https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 30 May 2026 13:48:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764560 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 16:51:50 +0000 Janet 1764560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, I can ditto pretty much your entire response! I'll chime in more later, but this is another bookmark-worthy thread. Thanks for all the great insight and ideas! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764558 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 16:47:38 +0000 Anonymous 1764558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Smittie </b>-- this is such a good post. &nbsp;You might want to consider copying it to Staysfit 2017 Post. &nbsp;It seems like such a good fit and I am sure it would interest others as well. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764516 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 14:39:50 +0000 Anonymous 1764516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit's "not moderate post" sounds like me. I am very much somebody who has "projects" that I like to devote complete attention to. "Becoming more fashionable" was one of those projects. "Bathroom Reno" would be another one (in the works). The projects are a good way to burn off a lot of my introverted energy. I find that when I refocus my energy on other non-fashion projects, my interest in shopping falls away and it's easy to stay away from the malls. </p> <p>I'll tell you what doesn't work for me: a monthly budget for clothing. It caused shopping to be on my brain all the time (not good). As well, the budget prohibited me from getting expensive things because I was constantly thinking about how much I spent the month before and how I didn't want to go over budget.</p> <p>Another thing that doesn't work for me: copying the stylish people on YLF. I love what other people wear but think I'm overly influenced by how they look in their clothes. I actually need to *ignore* YLF a bit. </p> <p>In 2017, I'm going to shop in chunks a la Suz and Angie, so maybe two big shops a year. I want to be laser focussed during those sessions.</p> <p>Then once I've finished shopping, I'm done except for socks and underwear until the next big shop, and I'll have a couple of projects to keep my brain stimulated during these times. (For me, socializing and excercising is not enough to keep me stimulated. Nor is work, haha!)</p> <p>I know I went on about myself there. It helps to crystallize my thought.</p> <p>I definitely think your shopping fast is a good idea. I don't think it's healthy to be wanting to buy stuff all the time. I actually think sales shopping IS healthy and totally rational, but can understand your point if you feel like you're not getting what you want out of your wardrobe or you feel like a slave to sales. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764447 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 06:55:54 +0000 Ledonna N. 1764447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really enjoyed thisread and breakdown. I usex to gave FOMO. Found myself nodding along in agreement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764441 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 06:49:00 +0000 BrieN 1764441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also enjoyed reading your post, Sterling. I am also thinking about stepping away from shopping for a while, but starting now. &nbsp;As much as I <b></b>LOVE<b></b> opening my closet and (for the first time in my life) finding something appropriate to wear for almost any occasion in my "real life" (!!! Thank You YLF!!!) I am tired of shopping-the trying on and thinking about and returning and trying again. I know that I <b>need</b> some spring/summer items for work, and I'm already tired just thinking about it. Hoping that a break will help me refresh my enthusiasm </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764376 Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:48:38 +0000 harmonica 1764376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really, really enjoyed reading your post, Sterling! My #1 strategy is to stay away from sales. #2 be super picky about fit (gaining a bit in the tummy area the last six months makes this even easier, lol) and #3 happiness factor (does it spark joy). These (emotional) strategies are better for me than trying to stick to a list. I do have a need and want list, too, but when in the frenzie it's just not enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764218 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:23:37 +0000 RobinF 1764218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to add that I really like your impulsive purchases! :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work/page/2#post-1764213 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 14:10:05 +0000 kerry 1764213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll join and maybe include January too. I may make one exception and that is to purchase from Marshalls/Winners as I have a gift card that I don't have the first clue how to spend there.</p> <p>I don't think I have sales goggles anymore and have realized I've become a lazy shopper. I always buy from the same retailers and usually online. I haven't done any online shopping since the summer so like Emily K curbing this impulse leads to almost no shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1764191 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 10:47:40 +0000 Anonymous 1764191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carter </b>-- I know exactly what you mean!!! &nbsp;Long ago I come to realize there were certain silhouettes that I felt fabulous in without fail. &nbsp;Yet I too seemed to feel the need to add variety, step out of my comfort zone, and acknowledge trends. &nbsp;I love seeing trends on others, but I can't seem to make them translate to me personally. &nbsp; I am only this month wearing boyfriend jeans (and that is because I lost some weight and my jeans kinda float on me).&nbsp;</p> <p>Welcome <b>Emily K</b> and <b>Celia</b>. &nbsp;I know this will be fun and I look forward to getting to you know better. &nbsp;Happy New Year. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1764161 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 03:41:39 +0000 celia 1764161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading all your reasoning and your main directives for the shopping in 2017. I think I will join you in February. I am not a sale shopper in big sales season but if I have something on my wish list that goes on sale ( BR I am looking at you) I tend to pull the trigger. As I want to go back to work I tried to buy a couple of items for interviews and that would be business casual appropriate. I still have some that need alterations and will focus on that for the beginning of the year. I have a wish list for spring but that can certainly wait for March because the weather won't warm up before that, for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1764147 Sat, 31 Dec 2016 01:40:13 +0000 carter 1764147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, I'm looking to forward to this! Honestly, I would like my whole year to be SYC First/Planned Purchasing, but I'm certain there will always be some impulse purchases. I'm okay with this happening sometimes as long as I come home and do the SYC and wardrobe fit evaluation before the return period is up. Please hold me accountable on that one. The more I narrow my colors and silhouettes, the happier I am. Somehow I forget/ignore this when shopping and get caught up in *variety*, *stepping out of my comfort zone*, *acknowledging trends*, etc. None of that matters to me one flit, so those items always end up in the loser pile. That's the pile I want to one day completely eliminate.</p> <p>Staysfit, looking forward to your post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1764137 Fri, 30 Dec 2016 23:55:21 +0000 Emily K 1764137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I could go for an on-line purchasing fast. &nbsp;I tend to do a lot of online shopping because 1) I like the variety and availability, 2) &nbsp;I can sometimes get intimidated shopping in person, and 3) I am easily frustrated with some of the steps to shopping brick and mortar--driving to the store, braving the parking situation, searching racks without a handy "sort" tool! &nbsp;But I cannot go on buying things without testing the material and the fit, and I am not as good as I should be about making returns. &nbsp;It's quite possible that an on-line shopping ban might equate to a total shopping moratorium for me &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1764124 Fri, 30 Dec 2016 22:17:19 +0000 Anonymous 1764124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Staysfit </b>-- I'll look for your future post. &nbsp;</p> <p>In my case, I do think it is black-white. &nbsp;I have never been able to wrap my brain around anything that is grey. &nbsp;I always thought that people who could moderate their behaviors lived in some sort of area between my dramatic black and whites. &nbsp;</p> <p>Happy New Year to you. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1764121 Fri, 30 Dec 2016 22:06:48 +0000 Staysfit 1764121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling, your party example is perfect. I'm the same only I can refrain from the first cookie. If I eat it though, I'm in big trouble! The same is true for most everything in my life. In my work, and socially I have seen that there truly are people with different ways of managing their drives (Is that what we're describing?). I don't think it's all cognitive, it's not as simple as black and white thinking, because I am fairly certain I'm not a black and white thinker. I see and feel the infinite shades in between. There is action involved here, an operation beyond thought. Maybe it's some sort of competitive or even an appetitive drive behind the behavior? I promise to post my plan soon because it might help. </p> <p>I'm heading out to a holiday party now, and my all or nothing behavior is about to be triggered! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763825 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 20:45:09 +0000 MsMaven 1763825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the thoughtful post. I think I will join you in the February fast. That is the month I'm most likely to buy early spring clothes that I later regret. I've also fallen into the sales trap. My best items are usually well thought out purchases that I paid full price for. For the first time this year by the time I got around to wearing NAS items I regretted buying them. First I chose colors I realize are no longer right for me and then there is the unfortunate weight gain.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been meaning to do some analyzing of colors that I will like better with my natural hair, but I've been too busy to think about it much, but now seems a good time to do it. I'm going to reread your post and follow along.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763782 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 18:28:25 +0000 Anonymous 1763782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for posting, <b>Tisa</b>. &nbsp;You developed a GREAT strategy. &nbsp;I can certainly learn from your example. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763741 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 15:28:43 +0000 Bonnie 1763741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After almost two years of shopping with the goal of creating a cohesive, flattering, useful wardrobe, I have become mildly obsessed with shopping. I say I need to fill some wardrobe holes, but get distracted with things on sale, things other fabbers have posted that I think might work for me, things that Angie recommends, etc. I can go in almost any store and find something I like and "need". This February Fast is exactly what will work for me, being part of a group that I feel I have to report to each week will force me to look at my closet. I've always had a small workable wardrobe, and now I have a huge amount of choices. (I was like Kinsey Millhone with jeans, turtlenecks, and a black all purpose dress.) Shopping was fun, but now I need to figure out a new direction that doesn't mainly involve purchasing - perhaps finally find a style, work on capsules, accessorizing, discovering what flatters, really looking at what I have.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763734 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 15:02:55 +0000 Tisa 1763734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very interesting theme and you gave some really good advice.<br /> I must say that I like sales. Not the actual browsing though the stores, trying on too many clothes to count and buying things. I like the end result, because I have found a strategy that works for me. </p> <p>It goes like this:<br /> 1. I go through my closet and make a list of things I need. For summer, for winter, for anytime and any occasion. (From sportswear to evening dresses.)<br /> 2. I make another list - of unnecessary things I would like to have.<br /> 3. There is a golden rule: I only buy clothes that I like, are comfortable, are the right colour, made from ok material and fit me perfectly (or will with a little bit of help from the seamstress). If there's anything bothering me about an item, it stays at the store. I don't care if they're giving shoes away for free - if they aren't comfortable or there's anything bothering me about their look, I'm not taking them home.<br /> 4. When hitting the shops, the first list takes priority, the other list comes second. When I find an item I really like, but I haven't put on either list, I ask myself, if I want it more than any of the items from the second list, what I would wear with it and how often I am likely to wear it. This helps me keep focused on what's more important.<br /> 5. I never buy anything on first sight, if I'm not 100% sure about it. I go home, sleep it over, check if the item really fits in my wardrobe, go to the shop the next day and try it on again. If I'm still undecided, I don't buy it.<br /> 6. If I really like something and can afford it, I buy it. It doesn't matter if it's unconventional or a statement piece or if I'll have to buy a few more item to go with it. In my experience the things I realy like become 'workhorses' (as Angie says) and I wear them all the time.<br /> 7. When deciding whether a price is too high, I try to estimate how much it will cost me per hour of wear (price/hours).</p> <p>I know everybody has a bit different approach to shopping, so there's probably no strategy or solution that would fit everyone. However, I'm sure we can learn a lot from each other and cherry-pick those ideas, that work for each of us.<br /> You started a useful and helpful discussion, that anyone can benefit from. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763728 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:39:53 +0000 Anonymous 1763728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Staysfit</b> -- Your post stunned me. &nbsp;I TOO have sought moderation only to find myself at one extreme side of the spectrum (in ALL things). &nbsp;I call it my black-white behavior. &nbsp;It is ALL or NOTHING. &nbsp;I have never been able to find a middle ground in ANYTHING. &nbsp;I had hoped that in my case a purchasing fast might be helpful. &nbsp;Unlike you, a purchasing fast for me will be challenging. &nbsp;It will be something I have to work at. &nbsp;I'll probably have to substitute other behaviors to distract myself. &nbsp;</p> <p>I would be so willing to talk about finding a path to moderation with you, but truthfully, I too have a long history of showing it to be nearly impossible for me. &nbsp;It is frustrating because I see people around me that somehow strike a healthy balance and my brain can never quite wrap itself around the concept. &nbsp;This was especially apparent at all the Holiday parties in December. &nbsp;I just could not understand how people could literally have ONE cookie and walk away. &nbsp;I would have four cookies and then (sneak back for more). &nbsp;SNEAK. &nbsp;I can't even own my behaviors. &nbsp;I have to hide them. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>RobinF</b> -- I think it is a good idea to try new trends by buying a less expensive piece and experimenting with it to see if it fits into your life style. &nbsp;I bought a pair of white jeans from Old Navy. &nbsp;I experimented with them for a summer before I decided to buy a pair of more expensive jeans. &nbsp;You are just a wise woman. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763727 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:06:52 +0000 RobinF 1763727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have given me a lot to think about here. I am also a sale shopper, I kind of hate to buy anything that is full price. I won't say that I don't but it is pretty rare. But, for me, I don't know if this is a bad thing. I am still trying to figure out my style and what I want it to be and the best way seems to be trying things. I don't want to spend a lot if it isn't going to work for me and I often don't know that until I have worn it a few times. I do love your idea of a reset though. I'll have to mull that over.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763703 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:25:05 +0000 Staysfit 1763703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an insightful assessment Sterling. I have started to give some thought to my 2016 shopping habits and my need to slam on the breaks in a major way for 2017. In my case it has nothing to do with sales because I am not someone who purchases from sales. I just purchase. If I like it, want it, need it and can afford it, I get it. There hasn't been much structure or planning as much as I have tried. My 2017 goals are going to be to reduce my total spending on clothing so the money can go towards other more highly prioritized pursuits, and as I look over my 2015 and 2016 totals, I am going to have 1/5 the budget I have had in previous years. It's a substantial cut. I'm not sure if a shopping fast for a month is the way to manage things for my purposes or not. I am the sort of person who would find it very easy to set an all or nothing rule. I can easily say to myself I am going to spend nothing on clothing for one month, two months, maybe even an entire year at this point. Refraining and abstaining is easy for me. It's moderation that's hard, if not impossible. Even if starting from a place of abstention, I will most certainly bypass a moderate target, it's just a question of how quickly this will happen. When I look at my life, almost nothing I do is moderate unless I put it in a schedule and set a time, LOL! </p> <p>A plan for moderation requires major effort on my part. I have devised one, and for the past two months I have attempted to follow it. I have been lucky so far, and I truly mean lucky, because I have had success. I attribute my success to the distraction caused by some unfortunate difficulties at work. That's mostly over now, so the true test of the plan starts now. I'm uncertain I can sustain it, my history isn't great. I could use some help from anyone else who struggles with moderation in this type of thing. I need a 12 step program that doesn't include abstention! (If my plan does work, I will share what I'm doing in a separate post.)</p> <p>Best of luck to everyone who is planning a shopping fast for February! I hope it helps with whatever your goals may be! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763669 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 05:15:19 +0000 DonnaF 1763669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>February sounds like a good time for a shopping fast so<i> </i>I will do my best to join you.&nbsp; I spent way more in 2016 than I should have; most veered into *wants* vs. needs.&nbsp; I maintain a Nordstrom Wish List, but too much ended up going on sale prompting me to pull the trigger!&nbsp; My wardrobe is now in pretty good shape but I still tend to buy footwear that ends up not to be terribly comfortable and scarves and jewelry that I don't wear a lot.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763659 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 04:11:39 +0000 Carla 1763659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good work, Sterling! I totally get the allure of the SALE, and fight that demon myself. I have been doing a lot of 'self talk' about not adding significantly to my work wardrobe, and talking to DH, a couple of friends, and posting here will (I hope!) keep me honest. I am motivated by pending retirement, as well as a shifting in my style dirrection and need some time to figure out how I want to 'represent'. A couple months of SYC while I figure things out is the 'reset' I need. There is plenty of good stuff to play with in my closet and drawers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763640 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 01:57:38 +0000 Jaime 1763640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very thoughtful and thought provoking. I have found my interest in sales has declined as I have become a very picky retail shopper. I will think more about this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763639 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 01:23:21 +0000 Anonymous 1763639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>La Pedestrienne,&nbsp;LisaP, </b>and&nbsp;<b>AndiB</b> welcome to the February 2017 challenge. &nbsp;I think 2017 is going to be a good year and challenges always teach me so much. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Barbara Diane</b> -- As always you will define the challenge that should benefit you the most. &nbsp;We welcome you joining us because we all benefit from each other's wisdom and experience.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763638 Thu, 29 Dec 2016 01:21:08 +0000 Barbara Diane 1763638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sterling, I'm interested in a shop my closet first challenge, but not a shopping fast. I hope that works! I have purchased very little recently and definitely need some things I haven't found. And I found several of my spring clothes in January last year, so I don't want to box myself in. My biggest test will be NAS. I still haven't worn several of the items I purchased. It was my first year buying anything besides shoes and jewelry, and I was definitely caught up in the frenzy.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763612 Wed, 28 Dec 2016 23:07:19 +0000 Style Fan 1763612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very thoughtful and interesting post.&nbsp; I tend to shop much less than I did a few years ago due to retirement.&nbsp; I am working on becoming a more careful shopper.&nbsp; I do find reading posts like this very helpful.&nbsp; I rarely shop sales except for things like undies.&nbsp; I do have a wardrobe plan that is constantly evolving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763597 Wed, 28 Dec 2016 22:01:12 +0000 AndiB 1763597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in! I am not necessarily a sale shopper; I just buy too much and not always with intention. Impulse shopping. Shopping for entertainment. I've been purging a lot but keep replacing. I buy a lot of repeats looking for the perfect one. I love the concept of resetting. And I just have so much. I could live out the rest of my life and probably not duplicate an outfit. And yet i wear my go to ensembles on repeat. And then last week I had a sudden funeral to go to and had nothing to wear. How can that be??!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763591 Wed, 28 Dec 2016 21:04:17 +0000 cheryl 1763591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great post. I do love the two "want" items you bought and think they are great additions that you will get a lot of use out of. I do hope you set aside a little in your budget for these want items that aren't planned because sometimes they can be your happiest and most loved items. can you tell i don't like to be too disciplined lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-the-prep-work#post-1763578 Wed, 28 Dec 2016 19:41:53 +0000 lpr200 1763578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling,<br /> Thank you for this thoughtful post. I would like to do a shopping fast for January-- I've done a huge purge but could refresh on a few basics which I think I will before January! I'm going to spend time and think about my shopping triggers and what I'd like to reset. </p>