https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:00:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1722239 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 23:42:34 +0000 Vix 1722239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Roxanna --</p> <p>Evaluating and letting go can really reveal a lot, so mission accomplished there!&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm someone who gets overwhelmed by too much stuff/clutter but conveniently forgets that. So I'll focus on what IS organized and ignore what's not until it's DEFCON 4 time. </p> <p>Since I do both, I find the upside to the accumulation is that it feels so much more satisfying to me -- and hopefully you! -- to get rid of more instead of just gradually moving stuff out. Sounds like you feel you have metaphorical and literal breathing room?</p> <p>The mindfulness re new purchases sounds valuable, but I'll echo others and say cut yourself a break re the gap in cleaning out! </p> <p>It could be worse: I *don't* have my shit together and until last week I had a drawer overstuffed with five zillion pairs of tights (in containers labeled intact, for layering, for pants only, with holes boots would cover, with holes ok for skirts -- where's Unfrumped to admire my microcategorization hahaha?). Talk about boring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1722113 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 17:53:01 +0000 Jenava 1722113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, the J. Crew Teddie is my favorite pant at the moment. &nbsp;I have three colors! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1722099 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 17:27:01 +0000 Barbara Diane 1722099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you really accomplished a lot and I hope you are proud of yourself.<br />It's also wonderful that you are evaluating those messages you took in when you were young.</p> <p>If you love and wear your clothes, celebrate your wardrobe. And it certainly makes sense if you are in sweaters for so much of the year.<br />But if you have more of some category than you want, one tip I heard is to pick your new number, and then pick your favorites in order. When you get to your number, you stop.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am all basic on the bottom and party on the top. :)</p> <p>Actually, I added 2 "party" crops this summer and I'm loving them.<br />But for full length pants I've worn the same style of ponte pants, in triplicate, for years. I have 2 pairs of cords for late fall/winter, and one more pair of ponte pants I purchased last year. So 6 pairs of pants.&nbsp;<br />And no jeans. I'm looking to add more variety this year, and maybe I'll find something with a little interest.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1722073 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 16:56:34 +0000 Roxanna 1722073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@jaileen - thank you for your kind words I actually don't have a big closet (hence the cleanout) - but I do have a big basement </p> <p>@Suz yes please! I need all the Fabbers shopoing ninja powers to find me cool pants that fit!<br /> Also - SUCH a smart point about investment purchases (and I love how you clarified, investment for each person.) I never thought about it that way, but you are right - I have been measuring up everything I see against the pieces that I bought (and love!), and thus buying less. The difference, as you point out, it's buying them at the beginning of the season, which I *never* do. Usually I but investment items on deep discount at the end of the season, which means I buy whatever is left, and they don't serve as guardrails fur my purchases that season. I definitely see the wisdom in doing it this way. </p> <p>@maneera - you are so right. My workout clothes *do* motivate me to workout, which I sorely need on dark mornings at 5 am. Plus, I wear workout clothes for most of the weekend as we run errands with the kids, so I am actually in them quite a lot. And yes - I do change multiple times a day! </p> <p>As for the pants issue - when I went back to work after my my first was born, none of my pants fit. I bought some nice pairs from the thrift store and wore those, and bought a ton of pencil skirts from J Crew since they were easier to fit and writer them all winter. Now those are all too big, so I need pants again (the ones I saved pre-baby are all boot cut and hopelessly or of date.) is my winter mission! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721999 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 14:27:47 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1721999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I make no apologies for my large wardrobe as a mother of four who spread childbearing out having them 4.5 yrs apart, I am making up for not having had a great wardrobe. I do think going through my clothes twice every year as I rearrange things is necessary to see what still works for me or what I feel I want to add in. I too love sweaters and add in new ones every Fall. I am getting much Pickier and adding better quality at this point and that cuts down on the over- buying. Great job on seeing where you are currently, purging and evaluating. Hope you have fun with creating looks moving forward and filling in any holes you discover. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721871 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 03:39:29 +0000 Maneera 1721871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanne, you did GREAT! </p> <p>As another woman with a larger-than-average wardrobe, I can assure you that there is no shame in having too many sweaters. Or workout clothes. I know that you work very very hard to stay in shape post babies. So if your gorgeous workout wardrobe helps you stay motivated, Ofcourse it deserves to be loved! I do the same. I love wearing smart workout clothes that flatter my body. Only because I'll be sweating, doesn't mean I need to dress sloppy....right? </p> <p>I'd have just as many sweaters too if i lived in colder weather. I have just as many tees btw. It's not uncommon for me to change my sweaty top thrice a day on a hot, humid day, and my tops all get worn. My weight fluctuates throughout my cycle and I also have quite a few 'oversized' tops for those days. </p> <p>Now, the real matter at hand. What's with your small pants/jeans numbers???!! I don't even wear pants most of summer, and I have more pants than you! Don't you have to wear pants/jeans throughout your colder months? I really think you should focus on bottoms....you need more jeans that fit &amp; flatter to perfection!</p> <p>Also, I really like Suz's idea. Buying fewer, high-end things is a great way to update your wardrobe in areas that are already doing well. It offers great satisfaction </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721850 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 02:32:30 +0000 Suz 1721850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You need more pants!! I am on a mission! The Toronto meetup is all about finding Roxanna pants! :)</p> <p>I am nodding at Staysfits' wise words. A woman who lives in Toronto has a need of many sweaters. And when you're parenting young children and working and changing sizes, it's natural to amass a bunch of stuff in varying sizes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now you have much greater clarity on what's there. And it's going to feel great as you move forward.&nbsp;</p> <p>I actually think your recent pricier purchases from NAS may end up having a positive effect. It's easy for us to spend almost mindlessly when the price tag is low or we can tell ourselves that the item was "on sale." And that's the kind of impulse shopping that can lead to forgetting that it's even in the closet. A higher priced item bought at the start of the season (even "on sale") forces us to confront it -- and ourselves -- in a different way. At least that has been my experience. It's almost as if I edit with that item in mind. What in my closet "lives up to" this great thing I just purchased? What doesn't? Why? And why not?&nbsp;</p> <p>Over a few seasons, one or two higher end (for us) special purchases can have both an elevating and a focusing effect on the wardrobe. It doesn't matter if our "higher end" is designer or J. Crew. The point is, we have had to think twice to begin with. That can set off a kind of chain reaction.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721801 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 01:01:46 +0000 JAileen 1721801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit gave you very good advice. Don't beat yourself up over your large wardrobe. I agree with others that you should have more pants. I was concerned about the low number of dresses, too, but then I saw the number of skirts. You must have a nice big closet. I envy you that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721789 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:31:11 +0000 Anonymous 1721789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanna, you did a LOT of culling. That is hard work, and kind of emotional too.</p> <p>I was thinking about your lack of pants too, lol!<br /> I was thinking, "Even Power-Minimalist Me has more pants than she does!"</p> <p>Also, you have a lot going on in your life so stuff goes to the basement. I think we all do this. Still, nice to get a handle on all of it.</p> <p>I'd be interested to hear more about how your mother influenced you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721781 Thu, 01 Sep 2016 00:21:52 +0000 Roxanna 1721781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You guys are just so awesome. Thank you for the support and the kind words. I know it's just clothes - but for me it represents something bigger. I have a tendency to be very hard on myself, so these words of wisdom are much valued.<br /> @staysfit - what you say resonates so much. I have a tendency to forget that I am in a rather difficult life stage and I want to work on everything and be perfect now, now, now. Thank you for reminding me that there is a season for everything and to go easy on myself if I don't have a perfectly purged closet with two young kids. The questions you pose are very insightful, and while I have budget and space and I love variety, I do feel bad for not wearing things I love as much as I could, so I think pausing in shopping fur a while until I figure out my ideal wardrobe size and mix is probably a good idea. </p> <p>@ginger - I read your closet cleanout part with interest, too. I do love what I have kept and I am excited to wear it. And great point about impulse buys. I do find myself drawn to things, and generally they are the right things, so why not let that Happen once in a while </p> <p>@Suz: glad to hear that that rings true for others too :)</p> <p>@crazyone - what you said really hit home. You are totally right. Of course I need a 4 season wardrobe, and weekend vs. Weekday clothes. And yes, I almost never buy makeup and only borrow library books, so you are right, I make up for it in other ways. I still think I have some learning and changing to do, but thank you for providing some much - needed context to my inner critic </p> <p>@viva, @aida and @ummlila - I know, right? Pants! As @aida correctly surmises, pants are harder to fit for me, being pear shaped, and just not as interesting to me as tops. They will be in my list (but not fit a few months - I need to wear what I have to figure out what I need!) </p> <p>@sterling and @jenava - aww, thank you guys! I honesty struggled with being so blunt but then thought, what the hell. @Jenava - yes! Hold onto stuff you love, even if it doesn't fit post baby. I was so happy to have held onto some of my favourite things, even though they didn't fit for years (my kids are 5 and 2.) just put them out of sight (no need for them to silently guilt you) and get yourself some great duds that fit you now. I found a pair of amazing jeans and a stylish pencil skirt at our local thrift store was probably still 4-5 sizes bigger than pre-baby, and it did wonders for my self confidence.</p> <p>@aida - I need statement bottoms, so I will be following your WIW closely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721745 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:48:17 +0000 Aida 1721745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing this with us Roxanna! As a fellow larger wardrobe gal it's nice to see that not everyone is All About Minimal But YES, <i>definitely</i> work on a few more pants to go with all those fabulous tops!! Question: Are tops easier to fit for you? Since I tend to fit bottoms more easily my tops-bottoms ratio is almost even, and that certainly plays a big part in why. Plus I enjoy statement bottoms so "just a few" doesn't cut it for me. I also have a small little wardrobe set aside of one size up, just in case. I have the room and they're all pieces I still love so why not?</p> <p>Looking forward to the rest of your posts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721741 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:42:26 +0000 Jenava 1721741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *heart* this post. &nbsp;I appreciate all your funny comments in the inventory. &nbsp;Now I want to go count things in my closet. &nbsp;I have a section of things I just could not let go of that do not fit post-baby. &nbsp;They were items that would be hard or expensive to replace that I feel still represent my style...but I also have a stash in my guest room closet that I haven't touched in a while....sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721727 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:52:01 +0000 Anonymous 1721727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are my new hero. &nbsp;Your honesty is refreshing. &nbsp;I commend you for your hard work and the your accomplishments. &nbsp;I look forward to ALL future posts from you. &nbsp;Enjoy your cleaned-out closet. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721716 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:42:31 +0000 viva 1721716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! - Cross posted with UmmLila. Great minds think alike!!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721715 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:41:51 +0000 viva 1721715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanna, I found your analysis so interesting to read. I could relate to the feeling that I didn't "need" to do the analysis that everyone was doing -- but on the other hand, there is really something to be learned from slowing down and looking at what's around us. However, I agree with everyone above: don't be too quick to react to the numbers alone, because it can be very easy to castigate yourself for what appears to be imbalance or excess. And there are so many factors to consider, like: are you wearing what you have? </p> <p>Your thoughts about holding onto things were very interesting to me, and to me seem insightful, and at the least it was probably time for a good combing through of your closet to weed out those things that it is time to purge. And think of all of those people who will benefit from your donate pile. That's wonderful.</p> <p>When I look at your numbers, honestly, my one reaction is: that woman needs probably needs some new pants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721712 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:34:26 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1721712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Clearly, you need more pants. Whether you have to get rid of things you love, just for the sake of having fewer items,only you know. Your wardrobe should make you happy, not serve as a way to judge yourself and be found wanting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721708 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:24:18 +0000 crazyone 1721708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanna, I think you're being much too hard on yourself--I think you can still "have your shit together" and still not have a complete handle on the number of sweaters you buy &nbsp;I agree with what Staysfit wrote above. &nbsp;And these YLF count posts are in some ways not that helpful--it's not surprising to me that a woman who lives in Toronto (where it's usually sweater weather from September through May) and who has gone through size fluctuations due to pregnancy, etc. would have a large sweater collection--but the numbers for a YLF member living in Southern California or Arizona where the weather is almost the same year-round (and much warmer to boot) can be very different. &nbsp;You also have a job that requires professional wear but also a home life with two small active children--also circumstances that lead to a large wardrobe compared to members who work from home.&nbsp;</p> <p>And even if you didn't, it's fine to like clothes, as long as the questions Staysfit asked above ("</p> <p>Do you have space to store everything? Can you afford your purchases? Do you enjoy wearing what you have?") are answered affirmatively. &nbsp;I struggle with some of the environmental issues myself but there are many ways in which my carbon footprint is quite small--I don't have a car, and walk/use public transport most places (which also means that the money most people spend on their cars/insurance is freed up for me to spend on...other things), and I eat vegetarian. &nbsp;Those circumstances might not be the same for you but I wouldn't be surprised if you were quite restrained in things other than clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721704 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:18:16 +0000 Suz 1721704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will be back to comment more in a minute but I just have to award you the YLF prize for brilliant (and hilarious) comment of the week for this:&nbsp;</p> <p><i>Having 116 Sweaters and 5 workable pants makes you question your life choices .<br /></i><br />Haven't we all been there one way or another? You really made me smile with that one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721664 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 20:00:51 +0000 Ginger 1721664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Way to go! This sounds like a MAJOR step for you.&nbsp; What you've learned about yourself is just as important as any updates in your&nbsp; wardrobe. And this?<br /><i>Having 116 Sweaters and 5 workable pants makes you question your life choices.</i><br />Literally laughed out loud. :D</p> <p>Staysfit has so much wisdom to share! Wow. All of that resonated with<br /> me. What struck me from my own closet edit was that although my Keep<br /> numbers were also high, I knew it was the right stuff. I knew I<br /> would wear it. That's the important part. If you like and enjoy and wear<br /> and can store those sweaters, go for it! That is wonderful!</p> <p>Impulse<br /> buys aren't bad! They can just be your instinct knowing what you love<br /> and will wear and will regret NOT getting. Staysfit's questions are the<br /> ones to ask.</p> <p>I liked this, too:<br /><i>- I know what my gaps are and what I don't need (Sweaters)</i></p> <p>I have "No more blue or navy dresses!" written at the top of my running shopping post on my private blog. It works!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721657 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 19:46:50 +0000 Staysfit 1721657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanne, as another person with a lot of sweaters, and large wardrobe numbers, I want to share some sage words that were given to me recently. Do not focus on the numbers. Do you have space to store everything? Can you afford your purchases? Do you enjoy wearing what you have? When my kids were young I didn't have time to sort through my closet and purge frequently, so I'm not at all surprised by your information. It sounds totally reasonable to me. Totally! Counting can lead to several problematic issues for those of us with larger wardrobes. They can make us feel guilty if we have more of this or that than other people on the forum. They can make us feel guilty for being environmentally unfriendly. In fact there are a myriad of ways that guilt strings can be pulled. Remember, your closet is actually a private place. It's for you, and it needs to make only you happy. We all have unique and different circumstances in terms of storage space, finances, priorities, lifestyle, etc. That's what makes this forum so wonderful. You are fortunate to have this and if you wear and enjoy your clothes than by all means, keep on wearing and enjoying them. </p> <p>If you feel that you have a lot of cloths sitting around with tags still on them, and that you truly were impulsive and then regretted the purchase afterwards, that is different. You should consider why this happened and deal with it. Sometime being impulsive is okay. What would the world be like if everyone was organized and planful? Kind of boring maybe? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721655 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 19:37:55 +0000 jenanded 1721655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Extra marks for good work if this is a challenging area for you. A lot of people find YLF helpful for going through this process so you are on the right path. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review---and-revelations-long#post-1721636 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:46:58 +0000 Roxanna 1721636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did my closet review early this week and Friday off last week. It was an eye opening jolt into my wardrobe - and my life.</p> <p>First, the numbers - which are a bit mortifying, but I am recording them in the spirit of honesty and accountability.</p> <p>Workout and lounge clothes :<br /> Started with : 101!!<br /> Donated : 57<br /> Final number : 44<br /> Most of these were old (pre or during babies) and too big now</p> <p>Sweaters:<br /> Started with : 116. YES. 116. Mortified.<br /> 89 of these were old (3+ yrs, many 6-10 yrs old)<br /> 62 were multiples. Ack.<br /> Many, again, we're post baby when I was a bigger size. I had held on to some old (6-10 yrs) basics from pre babies that now fits and will be in rotation.<br /> Gave away: 35<br /> Holding : 12, in case I am a bigger size again<br /> Final (incl holds): 93. I can't even. </p> <p>Tops:<br /> Started with : 68<br /> Give away : 17<br /> Store for summer : 13<br /> Hold (bigger size): 7<br /> Final (incl holds) : 51</p> <p>Blazers and leather jackets:<br /> Started with : 41<br /> Donate : 7<br /> Store for summer : 8<br /> final : 34</p> <p>Dresses :<br /> Total : 10<br /> Gave away : 3<br /> Final : 7</p> <p>Pants :<br /> Total : 13<br /> Give away : 4</p> <p>Skirts :<br /> Total : 35<br /> Give away : 9<br /> Hold (bigger size) : 9<br /> Final number : 26</p> <p>Jeans and casual pants didn't need pruning (I have about 10 pairs). </p> <p>Wow. Okay, now that I have admitted it here publicly, let me share what I have learned :</p> <p>1) I NEED TO BE ANALYTICAL, NOT IMPULSIVE, ABOUT MY WARDROBE.<br /> I'll be honest. Part of me always thought I was 'above' this wardrobe review thing. I don't need to review my clothes ; I love my wardrobe. I don't need to have outfit creation sessions; I don't have time due that nonsense and besides, I am creative in the fly and can come up with combinations. Etc etc. I WAS SO WRONG. Having 116 Sweaters and 5 workable pants makes you question your life choices . I need to be more analytical about my closet so that:<br /> - I know what I have and am wearing it all<br /> - I know what my gaps are and what I don't need (Sweaters)<br /> - I don't split wears<br /> - I buy more mindfully (big one) </p> <p>Also: I find it very hard to part with clothes, which is why a large portion of my wardrobe is 5+ years old. Part of this served me well as I have gone down 2 sizes and had basics to fall back on. I don't think that I look dated or that I need to update ( I mix in newer things) but I do have an attachment to clothes and have a hard time letting them go. Yet I but then on impulse. Buying easily + not letting go = a bursting and not happy closet. I need to buy more mindfully and not just 'stop in' or browse online if I plan on holding onto my clothes. </p> <p>On top of this : I have spent the last few days thinking about my relationship to clothes and my mother's impact on that (she worked in the fashion industry and saves everything), my need to shop and how it feeds into my fear of scarcity, and how I need to cultivate mindfulness in this and other areas of my life.</p> <p>Generally, I feel like I have my shit together. I balance a challenging and ambitious career with two kids, my marriage, a large network of friends and outside interests. I eat well. I exercise hard and meditate every day. But I have clearly not gotten a grasp on this area of my life and have been in denial. Time to get moving.</p> <p>More naval-gazing posts to follow ; consider yourself warned. </p> <p>Pics: 1 &amp;2 Sweaters before purging - final is pile to donate. </p>