https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:46:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition/page/2#post-1267407 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 18:44:46 +0000 Jenny H 1267407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Checking back on this thread I see you asked how I'm cataloging my wardrobe. I'm using a Google Doc Spreadsheet. It's working&nbsp;for me so far.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition/page/2#post-1266438 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 16:05:19 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1266438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Suja. I love the holding zone idea. I agree: it definitely helps (me, at least) to put the things I am not totally sure about&nbsp;in a holding zone. I've given myself a year. Anything that has remained in the holding zone for a year will go. &nbsp;In fact, releasing myself from the "everything must go NOW" thing has made me actually want to get rid of 'everything' rather than putting it in a holding zone. Isn't psychology amusing?!</p> <p>Thanks so much for the inspiration!</p> <p>Sarah </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition/page/2#post-1265764 Sat, 31 May 2014 18:10:33 +0000 Suja 1265764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this thread. Thanks for posting your story. I recently downsized my wardrobe by 50% over about 4 months and I can tell you that it's worth the effort to get to whatever wardrobe size feels right for you.</p> <p>One tip, which may have been mentioned, is the power of the holding zone. If you have any doubts about an item, even if you can't articulate why, just put it in a separate closet. I used a plastic storage container. I find that "out of sight, out of mind" worked for me. After having it in the holding zone for a few weeks or months, I no longer felt bad about acknowledging I made a mistake and donating the items. I also knew that I didn't reach for it for months so I truly wouldn't miss it.</p> <p>I'm still trying to hone in on what the right wardrobe size is for me. I'm at about 120 items including shoes but not including tees and camisoles. I feel like this is a good size for me but I'm constantly reevaluating whether I want more or less.</p> <p>Best of luck on your process! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition/page/2#post-1265630 Sat, 31 May 2014 15:39:11 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1265630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! Even more ideas! TraceyLiz is so right: I am so grateful for all the ideas and such kind support. Thank you. You know, there are more (and better, more creative, more thoughtful) suggestions in this thread alone than there are in a book I read a while back on the subject. This is making me want to catalogue all the suggestions I have found here and elsewhere, to help others. (Diane, I will definitely look up that Dress Assistant app!) </p> <p>It is so incredibly useful and motivating to hear others' suggestions: they inevitably spark many more ideas. Put it this way -- Suz's interest in my library (which BTW contains more books than a beautiful library I visited&nbsp;that was in a book of the great private libraries of the world, though mine of course has only a very small number of antique first editions and is crammed into a much small area than that spacious beauty -- I don't keep much fiction though -- once it's read it's donated unless exceptionally good) somehow clicked me into gear WRT my wardrobe by bringing my thinking/motivation into line with my very organised, rational&nbsp;thinking about my library (I have been thinking about dramatically reducing its size because I never want to pack and unpack that many books ever again, even with the bar code reader I used to ensure I'd know which box any given recentish book was in to make it easier to get them all back in the correct areas again post move) and I don't find it in the slightest bit difficult in connection with my books, to reduce, ruthlessly,&nbsp;so really, this is making it suddenly feel easy to do this&nbsp;WRT my wardrobe too. At any rate, THANK YOU everyone! I feel inspired and motivated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition/page/2#post-1265575 Sat, 31 May 2014 14:23:36 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1265575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to say this forum is full of amazing, giving, kind women... There are so many wonderful suggestions for us all to glean something from here. Hoping you can try a few with a renewed attitude and maybe have some fun with it!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition/page/2#post-1265574 Sat, 31 May 2014 14:16:48 +0000 Periwinkle 1265574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing that helped me the last time I did a major wardrobe purge was to sit down with a piece of pen and paper and attempt to write down every piece of clothing that I owned--without checking my closet.</p> <p>The items that I couldn't even remember that I owned went on a presumptive "to donate" list. &nbsp;If I really loved them, I would still keep them, of course. &nbsp;But the things that I couldn't remember were often the things that I didn't really love that much.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265541 Sat, 31 May 2014 13:15:33 +0000 Anonymous 1265541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sarah, Jenny H mentioned wardrobe cataloguing and you showed interest in the idea. You say you do it with your book collection so it might appeal to that side of your nature. I actually use Dress Assistant for my main computer (you pay about £14 to upgrade from the demo to full app) You can store all clothing photos and I also store some WIW's too, though I just upload those&nbsp;to the sportswear section as there isn't a specific slot for them. I also found this web page listing others for phone and computer that might interest you :&nbsp; <a href="http://40plusstyle.com/organise-your-clothes-with-these-apps-and-online-managers/" rel="nofollow">http://40plusstyle.com/organis.....-managers/</a>&nbsp; Perhaps doing some cataloguing may help in your purge process?</p> <p>BTW, you perhaps have a pal or two who may already be able to help you; but seriously, if you need a hand from a fellow Fabber, just message me :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265389 Sat, 31 May 2014 03:28:57 +0000 Suz 1265389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Sarah,&nbsp;your library sounds even&nbsp;bigger than mine (although &nbsp;I admit, &nbsp;although my books are pretty organized, I have refrained from counting them!)&nbsp;&nbsp; We culled a huge number when we moved across the country. I got rid of all the paperback fiction, almost, and a lot of the other paperbacks as well. It was hard but it had to be done. And then we turned around and bought more. Even though we both read a lot on our devices now as well. That is one area where I will never be a true minimalist.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie talks a bit about her own closet <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2012/09/27/closet-goals-versus-wardrobe-goals/">here.</a> There are some other posts in the blog archives as well where she may say more and add extra photos. But this gives you an idea.&nbsp;</p> <p>My own closet is not a walk-in -- just a regular wall closet with folding doors --&nbsp;and I also share it with DH -- which is why I say I probably don't have quite as much available space as Angie.&nbsp;It does include a deep shelf that I use for sweaters. I have one rod. I have some special hangers for skirts and trousers that allow me to hang several pairs in one place. And a small shoe rack. And of course I also have my "off season" storage place in the hall. (Angie puts all her stuff together in the same closet).&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for your thoughts on the ethical issues here. I don't throw away perfectly good things, and do donate them -- but when I purge things that just don't feel like "my style" any more, I do feel wasteful. It does make another person happy (I hope) but I would like to reduce the "churn" in my closet. In other words, while hoarding may be a problem, we restless purgers have our own set of "issues." &nbsp;:)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265351 Sat, 31 May 2014 02:45:22 +0000 Vildy 1265351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, about starting a blog, there's some research that shows that for people (women? don't remember the research group that well) who are on a weight loss regimen, blogging was a significant help in sticking to it and they lost more weight. The reason given was that the bloggers came to feel that they would be letting the readers (probably also involved with weight loss) down or setting a bad example if they blew off what they were doing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265264 Sat, 31 May 2014 00:50:08 +0000 Anonymous 1265264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You should start a blog! You could chronicle the purging process, stay on track, and maybe knowing people were reading, you might feel more accountable to your goals. Just a crazy thought! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265237 Sat, 31 May 2014 00:04:07 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1265237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Aida wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“What I found helped me in keeping clothing at a manageable amount is narrowing down my most preferred eclectic leanings. I'm not as specific in my description of such leanings as others, but rather it's more like Astrid pointed out: it's all about the look. I've got a handful of overarching vibes that are my preference (urban, punk, vintage), and also keep in mind my favorite fashion decades (40s, 60s, 70s, 80s). This allowed me to donate quite a lot, things that still fit and looked good, because while they were fun they weren't getting me to my style goals. At first that was really tough. I thought for sure that I was really going to handcuff my ability to be eclectic. But what I found was that it's entirely possible to be eclectic within what I kept, AND what's even better is that those looks totally fit into the vibes I like best.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Very interesting. And it is particularly interesting to hear from another eclectic dresser. Thinking about it, I do have a limited number of ‘looks’ I prefer for myself. I need to keep those strictly in mind as I do this. This idea plus Vildy’s “who is going to see me” idea (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://betweenmypeers.com/2014/05/29/the-pie-chart/#comment-115783">http://betweenmypeers.com/2014.....ent-115783</a>) seem very helpful for creating focus, at least for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Caro, I am in awe of you and your wardrobe discipline.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Ironkurtin, I feel your pain!</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire! Thanks so much for weighing in! I particularly love this idea:</div><div><br /></div><div>“Maybe you could pick an arbitrary number to donate/sell everyday, set a timer(to keep you moving and prevent the task from dragging on all day), fill a bag and then be done until the next day.”</div><div><br /></div><div>I do the timer thing in other areas of life (housework, etc) so why not apply it to paring down my wardrobe?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Gigi, the stylist idea is one I’d suggest too, but I would probably make a very bad stylist’s client, because I have quite evolved and involved ideas about my own style, and believe me I wouldn’t blame a stylist for ‘not respecting’ my style. These things are so individual, aren’t they?</div><div><br /></div><div>Helenedith wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I wonder if you emptied your main wardrobe and each day dressed from where you have your clothes stored (spare room/closet ) and then decide at the end of each day whether you enjoyed your outfit, if you did, store it in your main wardrobe and at the end of a period , say a month, analyse what is in the wardrobe , the colours, the style, the fabric. This may help you discover the styles you reach for each day.”</div><div><br /></div><div>That is exactly what I have been thinking of doing. I do know what I want to be (or am) wearing this season, and I know many things I don’t want to wear this season (but might want to next season). A good start would be to put the stuff I know for sure I want to be (or am) wearing now in the wardrobe I want to house my entire season’s edit. Checking each outfit by wearing it before giving it a place in The Wardrobe sounds like a good way to whittle things down still further. Meanwhile I have also been working on the concept of my edits for the next three seasons. Thanks, Helenedith!</div><div><br />Sarah</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265222 Fri, 30 May 2014 23:16:33 +0000 Helenedith 1265222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if you emptied your main wardrobe and each day dressed from where you have your clothes stored (spare room/closet ) and then decide at the end of each day whether you enjoyed your outfit, if you did, store it in your main wardrobe and at the end of a period , say a month, analyse what is in the wardrobe , the colours, the style, the fabric. This may help you discover the styles you reach for each day.<br /> Good luck and enjoy the journey </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265199 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:51:27 +0000 Gigi 1265199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a tough situation! I will say that I haven't read the other posts in detail, so maybe this suggestion has already been made: What do you think about calling in a professional stylist? You could try on the clothing for the stylist, and the stylist could maybe offer your advice on which items don't look as good as others, or which items perhaps appear dated or will be going out of style soon. But maybe this won't work for your situation. Clothing can be such an emotional thing, and maybe the stylist will not be respectful of your own style (?). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265191 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:34:46 +0000 Anonymous 1265191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sarah. Congratulations on the amount of culling you've done so far! You've come a long way already and seem to have done it without too much angst. I guess you didn't buy those clothes in a short period of time, so maybe it will take you a while of steadily chipping away at them to whittle down your wardrobe to a reasonable number. On the one hand, you're blessed to have that many wonderful clothes that fit and flatter. On the other hand, it seems that too much choice can also be a curse. </p> <p>Maybe you could pick an arbitrary number to donate/sell everyday, set a timer(to keep you moving and prevent the task from dragging on all day), fill a bag and then be done until the next day. Or you should go shopping in your stash and choose your 100 (or 200, or whatever)&nbsp;favorite things and then pay someone like a consignment store to come in and give you a bid on all the rest. Just some ideas from someone who really doesn't have a clue. I feel for you though, it must be overwhelming.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265180 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:26:30 +0000 ironkurtin 1265180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I should add I have way too much stuff.&nbsp; So I'm in your boat, girl!&nbsp; We must paddle together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265176 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:19:33 +0000 Caro in Oz 1265176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with Aidan. Reining in my eclectic side has really helped me have a smaller &amp; I think, better wardrobe.</p> <p>Just one more point, you say you love all your clothes but IMO (&amp; it's only my opinion) that is only the starting point. Do you love the feel of them on &amp; do they make you look how you would like to look? Good luck . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265170 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:12:58 +0000 Aida 1265170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice already above, just wanted to add a little something regarding The Eclectic Dresser (I'm on that team, too).</p> <p>What I found helped me in keeping clothing at a manageable amount is narrowing down my <i>most preferred</i> eclectic leanings. I'm not as specific in my description of such leanings as others, but rather it's more like Astrid pointed out: it's all about the look. I've got a handful of overarching vibes that are my preference (urban, punk, vintage), and also keep in mind my favorite fashion decades (40s, 60s, 70s, 80s). This allowed me to donate quite a lot, things that still fit and looked good, because while they were fun they weren't getting me to my style goals. At first that was really tough. I thought for sure that I was really going to handcuff my ability to be eclectic. But what I found was that it's entirely possible to be eclectic within what I kept, AND what's even better&nbsp;is&nbsp;that those looks totally fit into the vibes I like best. Win win. I do keep a few wildcard items though,&nbsp;gotta have some fun right?&nbsp;I'd say my wardrobe is moderate in size now, it was certainly larger before but I very much appreciate its current more manageable size. I can see everything, which helps a lot.</p> <p>Best of luck to you, you can do this :D&nbsp;And as an aside, I must see a photo of that library!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265158 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:57:44 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1265158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Lyn wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I am in the same boat as Mo I think ... I had tons of stuff and I've purged a lot, even things that were "cute" and "looked good" but "good is the enemy of the best" is still the policy I'm going with right now.”</div><div><br /></div><div>“Good is the enemy of best” — fantastic! A good way to focus on what is best. Thanks for posting, Lyn!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ironkurtin wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I like to close my eyes and picture myself wearing it. If I can't, it goes away.”</div><div><br /></div><div>That is another good idea. If I need to try it on to know whether it looks good, maybe that should be a clue that it is not good enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nebraskim wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“One way to start making a dent is to pledge to fill at least one shopping bag a month (or week) with things that no longer made the grade. Aim high on your keeps and be a bit ruthless on your tosses. Eventually you will pare down. I find the gradual purge seems less intimidating than the whoosh.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly less traumatic to do it gradually, I agree, and as you say, even if it is only a gradual process, if one keeps doing it (and not buying more stuff), it will eventually make a difference.</div><div><br /></div><div>TraceyLiz65 wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I like the suggestions here and wonder if you couldn't pick a space that is finite and say I can only keep what fits in that space... I know for me that if I do put away seasons like heavy sweaters, winter vests and summer bottoms and skirts. Everything else pretty much stays in my closet... If I don't have the space for one season's worth to fit in that space, then it's time to purge…”</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I am aiming for three or four seasonsworth of clothes, each fitting in a particular space I have, with off-season capsules being stored elsewhere.</div><div><br /></div><div>“It's a process that I think gets easier each time you do it... With that in mind I really like the above advice to do one shopping bag a week or month.. It didn't get this way overnight, so it makes sense that it won't get undone that way either….”</div><div><br /></div><div>Good advice. I think it makes it less daunting, more possible-seeming, which helps.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Wishing you the best of luck... Once you get it under control it is still important to purge at the beginning and end of every season to ensure the problem doesn't return.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Right!</div><div><br /></div><div>“I wonder if having a friend you trust would help to keep you more realistic about what really works well on you and is truly Fabulous. Our own perspective can't always be trusted... Sending you virtual hugs and well wishes to dig in and be gentle with yourself!”&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks TraceyLiz. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sarah</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265155 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:47:48 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1265155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a tough thing to face and fix and the fact that you are talking about it and reaching out for support and advice is a huge first step. &nbsp;So, pat yourself on the back for that! &nbsp; No one sets out to let things get out of control so don't be hard on yourself for being where you are. &nbsp;I like the suggestions here and wonder if you couldn't pick a space that is finite and say I can only keep what fits in that space... I know for me that if I do put away seasons like heavy sweaters, winter vests and summer bottoms and skirts. &nbsp;Everything else pretty much stays in my closet... If I don't have the space for one season's worth to fit in that space, then it's time to purge... It's a process that I think gets easier each time you do it... With that in mind I really like the above advice to do one shopping bag a week or month.. It didn't get this way overnight, so it makes sense that it won't get undone that way either.... Wishing you the best of luck... Once you get it under control it is still important to purge at the beginning and end of every season to ensure the problem doesn't return. &nbsp;I wonder if having a friend you trust would help to keep you more realistic about what really works well on you and is truly Fabulous. &nbsp;Our own perspective can't always be trusted... Sending you virtual hugs and well wishes to dig in and be gentle with yourself! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265153 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:43:03 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1265153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks so so much for all your marvellous ideas. So much wisdom here!</div><div><br /></div><div>Astrid wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“You know, if you can't purge anymore because of fit, condition and quality you need to go for the look. I think I'd do some soul searching to define and narrow my style down and then get rid of everything that doesn't fit into my style aspirations and doesn't work towards a well thought-out wardrobe that supports that vision. Even if I look good in it.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Brilliant! So logical! Such a good idea: to come up with other criteria, including the look I am going for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mo wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I had over 200 items when I joined here. I realize that now having about 120 (plus shoes) is still a lot to some people, but it's about 50% less than what I had.</div><div>I did purge things that fit and flattered. If they were not my more recently honed and defined style. Many dresses fell into this category. Too sweet, too young, etc, etc. Others I ditched on color basis alone. You have to find some criteria beyond fit or flattery if you want to proceed further.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Mo, I really appreciate this: you are an inspiration! This makes me think it will be possible to do this. Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane G wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“Astrid makes a good point, but are you eclectic in your style tastes? I guess if so that could make life difficult. I do think you need to try to narrow a few styles down though. What about comfort too? Be ruthless and think whether each item is truly comfortable. Do you have to keep adjusting it etc. Do you have several items of the same thing in the same colour and if so just keep one or two of different styles so that you aren't repeating. You live in the UK so think about whether you have too much hot weather stuff. Think climate and uses. Best of luck. Oh and if you need a hand &nbsp;…”</div><div><br /></div><div>Hi Diane :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I have used the excuse that I love many different styles to avoid getting rid of stuff, but as I said, there comes a point where irrespective of how fabulous the stuff is, and how it all suits my eclectic style etc, too much is too much and something has to give. I must admit that I had already got rid of uncomfortable items: I’ve never kept things I find uncomfortable, because I can’t imagine wearing such things, but I agree that comfort is a good thing to consider when looking for criteria by which to get rid of stuff.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>You are so right that I have too much hot weather stuff, BTW. I do spend time in very hot places so I do need some hot weather stuff, but if Claire can manage with 10 items really I should be able to manage with vastly less than I have. Actually I have been creating my own hot-weather dresses that are much preferable to most of my hot-weather attire, because I need mine to cover my skin as opposed to being spaghetti-strapped short summer dresses, so I think now that I have realised that I need to protect my skin from the sun, this will make it easy to donate many of my lovely summer silk/cotton/linen dresses — because although it might be fashionable to wear a scruffy loose teeshirt under a summer dress I don’t like that look for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Best of luck. Oh and if you need a hand &nbsp;…”</div><div><br /></div><div>Believe me, I do need help! :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Neel, in a way, the downsizing is quite interesting. I don’t think I would be going through this process but for that, because I had plenty of room in the old house, and I do think this is an interesting exercise overall. It was very traumatic initially though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rabbit wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I would keep an eye out for near duplicates, so for example keep the 'best' gray tee shirt regardless of the fact that different shirts have different necklines or sleeves or drape. Pulling out one section of items -- say heeled sandals, and doing the 'best' vs. 'good' comparison, and letting a few of the 'good' go.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Good idea. For one who hates jeans, I have an awful lot of them… Ha! An example of something I still have that I find uncomfortable! Unfortunately my husband likes me in jeans, but yes, I should easily be able to get rid of most of my jeans.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Also getting a different perspective on the items helps. What one person may consider in 'good' condition might look worn out or dated in some way to another.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Good idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>“One of the results, which I'm not sure if you have experienced or not, is choice paralysis. This means that it is nearly impossible, or can take weeks to pack for a trip of a few days.”</div><div><br /></div><div>The first time in my adult life that I went abroad for 3 months, it took me all day and all night, literally, to pack, so yes, this is something to consider. Nowadays I usually pack in minutes just before I leave, with the idea that I can always buy more stuff at my destination if I find I don’t have enough. This has resulted in quite a number of ‘justifications’ for buying more stuff. 8^) I probably should be a bit less casual about packing, because when I was in Israel a couple of months ago, I actually did not have anything like enough clothes given the lack of laundry facilities (I was staying in a different place almost every night) — I had not realised how dirty everything would get in the dust/sand and the heat there, and I did not have time to go shopping. Must pack more carefully to avoid buying more stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Another idea is to think about who might really enjoy those of your good clothes that you are unable to wear due to sheer number, and gift to them.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Good idea. That definitely will help — knowing my beautiful-but-not-quite-right dresses are going to ‘good homes’.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Rabbit. (I love your style BTW!)</div><div><br /></div><div>The amazing Suz wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“It's so interesting that you have held on to clothing when your way of life is otherwise quite minimal.</div><div>This makes me recognize something about myself that perhaps suggests why the 10 item wardrobe isn't a good fit for my own personality (much as I might wish I could do it). If I look around my home, it is highly organized and not cluttered (well....except for my daughter's room and the basement). But it's also not minimal. I have a LOT of books. They are neatly organized on shelves. but they add up!”</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, well, if having a lot of books = not minimal then I’m not a minimalist — I have about 17000 hard copy books; however, they are all highly organised and catalogued and each has a proper place in my library. OTOH, since the downsizing, I have almost stopped buying (hard copy) books, and have got rid of some books, and I have mainly moved to buying machine-readable books.</div><div><br /></div><div>“I am not quite at the stage of one-in-one-out, but I am nearly there. I DO switch out my wardrobe F/W and S/S so I have two closet spaces. But both are very small, perhaps half the physical size of Angie's small closet.”</div><div><br /></div><div>How big is that?</div><div><br /></div><div>“ It has been helpful to use this space as my template for "how much" I can have. I think of it like this: if I can't see everything, I won't wear it. So my in-rotation wardrobe has to be entirely visible in the closet/ bureau.”</div><div><br /></div><div>That is another brilliant idea. When I was packing for the big move I was very surprised to find I had all sorts of shoes and other stuff I had no memory of having bought. (It was fun discovering some of this stuff but as you say, if it can’t be seen I will end up never wearing it so what is the point of having it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, you mentioned, on another thread, having slight qualms about the effect of your fashion buying and purging on the environment. Unless you just throw perfectly good things away, I don’t think you can possibly be harming the environment: surely donating helps to conserve resources by freeing up your not-quite-right-for-you stuff for others to enjoy, thus saving those other people from buying new stuff.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfrumped wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I'm having trouble because if something looks good or pretty good I keep trying to use it, or I add something with the same qualities; so my problem is I'm still looking at things kind of in isolation for fit, color, even the style of the item but not quite making them also pass the test of "the look". Without that I think I am too adrift and may always be adding or having trouble partiing with things rather than honing. So, even just "quality" and happiness factor and so on are too broad and lead in too many directions.</div><div>I don't mean it has to be one look in an extremely narrow sense, but I need more boundaries. Then if the word boundaries raises concerns about style ruts, perhaps boundaries for a coming season or year. Focus.</div><div>Of course, it is also that I've been ambivalent about "the look" I'm going for, even after all the posts on monikers and personas and descriptors and adjectives, but that is still the way to go, I think.”</div><div><br /></div><div>So true! The look is so important, and I definitely need some more boundaries when it comes to clothing acquisition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thistle wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“So much fabulous advice!</div><div>The only thing I can offer is what have you not worn lately? If you aren't regularly reaching for it (and you couldn't be reaching for everything if you have this much), despite fit and flattery, then let it move on to someone who will wear it.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Indeed! Quite right.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rachylou wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“Astrid's idea is gold. I think that could get you to two rooms... and then we can sit quietly together in the corner. Haha. Oh the tragedy!</div><div>Lololol. It's so sad. Lololol.”</div><div><br /></div><div>LOL! You are so witty, Rachylou! xxx</div><div><br /></div><div>Jenny H wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I've started (but not completed) an inventory of all my clothes. As part of that inventory, I categorized whether each item was something I loved/liked/felt meh about/disliked etc. What surprised me was how few items I actually love. This is helping to guide me as I decide what to keep.”</div><div><br /></div><div>I may be asking this as a procrastination measure, but may I ask how you are doing this? Paper and pen? Fancy app? Spreadsheet? I do love the idea: it greatly appeals to my organising streak. I did have the idea of taking photos of myself in everything to help me let things go, but I found that I actually didn’t want to be photographed wearing any lycra teeshirt or polyester — so I suppose that idea did help in a way!</div><div><br /></div><div>Which reminds me of an inspiring post I ready by Vildy earlier (not on YLF) in which she mentioned the idea of capsules based not so much on lifestyle segment but instead on who would be seeing her dressed thus. I got rid of all polyester items partly because I hate the feel of it, but also partly because I would die of embarrassment to be seen in public wearing said items. If imagining being seen in a given item makes me want to put a paper bag over my head, that is a clue that I should be donating the item. If I keep in mind certain critical friends who have good taste in my opinion, perhaps that will concentrate my mind and make it easier to get rid of more.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Ideally, my wardrobe would be made up of mostly items I love and I will get rid of items I don't. Obviously, every wardrobe needs some workhorses so each individual item does not need to stand out. But I want everything in my wardrobe to fit well, be appropriate for my lifestyle, be reasonably comfortable, and work with other items in my wardrobe. I have many items that for one reason or other are not quite right and my goal is to get rid of all of those and as necessary replace with items that are just right.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Makes sense.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Steph (MrsEccentric) wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“I don't even shop, but my closet gradually fills up with people gifting me things, 'hand me downs', etc. How does this happen?!?!?</div><div>A person really has to stay on their toes, one way or the other.”</div><div><br /></div><div>So true.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>“Anyways, lots of great ideas already but i had another to toss in the pot. Maybe you could try making outfits, then keep the clothes that make the outfits you most like and think would fit best in your life?”</div><div><br /></div><div>I really like the outfits idea, as opposed to the mix-and-match capsule wardrobe idea, because I like dresses and even when I wear a skirt and top, I usually have specific combinations I prefer, as opposed to wearing a variety of different combinations.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Just keep at it, slow and steady and you'll get to a happier place. Best of luck! steph”</div><div><br /></div><div>Good to remember. Thanks, Steph. Love your style blog BTW.</div><div><br /></div><div>Joy wrote:</div><div><br /></div><div>“You may have several pieces playing the same role. I found that when I got all my black pants together I could pullout a cold weather pair, a warmer weather pair, a pair of black jeans, one dressy pair, and let go of the rest. Same with white tops or warm sweaters. The number of days a year one actually wants to wear a flowery skirt or dress may not really be very many .</div><div>Do you have a dominate season? A really short season. Things to consider.”</div><div><br /></div><div>So true. I think I have about 10 black skirts alone, and I’m currently off black, as I said the other day. (OTOH, since I have worn black so much all my life I don’t think I want to get rid of everything black, because I have no doubt I will go back to black at some point — in the winter, perhaps, or if not this coming winter, some other winter! 8^))</div><div><br /></div><div>The dominant season where I live is … well… seasonally confused. Temperate mild summers and mild winters. But I do travel to more extreme climates. Not that I own much more than snow boots for a Canadian freezer temperatures winter (I so admire Suz being able to be stylish in Canadian winter temperatures that make me forget style and concentrate on survival!) but yes, I should get rid of any a summer dress. To say nothing of vast numbers of pairs of sandals. Yes, definitely need to work on the sandals. Far too many.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks so much, everyone! So much fabulous advice! I really appreciate it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sarah</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265140 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:17:33 +0000 Nebraskim 1265140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good advice from others. I have way gobs of stuff and am in continuous purge mode. One way to start making a dent is to pledge to fill at least one shopping bag a month (or week) with things that no longer made the grade. Aim high on your keeps and be a bit ruthless on your tosses. Eventually you will pare down. I find the gradual purge seems less intimidating than the whoosh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265136 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:14:29 +0000 ironkurtin 1265136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to go through this exercise myself!&nbsp; I like to close my eyes and picture myself wearing it.&nbsp; If I can't, it goes away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265134 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:13:53 +0000 lyn* 1265134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in the same boat as Mo I think ... I had tons of stuff and I've purged a lot, even things that were "cute" and "looked good" but "good is the enemy of the best" is still the policy I'm going with right now.</p> <p>I definitely felt not fab and underdressed today. Grr. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265132 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:08:45 +0000 Anonymous 1265132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You may have several pieces playing the same role. I found that when I got all my black pants together I could pullout a cold weather pair, a warmer weather pair, a pair of black jeans, one dressy pair, and let go of the rest. Same with white tops or warm sweaters. The number of days a year one actually wants to wear a flowery skirt or dress may not really be very many .<br /> Do you have a dominate season? A really short season. Things to consider. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265129 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:04:51 +0000 mrseccentric 1265129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh my goodness MFF! well, what's done is done, live and learn, blah blah. But you are very correct in that it's so so very easy to accumulate all type of clothes in our society! I don't even shop, but my closet gradually fills up with people gifting me things, 'hand me downs', etc. How does this happen?!?!?</p> <p>A person really has to stay on their toes, one way or the other.</p> <p>Anyways, lots of great ideas already but i had another to toss in the pot. Maybe you could try making outfits, then keep the clothes that make the outfits you most like and think would fit best in your life?</p> <p>Just keep at it, slow and steady and you'll get to a happier place. Best of luck! steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265118 Fri, 30 May 2014 20:44:12 +0000 Jenny H 1265118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've started (but not completed) an inventory of all my clothes. As part of that inventory, I categorized whether each item was something I loved/liked/felt meh about/disliked etc. What surprised me was how few items I actually love. This is helping to guide me as I decide what to keep.</p> <p>Ideally, my wardrobe would be made up of mostly items I love and I will get rid of items I don't. Obviously, every wardrobe needs some workhorses so each individual item does not need to stand out. But I want everything in my wardrobe to fit well, be appropriate for my lifestyle, be reasonably comfortable, and work with other items in my wardrobe. I have many items that for one reason or other are not quite right and my goal is to get rid of all of those and as necessary replace with items that are just right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265108 Fri, 30 May 2014 20:33:16 +0000 rachylou 1265108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid's idea is gold. I think that could get you to two rooms... and then we can sit quietly together in the corner. Haha. Oh the tragedy! </p> <p>Lololol. It's so sad. Lololol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265088 Fri, 30 May 2014 20:03:40 +0000 Thistle 1265088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much fabulous advice!</p> <p>The only thing I can offer is what have you not worn lately? If you aren't regularly reaching for it (and you couldn't be reaching for everything if you have this much), despite fit and flattery,&nbsp;then let it move on to someone who will wear it. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265082 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:58:28 +0000 unfrumped 1265082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Astrid said is brilliant. Good luck and keep plugging away!</p> <p>Astrid, you are brilliant! Thank you!<br />I'm going to use this starting right now. </p> <p>It's not that I have so many <u>fantastic</u> clothes--it's that you have just given me the epiphany that I'm having trouble because if something looks good or pretty good I keep trying to use it, or I add something with the same qualities;&nbsp;so my problem is I'm still looking at things kind of in&nbsp; isolation for fit, color, even&nbsp;the style of the item but not quite&nbsp; making them also pass the test of "the look". Without that I think I am too adrift and may always be adding or having trouble partiing with things rather than honing. So, even just "quality" and happiness factor and so on are too broad and lead in too many directions.</p> <p>I don't mean it has to be one look<u> </u>in an extremely narrow sense, but I need more <u>boundarie</u>s. Then if the word boundaries raises concerns about style ruts, perhaps boundaries for a coming season or year. Focus.</p> <p>Of course, it is also that I've been ambivalent about "the look" I'm going for, even after all the posts on monikers and personas and descriptors and adjectives, but that is still the way to go, I think.<u></u> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-cautionary-tale-for-those-of-a-more-is-more-disposition#post-1265076 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:49:42 +0000 Suz 1265076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Fabbers have spoken, and spoken well. Aspirational style is a terrific way to rule things out, as is comfort. Anything that doesn't meet the comfort test -- off it goes! (It sounds as if you were on that track when you ruled out the lycra.)&nbsp;</p> <p>It's so interesting that you have held on to clothing when your way of life is otherwise quite minimal.&nbsp;</p> <p>This makes me recognize something about myself that perhaps suggests why the 10 item wardrobe isn't a good fit for my own personality (much as I might wish I could do it). If I look around my home, it is highly organized and not cluttered (well....except for my daughter's room and the basement). But it's also not minimal. I have a <b>LOT</b> of books. They are neatly organized on shelves. but they add up!&nbsp;</p> <p>I am not quite at the stage of one-in-one-out, but I am nearly there. I DO switch out my wardrobe F/W and S/S so I have two closet spaces. But both are very small, perhaps half the physical size of Angie's small closet. It has been helpful to use this space as my template for "how much" I can have. I think of it like this: if I can't <b>see</b> everything, I won't wear it. So my in-rotation wardrobe has to be entirely visible in the closet/ bureau.&nbsp; </p>