https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 16:05:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-687200 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:15:19 +0000 Anonymous 687200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I lived in Central America for almost a decade and was forced to shop only once a year when we went home to the States for Christmas. I don't think I even bought 12 items a year. Does that count? I certainly had to shop my closet and be mindful of my purchases. We were on a very tight budget back then. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686549 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:31:35 +0000 Anonymous 686549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should adopt this philosophy, I mindlessly shop for entertainment, and then end the next year, tossing the item(s) in the Amity bin, maybe only worn once, if at all...and when I lick the shopping challenge, I should apply it to my eating habits, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686518 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 23:38:20 +0000 Traci 686518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I told a good friend at work today that I was considering this and I wish I could have snapped a picture of the look on her face to share with you. Her eyes were like saucers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686445 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 21:49:06 +0000 nancylee 686445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! This post really has legs. :)</p> <p>Thanks so much to all who posted about their shopping habits (Gaylene, SM, LF and all). I can really identify with much of what you've said. Gaylene, I was a multiples shopper as well, buying three colors of the same item and then wearing only one. Thankfully, I've stopped that wasteful habit.</p> <p>Reading everyone's posts is REALLY getting me encouraged to shop more thoughtfully going forward. Like you, Gaylene, I'm not so concerned about cutting down on the $$ I spend on clothes as much as the volume and just being more mindful about purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686201 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:55:26 +0000 Makrame 686201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Gaylene, thanks for your reply!</p> <p>I actually have used this and other recent threads on budgeting to make more disciplined purchases this weekend. I stopped by TJMax and they had a lot of new items for sale, some of which were similar to my favorites. I was tempted to duplicate but remembered what you and LF and others were saying about wearing favorites rather than getting more of the same. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686194 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:47:46 +0000 Queen Mum 686194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes Mo, that makes a difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686193 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:46:51 +0000 Mo 686193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Kim, that's helpful! I think my moving between climates affects my overall count, which is why I need to allow for as many sundresses as coats :/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686191 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:45:23 +0000 Queen Mum 686191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo- I just counted 86 items... </p> <p>this count did not include:<br /> special occasion dresses (2)<br /> winter coats<br /> camisoles and tanks<br /> "b-team" jeans (I have 5 pairs of jeans that are really only for putzing around in, housework, etc... I only keep them cuz they fit and aren't falling apart yet)<br /> workout wear </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686189 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:42:59 +0000 Gaylene 686189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Makrame, you already sound more disciplined than I was when I gave myself the challenge. And Angie hit the nail squarely on the head with her advice to WEAR what is in your closet.</p> <p>My problem was a wardrobe surplus. For example, if T's were on sale 3/$$, I'd pick up three, but then I'd tend to wear my favorite colour over and over, leaving the other 2 languishing in the closet. And the next time I was out shopping, I'd find another style I'd like... So the issue was not about tossing the worn-out, faded T at the end of the summer, but dealing with a stack of almost unworn garments that kept growing in my closet. Tossing almost new items into the recycle box made me feel like an idiot.</p> <p>QM also made an excellent point when she mentions that it is often possible to "get by" with what you currently have instead of always thinking of wardrobe "holes". Since I take good care of my clothes, I found restricting my buying made me rethink self-imposed categories, as in why couldn't I wear that six-year-old, slightly dated silk blouse with my jeans instead of buying a new casual top. And, because I was now wearing it casually, it seemed to look fresh instead of dated.</p> <p>I think that the "rules" you'd set for yourself ought to reflect your needs and goals. If cotton cardigans fit your lifestyle, then it makes sense to continue wearing them. If stuff gets faded because you've washed and worn it several time, then it would make total sense to my mind if YOUR "rules" have an exemption for replacing worn-out workhorses. Challenges are OK, but, to quote Angie, horses for courses (I get a kick out of that phrase!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686184 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:28:49 +0000 Mo 686184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one last question for the 12 items per year challengers - what size would you describe your wardrobe? Small? Average? Over 100 items or under?<br /> I have a medium to large size and am aiming to stay in medium territory (which to me is 100 items, not including shoes or jackets, or 150 if I do include them). I'm about 25 or 30 above this amount now, give or take. I believe that keeping to buying just 1 or 2 items a month next year will help me in reaching this limit, as other items naturally wear out or become dated and need to be purged. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686134 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:32:32 +0000 Makrame 686134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just curious - I guess this may be a question for both LF and Gaylene, as well as for others who practice this approach. Do most of the things you buy last for many seasons and do not need to be replaced because of wear/fading? I am sure this is part of the "buy quality" approach but I find that there are some things, such as t-shirts or sweaters, that just don't seem to survive more than a year if worn regularly. Perhaps if I switched to cashmere sweaters from cotton they would last longer but I generally find both merino wool and cashmere to be too warm for fall and spring so I end up with a lot of cotton. I air dry a lot of my clothes but even so they show signs of fading and wear after a year.</p> <p>Right now I am practicing the "one good pair of dark wash premium bootcut jeans at a time" approach and I am curious to see how long the jeans will hold up with machine-washing and air-drying (I am not prepared to dry-clean my jeans). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686102 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:00:45 +0000 Gaylene 686102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Traci, I thought I'd answer a couple of your questions, at least from my experience.</p> <p>I didn't give myself a dollar limit, because, as you pointed out, that might feel limiting. The financial aspect was not as important to me as getting more control over my shopping habits. I also wanted the freedom to buy "investment" pieces so it made more sense to think of the project as a yearly goal, instead of focusing on $$$/month. But, because I included items like the man's watch I bought for next to nothing at a flea market, my overall total is probably going to be much less than previous years. </p> <p>I considered almost EVERYTHING as one of my 12 items. My only exceptions were a couple of pairs of socks, a package of skivvies, and an inexpensive workout short (necessary to avoid a fashion malfunction in the gym!). Since I wanted to break out of the multiple buying syndrome--mostly because one item would always get worn more than the others--I also told myself I had to choose which color I'd like the best, or would get the most wear.</p> <p>Finally, and, I think, most important-- I didn't try to make too many rules for this. It was a personal challenge for me to help me become a more thoughtful consumer. My focus was on making sure that I made more thoughtful purchases, not putting myself on a clothing "diet". I recently shed 25 pounds by eating more thoughtfully and guess I wanted to see if this approach could work in other areas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully/page/2#post-686072 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:17:31 +0000 Anonymous 686072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't help smiling as I read these posts. I can't think of a single year when I've bought AS MANY as 12 wardrobe items!!! Four of five is usually my ABSOLUTE limit. This year, it will be a few more: in the NAS I bought my famous Burberry (though that was to replace a twenty-year-old one, and it is heart-warming to see that they are virtually identical!! At least they were. The old one has gone to a charity shop.), and I replaced a LBD that needed it with a cobalt-and-black Diane Von Furstenberg in silk. OK, not quite a LBD, but close enough. So that was my two 'basic' needs met. I've also bought some black and white tile-pattern pants Angie recommended, and a stunning pair of polka dot pumps. That's already four items, but I'm still below budget, since I saved several hundred dollars on my NAS buys. So I'll probably buy myself a treat in the form of an Autumn/Winter cashmere sweater in a 'happening' colour. Five items in total (I don't count small accessories like scarves or fun knit hats in an 'on trend' style, or things like zingy-coloured opaque tights.) Those five pieces of true clothing are all I can truthfully justify. They are the only elements my small (by your standards) wardrobe GENUINELY needs!! QED, methinks!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-686046 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:46:05 +0000 Queen Mum 686046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I meant to weigh back in yesterday, but the day got away from me.</p> <p>Angie- you get the award for quote of the day. So true- we get so caught up in the hunt, that we don't enjoy what we have. This is part of why I decided to do this. </p> <p>Mo, I didn't mean to make it sound so simplistic. There is certainly room for adding to a category if that seems necessary. In January I bought a sweater dress, and yes, got rid of a winter dress that was no longer fab. But my February purchase was a green blazer that did increase my jacket collection by 1. But the bottom line was, I knew that I had plenty of clothes to keep me dressed all year, even if I added nothing (which would not be a realistic limitation). I also had to remind myself that my wardrobe doesn't have to be perfect... just quite functional. I spent all last winter/spring without a great pair of easy, casual winter shoes and I survived. I just know now that it is a need that I want to fill for this coming fall/winter. </p> <p>Sara makes a good point that many of us start our time here with serious wardrobe needs. No need to feel guilty if you're needing to do some catch up shopping, but keep in mind that you can only wear so many items of clothing in a given season... no reason to have more than you'll be able to wear all season. I'ts hard to stop that rolling shopping ball once you get it started, I know...but it is not impossible. I feel very empowered and in control of my wardrobe and shopping habits at this point. </p> <p>And yes, Mo, once I round out my 12 items for the year, I'll post them all to show them off! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-686019 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:14:17 +0000 Traci 686019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm seriously considering doing this. I started keeping track of my purchases in June. I've been culling my fall wardrobe, and made a few key purchases from NAS.</p> <p>I'm trying to decide on a couple of details of how it will work for me.<br /> 1. Do I also want to do a dollar amount limit? or will it be somewhat self limiting by me only being able to buy such a limited number of items?<br /> 2. Do I want to consider mulitples of basics 1 item? My fallback winter item is a medium weight cotton turtleneck sweater. They're rather inexpensive (around $50 or less) so if I find one, should I grab 2 or 3 and call that one item? I'm thinking similarly with layering tanks when summer rolls around. Both these items get worn so much, sit so close to the body, and by nature of being a knit don't really hold up forever. Or, am I rationalizing already?</p> <p>In either event, I have a month to decide because if I am doing this, I already have my August purchase made. A pair of Frye Carson Oxfords should be arriving on my doorstep tomorrow morning as a birthday gift. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685950 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 04:33:39 +0000 jenanded 685950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been really useful for me! I am moving away from trying to keep up with all the 'have to have' lists and been using Angie's concept of writing down what you DON'tTLOVE or purge often. Also in my much smaller home, my car boot/trunk has become the proxy spot for what won't fit in the small wardrobes so I am literally faced with my dud purchases on a regular and public basis! I am almost up to date on what I 'have to have' for end of our winter (mild) and have just about filled the holes for my upcoming dominant summer. I just opened a special bank account to put in what I DON't spend on rot, and to focus on one in one out, and buying the right things. I feel inspired by these types of posts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685944 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 04:22:40 +0000 anne 685944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting thread!! As a wardrobe minimalist, I find the idea appealing</p> <p>I must have had many years pre YLF when I didn't buy 12 items of clothing (at least as defined the way QM did, with exceptions for workout gear and underwear, bathers etc) but I am not sure I have acheived it post YLF, except perhaps the year 2010-11 (jul-jun)</p> <p>In 2011-12 I wasn't aiming at a particularly small amount, as I realized that some of what I had bought 4 years ago when I first joined YLF needed to be replaced. With QMs exceptions, I bought 19 items. I those 2 cost me a total of $5 from an opshop, and 2 were bought with vouchers. I would however have bought more if I had found some of the items I wanted to replicate (eg denim jacket, denim skirt and white turtleneck)</p> <p>I'd live to be in a place where I could do something like this. I always think in terms of the whole year, so would do it that way ( I have months without shopping each year and bursts at the beginning of seasons) For me it would absolutely have to be combined with a budget. I exceeded my budget this year which I had arbitrarily set at $10 a week, having given myself permission when I realised the replication issue. It worked out about $12 a week, which I am fine with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685838 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 01:16:52 +0000 JR 685838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, this is so funny. I remember in my student days, a friend of mine worked cleaning houses and a client of hers was complaining bitterly that she hadn't been able to buy a piece of clothing that month. My friend and I were both absolutely horrified. We couldn't imagine being able to buy something new EVERY MONTH. We couldn't imagine WANTING to buy something new every month.</p> <p>I'm afraid I have had many years when I did not get as many as 12 items a year. Unless you count knee-high nylons. I bought clothes essentially when I didn't have enough to get from one laundry day to the other or when a wardrobe hole absolutely had to be plugged. Of course, it is only fair to say that I would not have been on anybody's best-dressed list.</p> <p>Dressing more is not necessarily dressing better. And I am here so I can learn to dress better.</p> <p>I have been playing with the idea of allowing myself one item a season that I don't necessarily need. Just for fun, to make myself happy. Apart from that, I think I will continue with my policy of buying clothing only when I need it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685737 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:54:47 +0000 rute 685737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved angie's advice! I'm also An. Hunter that sometimes forgets to just wear and enjoy </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685733 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:48:02 +0000 Echo 685733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I didn't think about a set number of items, at the end of last year I decided that I wanted to focus on higher quality items that would last. Each time I see something I want, I come home and think about how it would incorporate into my wardrobe. And each time I decide against it, I try to put that amount into a savings account instead. It is amazing the number of small purchases that could add up sto something worthwhile! Anyway, so my goal was to save for a few investment pieces - a nice bag, a good leather jacket, a new winter coat. </p> <p>I've fallen off the wagon a few times; it isn't easy to resist the shopping bug. But I have been choosier about my purchases. I still have a long way to go, though. I need to do a complete closet overhaul for fall and find out exactly what I have and exactly what I need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685722 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:27:12 +0000 Lisa 685722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a big failure at this. I'm more like 12 items most months, bad I know. But I have gone a couple of months with 5 or less purchases and I have one month (Jan) where I did not purchase a single item. Maybe next year I'll stay on track better. I do like Angie's reminder to wear your fab clothes. It's funny I was looking at my closet the other day and realized I am more than halfway through my hot weather and still have a few tops that have not been worn yet this season. I'm trying to purchase very few items right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685713 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:16:22 +0000 MsMary 685713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm about ready to do this. Gaylene, your post really resonates with me! I am realizing more and more that my wardrobe is really bigger than it needs to be. I gravitate towards the same things over and over, and then I feel bad because other things go unworn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685670 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:17:57 +0000 ironkurtin 685670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No.</p> <p>But it is a question I "let's pretend" about: "*IF* I were only to buy 12 items a year, would I buy this?" It weeds out a lot of crap, even if I buy waaaaay more than 12 items a year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685652 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:51:58 +0000 lyn* 685652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this idea a lot; if it were issued as a challenge, I think I'd be on board </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685649 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:50:08 +0000 nancylee 685649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like this idea holds a lot of appeal for many of us (especially those of us...myself included....that love the hunt). </p> <p>QM, thanks for weighing in with your experience. I'm encouraged by your success, and am considering trying this for 2013 (or maybe your idea of lucky 13!). I do think it will work best if I allow some flexibility and don't limit myself to a strict month by month purchase, but to perhaps buy 3 items one month and then take the next couple of months off. You're an inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685646 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:46:54 +0000 Gaylene 685646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So far, I've been quite happy with my 12/year shopping limit. I've currently bought only 7 items at price points that ranged from $1200 to $5. To date, I think I've spent around $1800 dollars which works out to approximately $250/month so far.</p> <p>A couple of things that I've noticed about holding to this plan:</p> <p>1. Since I already had a reasonably functional wardrobe, I didn't need to shop for basics. What I am doing is wearing more items in different contexts. Instead of relegating items into different categories (work, leisure, sport, etc.), I wear my silk shirts with jeans. If I'm doing something messy, I put on a full-size apron to protect my good clothes. So far, my quality shirts have held up quite nicely to handwashing (which I prefer to drycleaning).</p> <p>2. I can purchase a high-end item (like my cashmere sweater) if it's perfect because I know that I won't be buying other stuff just because I'm bored or because it seems like a "deal". I suspect my entire clothing budget this year will be less than $300/month.</p> <p>3. Finally, best of all, I'm only buying things that I adore and want to wear constantly. This makes me happier because I feel like I've broken that "purge and binge" cycle that bothered me so much. I didn't much like the "I see it and I want it" attitude that I was engaging in for the past few years. I also find it much easier to resist trends that I know will not flatter me; instead of justifying purchases as "experiments", I have actually found limited buying has given me a much more cohesive style that makes me happy.</p> <p>Will I find 5 more items before the end of this year? I don't know. But I do know that I feel much better about my buying and my wardrobe. For me, limiting my purchasing was really a philosophical decision rather than a financial decision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685634 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:23:47 +0000 Jem 685634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this idea, too and hope I can get to something like it at some point. I'm also someone who enjoys the hunt more than wearing. I'll work on that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685633 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:22:55 +0000 Lokibear 685633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I would like to do a combination of 12 items and a set clothing budget. I can't afford to buy one item of clothing a month at ANY price, of course, and I'd feel guilty if it were something more expensive. Having a budget OR an item limit would allow me to save money for a couple months to get a more expensive item, if that makes sense. This would keep the number of items down but also the total cost within budget. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685630 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:18:39 +0000 MNsara 685630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I liked this idea when Kim presented it many months ago. (Was Kim the first or did I forget someone else was doing this . . . ?)</p> <p>Lots of us seem to have found YLF after a period of wardrobe neglect and we're doing some serious catching up for a while. So, I think it's a reasonable approach once you feel like your wardrobe can be quite stable. Like Kim having refreshed her (almost complete) wardrobe before beginning this.</p> <p>Plus for me, I went off on some style experimentations (inspired by other fab YLFers, but not suitable for me!) So, apparently I needed to go thru those phases, or learning curves, as well.</p> <p>And actually, almost three years into YLF (and some *good* purchases at this NAS), I look at my wardrobe with satisfaction and really feel I could adopt a 12-item goal </p> <p>Taming my love of shopping and thrill of the hunt is an entirely different animal! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/12-items-per-year-has-anyone-done-this-successfully#post-685627 Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:10:18 +0000 cade 685627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do not have a clothing budget, but have for the last few years maintained a fairly strict shopping routine in that I shop only once or twice a year, focus on high quality basics in neutral colors and wear these pieces over and over again while changing the accessories. My closet is emptier, I have spent far less money in the long term and I have clothes that look nice wash after wash after wash. It has been a revelation. </p>