What's happened to me?

[permaquandry]

Is it me, or is there NOTHING in the shops at the moment? I have no idea what to buy.

I am late thirties, size 6-8, always been into shopping and my look, over the last 3-4 years I've really sorted my wardrobe, nice jackets, good tops and sweaters, well fitting jeans/trousers and decent trendy/classic shoes. Then each season, I've bought a few pieces to update, including jewellery.

I've been shopping 3 times in the last 2 weeks to different major shopping areas with a variety of shops and I just cannot find anything I like, I get confused and end up buying nothing.

What's happened to me?

A long shot but could it be the change in season?

I'm useless when the seasons are about to change and just can't picture myself in anything.

Do you go on Pinterest I get outfit ideas from there and look magazine.

I think you've probably hit the nail on the head. I get footwear confusion, I see lovely trousers etc then think, well, I can't wear boots as too warm/it's spring. I have loafers but they really need sandals and it's the wrong time of year.

I've been in a shopping drought as we've had major expenditure recently, so I've not had a fix for months, I just wonder if I've 'forgotten' how to shop? I also now consider my age; should I wear certain things now I'm approaching 40. I've never worried about such things before.

I'm wondering if I'm at a crossroads.

I think I will wait a few months then have another go!

There are loads of dresses, which I don't wear, and loads of black and white, which I don't wear, and loadsof jazzy patterned tops, which I don't wear. And loads of very strong colours - glaring peach, strident yellow, which I also don't wear. And in between those one or two nice things.

What shops have you been looking in? I can't afford new clothes at mo but have seen lots of lovely clothes online brands like french connection,white stuff,anthropology. Innis online has some nice things.

I agree with the black and white, dresses and bright colours - the trouble is there is so many different styles, patterns, shapes, it's hard for me to focus.

I've done 5 trips around Zara, been to Whistles (half my current wardrobe is from here, but it's gone crazily expensive and a bit meh), Topshop, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Marks and Sparks (limited edition). Trawled through various internet sites.

I guess I don't know exactly what I want. I love sweatshirts and would like some blouses as I guess something more springlike is required now?

I know think I'm fussy, so that doesn't help. I am very specific about what I like, so when the shops are like this, I end up with nothing.

I'm struggling too, there's very little in the shops I like and it's even harder to find decent work clothes. I've done quite well in Cos this week but even so there wasn't as much as I thought there would be for me.

There's quite a lot of Helmut Lang and so forth that I'd like, but that's in my dreams.

I can't stop shopping at the moment - I'm putting together my ideal wardrobe before my big 5-0 birthday this year. I've bought blazers, tops, linen trousers, dresses, a maxi skirt and cardigans.

I'm struggling to find sandals though!

I'm super-fussy and usually find it impossible to buy clothes.

That sounds fun flewlady. 50 is brilliant.
Perma I think pinterest sounds a good idea. Start your own board pinning all the outfits or items you like from there and other clothing sites.

Have you tried Sandwich, Part Two, Avoca?

Congrats flewlady, happy birthday for this year!

I like to hear good shopping success stories.

I think some of my problem is that I'm a SAHM who doesn't go out much, so my wardbrobe is pretty practical but I don't want it to be. Every time I'm drawn to more glam clothes, a part of me says 'no, too dressy, won't get worn'.

I think maybe I should just dress up a bit more. I don't mean ball dresses and tiaras for the school run, mind, just a bit more 'done' as opposed to undone!

I agree about the 'dressines' issue, I'm guilty of buying things for a lifestyle I don't have - no idea when I'll wear all these dresses as I spend most of my time indoors or gardening but I want a wardrobe that has everything in it I might need. Luckily my weight doesn't fluctuate an entire dress size and I buy 'classic' styles so they don't date.

Thanks for the good wishes :)

There is tons of very nice and quite cheap jewelry about, so that dresses you up a bit without risking an expensive mistake.

Maybe you need to just take stock. If you buy it, wear it, love it. Just wear it. :) I used to be like this, buy nice things and think that it is too nice to wear and then I save it. Now I am rehauling my whole house and cleaning out things possibly ready to sell the place. I realised how much I have got, and now some do not even fit. Be good to yourself and live these moments now. If you have to "um and ah" about a piece, it probably is not for you. I'm sure you guys have a natural instinct by now. I am starting to sharpen mine too. If it is not right, then I do not bother any more. I go out with a list these days. I have a better and rough idea what I need to match with my existing wardrobe. It saves me confusion overall.

permaquandry Why is it "too" dressy? Just dress for the real you. If a piece of clothing makes you feel good and wholistic, then buy it. Wear it. :) A piece of clothing is supposed to also make you feel like you as well. Your own niche, or your own identity. For me, I do not chase the "fashion" than I chase the "identity". If I cannot identify with a piece of clothing, then I do not buy it. Well, I am getting to be like this now.

Fab 40s?! It's hardly time to join the camel brigade!

I think you're right, you're a bit rusty, change of season and maybe a bit scared to spend with the recent big purchase.

Give it a week or so and you'll be fine.

Sometimes I pick a celeb of a similar age, shape and colouring and nick a bit of their style for inspiration.

Good luck and enjoy!