This spring, I started on a low dose GLP-1. Since March, I have lost a small, noticeable amount of weight, but the biggest change has been in my desire to shop. As in, it’s mostly gone. In fact, I know the medication is wearing off when I start adding items to cart with abandon.
This change in impulsivity has brought me back to a healthy place with my spending. It’s also helped me return to the thoughtful, intentional way that I used to build my wardrobe before the post-pandemic, career upheaval, baby phase of life.
Recently, I created a shopping list in my Notes App. When I find something I want to buy or think of something I want to purchase for my wardrobe, I add the item to the Note. And while there’s nothing revolutionary about a shopping list, it’s really changed how I shop for the better. Here is what is on my list this month.
New Sunglasses. How many times can one mother drop her Ray-Bans onto the asphalt at the park? Or onto the concrete at school? Or onto the tile patio at the restaurant? Is it enough times to scratch the lenses to a place where they are entirely unbeatable? It is indeed.
Luckily, Ray-Ban is having a sale. I replaced my beloved black and gold aviators — the ultimate sporty sunglasses. And I also picked up these very cool tortoise sunglasses with semi-octagonal frames. I should now be done buying sunglasses for at least two years.
A Swingy Dress. This summer is likely to be a hot one where I live, and I want a dress (or two) that don’t touch my body. Something so breezy that it’s like wearing nothing at all. I’m still deciding on which one to buy, but Eileen Fisher seems to be the stop. This short sleeve option is perfect. I also like this shirtdress style in a bold purple. Both offer a lot of room to breathe. I also like this maxi style from COS.
Brown Eyeliner. I noticed recently that I may have aged out of black eyeliner. It was feeling a bit severe. I switched to brown with this gifted Sarah Creal eyeliner in medium matte brown. It’s nice for summer, but I’d like more definition, so I will switch to the espresso hue when it runs out. If you’re looking for a drugstore option, this Revolution Beauty eyeliner comes highly reviewed.
Jean Shorts. I am still looking for the perfect pair of a-line shorts in denim. I’m torn between this J.Crew pair and this Madewell pair. I may order both and send one back.
A Colorful Suit. I have been obsessed with the color of this Ann Taylor pant suit since I saw it. Just trying to figure out how to style it in winter time.
So what are you buying this June?
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I went on a linen binge and got myself linen pants in cream and shorts in both cream and navy from Banana Republic Factory Store, plus linen pants in olive, shorts in navy, and a button-down in light pink, all from Quince. I tried finding denim shorts that were roomy enough in the thigh and not too thick/heavy, but I struck out, so navy linen will be my denim substitute this summer
The sizes are limited, especially in the washes with finished hems, but the Abercrombie High-Rise Dad Shorts are fantastic.
I’ve had good luck with the Pistola cutoff shorts for a more a-line cut. They’re a little pricey, but looked better than anything else I tried on.
I’ve found using the Indyx app has been super helpful for this – easier to see what I wear, where the gap is (or isn’t!). I just bought a Me+Em blue and white striped shirt to layer over graphic tees or with a printed skirt to add a smidge of extra style (print+stripe) while still reading mostly as a neutral.
Re: sunglasses — After losing/breaking/scratching-beyond-repair too many pairs of Ray-Bans, I realized I needed to find a lower cost alternative. I’ve had really great experiences with Knockarounds — they are polarized (the most important feature to me), sturdy, and really affordable (~$35 but often go on sale for even less). I’m a fan of the Mai-Tais and Mary Janes (dupes of my go-to Ray-Ban Erikas), and my husband has had good experiences with the Fort Knocks (dupes of Ray-Ban Wayfarers).
Also on a GLP and have not felt a reduction in impulse buying! Instead I have fallen victim to buying too much in a new size and I’ve found that a. I already had things in my closet that fit (albeit from many years ago) and b. my new clothes are very short-lived as I’ve continued to lose weight. I’ve had the most luck with buying secondhand – something fresh for me that doesn’t break the bank until I settle into my hopefully final size range.
But anyway – I need to purchase a unicorn piece this month – a dress to wear outside in the south in July that is conservative but fun to wear to a work reunion of sorts (i.e. not low cut, somewhere just above knee length, can withstand a breeze, and isn’t a wild color), and then I need close-toed flats to go with it.