Slow Shopping | My Wardrobe Wishlist
When you actively avoid fast fashion and take your time curating a wardrobe you love, with that comes, well, lots of wait time. And while the thought of quickly adding all of the things you want to your closet in one fell swoop is a nice idea, it’s not feasible or realistic for most people. And even if one doesn’t have budgetary constraints, I actually wouldn’t recommend “fast shopping”. Taking time to evaluate your closet and find the gaps means you can avoid making hasty purchases you’ll regret. Most of the items I end up decluttering from my closet are things I bought hastily without forethought as to how they would work with the rest of my wardrobe. To help keep my shopping on track, I keep a list (both mental and physical) of things to look for. This doesn’t mean I never buy things that aren’t on the list, especially when I’m thrifting, but it keeps me from ending up with purchases that won’t get a lot of use.
Here are some of the things I’ve been on the lookout for. Most of them I am looking in the secondhand market on Poshmark or in consignment and thrift stores, and some of them I would purchase new if I found them. Some of these items have been on my wish list for years, as things that would be nice to have “one day”, and some of them are things I’d like to find sooner rather than later and are relatively new to the list.
Leopard printed fur coat
This first one is a kind of “holy grail” item for me. I would love to get a vintage leopard patterned coat, but I want it to be in the same shape as my astrakhan, a boxy 60’s style, with a stiff feeling to it rather than pouffy fluffiness. I don’t know if I’ll ever come across an item like this, but it would be nice and I like to dream!
Classic leather tote bag
This is something I’ve been thinking about since autumn. For summer I have a couple of larger straw bags that are perfect for toting items around in. However, I can’t use those in winter, and I don’t have a good cold season version. I’m currently using a canvas tote bag, which works perfectly fine, but I would love to find a nice, classic, simple leather tote, preferably in a pretty brown or cognac colour. I want one big enough to fit my water bottle, wallet, phone and Bible.
Brown + navy classic heels
I have a lot of black shoes, especially high heels, which is strange for someone who doesn’t wear heels regularly! I purchased most of them over 10 years ago though, so even though I don’t wear them as often, they are still worth keeping.
However, even though I do have so many pairs of shoes, I have a few gaps and a pair of classic brown pumps is one of them. Since I’ve changed my closet neutral to brown, I sometimes wish I had a pair of classic brown shoes, preferably a low heel for comfort. I am also looking for navy leather heels since the vintage navy peep toes I’ve had for over 10 years finally wore out. I replaced them with a pair of secondhand ones, but they are one size too large, so while I can still wear them, they aren’t as comfortable. I am searching for both of these secondhand since I won’t wear them very often and don’t want to invest a huge amount into them.
A lightweight coat in light taupe or green
I love my black Hell Bunny trench coat and wear it all year long, however, black isn’t my neutral, so it doesn’t always go with everything I wear. I also have a blush pink coat, but it also doesn’t go with everything else in my closet…thus I’d love to get either a light taupe or khaki green coloured lightweight coat. I think either or those colours would be a bit more “neutral” and would coordinate with more items in my wardrobe. I’d also like a princess cut, which is tricky to find, so this might be one I end up sewing myself. We’ll see….
Pearl and gold dainty necklace
Dainty necklaces are a newer trend, and they are one I really like! I’m really drawn to the simplicity of a single pearl on a chain, so I’ve been specifically looking for one like that. After a mishap where I purchased a necklace and was sent a bracelet instead (which I was able to return) I am still on the lookout for the perfect one.
Watch
The other “jewelry” piece I am looking for is a watch. I don’t like to have to look at my phone all the time when I am out to see what the time is, so a watch would be lovely. I used to wear one, and I miss it. I like cocktail/bracelet watches that are dainty and I do have two vintage mechanical watches from my Gramma, but both are broken. I need to take them in for repair, but since that can be costly, I am weighing whether I want to do that, or look for a different watch that is already functional. This one remains to be determined…
Brown gloves
All of my gloves are black so, again, when I wear a very brown toned outfit, they don’t coordinate. I’d have preferred to get brown dress wool gloves, but I haven’t been able to find any. I will probably get leather gloves, but I need to try them on to make sure they fit well (not all leather gloves are equal).
Brown leather belt
A classic, skinny, brown leather belt with a brass buckle is another item I’ve been searching for. It is also very hard to find since many stores carry only faux leather, black, or embellished belts and I want a plain one.
Taupe and blush pink tops
I recently added a mid-pink turtleneck sweater to my closet, and realized how nice it is to have some more colour in my winter closet! I am now on the lookout for a couple more tops in blush and taupe. I think they would add some lightness to my closet amidst all the dark greens, browns and blacks. And, come summer, those colours would also work well.
Ballet Flats
I have a pair of tan coloured Vionic ballet flats that I love. However, I’ve probably only got another year, or maybe two before they are going to wear out, so I am already on the lookout for a replacement pair. I’ve got hard-to-fit feet, so that’s why I’m starting early! I’m interested in trying out Vivaia since I’ve heard their stretchiness makes them easier to fit.
Well, those are a few of the items on my “wish list”.
What are you on the lookout for? Do you keep a list, or just tend to get things as you see them?
February 8, 2024 @ 11:40 am
Shopping for clothing was always one of my “top 5 most dreaded activities.” The idea of walking through stores, browsing through endless racks and shelves in search of that one sought-after sweater, dress, or handbag to complete a seasonal wardrobe, left me in an instant state of paralysis. Making a “wish list” was a whole new kind of torture. My desire to look “put together” and fashion-conscious invited company to my misery. Before capsule wardrobes were a thing, much less had a name, a lovely, patient woman who worked in a small, local clothing store helped me select seven pieces of clothing to create an entire seasonal casual/semi-dressy wardrobe. She suggested I purchase two classic, good-quality handbags, one fall/winter and one spring/summer to see me through the next three years. She kindly jotted down a list of classic accessories and those that would require a short, seasonal shopping expedition. I am forever grateful to Olga, my fashion therapist, who helped end my shopping agony.
February 12, 2024 @ 5:07 pm
Your article is so interesting. Last week, I purchased a duster coat, in a leopard print. Dusters were popular in the 90’s and they were so gorgeous, expensive too. This coat had a beautiful design. I took a very close look at it this weekend….somebody stitched this one on her sewing machine. Her work is just beautiful on this tailored coat. Oh, best part, I paid $5 dollars for it at one of the best thrift stores in my area!
February 12, 2024 @ 9:21 pm
What a great find!
August 17, 2025 @ 11:44 pm
Love the idea of slow shopping! It’s so easy to get caught up in trends, but curating a wardrobe you truly love sounds way more fulfilling. That leopard coat sounds amazing! Fingers crossed you find it!