I remember hearing from other moms (before I had kids) that once you have little ones, everything you buy is for them. Well, guess what? It’s true. I used to be a shopaholic, like really badly – I had multiple items in my closet with tags still on them and some that I ended up never wearing before I either donated or sold on eBay. I also had like 50 pairs of shoes, but that’s neither here nor there…
So, needless to say, I used to just have so much STUFF. Everywhere. And at some point after getting married and moving out of my parents home, I just started hating clutter and having stuff everywhere. I started shopping more strategically, choosing higher quality staples over tons of cheap ‘trendy’ things (aka Forever 21), and I’ve never looked back! And then, between pregnancies and nursing babies, I just rarely have the desire to buy many things due to changing sizes and being too practical.
I briefly tried Le Tote a few months ago, because I love the concept of trying items I may not actually buy on my own and being able to return them after wearing it a few times. But ultimately, I realized I just prefer to buy quality items that I can keep and wasn’t keen on the idea of wearing/buying used clothing.
I’ve also tried StitchFix off and on for a few years, and I know people who rave over it, but I just don’t love it. Out of 6 or 7 Fixes, I think I’ve kept 3 items – and one, I ended up selling on the Buy, Sell, Trade Facebook page because I never even took the tags off of it! I just felt like, while some of the items are cute, they’re overpriced for the quality and I never came across something I loved so much I was willing to spend that much money on it.
I would say the one benefit of both Le Tote and StitchFix is the fact I tried on clothes I may not have picked for myself and actually liked how they looked, so I’ve gotten ideas and then went out and found a similar item that wasn’t quite as pricey (usually at Old Navy, FYI!).
Around this time every year, I always feel the need for some retail therapy – probably because winter is the most dull time of the year and I just need some cheerfulness in the form of cute clothes. So, since I gave up both of the clothing delivery services, I finally caved and went shopping this weekend. I’ve gotten back to my normal pre-baby size and nursing usually makes me drop a few more pounds, so I am still not crazy about splurging on a ton of new clothes, but I’ve been in dire need of some warm weather clothes since Memphis seems to skip from winter to summer in the blink of an eye! Here are a few of my recent favorites that I’ve purchased:
Lululemon WunderUnders + Yoga Racerback Tank
Since I go to Pure Barre classes 3-4x a week, I feel like I’ve been washing and wearing workout clothes so frequently (and because I take full advantage of wearing athleisure as a work-at-home mom.) #noshame So, I just recently learned that Lulu will refund you if you have any issues (like discoloration, pilling, etc.) with their clothing, no matter when you purchased it. I bought a pair of WunderUnder crops a few years ago and they literally started pilling after the first wash. Then, there was a strange spot on the leg that looked like they were bleached, but I never use bleach! I proceeded to stuff these in the back of my drawer and forgot about the $90(!) crops until a few months ago. I came across something and saw that Lulu has a quality guarantee, so I contacted Customer Service and they asked me to send them back (prepaid shipping!) for a store credit. I was not expecting that, nor was I expecting that they would refund me the total amount and then some on a Lulu gift card! I was able to buy a new pair of WunderUnders and a new tank, and only had to shell out $15 extra dollars. Awesome Customer Service, Lulu – that’s why I’m a repeat customer!
LOFT Blouses
I kept hearing that LOFT had some really cute spring clothes, but didn’t realize how much I’d want everything in the store until this weekend! I literally loved everything I tried on but had to restrain myself (though everything was 40% off!). I picked up some adorable blouses that can be dressed up or down, which is why I love shopping at LOFT. Most days, I throw on a pair of jeans and a cute shirt, but I love that I can wear a nice pair of pants and heels to dress the same shirt up! I also tried on a really cute jumpsuit but had no idea where the heck I’d wear it, so I didn’t buy it. #momlife
A few more cute tops that I missed out on in the store, but the sale is still going online!
Abercrombie & Fitch Jeans
I actually find it hilarious that I rarely ever shopped at A&F in high school and college, but I went in on a whim two years ago and tried on a pair of jeans that quickly became my favorite jeans ever. My husband lovingly refers to A&F as Abercrombie & Douche. Tell me how you really feel, right?! 😉
I’ve worn my favorite pair so much that the leather tag above the right back pocket is cracked and so worn-looking. So, I finally picked up another pair in a slightly darker wash, which I think looks dressier when paired with heels. They also had a really cute pair of white jeans that I have my eye on for spring…
Tell me…what are your spring fashion must-haves?!
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