I have a very stylish friend who all but lived in No. 6 clogs, clog boots, or clog sandals, depending on the season, but when this article came out in the Times a while back citing No. 6 clogs as a crucial component of the Brooklyn mom uniform, she swore off them for good. She is, in fact, a Brooklyn mom, and did not want to be viewed as one who engaged in such easy sartorial cliches. Being neither a Brooklyn-dweller nor a mom myself, I didn’t take the Times assessment too personally, but I did take note, and wondered: had No. 6 clogs become too ubiquitous? I decided to keep wearing the ones I had—they comprise too huge a portion of my shoe wardrobe not to—but not to buy any new ones. And then this afternoon I was out running errands—dropping off dry cleaning, bringing busted-up footwear to the excellent Cowboy Boot Hospital—when I realized I was in such close proximity to the No. 6 store that I might as well drop by—just to look at the clothes, mind you. And while I did admire this Lauren Manoogian coat and so many sweaters, eventually I made it to the back of the store where the clogs live, and discovered these little wonders, which are now officially my first and only pair of purple shoes. Yes, just when I think I’m out, No. 6 pulls me back in. What brand/product/article of clothing does that for you?
I have a pair of purple clogs and they make me so happy!
I can’t stop buying bags. I’m eternally in search of the perfect one
Rosé (i live in a year round hot climate), Ferragamo Varas (on Tradesy), Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm, JCrew online sales and Garnier curly hair gel. Ok, I just realized I sound like a Wasp….
Denim (pants, shirts, jackets); white shirts; vintage cowboy boots. I can always rationalize how the new item fills a tiny hole in my wardrobe.
Toys for pets (1 dog, 2 cats), graphic tees, band tees, cashmere cardies, hoodies, and insane-looking sneakers
White shirts, expensive handbags, dark nail polish and Triple Chocolate Enlighten ice cream.
I should clarify that I have absolutely NO intention of stopping btw.
1. Lipstick. Way too many, but another will always find its way into my cart. 2. Madewell Central shirts. I have some from the store and others I scooped up for a good price on EBay. Just when I think I’m done, another nice print comes out.
I second the Madewell Central shirts – the “drapey” ones. I cannot resist them. I’m convinced I look like a “cool girl” when I wear them; whether that’s true or not I have no idea. They all live on a rolling rack in my bedroom and make me very happy.
And Kim, those purple clogs are *smashing*!
I’m going to suggest that yes, you do look like a cool girl since I also have way too many Central shirts.
Im a west coaster. Yoga gear. I dont own, but love the No 6 clogs. I would ignore the hater who wrote the article. I wear what I love!
Coats. I live in Houston, why do I have so many coats?! (Eleven at last count, not including blazers because I buy too many of those also.)
I’m in Phoenix. Do I have a closetful of coats, light jackets, trenches, and parkas? Why yes. They’re all perfect, and adorable, and timeless, and never used. And then when I travel someplace where I can actually wear them, I only have room for one or perhaps two. Because it’s coat weather, and coat weather clothes are huge and take up a whole carryon. And does this stop me from hunting chore jackets, blazers, Iro jackets, and more coats each fall? No, not in the least.
My parents are Snowbirds, and I’ve visited them in Scottsdale in Spring for years. We always wear a fleece, denim jacket or light coat in the mornings and evenings! I would actually think that the ‘light coat’ category would get plenty of use in certain seasons. Parkas? Maybe not.
Girl – same! Another Phoenix dweller here with a closet full of coats and cute jackets that I love deeply and never get to wear. I have another one being delivered today.
On an episode of Fit to Stitch, there was a guest who had a blazer store in one of the big towns in Texas. She designed and sold blazers … and maybe some off the rack too. She had such enthusiasm for her work. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name … but in the back of my mind, if I ever go there, I want to visit and maybe get one.
I’ve wanted a pair of purple clogs ever since 1996, when Cher mentioned a pair in “Clueless.” I’m that many years old.
“What did you do at school today?”
“Well, I broke in my purple clogs.”
*Absolute first thing that came to mind when I saw this post*
Jeans – I’m completely obsessed. I do cull my selection often so it’s not completely out of control.
Interesting about No. 6 Clogs being associated with motherhood. This is not the case in Canada as I’ve yet to see them in a shoe store!
I’m also really bad with hair products. Always worth a try, right?
Jackets are another weakness, because they help justify my latest denim purchase.
I buy earrings, scarves and black boots. I probably have too many of these items by most people’s standards, but I love accessories, and I use them so I don’t really swear off them.
Aside from getting dressed, it’s stationery, books, gourmet pantry items which I then forget about, eyeglasses, water bottles.
Beauty products of pretty much all kinds. I have more than I could ever use before it goes bad–a truly embarrassing amount–and yet find myself already scouting all the holiday sets. Sigh.
Must be a Rebecca thing.. for me it’s lipsticks. I must have over 50….
Lipstick too!
I’m not the only one! If I die and my sons need to get rid of my stuff, it’ll be very embarrassing.
So, so many beauty products! Just when I start to make a dent, there will be a sale or coupon that I can’t resist… just got a $5 off coupon at Ulta, good on ‘designer’ brands (which only happens a few times a year), so I got two Ordinary serums for the price of one, basically. Luckily, I have a teen daughter so I can push some product on her… 😉
Curses!! I promised myself no more clogs….and those purple beauties grew wings and are flying to me!!
It feels as though lots of people are simply admitting to overbuying the things they really love. I, on the other hand, interpreted this post as an inquiry into the items we buy that are actually bad for us in some way, yet we keep going back to, like Charlie Brown trying to kick Lucy’s football.
For me, No. 6 and other platform shoes—even some Birkenstocks—are it. I used to be able to wear them, but in the last year or two my ankles have weakened to the point that they turn without warning and I buckle even on the flattest surfaces. I’ve fallen off my shoes and to the ground at least four times, so far without major injury, but when combined with the beginnings of osteoporosis, I’m trying to just say no to any more platform purchases.
Ponchos, ruanas, capes … I have quite a few. I justify the purchases as socially acceptable ways to wear a blanket in public. Black boots, especially knee high boots and lace up black booties (just not too witchy). Embroidered peasant tops: Ulla J, Mi Golondrina, Isabel Marant,CJ Laing Oaxaca blouses, always on the look out despite the fact that I can’t possibly wear all the ones I have. Good topic!
Oooh, CeeJay — I wish I could see your outfits!
I was thinking the same thing. She sounds fabulous!
1. Fall jackets, which is silly. This year, we are getting four whole days of (official) autumn before the snow flies.
2. Summer sandals, which is silly. We had 71 days of rain this summer. I don’t mean polite rain that falls straight down from the sky.
I get the feeling my closet is full of wishful thinking.
“My closet is full of wishful thinking.” Yes! You nailed it.
I love that line…”my closet is full of wishful thinking.” I can so relate.
Striped t-shirts due daughter shaming. Boo
Manolos. Love ‘em but they don’t fit my life anymore. Thank goodness for the RealReal.
I’m with Lisa R: black sweaters, gray sweaters; I also have a tendency to purchase all the gorgeously scented candles in the universe, and burn them all the time.
Olive green shirts, jackets and pants. And jackets. I always buy tweedy blazers, denim jackets, and leather jackets …more than anyone who lives in a warm climate would ever need.
I recently bought a full length cashmere winter coat and I live in Los Angeles…
Fall clothes are the best!
1. Striped sailor shirts – and you’d think I’d at least have them in different colorways, but about 80% of mine are the typical white and blue ones. Can’t stop. Should stop.
2. Everlane jeans – great quality, sustainably made, and well-priced. Can you blame me?
3. Actually, Everlane, full stop
I have so many striped breton-esque Ts that it’s embarrassing. I have thin ones, heavier more traditional ones with buttons on the shoulder. All the colors, shortsleeve, etc. Fitted, oversized. etc.
Troentorp clogs. I have four pairs and my kids have two…
I do too! They have a good amount of rubber and give lots of cushioning. I have lots. And not as expensive at No. 6.
1. Gin; 2) diet tonic; and 3) limes.
If it helps, there’s an announcement coming at 5 pm Eastern today that might help with that? #itmfa
cheap t-shirts
Eileen Fisher.
On one hand, I wear the few EF pieces I own all the time, but on the other hand, EF is pretty much for Girls of a Certain Age who have given up.
Noooo! Love Eileen Fisher – it’s all in how you style it. I’m sure you look great.
EF is forever my go to for basic wearable pieces. All it takes is good accessories, and adapting the proportions.
I’ve been wearing Eileen Fisher since I was in my 2os and I am now 59. They are the only things I wear all the time, and yes, it is all in the styling…..
I agree! EF has some lovely, unique pieces! I’ve been wearing EF for a long time, since about 30 years old, and I’m…..definitely older now!
but Eileen Fisher and Nic & Zoe are my go too brands (plus a little Johnny Was thrown in from time to time)
men
yup
Liberty of London shirts from j.crew. I need to accept the fact that I do not look like a j. Crew model in them. Rather, they look like pajamas on me! Yet, I keep buying them.
Books, mascara, lip gloss or tinted lip balm. I’ve been into fun socks lately. I work out of my house full time so comfortable and colorful socks have become a thing 😎
Barbour vests. I’m heavily invested and show no signs of stopping.
Black boots.
Me too re: black boots…. primarily Chelsea and western boots with 1-2″ heels. Keep coming back to that pond.
Also, leather jackets and blazers. And soft, not too thick sweatshirts.
I have 3 black peasant type tops with balloon-y sleeves plus 1 that’s more of a puffy pirate shirt with back buttons and balloon-y sleeves. That did not prevent me from buying (and returning) another back-button, and now circling another back-button option on another site. Do I really need another one?
Black T Shirts. Blazers. Sneakers. Dogs & cats.
*I do not buy dogs and cats, but I keep acquiring them as they present themselves for rescue (2 of the former, 3 of the latter, and that’s while exercising mammoth self-control)
YES!!! Three rescue dogs here and I have to keep reminding myself over and over and over again the three is my limit (for now).
Black sweaters, and grey sweaters, and black & grey sweaters. The grey wrap cardigan from a few posts back is scheduled for delivery tomorrow!
Designer handbags and black pants.
Designer handbags and black pants? Hello closet sister!
Haha. I’m getting better w the bag obsession but thanks to menopause I still have issues with black pants 🤣
Oh yes, forever in search of the perfect black pants (including a new pair of black joggers from Kim’s recent post).
T-shirts. They seem simple, but so many things can go wrong. For color, I think white ones look like undershirts. Black? Too harsh. Other colors? Nope. Another problem for me is that most are too short for my long torso. But when I’ve tried longer lengths, they don’t work either. They look ridiculous. Also, necklines are tricky: crew necks are unflattering and v-necks/scoops show too much when I lean forward. A perfect sleeve would be elbow length, but those are rare. I know I should give up and maybe this post will be the catalyst. Thank you for getting me to think about this!
You are so right! Many people think “A tee is a tee is a tee.” But I disagree – they have to drape “just so,” around both the arms and the tummy area. Length matters too! Can’t be too long or too short. I’ve recently had luck with crews – it’s nice not to worry about the sun, exposing too much and of course, not worry about the neckline being all stretched out! But I know one needs shirts which expose the collar bone too.
Cardigans, Jeans, Sweatshirts that I don’t wear outside of my house, and cat toys. Seriously, I don’t need another sweatshirt that only my husband and the cat see, but I’m sure I’ll get at least one this fall!
I have been making an effort to buy basics and classics and not stock up on things I love, because I have a lot of wardrobe holes. But in gerneral, t-shirts of all colors and styles, ankle booys, sweaters, “going-out” tops (I never “go out”).
I should swear off your newsletter because WAY too many of my purchases are a direct result of your awesome taste! But alas, big chunky sweaters are probably my biggest downfall. I live in Chicago, so they are put to good use, but have at least 50.
Sneakers of all shapes, colors, and sizes… and never more than $125. Leopard, metallic, white canvas, black, etc…. Vans, Seavees, Superga are my go-to’s.
Silver hoops. I keep losing just one. Rag and Bone Dre jeans. Red and nude lipsticks. I’m sure I’ll find the perfect shade one day. Vince tank tops. Black tee shirts.
With you on the Rag & Bone Dre. Though they can be frustrating: sometimes they get too baggy, so you size down with the next purchase and then they don’t stretch 😉
ikr?
I have this bad habit of buying things that I already have because I forgot that I had them. Which of course means that if I forgot that I had them, clearly I haven’t been using them in the first place. I buy too many art and hobby supplies (yarn, embroidery thread, etc.) and books. I’ve had my eye on a pair of chelsea boots but I also just broke my leg and by the time I’m able to wear heels again, it’ll be spring. So I’ve been resisting. I also work from home so I really don’t need office appropriate clothes that I’ll never wear … and yet, I’m tempted. I cannot resist a breton top and have way too many already. And I’ve been really tempted by cashmere lately. I really like shopping.
Black pants, black (and white) t-shirts, black booties ans white shirts. No matter how many white cotton shirts I have, a better one is always in the offing.
Bags, sunglasses and jackets — good grief there is one coming today (yippie)
ooh lots of enablers here ! 😉
I keep buying denim looking for that “perfect pair”.
I also keep buying flowery, hippy blouses….
Even though I work at home, which means I could spend the majority of my life in my workout clothes, I keep buying blazers and cropped cigarette pants, to mix and match as “suits,” which I wear with Tshirts and either heels or platform sneakers. And don’t get me started on boots/booties. One day, I will cull everything down to a chic, sleek, minimalist wardrobe of just a handful of lux mix-and-match separates . . . Who am I kidding? No I won’t.
Jeans. Anything leopard. Hoodies/sweatshirts. Rock/logo tees. Cowboy boots. Sneakers. Jackets.
This is basically my uniform.
Grey sweaters. Every time I see a sweater I KNOW I have too many in black, so I always say “I could use a grey sweater”, bring it home and discover that I actually have several. I seem to have passed down that grey ideal to my teen daughter. As we were packing her for college I noticed two grey zipped sweatshirt ‘jackets’ in her closet that she wasn’t taking, because she had already packed two grey cropped hoodies! And I vowed not to buy anymore, at least for her… 😉
Corduory pants in all colors. Short boots. All of the V neck sweaters. (I live in new england…)
Current/Elliott “Perfect” shirts. Somehow I needed six denim shirts in my life.
Doc Martens, Lululemon leggings, gold hoops
Until I became a human furnace, my answer would be black sweaters. Now it’s a toss up between the Ecco sneakers that look like Keds, and Marine Layer T Shirts. Also, tinted lip balm, although I think Origins might actually be the winner.