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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: . https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 08:28:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php TraceyLiz65 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1600006 Sat, 09 Jan 2016 00:02:22 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1600006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ After losing weight, getting an entirely new wardrobe, menopause did a real number on me this past year. I definitely have enough and am on a shopping ban for this year. Upon looking over my blog for 2015, I realized that my Spring /Summer wardrobe is not up to par. Some of this is a direct result of the weight gain. I will see where my body is at that point in hopes of getting back into the smaller size before I make any purchases. This has been so frustrating after keeping the weight under control for two years. Even with the gain my Fall/Winter needs to be paired down and will happen after this season ends. I do think I will want to do a few additions with each season. Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1599997 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:42:30 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1599997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also, I meant to add, if you ever need a second pair of eyes or want some company for shopping, let me know! Mary Beth (formerly LBD) on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1599996 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 23:42:01 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1599996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, 'closet minutia' is always my thing!   I always enjoy reading through other people's processes.   It always gives me a fresh perspective, to look at my own closet. So it seems like you're set for tops, except for those summer-weight sweaters.   And you're creating an entire capsule of summer-weight bottoms.   Are you good for skirts?   Or do you find you just don't wear or need them? Right now, I would say I have 'more than enough', but I really love just about everything.  I'm also with you on hanging stuff - if I can easily see what's in my closet, it keeps me from purchasing more of the same. Up until a few days ago, I kept my cocktail and formalwear in a separate closet (with costumes and the stuff I listed on eBay).   It occurred to me that, if I moved the fancy capsule into my main closet, it would force me to see what I have for dressier occasions.   I've moved everything that isn't a period-specific costume, or a full-length formal gown, into my regular closet.   Items that are waiting for me to take the weight back off (that I gained in 2015), are sitting in a bin in the closet, but I plan to hang those up in about five pounds**, whether or not they fit, so that I don't inadvertently buy a duplicate.   I really like the idea of having an 'I DON'T need...' list.   I'm going to make one for myself.    It will include:  Black pencil skirts.   Black high-heel shoes.   Black jackets.   Any jackets, really. **I'm waiting on those five pounds, so that I'm not visually reproaching myself every time I open the closet door.   If I'm close to fitting the outfit, it motivates me to keep at the exercise and healthy eating. Style Fan on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1599720 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 10:50:56 +0000 Style Fan 1599720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I enjoyed reading your post Carter.  I am still sorting out my clothing needs 4 years after retirement.  It is a process.  Living in a 4 season (more like 8 season) climate does mean more clothing.  I have coats for every possible weather.  Then there are the boots. Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1599521 Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:29:04 +0000 Anonymous 1599521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need your weight loss secrets, Joy!  Anonymous on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1599310 Thu, 07 Jan 2016 03:37:25 +0000 Anonymous 1599310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really enjoyed reading your post and the comments. I need to figure out what enough means for me personally and love your idea of listing what you have enough of. Sal on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1599304 Thu, 07 Jan 2016 03:16:27 +0000 Sal 1599304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great thread Carter, and I like the concept very much both from a fashion perspective and a holistic perspective. I surely have enough in most aspects of my life, and while that does not mean I will stop consuming, I want my consumption to be mindful and add to my life. And well done on the weight loss, that is great that you achieved that,  You are looking great, 2016 will be an exciting and interesting year for you! Helena on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1598934 Tue, 05 Jan 2016 18:10:25 +0000 Helena 1598934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Peri I love that insight ... Duplicate once but not twice .... Tat would be great for rut prevention!! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016/page/2#post-1598932 Tue, 05 Jan 2016 18:08:05 +0000 carter 1598932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Funny! I have the same sweater in black, light blue and oatmeal. I'm not a fan of oatmeal on me, but it was the first one I tried because it was reduced to less than $20. The oatmeal and black ones have been downgraded to loungewear. I'll try to hold at 4 for awhile;-) Peri on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598867 Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:23:16 +0000 Peri 1598867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay, I'm glad you got it! I love that sweater. Fun and useful too...I like it alone, or over another top if it's colder.  But...confession time. This is where I likely did "mess up" and over buy. I have the bright red one from 2 years back. I love it so didn't mind duplicating when I saw the cranberry one and how it worked with the plaid tunic. That's fine. Well, the jade one I was stalking and really wanted finally appeared back in my size too. Yep, (blushing), I bought it.  I think the best guideline is duplicate once, but not twice. Three of the same is not smart. The cranberry should go since it is closer in color to the red one. But...it hasn't gone yet! Sigh.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598721 Tue, 05 Jan 2016 04:06:07 +0000 carter 1598721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Peri, I have many more sweaters than 15! In fact, you inspired my last purchase of the year with one of your holiday outfits. I have always loved the red of your JJill kimono sweater, so when you showed it a week or so ago, I clicked over to find it on sale, but sadly not in my size. I checked again the next day, and there it was! Must have been meant to be;-) Elizabeth P on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598715 Tue, 05 Jan 2016 03:46:45 +0000 Elizabeth P 1598715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well said, Peri! Whenever I try to "do the numbers" I give up, for precisely that reason. Especially if you have pieces that are somewhat unforgettable, like my floral sweaters... You just don't (want to) wear them frequently. Peri on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598679 Tue, 05 Jan 2016 02:41:34 +0000 Peri 1598679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've been checking in since you posted this and mulling things over. I went through a little angst over this with my recent sweater haul...5 new ones. I had a need for lightweight ones, and no more cashmere, but I do think I could have stopped at 2 instead of 5. Numbers posts never resonate with me. It's just not the way I look at things...for me it doesn't tell enough of the story. How many sweaters are strictly enough for me? Four lightweight, four warmer. Because I see different people every work day I could track what I wore when and no one would see a repeat for a month. Three months of cold and everyone would see each sweater 3 times...I would think that would be acceptable by any standards. But...it doesn't tell my story. I want more variety than that and I don't get it from bottoms, silhouettes, shoes, bags or coats. Variety for me is all about tops, jewelry, and in the winter, scarves. So, I'm up to 15 sweaters. This is twice what I need numbers wise for sure. Emotionally it may be about 3 or 4 more than I need, and I do feel what Elizabeth said about the sadness of not getting to wear them all as much as I want, especially since December was so $#&@ hot. Too bad, I'm not returning or purging any! I have my enough and if it is a problem later, it's not that big of one in my book.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598616 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 22:17:22 +0000 carter 1598616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So glad I'm not alone in the "more than enough" category! Shevia, my "enough" is really quite generous as well. If it weren't, it wouldn't be "enough". For me, anyway. I like variety in color, in silhouette, in level of dressy/casual, and I don't yet trust my weight to hold steady. BethAnn, you are so right about taking the time to enjoy the things that were relatively new before I puffed up. I will make a point to pull those to the valet bar so they'll get worn. Denise, so funny how we both have enough of so many of the same things. I had thought this would be an accessory year for me as well, but I honestly have more than enough there as well. We'll have to see as the year goes on. Chirico, I agree! I live in the South, I run hot, and I'm moving to a warmer climate. Yet, my favorite things to buy are sweaters and jeans. Lyn, you kind of got me with "perfect" items. I do have many that are perfect for me. But even after all the purging, I do still have things that are "almost". One pair of jeans in particular...I wore them the other day to see how I felt about them. I decided to pass them on until my husband commented on how much he liked them. They'll stay for now, but may be targets later. Windchime, "aware" and "intentional" are such excellent words. I think I'll add them to my mantra! Carla, we're all going to have to figure this out together, aren't we? The unknowns can be so exciting, yet they really tax my planning nature! Don't even get me started on settling into the new house! Initially, we will only have 1/3 of the square feet we currently have, and even that is ridiculously configured. Eventually, we'll get the renovation figured out and hopefully settle at something that feels like the right size for us. Debbie, I'm with you! I am tossing house stuff right and left. We're planning a garage sale in March and probably a big estate sale once the house sells. I want all the extraneous stuff either in the garage sale or donated by the end of March. Thanks, Bijou and Summer! Viva, I hear you on the attraction of shiny new things. I'm off to comment on your post in a few. You and I are at similar life junctures, with kids leaving the nest, downsizing, etc. It'll be very interesting to see how it goes. Elizabeth, you hit the nail on the head with this, "I just know I'm getting frustrated at not being able to have time to wear some of my favourite things." That's it! Now that almost everything fits again, I'm just overwhelmed by how much I just don't have time to wear. We only have 6-8 weeks of cold weather, yet I haven't even put a dent in the sweaters I want to wear. Tex, such wise words and such a sound approach! I have some other things that I expect to command my focus this year (prepping the house for sale, moving, getting my son off to college, exercise and health). These things need my attention much more than my wardrobe this year. texstyle on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598527 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:18:47 +0000 texstyle 1598527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love New Year's reflecting posts. :-) This whole year I've been focused on cleaning out things and also replacing a certain number of things with more updated versions - closets, drawers, refrigerator, furniture etc. I'm not a collector or one to keep a ton of things, but I still tend to keep things beyond their useful life for myself due to the need to feel "frugal" I suppose. I've found that by starting with my clothing closet a while back (inspired by Angie), I've recognized that there are other areas in life where I've neglected to update things that could make my day to day more enjoyable. Lately I've been updating the artwork in our home, throw pillows, some of the furniture (removing in addition to replacing a few key pieces, as I wanted a bit more open space). I've noticed that like clothing, the "fashion" of my house is important to me on a very personal and daily way. I put up a very large and bright abstract floral painting in the living room a few weeks ago and am really enjoying the change. I'm not a minimalist (can't stand tiny spaces or too much limitation on what I wear, eat, etc.) but I do like streamlined, clean design without clutter. I like things to have a purpose - even those things that are decorative. And I guess the same rules apply to my clothing - if I'm never wearing an item, I feel like it's just extra baggage to carry around and I should probably find it another home. This has helped me really hone in on what to buy, what to keep and what to wear. I no longer "save" the "good" things, or buy for an imaginary lifestyle. I sometimes do make a mistake and buy something I sort of fell in love with at a moment, but I don't dwell on it and typically just pass it on now. Elizabeth P on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598518 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:56:14 +0000 Elizabeth P 1598518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great post Carter.  Add me to the growing list of those with "enough".  More than enough, really.  Ok, WAAAAY more than enough.  I have no idea what "enough" is, I just know I'm getting frustrated at not being able to have time to wear some of my favourite things, and that's a sure sign of something... so time to figure out that illusive (to me) balance of variety vs excess.  Loved the idea of a list of things I don't need... that's probably a much easier way to control spending than a list of things I DO.  Because it's really easy to say "oh, but I didn't even think of that, and I need it".  But when you clearly know sweaters are off the list, then just because you see one in a new style or colour or whatever, it's in your face that that category is complete. Hmm, I like the way you are making me think here! Also wanted to congratulate you on your weight loss.  I know that's been frustrating you for a while now.  viva on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598475 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:50:46 +0000 viva 1598475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Carter! Happy new year. I can completely connect with so much of what you have written here, and the idea of "enough" really resonates with me. 2016 is going to be a different kind of year for me -- less buying, more working with what I've got, which is plenty. For me, it will be a matter of developing some skill at that and not being attracted by new shiny objects. Summer on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598469 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 10:55:26 +0000 Summer 1598469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Enough is always sufficient for me, but, actually, I'm not quite there yet as far as clothes are concerned.  There are still a few holes to be filled here and there. Great work on editing your own wardrobe.  You've honed it beautifully. Bijou on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598450 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 07:49:55 +0000 Bijou 1598450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great way to start 2016 and congratulations on your clarity of thought.  I need to make my own list of what I have "enough" of - dresses, skirts, coats, jackets, boots and handbags definitely come to mind.   Debbie on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598408 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 04:48:00 +0000 Debbie 1598408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter- this is such a thought provoking post. I too have enough. I am not a minimalist and will never be. My goal for this year is to go through every nook and cranny of my house and get rid of what is not being used. Making a list of what you don't need speaks to me because it would definitely keep me from falling into a rut. Carla on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598324 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 22:09:03 +0000 Carla 1598324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sign me up for 'enough' therapy! I DO have minimalist tendencies, but they are NOT compatible with my RL! Angie so wisely points out the difficulties of this mindset when one lives in a 4 season climate. I would add that life-roles factor in as well. Some clothes transition, but others are strictly for work, social life, recreational activities, etc. With regards to downsizing/setting up our new home and the place DH and I expect will be our last house, it turned out that the square footage is about the same, but the composition of the space is different. (Yay ensuite and walk in closet! Yay all on one level living, and double doors!). We are gradually aquiring some new furnishings as we (finally!) pass along furniture handed down to us, 'right size' and effect the transition to retirement. Carter, I hope you continue to post your thoughts during this time of change and transition. I'm also looking forward to learning about what works for your new lifestyle (also following Shiny's posting) since I'll be experiencing a similar transition soon enough! Windchime on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598313 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 20:52:46 +0000 Windchime 1598313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm enjoying reading everyone's insightful, reflective New Year's posts, including yours. Being able to say, "I have enough" is really a wonderful place to be, isn't it? I, too, have decided that a truly minimalist wardrobe--or lifestyle--isn't the right choice for me. And yet my reading on YLF and other blogs has made me much more aware and intentional about what I bring into my home and closet. My current list of "enoughs" includes sweaters, cardigans, and short-sleeved tees. Best of luck as you prepare for your move! Angie on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598260 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:51:05 +0000 Angie 1598260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My reaction to your reply to me: *happy dance*  lyn67 on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598249 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:18:29 +0000 lyn67 1598249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Feeling you have ENOUGH of PERFECT items is the best place to be! Loved to read your post Carter, I often write down what DO NOT need more of and it works(sometimes:-)). chirico (Chiara) on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598196 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 07:47:50 +0000 chirico (Chiara) 1598196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I loved reading you reflections. I think the list of "enoughs" is the most useful thing, since I tend to keep buying the same cathegories of clothes, forgetting others. CocoLion on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598194 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 07:31:02 +0000 CocoLion 1598194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Inspiring thread Carter!  I too love the list of what you don't need.  My list has some of the same items yours does: - tee shirts - button down shirts - jeans - sweaters especially cardigans - scarves, belts and handbags ...and where you put "loafers" I could write, "ankle boots." I really don't need any more of these.  I think the goal is to come up with the right amount of "inventory" for these pieces, then to replenish as needed to keep up with style shifts and garment decay. On the topic of accessories -- I still may allow to purchase these because they make me so happy, don't take up a lot of room, and often don't cost too much. Beth Ann on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598175 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 03:58:26 +0000 Beth Ann 1598175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are doing a great job of preparing for your move!  It's a great time to hit the "pause" button in your purchasing and just enjoy what works, and the newish items that fit again.   Here's to a healthy and fab 2016! Jaime on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598168 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 03:33:56 +0000 Jaime 1598168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I connected with your post in lots of ways. I want to get back to enough - even with my generous definition for myself I have too much to manage right now. (And I am also somewhat but not completely successfully battling mid-life weight gain.) Heading toward life on the beach sounds wonderful! Alassë on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598164 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 03:28:47 +0000 Alassë 1598164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for posting, Carter; I really enjoyed reading this thread (and several pages of the blog). carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-needs-wants-and-enough-in-2016#post-1598155 Sun, 03 Jan 2016 03:13:06 +0000 carter 1598155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carolbee, that's exactly what I mean about keeping it real. Some things are just meant to be, whether they're planned or not. I'm good with that. Suz, maybe that's why "enough" feels more comfortable to me than "minimalism" or "Project 333", or "10 Item Wardrobe", etc. My "enough" is uniquely mine. It would be too much for you and too little for someone else. I will also be interested to see if my style needs change when I move. I still find myself setting aside things "because I'll wear them at the beach". Will I? The items on that shelf are indeed the types of things I have worn at the beach when I was just there to visit (more casual, more colorful, more flowy, etc), but will I want to dress like that all the time when I live there year-round. No clue, but I hope the answer is no. Thanks, Cheryl. I need variety as well. My "enough" is not more than I can actively wear and enjoy but enough to satisfy my need for variety and whim.