Following through on New Year’s Resolutions

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Following through on New Year’s Resolutions

— by Angie

on February 13, 2009

It’s just a month and a half into the New Year and time to check in on those fashion and style resolutions. Hopefully, you’ve had an opportunity to follow through on some of them. I’ll go first:

To have regular facials: I’ve had two this year and the next one is booked. Well done Angie.
To add more knitwear to my wardrobe: I picked up two fancy knits and two basic layering turtle necks on sale. Not very exciting but it was a solid attempt. I’ll continue pursuing this resolution in Autumn.
To add more skirts to my wardrobe: I’ve purchased three skirts, all of which were on sale. One is a seasonless, high-waisted denim skirt which will comfortably take me through to Spring and Summer. A nice bit of extra bang for my fashion buck.
To wear my cocktail rings: I started wearing my pearl ring at night. The others are still hibernating but I’m getting there.

I have also made a concerted effort to become more of a bargain shopper. Even though I battle to find items in my size on sale, I managed to pick up those basic layering turtle necks at Banana Republic for $12 each. Unbelievable. I’d also like to extend a special thanks to the forum for helping me find items in my size at reduced prices. Your sale finding abilities are unprecedented.

Look back at your resolution list and tell us how you’re doing. If you haven’t managed to make headway, let us know how we can help.

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16 comments · Add a comment

shiny

Thanks for the reminder.

I haven’t gotten back on the exercise bandwagon – too much snow on the ground until this week – but my weight is holding steady for now.

I cut my clothing budget down to 1/3 what I spent last year, and I am happy to say I have kept within that fraction of a budget. I basically spent nothing in January so the last few weeks I’ve been catching up. It doesn’t feel too restrictive either, which surprises me.

And I am tracking my clothing expenditures on a spreadsheet so that I don’t go over my budget: as soon as I buy something, I record it immediately instead of waiting until the end of month. I am finding I like this challenge and it is helping me be a lot more picky about what I buy.

I have been using coupons and hitting sales – and also hitting thrift shops. I have not returned anything, but I haven’t had reason to.

I have mostly shopped with a list, but I did go “recreational” shoe-shopping with my friend this week. My list item was classic black pumps to wear to this formal event…. and I ended up also buying red suede pumps and black leather booties to upgrade/replace the ones I already own. I still kept within my budget though.

And I have been shopping in my closet and rotating outfits known to work.

February 13, 2009 at 9:32 am

Joy

My resolutions were to buy fewer items of better quality, find pants that fit and find and stick to my best colors.
I’ve purposefully been avoiding the sales because I know I’m tempted by the great prices to over buy. My dominent season isn’t winter (although it seems long this year) and my wardrobe for cold weather is OK, so I’d like to save up for some fab spring/summer things, especially as last year’s aren’t fitting this year. This week I wore a denim skirt I hadn’t had on since last fall and had to overlap and pin the waist several inches to keep it up. It needs to be replaced!

Finding pants that fit…I found Editors at Express that fill the bill and are a year-round weight. I also found some consignment AT and Talbots trouser style pants that work, so mission accomplished. I’m happy to say that I got out of my comfort zone getting a pair of skinny pants and am experimenting with tunic length tops.

Sticking to flattering colors…I’ve identified three colors that make me glow and am making them, especially coral, signature colors. It hasn’t been easy. I found a BR shirt I loved (traditional shirt with a bit of lace down the button-hole placket) for it’s fit, quality, style and price at a consignment shop. It was in a deep red, one of my favorite colors, but sadly is too blue a red to be wonderful next to my face. Reluctantly I passed on it but would love that style in a better color. It’s difficult to be an older woman with a boyish figure and find the right note of femininity in clothing. This was perfect, but there’s room in my closet and wallet for something that will make me feel fab when I happen upon it.

Angie and the forum give me guidelines and a goal when shopping. I’m very grateful for this site and all of you!

February 13, 2009 at 10:18 am

emily

I am on a shopping freeze since January 1. I broke it, but only to the tune of $10 (for 2 double wrap belts that I haven’t received yet and the beautiful green Ana swap shirt). The $3 for the swap shirt was technically for postage, but I am still counting it.

Good for you, Angie, for your efforts at bargain shopping!

February 13, 2009 at 10:26 am

Chris

Time for me to set some resolutions (since the New Year’s timeframe was focused on winding down my job) now that I have had time for reflection:

Keep closet/wardrobe up to date and pared down. I have made tons of progress on this front (realize I should have taken before and after pics) but I realize now that I can be an emotional shopper and since I have worked in department stores for more than 20 years I am surrounded by temptation daily.
Far too many bad choices, duplicates, and lazy purchases.

Work my vintage peices into daily use. Handbags and jewelry are too cool and pretty not to be seen.

Resist black patent shoes! I am the queen of black patent with 9 variations in my collection.

Keep an inspiration/what I need list going to help with focus on filling in wardrobe gaps. I know I need to look for longish, print tops to wear as layering peices for example. Black straight leg jeans. New bras in short term.

Thanks for helping us go “public” Angie!

February 13, 2009 at 11:19 am

Laura

– To buy fewer things of higher quality: This is proving to be a tough one!
– To buy dresses for spring/summer: Checked that off the list while shopping with Angie
– To recycle and reuse: Yes, thanks to the YLF swap in NY and via Ana! That feels best of all

February 13, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Sarah

Here are my fashion resolutions, as well as my current state of progress or lack thereof.

1) I haven’t done any more closet purging/evaluating, but I intend to when I swap out my seasons for spring. (I know swapping seasons isn’t an ideal situation, but in our small apartment it’s our only option.)

2) I haven’t had any money to focus on accessories, so that is waiting for later in the year.

3) Shopping in my closet has been the only option I’ve had shopping-wise for several months, so I’ve certainly been doing that, and actually having fun with it.

4) I haven’t gotten around to organizing my jewelry so that it’s easy to wear, but I do have some ideas on how to do that.

5) Dress nice every day, even at home. This is difficult. Usually I manage to dress up when I leave the house, but once I come home I’m back in lounge pants or baggy jeans and a t-shirt or sweat shirt. I guess I’m afraid of spilling something on my nice clothes. I need some cheap but good looking clothes to wear at home.

6) Dig out my sewing machine and repair old clothes and sew new ones. I haven’t done this yet. The sewing machine is still in the storage unit and we still have no idea where to put it in our tiny apartment.

7) Purge the formal gown collection. I did actually manage to do this the other day. I was so excited to finally get it done, and it was a major project. I wasn’t really ruthless, but it is progress. Everything that I kept I love; however, many gowns need alterations. I am selling 4 gowns and 4 separates, so. Now I just need to find buyers.

8) Get back on the forum in moderation. I haven’t done this. It seems that I cannot find time for all of my hobbies even without currently being in school or having a job. Really, it is a good thing that I’ve just stuck to the blog lately though, because the forum makes me want to shop, and I cannot afford that right now.

February 13, 2009 at 12:42 pm

Maya

I am spending less, and I’m doing a better job at rejecting things that aren’t right for me (the two go together, really).

I am not doing so well in the dresses department, though. I thought dresses would be easy to find but it’s turning out to be a lot harder than I thought. The ones that suit my taste don’t really flatter me, and the ones that flatter me don’t suit my taste. I havne’t found a single dress yet.

Also having the same issue with accessories. I can’t find any that I like at a reasonable price point. I thought it would be a cheap alternative to buying new clothes, but it turns out most jewelry that I like costs as much as or more than getting a new wardrobe item. I now have more scarves than I know what to do with, which is nice, but won’t be very helpful once it starts to warm up.

And my closet is still a mess. That no one can help me with though. It’s just a matter of being lazy.

February 13, 2009 at 12:43 pm

These Shoes Are Made For Struttin’ In Hollywood! | Bargain Banter

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February 13, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Carolyn

Some of my favorite clothes were not as flattering due to some middle pudge, so I followed through and asked the trainer at the YMCA to help me with a plan to get leaner. I have followed it well by going in 30 minutes earlier each day. I can tell a difference and am motivated. It’s my first step in using the clothes I already have.

I resolved to buy outfits instead of pieces. I loved Angie’s great advice of not buying a skirt without the top. So for now I have found 2 outfits in the Nordstrom catalog (tomato red jacket, black and white top, black pants) (Halogen denim trousers, bright yellow knit cardigan jacket, coral top). I liked what Joy said about sticking to flattering colors. I do some speaking and need a look that makes me feel confident.

Shiny is inspiring me to consider a wardrobe spreadsheet.
Thanks all!

February 13, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Julia

Angie you are a good teacher, I didn’t know our “homework” was to be checked.

I found my resolutions through your link:

1. For basic items, I’d keep replacing them with high quality ones when they worn out. This would improve my whole wardrobe in the long run;
I bought one white BP cami that I love, I’ll get more in other colors. I bought a pair of cowboy boots on sale, they look great, I need to take pictures and post for your opinions.

2. I’d keep reading Angie’s posts and other fashion websites to find new items that interest me, and add a few that fit my style and look good on me;
I bought two nylon biker jacket, they are the same style but one in purple, one in black, I love them and will wear them a lot when Spring comes. I’m still looking for a good double wrap belt that is under $20. They ones linked by Angie were sold out.

3. I can’t promise to stop recreational shopping but I’ll do my best to reduce it. I really should stop shopping online because I return about 50% of them!
Ah, here’s where I didn’t keep my promise. I bought several pieces from Express online and I’m afraid that I will have to return some of them.

4. Never, ever buy non-petite sizes clothes online any more, I’ve learned my lessons so many times in the past.
Another one that I didn’t stick to. I bought a cardigan in regular XS from NY&Co, it worked really well so I bought a few XS pieces from Express online. I haven’t received them yet, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

5. Swapping clothes with fashionable friends. I’m planning to host a party in January. I hope it’ll be fun!
Ha, I will have the party this coming Sunday. I’ve invited 10 friends over. Everyone is excited.

February 13, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Nicole

My main resolution was to do a major closet sweep–which I did. I think this particular sweep was pretty epic. By far the largest and most comprehensive cleanout I’ve ever done. I parted with some thing that were really hard to part with.

The other part of my resolution was to not to buy things just because they were inexpensive. To buy things that were perfect for me, regardless of price. I think I’ve succeeded, at least partially. I have not bought anything mediocre just because it was on sale. But that does not mean I dont still shop sales. I have not bought anything super expensive this year, but I think everything I’ve added to my closet has been stellar. Hmmm Maybe I’ll start a new thread with the awesome things I’ve gotten so far in ’09!

February 13, 2009 at 2:57 pm

LauraElizabeth

I’ve stuck with my shopping ban, with exception to a purchase I made with gift cards I received for the holidays. I’ve gone to the dry cleaner and alteration shops to make sure my current wardrobe is the best it can be. I’ve been wearing skirts and dresses to utilize all of my clothing and reduce the risk of wearing something out. It’s been great to get so much use out of my wardrobe. I’ve tried the hint listed in the forum of turning hangers around after an item has been worn so I can recognize when I’m turning to an item too often.

I’ll need to make some necessary purchases like underwear, but overall things are going well! Thank you Angie for posting this as a bit of accountability!

February 13, 2009 at 3:37 pm

Lena

I didn’t make any resolutions, I’m just trying to stick to what I planned last year: don’t deviate from “the list”, go for quality instead of quantity (really hard to do). I also started a more rigorous exercise regimen (so far so good), and try to spend more time off-line.

February 13, 2009 at 5:45 pm

yublocka

(website)

Hmmmm I’m not really doing so well!

1) Replace basic wardrobe items that desperately need it – well the glaringly obvious items are boots, and given we’re in the middle of summer I still have lee-way on this. Although its not even 20 degrees today! I have actually struggled into my black boots with the busted zipper tonight. Who knows if this will be for the last time!!

2) Find the perfect pair of skinnies – nope. Hoping I might find these in Canada/NYC in April

3) Only buy workwear items that I love – so far so good. I need to get rid of some existing items that don’t meet this criteria though and find replacements.

4) Invest in a leather jacket – ditto to the skinnies status

5) Not settle for things that aren’t perfect – hmm unsure

6) Find a pair of comfy and nice looking sandals and flats – found a pair of red flats last week, have another in the pipeline (!!!). No luck on the sandals though…might leave till next summer!

7) Go through my wardrobe and clear out things that aren’t 100% – somewhat started, but still lots to go!!

Thanks for reminding me Angie!! Will you be checking up again in a few months?

February 14, 2009 at 12:57 am

Cathy

I am working on picking up things I need in a timely manner, as in right when I see the item. My big issue year after year is accessories. So, I am on a purse, bag and jewelry mission. Due to my own personal financial issues (as well as the recession) I am picking up most of my things at Target. I’m at a job that doesn’t have casual Friday so I’ve been working on making sure I have plenty of choices during the week as well as plentiful weekend choices. Recently I picked up wide legged jeans which need to be hemmed so that is on the list too; to find a good tailor. I have been hesitant to wear bigger earrings but bought two pairs today and have decided for spring and summer I will wear big earrings on all my days off.

February 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm

Encore

Message to Sarah – I am looking for floor length formal gown (either olive or acceptable pink) to wear to wedding in April). I am a size 6 or 8 petite, 5’2. Let me know about the 4 gowns you mention above that you are selling. thanks!

February 19, 2009 at 11:36 am

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