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A Note on Style

Thursday, July 7, 2022

WHAT TO BUY

WHAT TO BUY

A reader posed the question on how to determine what to buy when there’s so much to consider and so many good options. Rather than briefly answer in the comments, I thought the discussion deserved its own post.

As one who is constantly browsing fashion, I’m frequently tempted to buy. But, there are a few rules I apply before I hit the purchase button. It begins with categorizing items down to needs, wants, obsessions and investment staples.

Needs: These are the essentials like jeans, tees, and basic cashmere sweaters. They’re often repeat buys (or buying double) so I don’t spend a lot of time looking for the latest and greatest. I have my go-to brands and look to them for updates. Jeans are Mother Denim (wearing the Hustler Roller lately) and Closed. For tees, I shop Uniqlo and COS. I’ll refresh my cashmere sweaters with new colors and cuts from James Perse, COS, and occasionally splurge on Khaite.

Wants: A majority of the pieces on A Note on Style are in this category. They’re items that’ve caught my eye because they look fresh, updated, modern, cool, and stir some excitement. A fantastic new loafer or sandal that makes the rest of my wardrobe appear more stylish, a poplin shirt in a new color or with interesting details, a trouser that will elevate a number of looks, or a skirt with unique style (like the Gucci skirt above). These pieces will usually go in my shopping cart or wish list and stay there for a day or two while I contemplate.

I have to question myself with the “wants”. Are they filling a void? Will they replace something I already own that perhaps looks tired? Will I be excited to wear them? Can I style them with existing pieces in my closet? But, most importantly, is it my style? It’s easy to get wrapped up with what looks good on others and works for their lifestyle and budget.

Obsessions: I would almost categorize these pieces as impulse buys because when I see one, it’s a quick purchase. They’ve likely already been lurking in the back of my mind. An example would be a Chanel bag in a specific color (like this one in silver) or the Chanel T-Strap pump (wearing above). I had them on my wish list the minute they appeared on the runway. My current obsession is this pump.

Investment Staples: I’ve made an effort in the last few years to buy less but better. I’m trying to build a quality wardrobe based on functional staples. These purchases fall between needs and obsessions because I do give them a lot of consideration and want them to have significance for the long run. (Remember this post?) A blazer by The Row, a Celine dress, Chanel jacket or knit,(buying pre-owned is a good approach), a classic Gucci bag…they’re items I’m counting on wearing for years to come. And I mean years. This Jil Sander jacket from over 20 years ago just made the rounds last winter.

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9 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brooke Garber

    July 8, 2022

    Orders the jeans , and then wanted to click on the Jil Sander coat but it reverted to your Jan 4 Instagram instead . Now searching for the bendable hangers !! but cannot find them – please send the brand ! Thank you ,

    • Karima

      July 8, 2022

      I’ve only been able to find the hangers on Amazon. Link is HERE. They’re fantastic! Hope you love the jeans…

      The Jil Sander jacket is from over 20 years ago. I’m so glad I didn’t part ways with it in one of my closet edits!

  2. Susan

    July 8, 2022

    Thank you! Now please do a post about closet clean outs. I presumably wouldn’t part with something as precious as a top tier designer item without a lot of thought, but I find myself hanging on to other things probably a lot longer than I should. Blouses, sweaters, etc. In good shape, but maybe a bit tired of them.

  3. Sally ann Moinet

    July 8, 2022

    What classic black boots would you get ? I am eyeing the Gianvitto rossi with a 6.5 cm heel?

    • Karima

      July 9, 2022

      I love Gianvito Rossi shoes. What style boot are you looking at?

  4. Kerry

    July 10, 2022

    I recently spied a black YSL flat large hobo bag in mock croc at Nordstrom and took a pause. I suppose this is an obsession.
    How do you decide? Wondering what your thoughts are on a good purse? I noticed your gucci suggestion on your like list.

    • Karima

      July 12, 2022

      I’ll spurge on an investment bag I can see myself enjoying for years. I don’t buy trendy bags. I’d rather have a nicely edited selection of quality bags in a range of colors and shapes. I’ll double up on the ones I really love. The Gucci 1953 horsebit and Chanel flap bag are good examples.

  5. Kerry

    July 20, 2022

    I recently ordered the gucci skirt. I love it and I love the length since my 65 year old legs show some love…
    Wondered what type of shoe you would suggest… love the Chanel that you are wearing but obviously hard if not impossible to find.
    Thankyou for your thoughtful responses .

    • Karima

      July 21, 2022

      Isn’t it a great skirt? I love mine. I think a variety of shoes work depending on how you style it. A heel (or even a platform heel) is pretty, but I would also wear the skirt with a boot (see this old post) or (this outfit) for a more casual look…maybe even a loafer.

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Karima Hunter, A Note On Style

Karima Hunter

Based in Southern California,
A NOTE ON STYLE edits fashion, beauty, and interior design through a luxe lens anchored in classic, timeless style.

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