https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:25:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067325 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 18:00:14 +0000 Anonymous 2067325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hobbies. Like dozens of them! And hobbies usually come with stuff-luckily I have a huge garage </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067206 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 07:05:35 +0000 Kate 2067206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wool coats. I love wool. I love beautiful coats. Some I’ve had for decades. They give me enormous pleasure in both the having and the wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067164 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 02:19:13 +0000 Jaime 2067164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love and agree with SarahD8's art supply analogy and that is pretty much how I feel. I am a collector - we have tons of books for example, but I just don't connect my collecting with overconsumption. Rather, I see myself as saving these beautiful things from the landfill until I find their proper home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067154 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 01:02:41 +0000 cindysmith 2067154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a tendency to collect scarves, too. I live in Texas, where our predominant season is "my god it's freaking hot", which means that I don't wear scarves that much. Yet I still get tempted by scarves. At least they're not overly expensive LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067138 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 00:09:21 +0000 Katerina 2067138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa P., there is no need whatsoever to apologize. I am very happy that you commented and honestly talked about your perspective on accumulating lot of things. I think this is what is so interesting and valuable with this conversation, that everybody is different and sees some things differently. I agree with you on the accumulating things. Only our favorite and not favorite categories are quite the opposite. I am not very much into china or serving dishes or special table decorations and such. DH and I have chosen a simple modern white set of good quality bone china, quite large, which we like very much and use daily for all meals, and also when we have guests or when we have some celebratory meals. Our table is minimalist. Christmastime, DH land DS complain sometimes, that I do not want to decorate our home more. What my clothes and accessories wardrobe is to me would probably be home decorating stash to you, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067133 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 23:27:03 +0000 Katerina 2067133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you ALL SO MUCH for commenting, sharing your points of view and telling all about your interesting unique collections. Or no collections. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts.</p> <p>It is so very interesting to see how people are different in that respect, even if all are fashion lovers. </p> <p>SarahD8, what you wrote really resonates with me. I love the comparison with art supplies. I could never express it so perfectly, but it is exactly what my “collections” do for me. My work is analytical, not artistic at all. And I am quite a pragmatic person. My creative outlet is fashion, creating outfits, putting things together and playing also with repurposing various objects It brings me calm and relaxation. Strangely, it is about the only area where I am like that. In other areas, I prefer not having many things at all, rather minimalist home decorations, deliberately streamlined minimal modern office, simple, but good quality kitchen supplies and tableware etc. DH and I have some nice art, but do not feel we have to collect more. Simple life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067080 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 20:24:35 +0000 Sara L. 2067080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarves, jewelry, and shoes.&nbsp; I have a hard time getting rid of anything from those categories.&nbsp; I'm not that attached to clothes and bags and purge fairly regularly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2067075 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 19:54:55 +0000 anchie 2067075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not collector by nature - too much things creates stress for me. Not just in my wardrobe but in any category. I live in an apartment and storage is at premium. I keep only what I use. Well, except for jewelry. I don’t wear much jewelry, and I never buy it for my self but I accumulated huge collection of jewelry gifts over the years. Most of it is not even my style and I would never selected it for myself but I keep it for sentimental reasons, it reminds me of life milestones and people in my life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2066997 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 15:51:03 +0000 Bijou 2066997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wardrobe has a disproportionate number of dresses and jackets, because that is what I like to wear most. I love handbags and will often pick one up when travelling. I have very few trousers and not a lot of knitwear that seems to wear out quite quickly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2066994 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 15:28:49 +0000 JAileen 2066994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarves and vintage Coach bags, both mostly thrifted. Lately I haven’t seen any Coach in the thrift stores, and bought a few on Etsy. When I was putting together a mustard capsule, I bought several vintage Vera scarves. </p> <p>I also have a lot of cookbooks and knitting books. For me, they’re reference books. When I cook, I might not use a recipe, but I get ideas from the books. Same for knitting.</p> <p>ETA: when I’ve found very old knitting or cookbooks, I’ve bought them just because they’re so interesting. I have a knitting booklet from WW1, and a cookbook from the 19th century. The cookbook is really about housekeeping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2066991 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 15:22:40 +0000 Gail 2066991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a large collection of boots and booties which I enjoy. I don't think I really intentionally "collect " them per se as much as grab them if they fit me and are comfortable. I have acquired a very fussy foot and also have skinny ankles and calves which adds to the problem.&nbsp;<br />Several pairs are between 10 and 15 years old. Some I only wear a few times a year others I still wear a lot. I'm about to get new carpet upstairs which should result in a big cull as I need to empty my closet floor. &nbsp;I plan to wear each of them around the house and if my foot hurts I'm going to try to be strong and donate them ! Will also donate if they look worn which I already know is at least two pairs.&nbsp;<br />I also like vintage china and have a few pieces but they are handed down family items, I don't buy any.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2066984 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 15:04:38 +0000 Anonymous 2066984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katerina - good point. I agree with you re the difference between collection and consumption. &nbsp;I was coming back here to apologize for sounding cranky and judgmental about accumulating lots of things - and when I read your comments, I came away with a better understanding of what collecting can and should mean. I have a very fraught and complicated relationship with accumulating, shopping and consumering in general, which rears its head here on the forum once in awhile. Sorry &nbsp;I collect things which have more intellectual or life-long meaning to me , like art and books (including signed first editions from favourite writers ) . When I had a house with more room, I collected vintage china, unique &nbsp;serving and entertaining pieces, and a lot more decorative stuff. &nbsp;I don't have the room anymore, and do miss having my stash of things to work with when decorating and styling my home. Funny how I never saw clothes that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors/page/2#post-2066961 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 14:38:46 +0000 Angie 2066961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Katerina</b>, your collections are fabulous! If they make you happy, and you can store and manage your collections - go for it!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Inge</b>, collects stripes. We once went shopping, and all six items she bought that day were stripes :)</p> <p>I am a huge collector of crockery. I LOVE crockery - eating from beautiful crockery - &nbsp;and bring back special pieces from our travels.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd say my 25 item bag capsule counts as a collection:&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066954 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 13:49:55 +0000 notsaf 2066954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do not collect, but rather curate, which means letting go of things regularly and keeping on hand what I need and want. This works for me and stops me being too precious about my wardrobe. I’m a believer in using clothes, even if it means wearing them out, and moving onto the next. But I see the appeal of collecting: I collect antiquarian books. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066953 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 13:48:26 +0000 SarahD8 2066953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me it’s cardigans of course, and to a lesser degree scarves. I get a literal dopamine hit from shopping for knitwear, so that’s something to watch out for....</p> <p>I do edit those collections. I will remove items that aren’t my colors or are sufficiently impractical that they just don’t have a place in my wardrobe. But I will keep things that are infrequently worn if they otherwise tick the boxes.</p> <p>Most of what I buy in these categories is secondhand.</p> <p>I think that for people who find some creative outlet in personal style, wardrobe collections can be a bit akin to having art supplies lying around. On the one hand, yes, creativity comes from constraint. On the other hand, creativity comes from surprise. So, if your wardrobe is so tightly curated that you know everything that each piece can do, it’s tough to experience that surprise without going shopping. A little bit of slack in the wardrobe— oh, I haven’t worn this scarf in a long time but look how perfectly it goes with this sweater— can accomplish that. At least, for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066941 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 12:21:50 +0000 Katerina 2066941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni NZ, that is a good point. Things are not passed on in generations as they used to in the past. But that would be a whole new topic.</p> <p>Oh Cee! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066929 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 10:34:37 +0000 Cee 2066929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mostly aches and pains !! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066928 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 10:30:39 +0000 Style Fan 2066928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a beautiful collection of scarves Katerina.&nbsp; I collected books.&nbsp; When I was about ten I bought an old hardcopy edition of 'Pride and Prejudice' in a used bookstore in Temagami where I was living at the time.&nbsp; I still have it.&nbsp; I also have some leather-bound books including 'Sonnets from the Portuguese' (1916) that belonged to Mr SF's grandmother.&nbsp; I also collected books for my work.&nbsp; I had to put a stop to this due to space limitations.<br />I also collected small boxes.&nbsp; I have all kinds of those which I use to display.<br />I have jewellery made by artisians and I still occasionally buy some.&nbsp; I might receive some as a gift from Mr SF or a family member.<br />Mr SF and I collected art but we have stopped.&nbsp; We have run out of space and are planning to downsize.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066913 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 08:31:30 +0000 Jenni NZ 2066913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s a good point Katerina. Keeping collections for a long time may not have as much impact as churn. But it’s going to become more of an issue in Western countries I feel as the oldest generation lives longer and longer and then the next generation’s houses are already full of stuff then there is a house lot to clear... we’ve discussed in Off Topic previously.<br /> I do love your beautiful scarves- to look at. I’m not personally a scarf wearer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066903 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 06:46:53 +0000 Katerina 2066903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great reading, thank you ALL for sharing your views and telling about your favorite things. Thought provoking.</p> <p>Just one thought - I think the “collecting” of a specific kind of things is a personal interest and in line with personal preferences, which also, as Lisa P. said, can change with time. To me, collecting in the true sense is as much about editing and curating as it is about accumulating. There should be parameters. Not just random accumulation. I am by no means perfect and I fall for pretty things outside my “parameters” all the time, but in an ideal world, I would follow my rules :-)<br /> Collecting and consumption are not necessarily the same thing. Lot of people consume a lot of clothes, but they do not collect them. Isn’t it what “fast fashion” is criticized for? Fast purchases, fast purging and then new purchases again. Some “collectors” purchase second hand. Collectors keep their things for a long time. Hard to know which has a bigger impact. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066900 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 06:35:46 +0000 rachylou 2066900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suppose when it comes to being a collector, it’s really paintings for me... and Pez candy dispensers... but these are foisted upon me at Christmas, lol.</p> <p>Clothes not so much... but when I really like something, I admit to moving it into a ‘preserve’ category. I start wearing the thing less and saving it for special moments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066882 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 04:21:31 +0000 Suz 2066882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Katerina</b>, your collections are a huge part of your timeless, signature look! I adore your scarves, jewellery, bags, and jackets! You always have the right items to experiment just a tiny bit while also retaining your personal style. It's brilliant.&nbsp;</p> <p>Books are what I collect, and I have hundreds and hundreds of them -- and that is with regular yearly culls! I also collect art.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not really a big collector of clothing. I definitely feel a strong pull towards purchasing footwear and jackets, and also to a slightly smaller extent, jeans. But I also edit these items regularly, so I don't really end up with more in one season than I had in the last. I <b>do,</b> however, enjoy the odd vintage purchase, and when I find a lovely vintage piece, it is very, very difficult for me to let it go. These pieces represent a small but significant part of my wardrobe, and may come to take a bigger place in the years to come as I focus more on second-hand shopping.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066877 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 03:52:36 +0000 Jane 2066877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m trying to avoid collecting; I’m not sure why but I feel uneasy about having too much ‘stuff’ and it becoming too important and time consuming to manage. I didn’t use to feel like this - so I’m hoping it might be a passing phase! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066874 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 03:44:55 +0000 Anonymous 2066874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a very large amount of jeans but I would not say I collect them, if they fit I refuse to part with them and figure I will always wear them at some point.</p> <p> I own many different belts, I would say I collect those because although many are for fashion or fit if I’m at a store and see a cute belt I like I will buy it, even if I don’t need it. To me they are all unique looking and whether it’s for my pants to stay in place or for enhancing an outfit I’ll always find a reason to wear one </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066868 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 03:07:06 +0000 Jenni NZ 2066868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I became almost a collector of shoes in my own mind, I felt it was becoming ridiculous even although I am aware of others on the forum who had more. Because I am a tightwad and because I worried about my privilege ( much less than I used to before 2008 which was when I left the church) I felt pretty uncomfortable about it and the huge pleasure the shoes gave me was somewhat tempered by guilt. Being up at the 50-pair level did worry me, and although it has only pulled back to I think 43, because I edited some out and have bought better in the past 2 years, I feel better about it. I still have a small number that really are too high, and I let them stay for more of a collector’s reason: prettiness. Some are almost for costuming reasons. The rest, I feel better about because I am actually using them. Also my lovely new wardrobe has easy space for them so they don’t seem to take over the house any more!<br /> My other collection would be earrings. I don’t feel bad about them because they take up much less space and are also generally inexpensive, only a tiny number are actual gems. They are an important way I keep my look updated so I have many colours plus a fair number of metallic ones for those few colours I don’t own.<br /> For clothing, I’m not very interested in collecting. We do enjoy fancy dress so we have a separate storage cupboard to keep a range of fancy dress items, but otherwise the forum is probably aware that I am working hard to make all my clothing something that I aim to wear at least 30 times each.<br /> I do try not to judge on this matter. I’m trying to be environmentally aware, etc etc, but I don’t want to be preachy about it. Of all the injustices in this world the fact of some people owning a lot more clothing than other people is not the most important. I work very hard in my professional life to reduce health inequities in the population so I try to give other fashion lovers more of a break regarding this matter unless I’m honestly asked if some collection is crazy big in which case I may reply with my truthful opinion!<br /> I have a brother-in-law with a large guitar collection and my DD2’s new boyfriend’s father has a large bicycle collection, it’s just human nature isn’t it to want to collect your favourite things? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066867 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 03:04:17 +0000 Jenn 2066867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could pretty much write exactly what Lisa P did. I find the minimalist philosophy harder in aspects of my life outside my wardrobe, though. My biggest weaknesses are books, art, plants, and throw blankets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066861 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 01:34:40 +0000 Jaime 2066861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! I am a big collector and I am just coming to grips with this due to a massive inventory rehaul I am working on right now. I collect across many categories but mainly vintage designer clothing, silk scarves and vintage Israeli silver. I.e. things I have found at thrift stores of the years and could not resist but do not necessarily wear. I also have a huge wardrobe of things I do wear but that is another story.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066860 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 01:27:49 +0000 Echo 2066860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I collect Alexander McQueen scarves. I also have a very difficult time getting rid of any footwear. And I have a serious issue with toppers lately. I have so many - too many - I love. I cannot bring myself to get rid of them, because when they are needed they are perfect, but they are so rarely needed that it seems a shame to have them taking up space.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066842 Sun, 06 Oct 2019 23:51:56 +0000 Anonymous 2066842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely scarves. They are a favorite travel souvenir and hardly a day goes by without a scarf. I wear all sorts and sizes and often double up in winter with an indoor scarf with my outfit and an outdoor scarf with my coat.<br /> I also feel like I have a collection of footwear and socks. I need to keep my feet happy so never wear the same pair two days in a row. I often wear up to three pairs of socks in a day, so that can mean that I need to duplicate colors. Smart wool that is not padded is my favorite, Another favorite is metallic socks.<br /> I have a real collection of old campaign buttons which seldom get worn.<br /> I like certain motifs in jewelry like flowers, dragons, leaves, and snowflakes.<br /> I also have a small box of American Indian beaded jewelry that was given to my mother by students or their parents when she taught elementary school on an Indian reservation. They remind me of her, her bravery and adaptability. She was sometimes threatened at knifepoint if a parent did not like a child’s reportcard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-you-collectors#post-2066840 Sun, 06 Oct 2019 23:46:18 +0000 Carla 2066840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been musing over one of your comments. Specifically the one about buying scarves ‘not in your colours’ that you think you might never wear. It made me think of an elaborate costume jewellery necklace that Inonly wore once, but that inspired a complete capsule of clothing items! It was just a beautiful combination of pale blue, and emerald coloured stones, in tarnished silver. I kept t for a long time as a ‘beauty piece’. I still have a broach I purchased at an antique store. It is too heavy for most fabrics, but like the necklace described above, it is a pretty piece of bling that sparks joy when I open my jewellery drawer. I don’t think of it as collecting per se.</p> <p>Regarding mariners and stripes... For the traditional mariners I am looking for durable quality fabrics (high cotton content) in the traditional navy/cream and for stripes in general, I tend to gravitate towards bright colour combinations. </p>