https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 02:09:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1447563 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 23:48:22 +0000 E 1447563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Greyscale, it’s shocking to me how easy it is to ‘find’ wardrobe holes, even though I have at least 200 pieces in there! I suppose that’s just human nature, and at least I really only feel that way about my closet (vs my life in general, lol), but still. Weird!<div><br /></div><div>I’m so glad you liked the post Celia! That’s a great analogy between closets &amp; body image. And an excellent point about the time/energy taken up by the hunt; I’ve found myself focusing more on my other hobbies, since I don’t spend an hour browsing ebay/Like Twice. hehe I’m off to read your post!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ornella, I’m so glad you chimed in! How fascinating that you feel most creative when you have fewer options…I like playing with colour combinations, which requires ‘duplicates’ in lots of colours, but I’m definitely finding that I’m self-limiting the closet more. For instance, it’s so cold here right now, it’s either wool trousers or wool skirts, which have very similar silhouettes for me (both full/voluminous w a fitted waist band &amp; usually tucked in top) and I don’t mind at all. I don’t think I’ll ever be as minimal as you, but who knows? If I mange to sew a dress that fits me perfectly, I think I’d be happy with 2-3 of those, rather than fussing with all of the ‘almosts.'</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical/page/2#post-1446569 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 17:19:49 +0000 Ornella 1446569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thought provoking thread and so relatable.&nbsp;This sentence sums it up for me: "'<i>I've managed to separate shopping &amp; getting dressed/personal style</i>". I've not shopped much for the past 3 years as we've been on one income and most of my wardrobe is still what I brought with me when we moved from England and due to lifestyle change I've been wearing only a subset of what I have, yet I'm both finding ways to see my old pieces with fresh eyes and be happy with my wardrobe, as well as pair things down at the same time as my own preferences change. I've even limited my winter wardrobe to a subset of what I wore before, and it's been wonderful experiment.&nbsp;I've long ago realised that for me personally limitations mean a few things&nbsp;- more creativity when it comes to getting dressed, more appreciation of what I have and more focus: on myself, on what it is I truly like and why I like it. I still have the urge to duplicate (or even multiply) something that truly works, but I guess I'll never get rid of it, having had so many difficulties finding the right length or fit in the past, but I am ver aware how much I appreciate the ease of getting dressed, or easily pulled together combinations, over too many options.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1446475 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 14:30:57 +0000 celia 1446475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved to read this. Although I was never into thrift shopping I understand the short enjoyment of finding something that you can afford or using shopping as a sort of workout.<br />Besides the budget issues and how wasteful fashion sometimes is, the time and energy that 'the search' takes would leave me depressed at times. Looking at your wardrobe as 'missing something' instead of looking at the opportunities therein seems as bad as the way we look to our bodies when we we point the flaws instead of the positives.<br />I try to change my mindset, I wrote a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobebudget-management--next-steps-into-spring">whole post</a> about this but still find myself looking for more instead of appreciating what I have.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1446380 Tue, 24 Feb 2015 07:40:16 +0000 Greyscale 1446380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was great to read. I have noticed the same thing as you about shifting from thrifting to more directed shopping: I find/imagine specific holes in my wardrobe that I have to fill. I'm not sure which is better for me, but I do think I should focus on the many awesome things I own and don't wear, rather than always seeking the perfect new thing or the fun thrift discovery.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1446254 Mon, 23 Feb 2015 23:14:19 +0000 E 1446254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you connected with it Tr3kkie9rl! :)</p> <p>Astrid, I'm glad you came back &amp; commented (I hope Italy was grand!). I have a similar ethical criterion for retail purchases, which drastically limits my shoe browsing, lol (and leads to crazy-making underwear searches). But I don't worry about it w secondhand purchases, since the money isn't going to support the original manufacturer, hence my ability to over-thrift and ebay. hehe</p> <p>I really like what your second paragraph says: I find myself shifting that way more lately too. I'd rather wear the perfectly fitting piece more frequently, and I seem to be repeating outfits more regularly too. So a closet prune might be in my future...although I like having enough clothes that none of them wear out too quickly. But the ones that I keep because I love, say, the colour or fabric, but whose fit isn't quite right, well...I might be ready to say good bye to those. (Thinking of most of my skinnies!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1446084 Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:07:01 +0000 Astrid 1446084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to say I loved reading your explanations and your reasons for a shopping fast. It's something I would love to do too, but I don't have the wardrobe for it right now. I definitely see similarities in my own thinking though, when it comes to shopping and wardrobe planning. Naming wardrobe holes, searching for the "perfect" piece to fill that hole. It get's exhausting and I really feel how I unsatisfied it makes me when I look at the things I already have. It's definitely something in see in myself, like you used to. I think it has gotten better though. In trying to adapt a more minimalist mindset I found it easier to take a break and say no. I will need to find a balance between treasuring the items I already have and shopping for the replacement items I truly need. One thing that helped immensely already was that I stopped looking at brands that don't have an ethically sound production (at least as far as I can tell). It has reduced the amount of sites/clothes I feel the need to browse to see if there's something suitable for my renewed wardrobe. On the other hand that decision made me spend more time on Ebay recently, although I didn't buy anything yet. I guess I still quite haven't found the right way for me... </p> <p>Reading the other comments something AM said resonated with me - I don't necessarily crave newness or change, I just want to be dressed to feel great in everyday life and to feel like myself. So I think once I have the necessary items in the wardrobe it will be easier to just enjoy my clothes and I won't need to constantly look for new things but can see about little tweaks and replacements instead. I want to be at that stage already! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1443715 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:36:48 +0000 trekkiegirl 1443715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved reading this, it felt like I was reading about myself since some of my experiences and perspectives have been so similar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1443705 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:11:51 +0000 E 1443705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I think you're completely right re: building a working wardrobe from thrifting requires going regularly! You're upping the chances of serendipity, after all. I found it quite easy to break the habit here, just because there isn't a thrift store on my usual routes and relying on buses means I can't just pop in somewhere anyway without looking at the schedule, etc. But now I wanted to break the deeper habit of looking at my wardrobe as something to improve/polish/add to than something to enjoy, so that I can have a style hobby without a shopping one. If that makes sense! (I don't think this shopping/active hobby time&nbsp;conflation&nbsp;is limited to personal style...some of the knitting blogs I've come across are written by people with multiple giant tubs full of yarn but they keep buying more vs knitting with what they have...and some photography blogs seem more interested in the latest gear than photographic techniques...)</p> <p>I'm not sure how long I'll go without shopping this time, but I can imagine a thrifting/Ebay/self-making hybrid seasonal approach: first evaluate/plan for the season. Then&nbsp;go to a brick &amp; mortar thrift store or two&nbsp;with my list, only trying on things that are on the list (and leaving room for one or two 'wildcards'). Then anything I don't find I look for on Ebay instead. And finally anything I still haven't found I'll make myself (the most expensive option for me), although that depends on me acquiring sewing skills. I think it could be doable, though.</p> <p>Thanks for telling me about your experiences past &amp; present! Lots of food for thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1443700 Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:04:27 +0000 E 1443700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, I genuinely don't know how you manage! All hats off to you. :)</p> <p>RachyLou, that's so interesting! Thistle's a love, but she gets nervous in new interiors (lol; nothing outside phases her, but she was an outdoor-only dog as a pup with her previous owners so she wasn't exposed to normal indoor stuff in that all important socialisation period), so I've never tried bringing her shopping, but I didn't realise dogs were allowed in so many places. I'm lucky in that my city park has a hundred acres of woods attached to it, but it's definitely not as big/interesting as some of the parks further afield. Luckily the buses here allow dogs in carriers, so we can go on walking adventures.</p> <p>Where I lived in Colorado mountain lions had been spotted &amp; we saw bears ramble through our yards on occassion. One of our neighbours staked out their French bulldog every day in their unfenced yard; it reminded me of that scene in Jurassic Park with the goat. :/ Luckily the dog survived &amp; they moved fairly quickly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1443052 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 06:56:45 +0000 rachylou 1443052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ja, Lilypup comes shopping. She's a champion shopper. It's pretty la de da around here, so she can come. It's not all purse dogs either. I've seen a retriever in Nordies! </p> <p>We've been all over. Every park and shopping district in a 50 mile radius, lol. We don't go to the park as much anymore since leaving the suburbs. City parks get kinda boring. We do have big regional parks in the hills, but there are mountain lions and I can just see Lilypup trying to go after one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1443028 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 05:03:00 +0000 Suz 1443028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eva, I haven't really been looking at much. i do read Angie's blog posts and her roundups and if something appeals to my eye, I pop it into "Finds." But I started to make a spring/ summer list and didn't get any farther than a new bag and a replacement pair of sandals. I know I will want more than that but the seasons are so far from chenging yet, that I'm just not in the mood for browsing.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now that I think of it, this really was my pattern in the old days, too. I'd read magazines in a desultory way, and think, "Oh, that might be nice, hmmm," but I wouldn't get all "het up about it" until it got closer to when I would be able to shop. And then for a few weeks I'd ben in an absolute fashion frenzy and quite obsessed with getting the right pieces to build a little capsule (and often quite disappointed that I couldn't complete said capsule, given my budgetary realities at that time.) I did a lot of vintage/ thrift shopping in those years, too, which was chancier but also fun at times. I couldn't rely on it for essentials, though.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway...this fashion frenzy would last until the budget ran out...and then I'd get obsessed by something else until the next fashion season turned round. And in the meantime, I'd wear my clothes, of course.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wonder if your tendency to browse/daydream without a ban has to do with the thrifting. The only way you can do thrifting really successfully, I think, is to do it often. Or at least the only way you can build a wardrobe from it is to do it often. (It's easier to get "surprises" by thrifting the way I did.) It was really a survival mechanism for you emotionally in Texas, but it might also have been a practical solution to the need to build a wardrobe under the constraints you faced. And so breaking the habit is doubly difficult.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1443019 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 03:48:07 +0000 anne 1443019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks E.&nbsp; If you took the shoes out of my budget, most years we'd be about the same! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442980 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 02:20:24 +0000 E 1442980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gigi, I’ve always been very introspective/self aware. I blame it on being bookish all of my life; I’m used to thinking in terms of narrators and story arcs. ;)</p> <p>I’m glad that you found more happiness from your ban, even if it was imposed externally! I’m impressed you could keep loading finds &amp; things though. I think I’m happiest when I don’t know other beautiful things exist in the world. lol How cool that your current closet adapted to unexpected situations! You’ve done a lot of analysis, though, so it doesn’t surprise me. :)</p> <p>You know, my life functions well on a small income, but I’ve never thought of it as austere! I think of it as cosy instead. My apartment is entirely furnished in either thrifted furniture or hand-me-downs or gifts, so my interior decorating is definitely not flamboyant. But I’ve found I’m happiest when my surroundings are ‘pretty’ (I like a simple cottage chic look), since I spend so much time at home, so it’s worth the extra effort to get all of that sorted. I’ve been pretty well set since I’ve moved in, except it has very tall ceilings, which left me stumped as far as what to do about the two main blank white walls. Luckily I’ve decided now &amp; am taking some steps to get it in place!</p> <p>Thank you Alasse! I’ll put together some outfits with the suit (probably broken up) soon; I actually wore the trousers last week but didn’t manage to get a photo. I think it’s tricky getting maximum joy out of our hobbies (including dressing) without losing contentment in our quest for ever better options, if that makes sense. A definite stop worked best for me, but hopefully in the future I won’t ‘need’ that to stay content.</p> <p>Anne, you’re definitely repeating on a far more frequent level than I can ever imagine myself doing (except short term travel)! I’m sorry your clothes are starting to wear out &amp; I hope you can sort out a few additions to get you back to the wardrobe contentment stage. I don’t know how I’d dress if secondhand shopping wasn’t a viable option for me, as my budget (annually around $25-$300, aside from shoes &amp; the occasional underpinnings) wouldn’t go very far at retail levels. I admire the way you do it with such grace!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442972 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:43:52 +0000 anne 1442972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting!<br />While I didn't consciously ban myself from shopping last year, I had a long gap (I think from around feb to September) mainly occasioned by having bought an expensive pair of orthotics shoes in December and waiting for my clothing budget to go into the black again.&nbsp; At the same time in June, I started working somewhere where I could dress fairly casually and there wasn't much expectation of fashionability.&nbsp; Sometime in that stretch I actually posted on how content I was in my wardrobe at that point, especially because I was "using up" some of my smart casual clothes.<br />Fast forward to 2015, and I am no longer so content, but that is partly because unlike you my wardrobe is a lot smaller and has more signs of wear, and also to be truthful, while I am happy repeating a lot, I am less happy with repeating every single week! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442970 Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:37:26 +0000 Alassë 1442970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very informative &amp; thought-provoking thread, Eva - I'm glad you posted it. I think I need to imitate your shopping halt = contentment strategy; I can see the&nbsp;<b></b>beginnings of that attitude. And congratulations on that Theory suit! We'll have to see you model it. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442909 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 21:43:15 +0000 Gigi 1442909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has sure been an interesting journey for you! This is one of the things I love about fashion: we really learn a lot about ourselves.</p> <p>I had to go on a shopping ban about six months ago because of severe financial issues. I noticed the same thing that you did. At first, it was really hard, and I was drooling over all the things I wanted to buy but couldn't. But within less than a month, I had adjusted, and I too had more happiness from my already-purchased clothing than I had had previously. I agree that sometimes our focus on shopping can sap our ability to enjoy what we already have.</p> <p>During my ban, I did continue to load finds to my YLF account, and I also bookmarked a few things to stalk. And I did buy a couple of small things—I think I bought a scarf or a pair of earrings or something.&nbsp;But I became much pickier, and I was not down in the dumps if something sold out before I could earn enough money to buy it. I knew that my current wardrobe would serve me well even if I couldn't get the piece I wanted. And indeed, I had a few unexpected out-of-the-ordinary events come up during my ban, and my closet (roughly 150 pieces) was able to handle it! That made me feel good, because it meant that I had made some good clothing choices.</p> <p>I'm like you in that I have a very austere living style in other ways. I have a very small apartment too, with few belongings compared to most. I don't even have much interior decorating going on. I splurge on fashion (well, "splurge" is relative, ha ha) because that is where I get the most emotional bang for my buck--and the most self-knowledge and self-development. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442881 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 20:42:41 +0000 E 1442881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane, we cross-posted! Yes, my contentment definitely has to do with being more in control of my life now (and the weather letting me dress more like my ‘dream’ style!), so I don’t need to ‘treat’ myself to a pretty blouse, which is nice. I definitely want to get back into posting wiws, it’s just a question of figuring out the best schedule/approach. I don’t think I can manage daily ones, but weekly seems doable.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442880 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 20:40:39 +0000 E 1442880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First off, apologies that it took me awhile to get to this! I went to bed soon after writing it &amp; then had church today, so this is the first chance I’ve had to sit down at the computer.</p> <p>Laura, haha I’ll take the congratulations. I agree with this: &gt;&gt;in the end how many clothes does one woman need, anyway? entirely. And yes, 24/7 internet access can be a dangerous thing! I only placed one Like Twice order before they changed their return policies, but if they’d kept the old ones, I’m sure I’d have ended up shopping there a lot!</p> <p>I’m glad budgeting works for you. Budgeting let me limit my actual shopping, but not my theoretical shopping, if that makes sense. Whereas an actual shopping ban means even browsing on Ebay/Like Twice is pointless, since there’s no chance I’ll buy something. Which has been good for my mental health, but of course at some point I’ll have to start acquiring again!</p> <p>Kiwigal, I definitely don’t have any budget issues; it was more the mindset that I wanted to shift. And the halt (I like that word better than ban!) has definitely helped with that. Climate related dressing issues are big in my closet right now, as I just moved from south Texas to upstate New York, so my work horses have changed dramatically! At least I already had a cold weather clothes addiction in Texas, so my closet is well stocked; it just means I wear my knitwear so much more while my little blouses are getting overlooked. Whereas in Texas I couldn’t have enough of them.</p> <p>AM, I definitely had a period when I was mainly focused on figuring out what lines/shapes/colours/etc flattered me and felt most authentic! But once you get enough of those authentic pieces, mixing &amp; matching becomes easy (since they all tend to ‘go’ with another), &amp; then if you’re me you end up always preferring the new. The forum seems divided between instinctive remixers &amp; repeaters; I wonder what makes us fall into one camp or the other.</p> <p>Anyway, I really enjoyed reading about where you are in your style journey! The forum is so helpful; I’m sure you’ll be hitting your goals in no time. :)</p> <p>Caro, I’ve arrived at a similar point, so I really resonated with all that you said. For me though, even having a small budget doesn’t seem to make me picky enough; an item limit is far more effective. I fall in love with the fabric or styling of a piece and am willing to overlook fit or duplication issues due to that love unfortunately. Anyway, I really like not having to think about shopping at all for awhile; it’s very relaxing!</p> <p>BettyCrocker, definitely!</p> <p>Karie, do you end up shopping frequently to find items that meet your quality &amp; fit requirements? That’s what I really got tired of: the endless browsing/thinking about possible additions. Since you’re a need shopper rather than emotional, I’m curious about how much you need to shop in order to keep your closet in a healthy place! I went through a significant style shift 4-5 years ago (entering my mid 20s), so not much of my closet predates that period, and a lot of it is even newer (to me at least). I hope my style stays settled for awhile, as I love the idea of growing with my clothes instead of constant churn. And it’s always good to chat with a fellow remixer! I agree that photographed outfits make dressing very easy. :D</p> <p>KM, I’m glad you experienced the same focus shifts as me! No worries about response length; clearly I’m a fan of words and will happily read/write to any length. That’s a great idea to take in the big picture in order to change your old pattern! And yes, personal style is definitely a part of my emotional life!</p> <p>Astrid, I can’t wait to see your thoughts when you have time! After Italy of course. :)</p> <p>Thank you ABC!</p> <p>Suz, I’d love to say my closet works so well here because of planning, but for the most part it works because of my longstanding addiction to all things woolen and willingness to thrift/store them despite living in south Texas. I knew I’d move one day. My commitment to certain colours &amp; shapes, and figuring out my ‘backbone neutrals,' definitely helped make it all remixable though. Now my shoe collection did involve careful thought &amp; sorting (and far more money, but at least it went to businesses I like), so I’m prouder of how well that’s functioning. lol If I do come across any weather gaps, I’ll definitely fill them (I’m knitting a second pair of mittens now actually), but as long as my footwear works in the spring slush here, I think I’m set. After all, I’m not lacking for warm/hot weather clothes. ;)</p> <p>Have you been looking at clothes to buy? For some reason, unless I tell myself ‘nope, no clothes buying,’ I find it difficult not to browse/daydream.</p> <p>I love the idea of shopping seasonally, in one fell swoop a couple of times a year, but I’m not sure if that’s workable with secondhand purchases (which I prefer for a variety of reasons, not just budget), which require a certain amount of luck. Of course, shopping retail seems to require quite a bit of luck too, if you have a specific item in mind! </p> <p>Lol Rachylou! I get out of the house, but I’m mainly either walking/wandering about or going to cafes and libraries. Does Lilypup go shopping with you? I’ve never tried to take Thistle with me indoors! I want to start doing little mini-adventures to get to know my new city better, but those won’t be shopping destinations. So my ban on shopping hasn’t changed my rate of outings, unlike in Texas.</p> <p>I agree that a love for walking requires hard wearing shoes! I think I have enough (3-5 pairs) in each weather category now that I can rotate them so they should last awhile, but we’ll see. I like hearing about your wardrobe &amp; how you expect your pieces to work in it!</p> <p>And I hate vacuuming. I was so happy my floors are hardwood so I can mop them instead.</p> <p>Summer, I find that fascinating too (have you read Women in Clothes?), so I enjoyed hearing about your wardrobe contentment. :D</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442867 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 20:01:41 +0000 Anonymous 1442867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading your musings and plans, Eva. It's interesting how your mindset has shifted a little now that you are more content in your new apartment and interesting that you used thrifting as an outlet for un-restfulness and as a low mood booster when you were living in Texas.&nbsp;We all do that and there's no denying what a fresh purchase can do for us, but it is also nice to explore what we already have. I bet you'll have fun wearing some of the outfits that you mentioned got great comments on here and that remixing pieces will be a great exercise too. I look forward to hearing how you progress and seeing a few wiw's too perhaps </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442765 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 11:22:05 +0000 Summer 1442765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> E, I have so enjoyed reading this post. &nbsp;I think it's fascinating to read how others manage their wardrobes and budgets, and of their attitudes to clothes. It sounds as if you are now in an enviably happy place with your wardrobe, and that you have the makings of a multitude of different, lovely outfits from the wardrobe that you have built up in recent years.</p> <p>I am feeling similarly content myself, although my wardrobe is considerably smaller than yours. &nbsp;I know that I have something to wear for just about any occasion that crops up, and I enjoy using my modest budget to add items here and there to keep myself current. &nbsp;Also, like you, I have decided to rearrange the possessions in my home, such as pictures, instead of spending a fortune on new things.</p> <p>Congratulations on what you have already achieved, and good luck with your resolution to hold back on the shopping for now.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442760 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 08:46:04 +0000 rachylou 1442760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to admit that I need to learn to stay at home. I like to be out and about. I like to get Lilypup out and about. And I like to visit the shops to see what's happening.</p> <p>Going through old pics tho, I have realized that my closet isn't total churn. A lot of what I wear is not that new, except my shoes which I wear out like there's no tomorrow: I walk a lot. I think having more definition about my wardrobe has helped tremendously with this. The clothes I buy have to do more than sit there and look pretty these days.</p> <p>But I do need to learn to stay home. Do some vacuuming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442731 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 04:32:48 +0000 Suz 1442731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eva, even though our circumstances are quite different, in this regard we are at a similar place.&nbsp;</p> <p>It sounds to me as if you have an excellent plan. And I'm so glad your wardrobe is working well for you in your new climate. That must have involved some careful planning and forethought.&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't set any shopping ban on myself...but apart from a pair of GAP jeans (grey) and some basics (i.e. long underwear) I haven't bought anything since November. And I don't intend to buy anything until I'm ready to consider my spring wardrobe. Which at the rate our weather is going,&nbsp;is going to be quite some time from now. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you, I recognize that I am able to do this quite happily largely because I have such a terrific wardrobe in place. I really don't lack for anything important, and if anything, I could stand to pare back a little bit more. (And I intend to at the end of this season).&nbsp;</p> <p>For many years I was completely out of the fashion loop and I literally shopped about once every year, and only because I had to. But even in the years before that, when I was "into" fashion, I only shopped two to four times a year -- seasonally. I suspect I'm going to go back to something closer to that now. Not completely -- because online shopping does change the landscape. But at the moment my budget is much reduced, so I won't be going crazy with purchases of any kind. I might even return to consignment shopping for some things.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hope you continue to be happy with your closet! And I suspect any "gaps" will be real ones due to weather, not imaginary ones.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442730 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 04:25:25 +0000 abc 1442730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always I enjoyed reading your thread. Excellent insight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442724 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 04:14:17 +0000 Astrid 1442724@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't answer in depth right now, but I will come back to this thread. Great thoughts so far! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442719 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 04:07:24 +0000 K.M. 1442719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely relate to what you said about focusing on what you don't have (when trying to shop often and fill holes) vs. appreciating what you do have (during a shopping fast). The same has happened to me recently. I've been in a shopping fast for budget reasons. I don't have a lot of experience thrifting, but I used to shop more or less often (several times a semester) in affordable stores like Old Navy and H&amp;M (especially sales and promotions). Like you, I also found it easy enough to find at least one thing I could afford. </p> <p>Since becoming more active in this forum I've also become more mindful about my wardrobe in terms of efficiency, of what makes sense, and also of what brings me joy. This mindfulness, along with my newly even more restricted budget (it's not like it was ever that big!), has kept me from the impulse shopping I had earlier succumbed to so easily (the next $ 7 dollar t-shirt being just a click away). And the less I buy these fast fixes, the less I want to buy them. </p> <p>I did notice, like you, this shift of starting to appreciate and work with my wardrobe instead of being frustrated about what it doesn't hold. I also feel very strongly that I first need to understand my wardrobe much better than I do now before I go back to any serious shopping. As in, I need to take some inventory and do some analysis and self-reflection! Otherwise I'll just repeat my past pattern, which is: I buy things, some of them very nice, some of them OK; a few of them get much love, many of them get much use but not much love, and many get neither; and at the end I have a closet that is both too full (where I can't fully grasp what I have) and never full enough (nothing to wear... tired of the same ruts... etc.) </p> <p>Sorry for the long response, but your thoughtful post really resonated with me. And these things, for me (as, I imagine, for most of you here), are not just a pastime or housekeeping issue, but they are rather emotional and profoundly bound up with my feelings, life events, etc... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442635 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 01:18:05 +0000 Karie 1442635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never shopped in thrift stores (I donate but don't shop)&nbsp;but should start because everyone here who does always seems to score fantastic items. </p> <p>I am not an emotional shopper. I have always loved clothes and fashion and before I got married it was primarily all mid to&nbsp;higher end items that I bought. I got away from that for many years but now am coming back to realizing that it's quality and good&nbsp;fit that I'm after, and I don't care if it comes from Target, Macy's, Nordstrom, or wherever. If I will wear it, I will buy it. Now I know that I&nbsp;am very fortunate in that I can afford to do that, but I save up and try very hard not to spend what I don't have. </p> <p>I also keep my clothes for a long time. I still have a wool suit that I purchased in 1986 and the sweater dress I wore on my first date with my husband, circa 1987. So while I'm not an emotional shopper, I guess I am an emotional clothes keeper!&nbsp;</p> <p>Even though I keep my clothes for a long time, I should change that to&nbsp;I keep the well-fitting clothes, and the clothes that end up being loved items, for a long time. I don't have a problem purging items that didn't work out as expected or items that turned out to be not of good quality.</p> <p>I also love to re-mix outfits and until recently rarely wore&nbsp;the same thing twice. Since I've taken so many outfit photos, I have been repeating outfits more often. It's just so easy to look back at the photos, find an outfit I liked and get it out of the closet. It makes getting dressed for work super easy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442625 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 01:05:01 +0000 Anonymous 1442625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been trying to expand my wardrobe a little this year because I feel like I've been wearing certain items too often. I guess we all have issues to resolve with our wardrobes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442618 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 00:57:09 +0000 Caro in Oz 1442618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It was when I finally&nbsp;realised I was not wearing my clothes often enough, for my liking, that I started to actively reduce my wardrobe.&nbsp;Totally agree that budgeting is a great way to make us pickier about what we buy. Without the restraint of a budget I couldn't get a grip on where to spend my money as in - do I want another jacket or do I really need to upgrade my exercise capsule?</p> <p>It just didn't feel right (<b>for me</b>) have have all this great stuff just hanging there &amp; being worn so rarely that I couldn't remember when. I also realised that I liked to buy a few new things each season so it made sense to get to a point where some things actually needed replacing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442616 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 00:43:23 +0000 AM 1442616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You mention the concept having "newness" -- new thrifted items, newly created&nbsp;outfits (rarely wearing the same outfit twice), and clearly you like to create new (knitting). I've never had the desire/hunger for creating new outfits but I am coming to the conclusion that "styling" as a creative outlet was simply off my radar. I had a reasonably good sense of my own style but when I read "Styling is a profession" -- written by someone on this forum, it was like a lightbulb.</p> <p>Instead of newness of outfits, I'm (as a novice) more interested in a collection of looks that I can master with the right pieces that feel very fundamental to a Modern Classic/Dramatic Classic (Kibbe). So it is more about "correctness" or "authentic" to my style vs. the newness of an outfit. The newness is just an added bonus. I'm now researching what I believe to be classic pieces (a quilted &nbsp;equestrian jacket, a menswear inspired gray blazer, denim/chambray) -- perhaps items that have been worn by family in a conservative sophisticate (preppy) form -- but then I can style in a modern, minimal sophisticate styling. So again, my current state is about the right pieces vs. new pieces; and the right outfits with the added bonus that they will be new to me (even when it comes to searching my very small closet). Thanks for making me think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-shopping-fast-closet-love-v-long-philosophical#post-1442613 Sun, 15 Feb 2015 00:39:51 +0000 Sal 1442613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing this. &nbsp;It is interesting how different times in your life call for different approaches. &nbsp;I have friends that have found temporary halts or fasts have helped them with managing their approach and budget.</p> <p>I also feel sad if there are pieces that I love that I do not get a chance to wear- sometimes because I don't lead the right life, or climate related, or size related. I think you will enjoy repeating of successful looks.</p> <p>Let us know how you get along.<br />&nbsp;</p>