https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:16:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471668 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:23:05 +0000 Queen Mum 471668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yay for you! And now on to nothing but fab for beautiful you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471658 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:57:08 +0000 Vicki 471658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got a whole audience of us laughing and smiling at your garage scene. Do post a video next time on YouTube! It would get a MILLION hits!! ;)</p> <p>I'm still laughing at you stroking your purse in bed in Suz's bag post! As for your recent closet activities, you are one strong woman, Claire, and I applaud you for releasing your yoga pants and more to the universe. I do wear yoga pants around the house and I don't do yoga, but they feel soft and comfortable to me and sometimes I feel I might do a leg lift or two wearing them!</p> <p>I'm going to my closet and stare at it with a determined clearlyclaire look and say, "Watch out, clothes, you may be next!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471656 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:50:52 +0000 Anonymous 471656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"I think I need to have a moratorium on thrift stores for a while. But that's a subject for another thread! "</p> <p>I need to join you on this, I am so tired of buying more stuff that I don't really need but there's no "thrifting anonymous" to help me stop.</p> <p>Congratulations on the closet purge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471649 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:35:57 +0000 missvee 471649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you for getting to grips with your wardrobe. There's no need to keep anything that doesn't make you feel good about your look. We keep far too many clothes that don't really flatter us, on the guise that they may come in handy for...something (always unspecified). Thrift items are great for a quick fix, but when you're building a wardrobe I think it's better to save for one super item than clutter up life with a dozen so-so options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471642 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:24:21 +0000 Marie 471642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good job! I have actually "culled" my whole life since my girls grew up &amp; moved away (home, clothes, stuff &amp; even some toxic people lol). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471573 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:38:12 +0000 Anonymous 471573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, yes it's a contagious fever! Come over any time! It kind of reminds me of that commercial where the gal opens her window and hollers out, "This bra doesn't fit and I'm NOT going to wear it anymore!" I had the same mindset. My nose was running like a faucet and I was irritated with having to wipe it every five seconds, so pulling up my sagging pants was EXTRA irritating and I guess I just got MAD. Having the knowledge to change is one thing, but sometimes we need emotion to get us moving. Also a lot of this is a complete paradigm shift for me, so even though I can spout out the *right* answers, my habits haven't changed completely yet (like shopping second hand).</p> <p>Sheila, right you are! This is a fun journey, but so much more so because kind and supportive people like you are there holding my hand every step of the way. Thanks for being a fellow traveller on the road to good style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471540 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:02:35 +0000 catgirl 471540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW, I totally agree on the thrift stores - it's SO easy to compromise when something is cheap, if you have that kind of personality (which I do). I can think of millions of imaginary scenarios where some cast-off might still come in handy, or that it might fit me if I miraculously grew six inches or changed body type. I still thrift, but I've found it much easier to ask myself if I'd buy an item at full price before snatching it up. YGG! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471538 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:01:40 +0000 Sheila 471538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, sometimes I read these very humorous yet entirely serious posts and wish that we could capture the mental images that they evoke on film...and watch them over and over when we are in desperate need of inspiration. Or when we need to laugh at ourselves. Your recent closet episode is one such gem, Claire. You had me simultaneously laughing and pondering...thanks for sharing with such great style and humor.This is definitely a FUN journey, isn't it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471536 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:59:01 +0000 catgirl 471536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW! What kind of fever was that anyway? Is it catching? And can I come over and hang out? Sounds like you did a great job and put some pressure on yourself in a good way. </p> <p>You've totally inspired me! The next thing I'm going tackle is my slumming around the house capsule, which is DREADFUL. I just dumped two fleece tops I got when I was pregnant that I still throw on as comfortwear - WHY? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471533 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:55:20 +0000 cheryl 471533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, I enjoy your posts. Good for you on just letting go and i'm sending hugs because i know it isnt easy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471519 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:44:30 +0000 Louise 471519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire you are a hoot!! Sometimes I think this is the best sort of closet cull, you went with your gut, don't look back x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471518 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:43:49 +0000 lyn* 471518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YAY! Congrats on your Clank of the Metal Door!!!!!! :D</p> <p>PS: The mental image of you digging through your bags in your garage while getting dressed is lol. :p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471514 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:40:49 +0000 Amy 471514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great story, Claire!</p> <p>I'm sitting here marveling at how industrious you were while not feeling well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471472 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:51:09 +0000 Anonymous 471472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Parsley, you flatter me *blush*. I do enjoy writing, but I have no idea what kind I'd be good at or how to get started! </p> <p>Rae, I feel pretty good about my purge actually. The "not so great" items had been staring me in the face, mocking me. Since we've had all kinds of temps I had been able to seriously try everything out IRL to see if it would work (like some new tops). No more buying out of season for a while. Sometimes I dream up a glamorous scenario where the item in question is the star of the show (like the white trench that ended up looking like a lab coat) but when the proper season rolls around, it just doesn't work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471462 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:40:37 +0000 Anonymous 471462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo I have done the crazy midnight alterations too (or right before the event)! It's funny, but almost everything I re-make ends up leaving my life anyway. But sometimes I just have to try and salvage it first! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471461 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:40:14 +0000 rae 471461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see this as a great thing! I do this, too, with all kinds of things. The last time I stayed home sick and purged from the spice rack... ok, not the same, but there is something about being sick that makes you feel like, "I can't take any more life annoyances, so I have to eliminate one right NOW!" </p> <p>How do you feel about the purge in the harsh light of day? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471458 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:36:56 +0000 Parsley 471458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, I love your writing style! I can just picture you, and you make me laugh. Have you ever thought about being a writer? Seriously.</p> <p>You have my admiration for being ruthless in getting rid of things. It's so hard to admit shopping mistakes.</p> <p>But the yoga pants? I DID gasp at that!<br /> I couldn't live without my yoga pants! (of course I actually do yoga, but still...) I think if they have a good fit, yoga pants can look great for loungewear! Maybe I'm deluding myself... ;-)</p> <p>Anyway, good work!<br /> Now, inspired, I'm off to tackle my own closet! Wish me courage! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471447 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:23:18 +0000 Mo 471447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have done similar midnight alterations with disastrous results. But it was something I was prepared to part with, should it not work out. I think acting on these impulses is great! Perhaps your semi lucid state was where you needed to mentally be to make the hard decisions. I had to lol at the yoga pants when you don't do yoga. I am the opposite - I was doing it 20 years ago when I couldn't hardly find a mat. Even in hippy dippy California </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471434 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:13:59 +0000 Mellllls 471434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>the last time i went to our donation site, my car broke down! needless to say i will not be stockpiling our donations for a looong time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471433 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:13:06 +0000 biscuitsmom 471433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YAY! You did good, girl! Kudos to you for having the insight and strength of will to do what you did....not only have you inspired me (and Mochi) so many people will benefit from your generosity.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471432 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:09:03 +0000 Suz 471432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WHOOT!!!! </p> <p>I am so proud of you, Claire!! That is an amazing story! </p> <p>(And you tell it so well. I was laughing so hard at that image of you half naked in your garage, not to mention the picture of you staring at your gaping closet, after it was all over!) </p> <p>I'm truly in a similar position. I got rid of SO much a few weeks ago, and now I'm about to get rid of a bit more. And I'm weaning myself from the thrift stores, too. Trying, anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471424 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:03:25 +0000 rosee 471424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(applause) Good efforts! Chances are you won't really miss those things that you gave away, but if you do you'll have a hole to fill with a better version of the lost item. do believe you gave it away for a reason. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471423 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 17:03:07 +0000 Mochi 471423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my, Claire, I hope you don't mind that I was laughing at the image of you half-naked in the garage! It's such a relief to know we've all been prone to these shopping mistakes--often costly ones. It's inspirational to hear how you and others here have come so far in knowing what's right for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-rash-and-reckless-closet-cull#post-471418 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:58:16 +0000 Anonymous 471418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I blame it on the fever. A few nights ago sleep evaded me. I tossed and turned all night thinking about my style goals, my closet and how I had recently purchased some things that just weren't working (the dangers of being on YLF right before bed)! The next morning, after I had gotten hubby to the airport and daughter to school, I entered my closet with a my jaw set and two Very. Large. Bags.</p> <p>I asked myself if (knowing what I know now) I would purchase each item all over again. Out went my 4 polyester summer dresses, a few pair of shoes that I'm through with (including some recently purchased strange croc-like peds--they were *only* $8--and so comfortable--maybe I could use them for washing the car? What was I thinking?!!!) Next into the bag went a nice leather tote that just felt a bit *mumsy* and I never wanted to carry, and several new blouses that didn't make me feel fab. (I was reading a thread recently that stressed how something makes you *feel* when you wear it as opposed to just how it looks). Out went a few pairs of not quite right pants/jeans and a sweater I thrifted because it had seemed *good enough* to wear around the house. Another sweater was too tight to button, so I said goodbye to it. Oh, and out went my yoga pants *gasp*. I have never done yoga in my life. My recently demoted jeans will do for lounging and will look a lot more fab The yoga pants always made me feel sloppy. I got rid of my thrifted denim skirt with the intentional rips and holes in the back pockets. Yes, it fits great but the distressing is not me. Also from the accessories department I culled many faded and snagged summer scarves and various belts that never felt right. I had gone to a thrift store the day before and bought a tweed blazer that fit great but was not in my colors. It still had the tags on it but I tossed it in the bag too. Do I really want another credit at a thrift store? </p> <p>Then I took the bags and put them in the trunk of my car. I usually put my donation bags in the garage. That way if I change my mind, I can go and rescue an item. I have been known to run to the garage, half naked while getting ready for an event and start digging throught the bags like a crazy woman. I hate when I do this (and I *have* been sorry for donating a few things) but 99% of the time when I pull them out again they STILL don't work. Later, on my way to the grocery store, I realized my trunk would not hold my groceries because it was full. In a blinding moment of clarity (or insanity) I went directly to the donation site and unloaded my goods. When I heard the metal door clank shut, I knew I had turned a corner! </p> <p>The next day, it was like everything was a dream. I went to the closet to put on my yoga pants and they were gone! I stood there having a moment. I finally came to grips with the fact that I would have to wear real clothing. Being a bit under the weather has been a blessing in disguise because it has kept me from going out and implulsively buying things. I've had more time to read the archives and zero in on what I want to look and feel like. I think I need to have a moratorium on thrift stores for a while. But that's a subject for another thread! </p>