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Archive for the Tag 'Ann Taylor'

Finance Girl on Oct 22nd 2008 Spending

Using a “Must-Have” List to Build Your Wardrobe



With all the sales and promotions at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft lately, I’ve been doing a bit of a wardrobe overhaul.

A few years ago, I bought The Lucky Shopping Manual, hoping it would provide me with a list of items that every wardrobe should contain. And boy, did it!

Here are the basic pieces (not including the “nice-to-haves”):

  • 2 All-Season Work Skirts (Tropical Wool)
  • 1 Day-to-Night Skirt (Dress it Up or Down)
  • 2 Summer Work Skirts (Crisp and Structured)
  • 1 Denim Skirt
  • 2 Summer Weekend Skirts (Dress Them Up or Down)
  • 2 Good White Tees (You Need a Couple, Because They’ll Stain)
  • 2 Good Black Tees (Black Fades in the Wash - Always Have a Spare on Hand)
  • 4 Tanks (for Beachwear and Layering)
  • 1 Striped Tee (Wide or Narrow Stripes)
  • 1 Henley or Polo
  • 6 Work Tops (Your Choice of Shapes)
  • 3 Fun Tops (For Going Out at Night)
  • 4 Weekend Tops (T-Shirt Alternatives)
  • 2 Summer Weekend Dresses
  • 1 Summer Evening Dress
  • 1 Summer Daytime Party Dress
  • 2 Summer Work Dresses
  • 2 Winter Work Dresses
  • 1 Winter Weekend Dress
  • 1 Winter Evening Dress
  • 2 Fitted Pullover Sweaters for Work (V-Neck or Crewneck)
  • 2 Cardigans (For Evening and Office)
  • 1 Black Turtleneck (Thin and Fitted, Not Boxy)
  • 2 Weekend Sweaters (At Least One that’s Really Warm)
  • 1 Pair of Jeans to Wear With Heels
  • 1 Pair of Weekend Jeans You Can Wreck
  • 1 Pair of Jeans to Wear With Flats
  • 3 Pairs of Winter Work Pants (Tropical Wool, or a Comparable Blend)
  • 3 Pairs of Summer Work Pants
  • 2 Pairs of All-Season Work Pants
  • 1 Pair of Lightweight Evening Pants (Satin, for Winter and Summer)
  • 2 Classic Suits (Serious for Work, But Versatile)
  • 1 Skirt Suit (A Trendy Shape for Work or Nighttime)
  • 1 Evening Suit (You’ll Wear the Pants All the Time)
  • 1 Everyday Bag (Stick with Black or Dark Brown)
  • 1 Small Work Bag
  • 1 Work Tote or Briefcase (Whichever is Right for Your Job)
  • 1 Casual Tote (Inexpensive and Washable)
  • 1 Evening Bag
  • 1 Small Going Out Bag (Just Big Enough for Your Wallet, Keys and Lipstick)
  • 2 Pairs of Knee Boots
  • 1 Pair of Good Office Shoes for Winter
  • 1 Pair of Casual Shoes for Winter
  • 1 Pair of Evening Shoes for Winter
  • 2 Pairs of Good Office Shoes for Summer
  • 1 Pair of Good Flat Sandals
  • 1 Pair of Flip-Flops
  • 1 Pair of Strappy, Sexy Sandals
  • 1 Good Wool Blazer
  • 1 Short Jacket (Lightweight Wool or Blend)
  • 1 Denim Jacket
  • 7 Pairs of Everyday Underpants
  • 3 Everyday Bras (The Style You Always Wear)
  • 1 Pair of Evening Hose
  • 1 Black Bra with Pretty Straps (Under Sleeveless Black Tops)
  • 1 Nude Stretchy Camisole (For Sheer Tops)
  • 1 Silky Camisole (With Lace Trim You Can Show Off Under V-Necks)
  • 1 Pair of Thin Wool Tights for Winter (Solid or Tweedy)
  • 1 Convertible Bra
  • 1 Cute Set to Sleep In
  • As Many Pairs of Work Hose as You Need
  • 2 Swimmable Suits
  • 1 Top Cover-Up (Long-Sleeve for Sun Protection)
  • 1 Bottom Cover-Up (For the Walk to the Snack Bar)
  • 1 Overcoat (Classic Styling)
  • 1 Fall Coat
  • 1 Warm Parka (Long Enough to Cover Your Hips)
  • 1 Spring Jacket
  • 1 Raincoat (Functional But Fun)

Oh my gosh, just TYPING that was exhausting, let alone shopping and paying for all that!

Overall, I think it’s a good list, though perhaps a bit too dressy for my needs (four suits, including an “evening suit?”). But it’s a good place to start.

Still, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed. I mean, I probably own about half these things, and half of the things I own are items I don’t particularly like!

What’s a broke, stylish (ahem, that should probably be “stylish” in quotations) girl to do?!?!

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