. Just a thought. ;)
Love,
Jane
My list of 25 or so everyday/all year pieces has worked out quite well, + Julia does not like having too many things in her closet either. I decided to just use the skeleton of my list... plug her existing pieces in...+ see what was lacking from that point. Wow...what a calming effect that decision had! Very quickly the shopping list became much smaller, + I felt that I knew just how to shape her wardrobe. It's also funny to me that when the list comes into play, the ability to let some things go (with less anxiety over whether they are helpful/necessary) gets easier. So not only did my shopping list shrink, some pieces were packed off to donate.
While making the list, I considered how Julia feels most comfortable, what she dresses for, special events, + weather. Julia is an individual + more into comfort than fashion...but I want her to fit in to some extent + do take "cool" into consideration (as far as she will wear it). We talked a little about all of it, + then I implemented my plans.
I was able to find three pre-owned, heavyweight, striped tops in brand names (Madewell + Everlane) I know quality-wise on eBay for good prices. I was also able to find a pair of pre-owned pants in just the size + style (Everlane) I was looking for on eBay. In the spring, we found a Patagonia jacket + a Madewell dress, both in great pre-owned condition, while thrifting. A pair of pants were sewn out of my jumpsuit. Julia's leggings (Pact) were replaced...and we are finished! For this cold season, Julia will be wearing:
4 striped shirts
sweatshirt
3 pairs of pants (olive, denim, black)
2 dresses
2 pairs of leggings
boots
flats
trainers
Strategy ::
-Budgetwise, these pieces were collected over time and are of a quality that will last.
-Heavier weight tops don't require extra layers, since I've learned that Julia doesn't like bulky sweaters.
-All of the tops can be worn with all of the bottoms (mostly including leggings for supreme comfort).
-Pay attention to measurements on eBay more than sizing. Sizing shifts even within brands + we don't know how a piece has been washed (shrinkage). Ask, if none are listed.
-Three of the pieces on eBay were found during the weekend, when it seemed more were listed. I snapped them up right away, since I knew just what I was looking for by then.
Not every teen is into "less"...I wasn't. :) I do think that the list could still be useful, however, with any teen. Maybe the list pieces are the ones that a parent will buy...and the teen can buy what they like outside of those pieces with their own money. Just a thought. ;)
Love,
Jane
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