I did a solid round of online returns and in-mall pickups this weekend and it had me thinking that it might be fun to share why pre-fall is the biggest shopping event of the year for me (call it my version of the Nordstrom Sale ;). My reasoning is a little quirky but if you're an anti-clutter gal like me some of this may resonate with you!
I will also link to a bunch of the things I've picked up - as a reminder, I do not use Reward Style or anything of the sort so these are just a genuine courtesy share of things I have actually purchased :) A bunch of you responded to this post that you'd appreciate regular roundups vs. any sort of linking situation, so let me know what you think of the below!
Anyway, the reasons pre-fall is such a critical shopping season:
1. It's by far the most versatile: I am a known wanna-be minimalist and prefer as little clutter and "stuff" as possible... and that includes my wardrobe. I like to have as many pieces that can pull their weight year-round as possible and pre-fall is by far the best time of year to stock up. A lot of what comes out as part of pre-fall are great mid-weight sweaters, layering pieces, and neutral colorways, designed to transition your summer wardrobe into fall, but realistically they really can also transition you into spring (with lighter weight layers) and then again into summer (great sweaters to throw over dresses, etc.) and again into winter (great pieces to build under blazers, add a scarf to, etc). I get the most wear out of things I pick up during pre-fall every year.
2. I like classic basics: I find that when full seasonal collections launch, they include a lot of 'trendy' pieces and are truly rooted in the season (whispy summer dresses, heavy wool sweaters, etc). I will pick up a few "fun" items every season but the majority of my wardrobe is classics that I remix and re-wear weekly. I find that pre-fall (and pre-summer actually) are the best time for me to stock up new versions of well-made tried and true basics. Additionally, I like to have full inventory available when buying these things - I'm not as concerned about sales as I know I will wear these items to death, so I prefer to buy them when I can try on multiple sizes, options, etc. and really take my time. These are the bread-and-butter of my wardrobe so I don't like to settle! I drive C crazy because I buy and return weekly this time of year but it's worth it!
Alternatively, one of my shadier moves is to buy everything I want in my proper sizes from a few stores and then watch my email like a crazy person over the next two weeks for sales (LOFT and J.Crew are the worst - red alert guys, NO ONE buys your stuff full price!). I then bring it all back for a price adjustment. Boom. Best of both worlds :) It's a little brutal becuase you can't wear anything right away but you can't beat the feeling of not overpaying. Speaking of which I've got a good-sized bag from LOFT in my living room right now... lmk if you see a good sale from them this week ;)
3. I hate wool: This is what I meant when I said my "quirky" reasons for buying so much pre-fall! I have a really, really hard time wearing wool ANYTHING. Sweaters, blazers, pants, jackets... it's rough. I forgot to have the allergist test me last time I was there but I suspect I am allergic. Even cashmere makes me squirm! I tend to be ok with overcoats, etc. that always have a layer underneath but even lined blazers can be brutal. Therefore, I scour pre-fall collection to stalk up on as many cotton versions of things as possible! This (and sometimes spring) is the best time to find non-wool blazers, ponte pants, mid-weight cotton sweater, cardigans, turtlenecks, etc. Even if you like wool, a lot of true fall/winter stuff is way too heavy to wear in an office all day!
I hope this was helpful. I'm focused on blazers and cardigans this year as I'm trying to invest in as little maternity clothing as possible (also, most of it is HIDEOUS. Or hideously overpriced. Or both). I can layer these items with maternity tanks + tees and know that I'll get plenty of mileage out of them long after the baby comes.
What I've bought:
This St. James tee in Natural/Lichen (such a good olive green) is on my list for my next paycheck and I already bought this ladies version in Ochre/Ecru (pictured above). I sized up but it still won't last me much longer than the fall - I couldn't resist the mustard yellow but it's already a bit short!
This Madewell terry swing jacket - such an easy jacket to throw over both casual and work outfits. It's a great midweight and I anticipate I will get years of wear out of this.
This J.Crew camo utility jacket - a little out of the norm for me but it's nice and oversized to throw over St. James tees and sweaters and I thought it'd be so cute with stripes!
This black blazer from LOFT - the fit is EXCELLENT, it falls so well! I also love all the buttons on the sleeve, and it's not wool! I don't like how they styled it online but I think it's super chic with ripped jeans, a white tee, and good heels. I've been surprising myself with the amount of black I'm buying lately but I'm loving feeling a bit more polished as I get older - and black seems to be what I gravitate toward lately!
This slouchy swearer from Lou & Grey - My god I wish I could buy everything L&G makes, especially being pregnant. Nearly all of it will work for the majority of my pregnancy but I love it when not pregnant, too! I snagged this in a dark grey/black colorway that I can't find online but it's a great piece for fall, winter and spring. I am actually surprised with their online selection, it's pretty poor - highly recommend visiting a store as I picked up some great lounge pants and another top as well. (UPDATE: All of the new L&G stuff seems to be online now, you can browse here. Also, everything full-price at LOFT including L&G is now 30% off, no code needed! Headed to the mall tonight for my price adjustment ;)
I won't bore you with the maternity things I've bought but it's literally mostly tanks, tees, and a few pairs of maternity pants/jeans. I need to grab a button down or two in the next few months but for now my regular ones are just fine.
P.S. the sunnies in the picture are the Karen Walker Harvest shades. I LOVE them!