What fashion items would you buy if you had $500 to spend?

[Mrs P]

Hi ladies!

I am fortunate enough to have a $500 gift card to spend when we go to Sydney next month - yay!
So I am looking for ideas on how to update my wardrobe - I don't want to waste this as I doubt I'll have that much to spend on MYSELF for quite a while!!

I'm thinking a great pair of jeans but not sure what else...

Would love some ideas

[Trillian]

Probably shoes, a coat and a pair of jeans - things that will last for a while and not really date.

[Beach Mama]

Boots, trench coat, jeans, wrap dress, black pants, leather ballet flats.... Ohh jealous! Have fun shopping!

[Roryrory]

I'd buy this!!!! Well, not those exact items, but cheaper copies!!

[Trillian]

I love that idea Rory!

[buffy1]

I'm with the others - boots, jeans and a trench coat. Or a fabulous little black dress and heels. How fun!

[Phteven]

Everything looks better if you have a great bra underneath so a few well fitted high quality bras would be on my list. Imo everyone needs a really nice black wool or cashmere skivvy.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

For me? right now? well.. some nice maternity jeans.. mine are getting too tight boo!

But if i wasnt pregnant... some new (expensive mmmm) undies and bra. Hot as jeans, jacket... anything really and some fluffy bed socks (hahaha just because I like them!) Am I the only one that LOVES new socks? lol

[Nelle]

Depending on funds, I might consider a personal shopper/stylist/consultant. I have a friend who is one, and she seems really interested in clothes to suit people's body types, and knows where to find everything, and where all the sales are. That sort of thing might save you lots of time and hassle in a foreign state.

[Just Me]

I love accessories ... necklaces, bangles, belts, earrings, headbands etc You can make a whole new outfit from clothes you already have with a few good accessories and they are fun! I would put some money aside for accessories

[~Jayne~]

Oooh, I would get a great pair of jeans, a lovely pair of shoes & if money permits, a couple of tops to either dress the jeans up or down!
Yay you!!!!

[Amity]

One shoe.

Lol. I love shoes.

[Tinks]

I'd go for really good basics like jeans, jacket and shoes too.

[Mrs P]

Oooh lots of great suggestions, thanks girls. I definitely want some jeans, was thinking of trying The Gap as I am tall so 'normal' jeans are never long enough, but they do extra long. Boots is a great idea too, but I do have chunky calves so find it hard to find them to fit. But as it will be coming into winter hopefully there will be plenty to chose from.

Roryrory - that was a great link, thank you! I see that boots and jeans were featured ha ha.
And I hadn't even thought about accessories, so thanks Just Me
Divvy - I loved your reply
Nelle - great suggestion! We are staying not far from the Westfield in central Sydney (it's a Westfield gift card that I have) so I might see if they do the stylist thing. I've recently changed shape since having DD - my butt has disappeared! So I may need some fashionista advice and help while shopping (DH will be no help!).

Actually I am hoping to leave DH with DD having a nap at the hotel while I go shopping

[Mak]

Mrs P - maybe make a list so you can have a plan of attack? I have started an ongoing list of things that need replacing/purchasing as I have really not bothered for way too long. I have found this helps me actually see the stuff I am after when I am in the shop rather than just wandering around knowing I need some clothes but no idea what, ITMS. I had also gotten into some bad habits about dressing down and looking far too slobby so needed to keep myself focussed rather than buying some more comfy leggings, lol!
Similarly perhaps plan colour schemes/colours of interest so you can coordinate the things you do get (a la Rory's suggestion - oh my did I need to see that a couple of months ago).
Most importantly - have fun and make sure you spend it all on YOU!!!! xxxx

ETA My list is - jackets - one denim/one other (canvas?)
long boots flat - brown
Wedges - mushroom
A line skirts - one camel/? dark denim
Tshirts/long sleeved scoop neck - grey/white
Long cardi
shorter more fitted cardi
Some dresses

[Mrs P]

Mak - great suggestion, thanks! Will definitely make a list. In fact, I might even start browsing a few of the brands/shops that will be in the Westfield, so maybe I can find a few specific things to check out IRL. That way my shopping time should be more streamlined and I can try to create my own mini-capsule like on Roryrory's link! Yay!
Love your list too - I could just about use the same one ha ha. Plus jeans that is!

[MrsBexie]

OOH!!

I would get:
A pair of shoes (either ballet flats or boots cause I don't wear heels often enough)
A pair of gorgeous, perfect fitting jeans
A new dress (maybe a LBD, or a fitted classic print dress?)
A jacket (something stylish and that you can wear either dressed up or everyday

Right now, I would just like anything that fit!!!!!!!!!! Stupid pregnancy changed my body shape, now my hips don't fit anything and if they do, it's too big for my legs! GRR. (sorry to rant in your thread!!)

But GOD I am excited for you!!!!!!!!!! Have the best time shopping!! And I would highly suggest to get classic styles, so then you can wear them for ages!!!

[Mrs P]

Mrs Bexie - thanks for being excited! It's a lovely treat for a new mummy to shop for herself. I think your list is exactly what I will look for.
- wrap dress or lbd
- boots or flats
- classic but funky blazer, probably with one button and 3/4 sleeves
- some great jeans that FIT!!