Generic Wishlists FTW
why I advocate for a generic approach
I’ve recently gotten questions about how I identify what I want to purchase next. While I’ve written an article dedicated to that, I wanted to expand upon my wishlisting methods.
If you’ve read my previous article, you know it’s a mix of self control with a semi-structured wishlist. I know what you’re thinking — nothing groundbreaking. It is spring after all. Okay, terrible joke over.
Simply put, I like to keep two lists. One that is generic with items I’ve identified I want or “need” and one that I like to call my noteworthy list (I also sometimes refer to it as a sparks list). Interested in learning how to do that? Read more about it here.
So What’s A Generic Wishlist?
The generic wishlist will contain descriptions of items you want. Black denim jeans. A red cardigan. White loafers, etc. The point is to simply create a descriptive list of what you want instead of saving specific items. Why? Because oftentimes when we’re shopping we are blinded by what we see on others or a specific piece. Do you really want that item? Or do you just like the idea of it? When looking for any item, solely keeping the description of it gives you the ability to be open to any and all options vs just the one you saw on a must buy list.
Having a generic wishlist also allows us to identify a true want and/or need. If you keep going back to Porto’s Vinno Rossi purse after 5 months, I think that’s a sign she’s the one. I’m talking to myself here. Isn’t she gorgeous?!
If we’re seeking more individuality in our dressing patterns, we must change our shopping behaviors. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s the Black Polene Numero Dix that you really want and fits your needs, but the ultimate goal with a generic wishlist is to ensure you’re making a purchase after considering multiple options. The added benefit is that it slows down our consumption and establishes more meaningful connections when we’re buying an item.
So Why Another List?
I like keeping two lists because I often like to satisfy the “need” of saving something so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on it. When I save a specific item that I’m intrigued by or that “sparks” something in me, I add it to this list. This list is for specific items that peak my interest, but i’m not quite fixated on yet. A few currently on my list are: Songmont’s Mini Song bag, Aeyde’s Delfina flats and Citizen of Humanity’s Marcelle pants. Ultimately, I use this list as a way to gather ideas and inspiration for how I want my closet to evolve in the next season.
The Bigger Picture
When we take a step back and allow ourselves to be open to many possibilities rather than just going with the first item we chance upon, the end result is a more personally curated wardrobe. For example, I wear my black Reformation tank weekly. It has wide straps but it’s not double lined. I can wear it without a bra because it’s black. It has stretched a bit with wear, which isn’t surprising considering how often I wear and wash it. Due to its high level of wearability, I added a black tank to my generic list. Again, descriptions here rather than the specific item.
While shopping for satin pants, I stumbled upon this tank. It’s now become one of my favorites due to its softness, thinner straps and overall shape. A major plus is that it’s also double lined! If I wouldn’t have put out into my shopping universe that I was interested in another tank and just bought another one from Reformation, I wouldn’t have ever been open to trying one that wasn’t initially on my radar.
When we allow ourselves to step away from specific items and broaden our wishlists to be more descriptive than prescriptive, we end up better identifying the gaps in our closet.
How do you wishlist? Do you have generic items you are shopping for? Let me know below! If you have suggestions for other topics, also drop them below :)
xx Ofelia
You know that I have LOVED this piece of advice and I immediately implemented after we exchanged messages recently. I put “simple white mini dress” on my generic wishlist and doing so has made me (1) more laid back in my search for it (2) more picky when I come across and option because I really want this dress to be a stalwart in my closet.
As discussed, I have very specific items on my wishlist too but I have found that having specifics can take the fun out of shopping. I went to Paris last year and almost couldn’t shop because I wasn’t buying my exact wishlist items! How insane!
YES, I wholeheartedly agree with this approach! 👏 This is how I write my wish lists and I've found that it definitely makes me more intentional about what I bring into my wardrobe.