Confession

So...I had an afternoon alone in the big city today on my way home from my mother's, as I had to apply for a travel Visa. (More on that later). 

You all know I avoided shopping for 5 months this winter. Bought a few pairs of footwear in March. Ordered a few items in May but most have gone back or never arrived. (Zara, I am looking at you, and I am not happy!!) 

Well, I am putting together a travel capsule for a hot, casual city trip with lots of walking. (More on that in another thread soon.) 

And I confess, I went a little nuts. 

Luckily, I can return any of this in a week when I head back to the city to pick up said Visa. But I have to say it has been fun and most will be super functional. Or would be, if I kept. 

Here's what I got. If it absolves me at all, I had a $50 gift card at Loft. 

I feel most guilty about the Club Monaco skirt because I am not sure it will get enough wear to justify the price. I am actually tempted to give it to my stepdaughter for her flamenco dance -- wouldn't it be great for that? 

The black tank is a basic-with-a-twist that I needed -- pricey but nicely made. Shorter in front. 

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

40 Comments

  • deb replied 9 years ago

    I am the last tone to point fingers so all I can say is Great Job!!! I think you should keep the skirt for you. It can be dressed up or down.

  • Vicki replied 9 years ago

    Suz, you're funny and you make going a little NUTS look good!  You're in good company, with a lot of us, I'm sure, and I'm speaking for myself, because, I, too, went a little nuts, in anticipation of some mini-vacations.  I returned quite a few things, as well, and kept what I liked.

    What I see here and really, really like, are your outstanding picks in variety and shoe choices.  You truly know your style, at this point, Suz, and it shows in your selections here.

    Yes, that skirt is beautiful and it would serve double-duty for your step-daughter.  Is the Loft top a replacement for the one your DH assaulted in the washing machine, or am I thinking of something else.

    P. S.  If you're nuts, then I want to go crazy with you.  Let's go shopping some more!!

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    Looks like a great collection are you going to model it for us?

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    Ps love the skirt maybe you need to start dance class?

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Well silver shoes are excellent for travel...

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Sure, Denise -- but I'm on the train now. I'll show the ones I'm wondering about, at least. The tee is a semi-replacement, Vicki -- good eye! It's not the same but it has the same off-white/ blue that works so well on me and it will go with everything I own. The gingham is just because it's super light -- sort of like gauze. The dress is wash and wear in the sink yet can look presentable. (It is slightly longer on me than on the model). 

    Deb, thanks for absolving me and making me feel better. Maybe I can use the skirt this summer and THEN give to my step-daughter? ;) 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Rachylou, I am now queen of the silver footwear. I had said I would only buy one pair, but look at this! I now own THREE pairs of pewter summer shoes. Am I becoming that older woman? Never mind. I don't really care. They look good to me. And feel super comfortable.  

    The shoes are staying for sure -- they are going to be workhorses and I don't really worry about them. The closed ones are upgrade/ replacements for my 4 year old Ecco Mary Janes that are, in fact, still perfectly functional, but not in the least fashionable and a tiny bit heavy compared to these. 

  • Deborah replied 9 years ago

    Suz, no need to feel guilty, and I am not going to point any fingers after my recent weekend 'binge' at Metalicus lol.

    These all look good for you.  Having said that I am unsure about the practicality of the skirt for you.  I would love to see it styled to get an idea of  how it will work for you.

    The Loft dress is really gorgeous and I can see that for casual worn with the sneakers:)    

    How about a little fashion show for us?

  • Daria replied 9 years ago

    Isn't vacation a perfect shopping motivation? :) I really love the sneakers and the skirt, and I'm figuring you are not going to Israel, since you need a VISA. :)

  • replied 9 years ago

    Laughing at the image of you madly shopping up a storm at Yorkdale (guessing here).  I have those silver sandals, and am happy I bought them.  I like your Loft buys - and am making a note to self to try to get there in August.  I have to confess I'm not totally sure of the skirt for you.....can't put my finger on it, but it's a combination of styling and fabric. That said, I am absolutely willing to eat my words if you post a fab picture :)  What are you using the metallic sneakers for?  Everyday ?  Again, not to be a downer, but they strike me as a little , um, not-so-current for your own style? No doubt comfy and practical though.  Forgive me if I'm spouting opinions that weren't necessary solicited....

  • Peri replied 9 years ago

    I absolve you, all is forgiven. Looks like good stuff that will be great on you...and if you are coming to hot you really need to be prepared. 100 today, not at all fun! To be out walking in it...no. Ill advised really...hope yours is at least less humid. 

    Actually I was just thinking today that I miss your posts and your WIWs and wondering why you've been showing less. So yay, I really want to see the swing dress and the gingham shirt on you!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Peri, thank you! The heat is going to be killer -- 40 plus humidity, but probably not quite your humidity. I hope. 

    I'm around less due to life issues; will write about that in Off Topic. As usual, I've been doing a ton of travel and that's part of the issue. Always playing catch up between trips. 

    LisaP, not Yorkdale. Downtown at the Eaton Centre. I'm all about train and pedestrian travel and anyway, the Visa office is near Dundas. 

    I hear you on the skirt. I am unsure, too, although I brought it home. I think it might be too dressy to dress down enough for my regular life. It is easy to wear -- a very light fabric, and lined up top, and non-wrinkling. I think part of the problem is that there are not too many options for tops -- black, white/ cream, or taupe. I have no taupe tops. You could wear a blush with it maybe, too -- but I don't have that. Also, it's black. If it were ink or navy, I'd feel more confident about it. The dress is black, too, but it's an inexpensive, super casual piece specifically for travel. 

    Do the sandals seem not current? Interesting. They are "this year's model" for sure. The point of them is purely practical, however. Something I can walk for miles in and dress up or down reasonably well on this casual trip. I'll wear them later on at home for casual. Pretty sure I want to keep these -- they are cushy like athletic shoes and will go the distance. 

  • replied 9 years ago

    It's not the sandals I was concerned about it, it's the shoes. I have the sandals myself!  I just have a thing about those types of shoe/sneaker hybrids.  I think they can go off into old-lady land too easily - but again, it's a personal fear/foible .  You have those animal print sneaks, which are so great - and there are lots of metallic sneakers that are less conservative looking. Just a hunch on my part- but hey, I am the first to admit my ideas are no greater than anyone else's :)

  • unfrumped replied 9 years ago

    Haha, just check the Splitting Wears post and if you think you'll wear it all and enjoy it, go for it.
    I think I can relate to the skirt issue though my impression is that you have or can make more occasions for it than maybe I would. But I'll find something that looks so fun, and how I'd like to look, but not sure I even have a time to wear it.

    That's where the closet try-on can help--can you style it in ways that it could fit into your "real" life, even if you don't need it for that, but you could use it--normal "going out", theater, things that are not super-special.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Your going "a little nuts" is my restrained month of shopping. So I won't be assigning any penance. These all look fun. I especially love the footwear choices. I tried on a similar pair of Ecco sandals but they weren't as stylish looking as these. I like the sneakers and think they will definitely be a nice update to the Mary Janes. I love wearing my street sneakers (the Find below).
    As to the new clothes: the blue and white pieces are no-brainers for you. I was surprised at the black ones or black & white, simply because of color. But they form the basis of a well coordinated travel capsule.
    My thought on the skirt is that it's worth trying to make work, because with the angled hem, it has that bit of arty feel that you keep trying to find. The crisp geometric print and color combination keeps it modern classic, in keeping with your style. I think you could certainly dress it down with a t-shirt or tank top, jean jacket, and sandals. Seems super versatile. And while the description says "dry clean only," I can't imagine that polyester requires that treatment. I'd wash it in the washer and hang to dry.

  • dakotacheryl replied 9 years ago

    What fun!! You got some great choices here...especially love the dress for you.

    Like others, just not sure about the skirt without seeing it on you...but I have a poison eye for voluminous skirts...except on ladies with hour glass figures, in which case I love them with a nice belt and fitted top.

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    Woohoo! Look at you! Such great finds. I am dying to see the Loft dress on you. Will we get some pics soon? Love the sneakers and tops too! Don't know what to advise about the skirt. I would love to be a skirt girl, but they just don't work on me. Waiting for pics of all!

  • Joyce B replied 9 years ago

    You got some great additions to your wardrobe. I think the CM skirt will look fabulous on you.

  • abc replied 9 years ago

    Don't feel bad at all. I've been on a shopping break lately and have a big itch. I feel like it's bound to get scratched soon. So you aren't alone. Nice pieces. A little hesitation on the skirt but give it a go - post pics if you can. No pressure of you don't have time.

    Love the silver sandals and the sneakers don't bother me at all!

    Really like that gingham top too.

    Don't sweat it. Ok?!

  • Gaylene replied 9 years ago

    Well, if you take some things back, you'll destroy a perfectly lovely, hot-weather travel capsule. ;)

    Seriously, I like all your picks because they have enormous potential to become workhorses IF you are happy with how you can style them when you get home. That skirt has serious potential as an easy, date-night item; you might find that using a color NOT in the print might be more interesting. Angie does it all the time.

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 9 years ago

    I hope you're going somewhere fun. If it's a warm weather visa hassle, I'm predicting India or Brazil...

    I like the blue print tee the best, and it's right up my alley but I'm trying to be on a blue "fast" these days due to previous overindulgence.

  • shedev replied 9 years ago

    I've been wondering where you've been. I like your picks and hope the Eccos are as comfy for you as they are me.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ah, Lisa -- yes, I see what you mean about the shoes. I agree they are not exactly high fashion territory. But the fun leopard print ones are WAY too hot and heavy for the purpose. I am going to be in Beijing in July. Need I say more? Those leopard babies do not breathe much, if at all. This Ecco is specifically a summer sneaker. And unless I am deluding myself, they actually look pretty nifty on. I'll try to snap some pics tomorrow. They're incredibly lightweight, breathable, and flexible, but with some support. I've had such great luck with Ecco shoes for travel before that I'm pretty sure they will work well. 

    Shedev, we are finally sandal twins. I never did get mine from my local store and they never let me know what was happening. So much for local shopping! 

    Ummlila -- Beijing, July. And I should probably put myself on a blue fast, but then I would never buy anything, because my entire closet is blue, pretty much! 

    Thanks, Gaylene -- I will try to snap some pictures tomorrow. I like the skirt in theory, but I'm thinking maybe it's too pricey for the amount of wear I'll give it. I'm just not sure. You see, though, it is all your fault that I am on a Club Monaco jag. I got those few items a few weeks ago and loved them so much I couldn't resist revisiting the store. ;) 

    Thanks, abc. You know all about hot weather, so I'm definitely listening to you. The gingham top is really, really lightweight -- perfect for extreme heat. Hint hint.... ;) 

    Thanks for the vote of confidence, Joyce. And Cheryl, I understand your hesitation. This one is made of a really light fabric so is not as voluminous as it might seem. 

    Carter, thank you! I will try to snap some pics tomorrow. The Loft dress is a bit on the short side but I think it will pass for a very casual situation. 

    Oh, Sharan, you are balm to my guilty conscience. However, since you actually SEW 3/4 of your amazing wardrobe, I still think I owe a little bit more guilt. You are spot on that it is the angled hem that attracts me to this skirt -- as well as what I perceive as a bit of a "wild card" element. I have been wearing pants and tube skirts with sheath dresses (supplemented by one shirt dress) as my summer staples for 4 years; I thought it would be fun to shake things up a bit with a trapeze dress and a voluminous skirt. Also, these shapes can be very cool in the heat. So...it's worth a try -on, anyway. :)

    Unfrumped, those are words of wisdom. I need to do a bit of playing with that skirt. I think it has some potential, but I'm still not sure it will see a lot of wear in my life. 

  • Maneera replied 9 years ago

    Lol! Don't be so hard on yourself! Thr idea of going away on a trip makes us also crazy things! And who am I to point fingers --- I recently created a very indulgent beachy wardrobe with everything new in it for a vacation, when I live no where near a beach otherwise!! But, if you've picked things that will serve you well beyond the traveling, consider it a job well done :)

    I think you've made some wise choices here. Versatile, smart and perfect for traveling especially since you'll be walking a lot. I love the gingham top, the black tank and the skirt. I love love love the silver sandals.

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    If they all work for you I think you've done really well Suz. In my experience buying a group of things together like this is a great way to refresh the wardrobe :) :)

  • Sal replied 9 years ago

    I agree with Caro, buying several pieces together can really help.

    Ecco shoes are so comfortable for walking, I am sure they will get a lot of use.  My favourite is the trapeze dress, I think it will look wonderful on you with sneakers or flat sandals and be so comfortable in the heat.

    And Beijing will be interesting, and hot.  Looking forward to hearing more about it as the time approaches.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Wait you are going to Beijing? I can't wait to read the details about that Suz! Your new clothes all look excellent. If you had to return one, it would be the skirt, but only if you don't really foresee a need for it. The Loft tee looks like something you wear a lot as you mentioned, and the black tank will be a workhorse. Sometimes you need a longer sleeve lightweight top no matter how hot it is outdoors. The dress is easy and breezy. Shoes to walk in are essential. That leaves the skirt as the only thing without the clearest of justifications! Excited for you!

  • SarahTheWhite replied 9 years ago

    So awesome! You make going nuts look good. :-) These pieces look so wonderful, and I can picture them working out great for you! I was going to ask if you were visiting Florida but I saw that it was Bejing. (You know you can't come to Florida and not look me up, right?!) :-)

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Love what you picked up, Suz. Don't feel guilty - they all seem great. Look forward to seeing them styled. I tried on those Ecco sandals when I was in Nordies in Las Vegas a couple weeks ago. Super super comfy. I had on the taupe colour and was very tempted - but alas they were not officially on my list - I had other shoe goals in mind :)

    Look forward to hearing about your trip. Beijing in July!? Phew hot stuff!

    I've only been able to pop in here and there due to life's curveballs so I hear you on that. 

    Great buys!

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    You are absolved of this sin (in my book anyway). 5 months deprivation sometimes leads to the binge. But I love all your new loot and hope it will serve you well.
    The Loft tee is great - does it also remind you of the JCrew tee which was ruined in the wash/ I think the pattern has some Asian vibe to it - and white / blue colors.
    I am curious how the dress looks on you - please post pic when you have time.  I don;t remember this style of dress on you at all. I wore and liked similar sack dresses in my first couple of years on YLF but then I kind of grew out of them. They began to feel too juvenile for me IYKWIM.
    And you can guess what I think about the skirt...that's right, that it would be perfect for my dancing :-0

  • tulle replied 9 years ago

    I've been looking at that swing dress, too--so cool in the heat, and so hard to find except in droopy knits.  This all looks very sensible to me!

  • Style Fan replied 9 years ago

    I love all of it.  I am shopping for my Florida vacation which is in January 2016.  I love the Ecco sandals.  I was eyeing them yesterday.  The colours do not work for me but are perfect for you.

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    And, you didn't post your outfits???? The metallic shoes are awesome, and the clothes, too! I know you don't buy for a waste Suz, it was meant to happen! (perhaps instead all your returned and undelivered spring orders, or so:-))

  • donnat replied 9 years ago

    Looking forward to seeing it on. Most of the pieces seem to be no brainers, but the skirt does give me pause. The arty feel may be exactly right though.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Nice loot Suz! I think you should definitely keep the skirt and get some wear this summer. I love that the gingham is gauzy, what a find eh? You will get a ton of use from it. Love the silver shoes too. Enjoy you spoils.

  • Kimberley replied 9 years ago

    No need to feel guilty - you made great choices, and honestly, I don't think it's ever wrong to buy things you love and know you will wear.  Can't wait to see some pics of everything on. 

    What does Mr. Suz say about it?

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    I think these are all brilliant choices for this leg of your style journey Suz and should blend in seamlessly with what already exists in your wardrobe.

    You are really selling me on the Ecco brand by the way - I may need to try some on and see how they work for your increasingly fussy feet.

  • Liz replied 9 years ago

    No need to feel guilty -- these are great choices for you. 

    Having just read your off-topic post, I'm going to be a spanner for you on the skirt, for purely practical reasons: your life is about to get even more casual, and money is going to be even more tight. I think that skirt money could probably get you something you'd love that would really enhance your everyday casual dressing. 

  • Summer replied 9 years ago

    Ah, Suz, first the famine then the feast.  If some or all of these will work for you, I think you have earned them.

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Don't feel guilty. What you take on your trip will get a work out and will be useful later too. We are ECCO sneaker twins! I found them at the Rack and pounced particularly because they are perfect to pack for a trip...comfortable and very light weight and cute. I am one of those women with many more silver/pewter shoes than you have and I'm still looking for low comfortable pumps to replace a pair that's no longer comfortable.

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