YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 28 May 2026 18:25:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781724 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 14:00:58 +0000 Anonymous 1781724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Donna, consignment is an excellent idea! There are some good shops around here and yes I think it would be worth my while to try them. Renting probably isn't a good option since I wouldn't be able to tailor the dress to fit. I almost always have to shorten dresses since I am 5'2". Jenni, that would be too funny!! Jenni NZ on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781648 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 02:51:41 +0000 Jenni NZ 1781648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes I was kind of dreaming of mailing you my ball dress if you could fit it! Must send a pic. $350 and worn precisely once in May 2013! DonnaF on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781621 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 00:42:39 +0000 DonnaF 1781621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ryce; Would you consider consignment or renting for that formal dress?  You might get more bang for your buck, especially since you are anticipating only a one time wear. Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781432 Fri, 24 Feb 2017 15:10:18 +0000 Anonymous 1781432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, that trip sounds awesome.  I am a big fan of sleeping in a real bed every night! Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781373 Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:29:37 +0000 Anonymous 1781373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We'll actually be hiking into and out of the Canyon.  We were so hoping to get a reservation to spend the night in the Canyon.  That was optimistic.  Instead we'll do day hikes.  I am secretly relived that we'll just be doing day hikes.   Years ago I did raft the Grand Canyon and then hiked out.  I really prefer the hiking to the rafting.   And I adore pockets.   Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781323 Fri, 24 Feb 2017 04:08:31 +0000 Anonymous 1781323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Elizabeth P!  I agree that, if necessary, I won't feel guilty about purchasing what is needed for that occasion.  I just can't get excited about buying something that I know will only be worn one time.   Sterling, the Grand Canyon - how exciting!  It must feel great to be invited on such an adventure.  Will you be rafting?  If counting the backpack as clothing works for your budgeting, then so be it.  Even though I've never done any serious hiking, I adore hiking clothing.  So lightweight and comfortable in the heat - and all those pockets!   Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781164 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 18:12:56 +0000 Anonymous 1781164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too think you are allowed a pass for a Prom.  I mean c'mon.   And as a side note, there will always be these unexpected events that come up that necessitate us to buy clothes.  For me, it is usually weddings and funerals.   Something unexpected came up yesterday.  I was invited to go to the Grand Canyon with a group of friends.  This is an honor because they have to believe you are physically capable of the challenge.  So I am very honored.   I will be buying whatever equipment/clothing I need to have a successful trip.  Right now, the trip is still in the planning phase.  As plans become concrete and reservations are made, I'll have a better idea of what I need.  I will almost certainly need a good backpack.  Although many on this Forum would not consider a backpack as clothing, it comes out of my clothing budget so I will count it that way.   Elizabeth P on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781160 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 18:02:42 +0000 Elizabeth P 1781160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a well thought out plan, Ryce.  I look forward to following along and seeing how you do.  and I think you are allowed a "pass" for the prom! Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1781144 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 17:17:28 +0000 Anonymous 1781144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cee, sounds like your closet is exactly where it needs to be.  I am envious, and working to get to the same place of balance. Sterling, I will take a look at Carter's "formulas" - thanks for the tip.  And, yeah, the "girding" concept is really resonating with me, too.  And the weather definitely has everybody on edge here.  It is supposed to reach 86 today - in FEBRUARY for crying out loud.  Despite the beautiful sun, it is just plain eerie. On another note, I'm facing my first test in the shopping fast after - what?- maybe 48 hours.  Yesterday, I was reminded that my husband's employer's Prom (yes, they actually call it that) is coming up.  Floor length dresses are strongly encouraged (read "absolutely required"). I own exactly one and based on a quick try-on (admittedly without shapewear) it is SNUG.  I worry that it might be risking-a-split-seam-halfway-through-the-long-night snug.   Have decided I will just punt making a a decision about this until 30 days from now.  That would still allow time to purchase something and have it altered, if necessary. Who know, maybe I will miracuously drop a few pounds (Doubtful!)  Well, that is some sort of progress on the vanity front, I suppose.  Instead of wishing to lose weight to look good, now I am wishing for it because I don't give a @#$! Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780941 Thu, 23 Feb 2017 01:57:59 +0000 Anonymous 1780941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am cheering you on, Ryce!!!  This has been a fruitful challenge for me.  It will be for you as well.   I love Marina's suggestion of mixing classic pieces with more casual pieces.  That seems the perfect solution until you consider climate.  A third piece in the south is nearly impossible for me personally.  I am trying to implement her suggestion by wearing my nicer blouses with jeans and ponte pants.  In fact, I adapted one of Carter's "formulas."  It is working well so far.   I gotta say, LisaP's post and your comment about "girding" really makes me think.  It is hard to put into words but I have felt unsettled most of February.  I attributed those feelings to having renovation work done in my bathroom and the mess/noise/headache it caused.  But perhaps it goes much deeper.   Cee on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780883 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:19:20 +0000 Cee 1780883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I only buy items to replace the ones that got too long in the tooth these days. As I related on another thread I plan on buying two or three more V-neck sweaters and that's about it for now. Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780683 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 13:46:26 +0000 Anonymous 1780683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Style Fan, you are a better woman than me.  I'm afraid my shopping increased substantially after retirement.  I expect partly to fill the time and partly the excitement of searching for casual clothing, which I ultimately find I don't enjoy wearing that much. Suz, thanks for your careful reading and evaluation of my rambling thoughts.  The validation from someone who has "listened" and responded is invaluable.   Caro, yes, I do believe it will be a worthwhile exercise. Lisa, you hit the nail on the head with your comment about launching a "preemptive strike against my closet."  Yep, I do that way too often.  And, yes, you are so right about the juxtaposition of everyday frivolity with the realities facing us all.  Maybe that is part of why I am feeling the need to return to some version of my professional "armor" - perhaps I'm unconsciously gearing up for the fight ahead. Sterling, special thanks to you, my new virtual friend, for inspiring me to move forward with project that has been nagging at me.  We will cheer each other on! Caro in Oz on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780622 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 06:44:50 +0000 Caro in Oz 1780622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the thought you have put into this Ryce, I'm sure it will be a valuable exercise.  Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780517 Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:05:54 +0000 Anonymous 1780517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is great - I'm in !  I can nod my head to most of your points - I am not retired and I'm still high maintenance though      But - I have two of my own factors to add in:  1. budget - I have other priorities this spring ( a new sofa for the sunroom among them)  2. the need to exercise some self-control and discipline (into every area of my life).   I want to remind myself what it feels like to have to wait until the perfect thing that fits a defined "need" or hole comes upon me. And I want to make sure what I have isn't right before launching my usual pre-emptive strike against my closet and buying new stuff "just because".  I'm always all about immediate self-gratification, and if I have to wait 3 months to find the perfect white t-shirt, then so be it. I'll live.   And if I can wax philosophical for a moment - the world climate (and I don't mean temperature-wise) being what it is right now, it seems prescient to be cautious with spending, and not to flaunt material wealth and goods for the sake of having fun.  I feel like the economic and psychological barometer could just change dramatically this year, and, well, I'd like to remember that there are other  issues out there ..... Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780482 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 22:25:59 +0000 Anonymous 1780482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a wonderful, wonderful post.  Congratulations on your challenge!!!  Congratulations on your daughter's upcoming nuptials.   You do know I'll be there the entire time to support and encourage you.   Suz on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780460 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:02:56 +0000 Suz 1780460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a thoughtful post. This sounds like a superb plan and I love your can-do attitude. I also agree wholeheartedly with your exceptions. You have identified a few genuine needs. It sounds like olive jeans are a wardrobe essential for you, so definitely find the pair that works if you can! Also, it makes perfect sense to shop for a MOB dress with DD. Meanwhile, accessories almost deserve a "pass" from all bans, and they can really change the look of an outfit.  Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780455 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:57:16 +0000 Anonymous 1780455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ unfrumped, you are exactly right.  When I was a kid, my family travelled to the "city" near us and shopped twice a year.  Of course, all of our clothes fit easily in the tiny closets of that era, too, and I don't ever remember thinking I didn't have enough.  It sounds like you have gotten into a cycle of wear/assess/shop that works for you! Jenni, I look forward to your future post about your own journey.  And thanks for the congrats - it will be a small, low-key affair, but we are pretty excited about the wedding.  And heartily approve of the young man she has chosen! racheylou, "think wardrobe, not outfit" - that is an excellent way to describe the place I am trying to get to.  Thanks for the encouragement.  I will be happy to zip myself into a structured sheath dress and come paint the laundry alongside you. Marina, I do think you are onto something with the idea of mixing casual and more formal.  The challenge is how to do it in this climate.  For a good part of the year here it is simply too warm to wear a blazer or jacket when one is out and about (as opposed to in an air-conditioned office that is kept at a temperature to accommodate business attire).  And I'm getting a little thick in the waist to rely on my old tried and true formula of pencil skirt and a top. But figuring out new silhouettes is a big part of what this is all about.   RobinF, you are smart to recognize that moderation rather than fasting is the best approach for you - we are all different.  I've got some experience with the fasting concept, and know it works well for me in other areas.  For example, every January, I give up alcohol, sugar and white flour as a kind of reset to recover from the excess of holiday consumption.  Far from feeling deprived, I find it to be kind of a relief.   Style Fan on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780452 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:42:04 +0000 Style Fan 1780452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You make some excellent points Ryce.  I am not on a shopping fast but I have slowed my shopping down since I retired.  I certainly can relate to the changing body.  I also miss wearing my work clothes.  RobinF on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780445 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:22:52 +0000 RobinF 1780445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you! I can relate to most of what you say. I don't think a fast would work for me, I am the kind of person who, if I am forbidden something, want it even more than before. Moderation is more my thing. However, I think since joining YLF I think things through a little more, try new combinations and looks, and am trying to use my existing things more. I also tend to not be terribly introspective so reading about how you all think here helps my focus. Marina on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780436 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 19:57:48 +0000 Marina 1780436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This all resonates with me too. All of it. About needs x desires, have you tryed to mix formal/casual things together? This may sound silly, but I like how formal clothes work with my body structure and don't have use for formal dress code very often, so I mix what I like in the formal clothes within casual and casual business outfits. A blazer with jeans pants, a pencil skirt with a casual top and flats, a white classic shirt knotted over a casual dress playing the role of 3rs piece, some clothes with "formal vibe" but made of casual/simple fabrics or in casual patterns. Not sure how to make this work in a colder climate, but maybe you can find ways to get a little bit of what you like in your former formal/business clothes to work for your present needs. Good luck with your experiment. ps.: Rach, I don't paint my mother's laundry in suit skirt, but I use my suit and its skirt to go to a street market where usual dress code is casual to extra-casual [it's just that I don't use them both together] :) rachylou on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780427 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 19:38:36 +0000 rachylou 1780427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I could probably never stop, because this is a main source of entertainment for me, fashion. But I have found it immensely valuable to slow down and focus, to have a plan. To think wardrobe not just outfit. I feel right most of the time now. I do commiserate with you: I wish it were appropriate to wear a skirt suit to paint one's mother's laundry! Jenni NZ on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780398 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 18:35:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 1780398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well congratulations Ryce! It was really the shopping fast posts and purging posts that got me to join the forum! I have learned a great deal about myself and my wardrobe by following along with Sterling and intend to write a post about that at some point. What you say about the ethical considerations has been part of my journey also ( never perfectly). We will cheer you on. And also , congrats on your daughter's upcoming wedding! So exciting. unfrumped on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780396 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 18:31:09 +0000 unfrumped 1780396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations and good luck! I think that though " fast" sounds extreme to the " moderates" it's really not a new idea where clothes- buying is concerned if you just flip it and satlh you shop for clothes several times a year and not every week! As a child, my mom did " back to school " shopping and of course some others times, since we grew!-- but it was often some classic holiday sales and not constant. My aunt for years did an annual " new" wardrobe- she was maybe an early capsule creator, as she'd show the items and how they all worked together, and then maybe a seasonal refresher. But she would wear all those items and not be adding all year. So I'm trying to get to where a " fast" is more about getting into some happy cycles of wearing my clothes and refining needs without the distraction of more new things, alternating with some cycles of some purchases. Anonymous on "60 Day Clothing Shopping Fast" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/60-day-clothing-shopping-fast---starting-today#post-1780392 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 18:17:37 +0000 Anonymous 1780392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve been thinking and reading, and reading and thinking, and I’ve decided to take a 60-day hiatus from clothing shopping.  The time feels right, so I am starting today, even though it isn't the first day of a month or anything.  If I give myself more time to think about this, I expect I'll come up with some "reason" it's a bad idea! I started serious consideration of taking this step after reading about Sterling’s experience. Her reasons for taking the break resonated with me and I decided that this was an experiment worth trying. Also the link recently posted by Janet was immensely helpful to me in deciding how I would like to move like to move forward in defining my “look” in the immediate future. The circumstances that combined to make me think this would be the right choice for me at this time are:  1)  Changing Body.  I’m 59 and 10 years past menopause. There’s just no denying the changes that come at this point in life. My waist is thicker, everything is just a little saggier, and there ain’t no diet or exercise plan that is going to change that reality. So it’s time to learn how to dress this slightly different shape, rather than clinging to the silhouettes of the past 40 years.  2)  Personal Maintenance. As a corollary to #1, I’ve never been one to put a lot of time and effort into skin maintenance, hair, makeup, etc. Mind you, I don’t wander around ungroomed, but I’ve always been a bit of a minimalist when it comes to makeup, nail polish, etc. It is probably time to step up my game in those areas.  3)  Lifestyle and Climate Needs vs. Desires. I retired a few years back and drifted into wearing pretty casual clothes. They suit my lifestyle, but not my preferences. I MISS my old professional “uniforms”. I LIKE the way tailored clothing and high-quality natural fabrics feel on my body. It is going to be a challenge to translate these preferences into a practical wardrobe that suits my more casual lifestyle and the very warm climate in which I live.   4)  Lack of Focus.  Certainly I sometimes shop emotionally, or fool myself into thinking I have a “plan” and then making decisions based on criteria that isn’t very well thought out. I’m especially guilty of thinking “that-reminds-me-of-something-I-love-and-wear-alot-so-I’ll-get-this-one-too.” When I probably should be thinking “that’s-nice-but-I-already-have-something-very-similar-so-don’t-need-this-one.”  5)  Wear What I Have. I’ve got a well-stocked closet. If I am fully honest, it is probably overstocked. Though I’m not entirely sure if it is stocked with the right pieces. I am hoping that forcing myself to dress out of what is already here will help me achieve the focus that is currently missing (see #4). If I decide I hate it all, I’m prepared to chuck it out and start over. But I have a feeling that some, and perhaps many, of the pieces of the puzzle are in my possession, but that I’m just not putting them together properly.  6) Ethical Considerations.  I really haven't paid a great deal of attention to where and how my clothing is made.  I'd like to take these factors into consideration in the future. I fully appreciate the solid reasoning behind NOT taking quite such a drastic step as going on a complete shopping fast, as Angie has expressed here in the past. So I am going to make three exceptions:  1)  Olive Jeans – I just ruined my favorite olive jeans, which I wear a lot. That particular style (Genetic Denim Daphne) is no longer made. I have searches set up on Ebay, Postmark, etc. for an identical pair. If they do pop up, I will buy them since I can’t count on finding that exact item again. Otherwise, I will shop for a replacement pair next fall. 2)  MOB Dress – My oldest daughter is getting married in September. If she comes to visit before this fast ends, I will go shopping for my dress with her. I would really like her input into what Iwear on her big day and, besides, it will be fun! Otherwise, I feel no need to be looking for that dress so far ahead of the event. 3)  Belts and casual jewelry – I have already identified some big gaps in these areas. So after 30 days have passed, I am going to revisit whether I have refined my needs well enough to make a couple of purchases in these areas. I’m leaning toward not making an exception here, but feel like having a plan to revisit the issue makes some sense. (Especially for the belts, because sometimes you just need a little help to keep your pants up!) Anyway, if anyone has made it this far, thanks very much for reading. I’ve said nothing here that hasn’t been said numerous times in this forum – and often much more eloquently. But it has been immensely useful to me to put it all down on “paper” and declare my intentions publicly. Edited to fix formatting.