My NES numbers - YouLookFab Forum

And no, that is not a typo. My "not enough summer" numbers, because I am (was ?) in total denial about having too many items of clothing, so it's really about not enough summer.

I went into the summer CONVINCED that I had a shortage of summer tops - this was largely because up until a couple of years ago I tended to wear nice tees to work most of the summer. Then a couple of years ago I decided it was time to kick it up a notch, and got some summer tops and dresses, and got a few more last year.

So at 3:00am when I was wide awake and couldn't get back to sleep, I decided to crunch some numbers.

I have approximately 25 work days left of summer. This takes me 2/3 the way through Sept - our Septembers can be beautiful, and I try to extend the summer as long as possible, which is usually unitl I go away to a conference in late Sept. So this really is pushing the number of days.

I have:
7 items that I have NEVER worn. A few bought last year
7 items not worn yet this year.
12 items that I have worn once this year.

And this is just work clothes, please don't make me talk about casual clothes!
This is also after doing an initial (but not brutal) purge.

SIGH.

It just seems so silly, you know? It's not having "variety", when it doesn't get worn.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me, I want to try to wear all this stuff, and see if I truly do like it, and if it feels good. Otherwise, obviously it's not needed!

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, now you know where you stand. This is really important. And if you try to wear all those tops, you'll get a sense of whether you like them any more or not. And if not, then you can let them go without guilt.

I don't tend to be an over-buyer (ummmm, except for this past Juggernaut June, LOL) and of course, I'm also a pretty eager "editor" so that means my closet doesn't get over full.

Yet for some reason I think that I also tend to over buy summer tops, and always to feel convinced that I have "none" and need to buy them!!

I wonder what the heck that is about. Maybe you're right -- it's just our longing for summer days -- and so we persuade ourselves that we have a need, when the real need is for more gorgeous days to wear them!

But maybe it's also about our desire for some variety. In fall and winter, we wear toppers (either jackets, pulllovers, or cardigans) over top of simple tops. So we get our variety that way. In summer, the top has to do all the work most of the time. And maybe that means we simply need more tops, with more inherent interest to them?

rabbit

Oh yes, I can relate.

I had to put everything into a spreadsheet and highlight stuff that wasn't getting worn so I'd look at it EVERY DAY while I planned my outfit until I started wearing it. Or I returned it with tags, even really late for store credit, because I knew that I could get something I would actually wear out of that transaction. Is that an option with some of the unworn items if the thrill really has gone or you have second thoughts about their usefulness?

That's basically what caused me to put the brake on buying anymore summer tops and skirts, because when you have so many it's quite hard to wear them even five times during the season.

Elizabeth P

Thanks for humoring me Suz

Yes, you're right. I know where I stand, at least in terms of my summer wardrobe, and I don't regret any of my Juggemaut June purchases either, they refreshed my wardrobe with items that are more "me", even if perhaps it was a bit MORE than needed.

One area I seem to have a weakness is summer dresses... So maybe you're onto something with the desire for variety thing. When you're only wearing one or two pieces, the tops and dresses have to do all the work. I also tend to wear more pattens in the summer, which are more memorable, so maybe I don't like to repeat as often.

All food for thought. My attitudes are shifting, and I think my style is becoming more defined - both good things. Hopefully I can be more strategic this winter.

Oh, hey Rabbit - you posted while I was writing that response to Suz. I'm really glad to hear this same type of lightbulb went off for somebody else too! Unfortunately I don't think any of my unworn items can be returned. But that's okay, I'll find an opportunity to wear them, and hopefully still like them next year! Or for a hot spring vacation! This is just a really really good lesson for me in not purchasing BEFORE doing some thinking. And "the numbers".

Alassë

Very interesting posts, Elizabeth! Thanks for sharing.

Marley

Oh Elizabeth I can so relate! I've done the same thing - and I think for me, that an added factor (besides those already discussed above) is that summer tops are (generally) less expensive than fall/winter tops - and so, they are "easier" for me to purchase - and rationalize.

Joy

I have the same problem, Elizabeth. I rationalize that summer items get worn harder, are washed more often, and don't last as long. This still doesn't justify my numbers and wear per summer.

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