Shopping my closet…
This past month was a true anomaly for me. I bought only two things, and I’m returning one of them! One of the reasons is I have plenty of clothes. I’ve decided to try to create new outfits with the individual items rather than just repeating what I wore before.
Shopping lately…
The second reason is I haven’t even been shopping much. This is just my opinion, but I don’t find Indianapolis to have many shopping options. Maybe there are lots of little boutiques around. I tend not to shop in those because they are usually way out of my price range. Or, they are those cute little boutiques you find here and there filled with tempting things I’ll buy and never wear but can afford. I really hate going into these little places and not walking out with something. I feel like I’m disappointing the sales associate who may also be the owner. Goofy, right?
The coming season…
I know magenta is supposed to be big in stores right now. Other things trending include oversized denim and blazers. Bright colors, sheer layers, and leather are also on trend. I’m not really excited about any of those things with the exception of magenta and bright colors. But, as I said, I haven’t been in many stores lately.
Brick and mortar shopping…
Here’s a weird thing…the stores here are not well stocked at all. I’ve read blogs and seen Instagram stories/reels of women shopping at Loft. They’re showing all kinds of cute and colorful things. I haven’t seen much of that in the Loft stores here. The same is true for Banana Republic and the other Gap brands as well as other b/m stores. There are cute things online but not in the store. I know I could order and return, but I really don’t like doing that on a regular basis.
And, so…
What all of this means is I’ve really cut back on what I’m buying. OK…so, I started writing this a week or so ago. Then, Loft had a sale (when don’t they have a sale). I ordered a few things and inadvertently had one of them shipped to the store. Today, I went to pick it up and ended up buying a new denim shirt in a petite size. The store, as I said before, had so much empty space, and most of the racks were full of winter clearance merchandise. I also stopped in at Old Navy and bought a couple of cute graphic tees.
A walk in the park…
As you can tell, I’m braving the elements once again. Nigel and I were out shopping. I was wearing this cute outfit, and I suggested we visit the park! I was going to do a photoshoot at WalMart, but I chickened out! I’m still not at the point of being comfortable taking photos in front of real people! You’ve seen this top and tee paired together before on the blog (here). Then, I wore the Free to Be Button Down open so you could see more of the tee. This time, I buttoned it up to the waistline and then tied it into a loose knot. I had to finagle it a bit so it didn’t look a bit suggestive…iykyk! I also wore jeans this time. This is the third time the tee has been on the blog! How’s that for shopping my closet!
The Lewk!
These sneakers have just about had it…well, the insoles anyway! They are just about as flat as pancakes and need replaced to be comfortable again. There’s lots of wear left in them. They are the Somers Slip On by Sofft and are usually available in several different colors and prints at many retailers. My earrings are from Stella & Dot. I’m sure these are down to pennies per wear as I wear them all the time!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I find it funny that I really struggled to come up with something to write today. That’s because I really like this outfit as well as the photos. You could probably tell that by the sheer number of them! I guess it’s because I feel like I need to write more to keep you entertained! So, can we talk? Are you shopping more or less this season? Are the stores around you well stocked? Is there a trend you intend to add to your closet? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as quickly as possible!
10 on the 10th Reminder…
I hope you’ll join me this Friday for the February version of 10 on the 10th! It’s a bit of a love/hate relationship thing! And, there will be a link party…you’ll need to bring your own refreshments!
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Thank you!
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, and I do deClaire and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties! Just a note…Traffic Jam is on a bit of a hiatus as I try to figure out how to continue it.
You look amazing, and the look you choose for a walk in the park is a nice choice. I have also not been shopping much, but mine is due to a lack of interest.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/02/the-empress-of-melanin.html
Thanks so much, Melody! I was really surprised at how well the photos turned out for a spur of the moment photoshoot! I think you are right about the lack of interest…many things just seem to be the same thing from last year just in different colors!
I’m trying to shop less— and failing miserably! I did order a bunch of shoes/boots through both Amazon and JC Penney and I’m hoping I don’t fall in love with them all as I do have plans to return 1/2 of them. I may have also thrown in an extra sweater or two; not that I have any idea where I’ll fit 2 more sweaters into my closet!
Hahaha!! Oh, the best laid plans, Joanne! I try not to look at shoes because I don’t need any, but they’re so tempting!
Thanks, Joanne, for visiting!
I do appreciate the boutique stores and have found a couple here that aren’t too expensive. Plus I just love the fact that I’m helping to support their business.
But it’s good to wear what we already have in our closets…I feel our closets are packed full of fun if we get creative.
Love this look Marsha,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! There is all of one boutique in B-burg! It carries what I call semi-fast fashion…mostly trendy pieces at a reasonable price. I rarely go in there because, since it is the only one, it’s always jam packed! I could branch out, but I really am trying to shop less because I just have so much!
I’ve had to get used to shopping online since most stores offer an abysmal selection in plus size (except for plus size-only stores, of course). It’s been an age since I’ve shopped in person. This is a really cute outfit!
Thanks, Sally! It is terrible that so many stores have reduced and even gotten rid of the plus size offerings, especially when you consider the average woman is somewhere around a size 14-16. That is an average which means there are so many women both above and below that size. I remember being able to shop plus size in all stores when I was still teaching and a few pounds heavier. I’m not sure why this has changed so much in the last few years.
I love this look, Marsha! So happy and whimsical. I’m sure brick and mortar stores are struggling. Honestly, even before the pandemic, I wasn’t to hip on shopping in person. I do like looking in boutiques, because I find more interesting items there. But you’re right, I can’t afford a lot of them.
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
Thanks, Michelle! Boutiques are just kinda scary to me because I feel like they’re judging me…dumb, right?
P.S.
I’m up for continuing Traffic Jam Weekend with you. Maybe if the two of us got started others would join us as hosts.
Michelle
I will email you because I want to start it back up, too!
I’m always trying to shop less and then I find a good sale or something fun and whoops! Winter clearance sales are often hard for me to pass up as well, especially since in the midwest we are smack dab in winter still! Love your pretty top!
Thanks, Laura! And, I hear you on the sales! But, I’m trying to ignore those as much as possible, too!
I have bought so much stuff lately! But only decent things in the sale. Like, the amazing black trench coat with silver studs all over it. Original price was 99 euros and the sale price? 15.99!!!!!! How could I not buy it LOL!!
You look FAB by the way. I love that top on you. The colours are just beautiful! And I love that you’re wandering out and about to take photos too. I’m like you, I’m not so keen on doing photoshoots in front of real people lol. But, if the location is special, I will do occasionally!
Big hugs, Marsha
Suzy xxx
Oh, my darling friend…I keep forgetting I don’t receive emails when you post! I am so negligent. I promise to visit soon! But, a black trench coat with studs on it for 15.99? Of course, you had to buy it (and I have to read about it soon)!
Thanks so much, Suzy! There are these gigantic really cool murals in town I’d love to use, but they’re on a building with hardly any space around them (what were they thinking). I’m not sure if Nigel could get the photos, but I think we’re going to give it a try!
Marsha, this is such a cute outfit and you know it is speaking to my boho soul! I haven’t been shopping much either for a whole bunch of reasons. I did have to take my son to Target for sweatpants this weekend and that whole place was a hot mess. I don’t think they have enough staff to keep stores neat and tidy these days. Anyway, I love these photos! You look like you are having fun and that definitely helps you to relax for photos. I don’t like when there are people around to see me either!
Shelbee
Thanks so much, Shelbee! I know what you mean about stores and staffing. I do hope things turn around soon for everyone! I was having fun that day because I just decided to do it on a whim. So, that meant I wasn’t stressing over it before we got there!
I’m not finding much in the stores either. Spring is too far away and it seems like there’s not much time left for heavy winter clothes so what to buy? Besides, don’t we have more than we need already? And yet, we want something new. It’s a struggle, for sure.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
I agree, Rena! I’m just not in the mood to buy spring clothes anyway! But, I feel like I need something new…even though I need absolutely nothing!
Thanks for coming by!
You, my friend, are a beautiful woman. In everything you wear. Just stunning. But this look…or lewk…is one of my all-time faves. You look relaxed and fun-loving and carefree. Not to mention YOUTHFUL. I really loved your hair but it looks especially great this length. And your color is so flattering. Glad you persuaded Nigel to take this walk and to use this backdrop for your photos.
I think part of the reason the stores are bare right now is they are in between seasons. Trying to sell as much of their winter stuff off for whatever price they can get before bringing out the spring clothing. I remember being very disappointed at what was available in the stores just as Covid hit. We were kind of stuck in that in between season with nothing new on the racks for weeks and weeks because of the pandemic. Try the Loft again in a few weeks and I bet you will find more to your liking. I have been disappointed with Banana Republic because they seem to have migrated toward solids – no prints – and lots of neutrals. Yuck.
Awww, thanks, Leslie! You are too sweet! It’s funny because I’m getting into that mood of just chopping it off! But, it took so long to get it to this length! I do wish I hadn’t gotten the bangs; they are driving me nuts!
No, the Loft I go to has been so empty since Covid. I haven’t gone in there once where they’ve been fully stocked…I mean there are probably six to ten feet between racks! It’s so empty. But, I definitely hear you on Banana Republic…and the prices! Wowza! They have skyrocketed there with few sales!
Thanks, my friend!