Following in Aida’s footsteps, I have been working on my “list”, along with thoughts and goals.

I’ve realized I’ve wanted my closet to be like a buffet of choices, even though I never eat everything at an actual buffet, just bacon and waffles.

And I’m easily influenced by trends and whims.

And I’m an emotional shopper.

And I’ve had to face up to my utter dissatisfaction with how I look at the moment, which is in real conflict with my ability (or lack thereof) to choose the right things for me. Instead, I got into the habit of buying unrealistically based on what I’d like to wear if only I were (thinner/taller/richer/lived in Hawai’i/spent my life in Hollywood, etc).

Instead of feeling happy about all these choices, I’ve been stressed and overwhelmed by a closet full of haphazard orphans. None of it has been productive financially, emotionally or practically.

My current goal is to narrow it all down and focus on things that truly work for me in ALL ways - color, fit, style, quality, need and price. Ideally, for example, rather than ten shirts that almost work, I’d like one or two perfect shirts. I have managed to purge A LOT of things. Now I want to fill my wardrobe holes carefully and properly. This list has really helped me by giving me a mental checklist when I feel the impulse to snatch something up in the moment.

The other thing I need to work on is waiting for and recognizing that rare moment when something is perfect, and not agonizing about it till it’s too late. I think that will get easier as I get pickier. The j. crew jacket that Jonesy pointed me to is a perfect example. I think I’ll be wearing it all summer, and I am happier with it than with four lesser jackets.

It’s been a piecemeal and often frustrating process for impatient, impulsive me - but I am determined to change my ways and to tie it into getting back into the kind of physical shape I was in before I had my son.

Phew! Thank you all so much for letting me ramble on here - I do not have a single friend locally who would not have told me to shut up by now. I have used a lot of the input I’ve gotten here on YLF in compiling this list, and I would love feedback on whether it rings true to you, or if I need a good smack upside the head.

I am SO grateful to Angie and all of you for having gotten me this far. It would NEVER have happened on my own. And a huge thanks to Aida for coming up with this checklist, which I’ve tweaked a little for me.

PRIMARY NEUTRALS: black, gray/charcoal, navy
SECONDARY NEUTRALS: beige (bottoms), olive
MAIN COLORS: Brights or deep/saturated
Reds: true, berry, maroon, tomato
Blues: cobalt, turquoise, navy purple
Green: emerald, olive
Yellows: mustard, citron
ACCENT COLORS: fuchsia
DON'T WEAR COLORS: pastels of any shade, beige, peach/coral/melon, sage
ACCESSORIES: Silver, metallic

-------- ELEMENTS OF LOVE --------
vintage
60s, 70s
mod
military
chains/studs/hardware
distressing
leather
blazers
black skinny jeans
sweaters
boots
scarves
stripes
plaid
abstract patterns
slouch
hats
natural fibers
cropped
contrast
androgynous

NO THANKS:
puffy shoulders
high collars
high crew-necks
low scoop-necks
cleavage
low-rise pants
stilettos
girly
cutesy
sporty
country-western

ASPIRATION ADJECTIVES:
tough
fearless
edgy
unexpected
quirky
bold
dynamic
saturated
witty
easy
slouchy
strong