https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:06:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-701748 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:10:46 +0000 ButterflyLady 701748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a good thread, mona, I hope the replies helped you as much as they are helping me!</p> <p>I struggle with sorting through my wardrobe and yet I'm a woman who likes nothing better than emptying out a cupboard and decluttering! Until it comes to clothes, when I am paralysed by indecision and panic. I've blogged about it, but I am now using a system like JR's - a slow, piece-by-piece method, which seems, for me, to involve getting dressed in the morning and realising that something isn't right in some way - too long, too short, too tight, falls down, neckline is wrong, is 90% perfect, but for such and such a problem, well, you get the idea. </p> <p>So, I declutter that item straight away (and this means getting dressed *again* normally, since I've taken off one item of clothing!), and try and learn from it (i.e. don't buy tops that have excessively low necklines and so on) so I don't do it again. And because I'm learning all the time about what doesn't work, or what I *need* but haven't got, to make an outfit, it's helping with buying decisions as well. I don't have the budget to replace my entire wardrobe, so slowly, slowly, I am buying more thoughtfully. </p> <p>I don't know if that helps, but I just wanted to chime in and say that there is no harm in slowly reviewing and decluttering your clothes, sometimes it's easier to take more time over it.</p> <p>Ingunn - I'd love to see your capsule, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-701498 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 23:24:31 +0000 Mona 701498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, that is exactly how I was feeling about my wardrobe right now...ill-fitting, frumpy and too small. Like Angie mentioned above, there is no harm in making a temporary keep pile and Gaylene suggested to start with one capsule. So that is I think how I am going to start. Make a capsule around a few items that I think fit me nicely and build on it from there. Thanks a lot for taking the time to read and sharing your thoughts. You also found something positive about tight budget which is so encouraging.</p> <p>Ingunn, thanks for your valuable suggestion. I have never used Evernote but definitely anything to keep track. You created a new capsule with 10 garments in one evening. Wow, I am impressed. Would you mind sharing pics with us? It will be extremely helpful.</p> <p>Traci, tapering trousers certainly should be doable. However, I think it is going to cost more money then to hem them. Have you tried this before? I will certainly look into this.</p> <p>Chippy Mia, I am the only one in my family who does not sew but may be I can learn as I can see that it is causing me so much anguish. I should be able to refashion/re purpose some of the tops. hmmmmmmmm..... thinking....thinking.......</p> <p>Thanks for encouragement, Celia. You are too kind. hugging you back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-701203 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:51:13 +0000 celia 701203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you Mona.I've been in Canada for 3 years now and every time fall comes I start feeling depressed with my winter wardrobe because I still haven't found a way to dress stylishly in our winter.<br /> But, one thing i learned is that we really do not need that many items per season(especially here that we have 4 seasons).It feels like we will never be able to built our wardrobe but in the end it is much more easy.<br /> Big hugs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-701189 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:33:58 +0000 Chippy Mia 701189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This such a wonderful thread! So many great responses.</p> <p>Mona, if budget is tight then consider refashioning/repurposing some of your clothing. You may not have to rid 80% of your clothing due to poor fit. Some items can be alter to make new ones especially the ones where you love the colour and the fabric is high quality. Changing pants into cropped or capris. Or even dresses into skirts. Or turn blouses into sleeveless or shells. If you sew then it could be your weekend projects. Simple sewing knowledge goes a long way in making your clothes beautiful again and leaves money in the wallet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700984 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:28:45 +0000 Traci 700984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know someone already mentioned cropping the too short pants, but what about tapering them? I'm just crazy for slim trousers this season, and a tapered leg is so much easier on the ppl because it's about where it hits in relation to your body, not in relation to the shoes and ground. If they fit well in the waist and hips and are nice quality pants they will probably make great slim trousers and then you won't be pantsless! This will give you much more flexibility in your search for ppl wider leg trousers in the mean time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700975 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:38:33 +0000 Ingunn 700975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a very interesting thread with lots of valuable information. Thank you all for sharing! The challenge of creating a functional wardrobe that one loves is huge, but I find that the more I try, the better I become at discovering the versatility of my garments. It becomes fun.</p> <p>Mona, I want to share that I use Evernote for keeping track of my wardrobe items. I snap photos with my iPhone, then I add the pictures to various notes on my computer (I use the table function to create image holders). One note for skirts, one for pants, shoes, scarfs etc, and I've split my tops in what I call layer 1 and 2, meaning shirts, blouses and t-shirts in layer 1, and cardigans, sweaters, vests and so on in layer 2. That makes it simple to create combinations when I have a few minutes to spare. It takes some effort to get started, but now I just add a new item whenever I buy anything, it only takes a minute. </p> <p>An example of how I use this system: Last evening I created a new capsule with 10 garments in a new note from my Evernote pictures. I labeled the capsule "WORK: Early Fall". I excluded jackets because I never wear my jackets indoors at work. Shoes and scarves are not included either, but that's optional of course. I pictured what I would like to wear within the next few weeks of tempered Fall weather. I also decided on a few keywords: Warm (cream, brown, golden, red) classic, modern, menswear (vest+blue shirt). My list of garments is as follows:</p> <p>1. Short sleeved mahogany top<br /> 2. Short sleeved off-white top<br /> 3. Floral patterned blouse in cream, gray, black, beige (signature piece)<br /> 4. Cropped pant in mustard<br /> 5. Black A-line skirt<br /> 6. Beige pencil skirt<br /> 7. Blue button down skirt<br /> 8. Off-white transparent woolen sweater<br /> 9. Brown cardigan<br /> 10. Vest, brown with plaids (signature piece)</p> <p>From this list I can create a large number of outfits that look very different. I can cater for temperatures from pretty low to nice and warm. I have a few jackets, scarves and shoes/boots in addition to add variety. By adding jeans and a dress I could create an even more versatile wardrobe. The various combos are now recorded in my capsule note. I can assess it whenever I need/want to - on the train, while lounging at home etc.</p> <p>With my Evernote notes, I can find inspiration for infinite new outfits without even opening my closet. This is a great advantage, and breaks the effort down to manageable chunks. Evernote is not the only answer, but it is accessable across all platforms (phone, tablet, pc) and that makes it very versatile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700961 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:35:43 +0000 Astrid 700961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know where you're coming from! It will all work out in the end, you'll see. :)</p> <p>I'm on a student budget myself (with a bit more money to spend since I got a new job last fall) and I know how it is when one needs to be patient and wait for sales or make do with things that aren't perfect. But it's always possible to do a quick wardrobe fix with a few pieces. When I started here most of my wardrobe was ill-fitting, frumpy and/or too small. I had gained some weight and I had plentiful leftovers from my teens taking up space in my closet. I started posting here in fall and for the next half year at least I lived in an uniform - skirt, (warm) tights, top and knee high boots. I bought one black skirt, shortened another one to the right length and invested in a pair of simple black leather riding boots (still my only pair of boots until now!). I wore these two skirts with either two cardigans over some short-sleeved tops or some long-sleeved ones. To change things up I bought items that didn't cost much - new tights, scarves or costume jewelry.</p> <p>Of course you don't need to repeat MY uniform, but I'm sure you can find your own. That way you know you look nice and have the time to wait until you come across the perfect item. And don't pressure yourself into getting things right from the start! I still made lots of mistakes and bought things that I've since purged again. </p> <p>For myself I can say that having a tight budget was a good thing. That way I had a lot of time to think about my style goals and were I wanted to go with my look. I would say that I'm now finally at a point where I wouldn't do any BIG mistakes anymore and when I go shopping I have a better feel if something could fit into my style or not. But that took time - time I wouldn't have had if I had bought everything at the start of my style journey.</p> <p>Last but not least, I definitely recommend searching for a fab winter coat. I still don't have one and I searched for the perfect one for the last two years! Hopefully I'll be successful this fall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700954 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:05:48 +0000 Mona 700954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, now you have me thinking. I will post pictures of my jackets some time this evening. but I can tell right now. I have one blue denim jacket, one white denim and a brown one that I think are keepers. I also have a black blazer that is not the best quality but it fits me well and I will keep it for now.<br /> For boots, I own a pair of cognag, black and grey suede tall boots. I also own ankle length booties in these colours. A pair of red report mark booties and soon will be the proud owner of doc marcies.<br /> I only own one winter puffer of olive green colour and wear it every single day througout the winter. hmmmmmmmm............I guess I know where my investment will be this winter.</p> <p>Fern, that is a great tip. I can move 80% of my closet items to a holding area and see how i do with the rest and yes i need to make a spreadsheet. starting right now!</p> <p>Gaylene, you make me think hard....and i love it. So true, i have to bake the cake first. A lot of my anguish comes from a need of variety. I get bored easily wearing same items over and over again so I try to add more items without thinking much.....My first wardrobe capsule....OMG....this is scary and exciting at the same time. I guess I will wait for this one until I return from UK. As I mentioned above to Suz, I will need to add a winter coat this winter. </p> <p>Pil, let us do this together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700798 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:01:04 +0000 pil 700798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so going to follow this thread. Lots of good information! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700784 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:44:54 +0000 Gaylene 700784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I just wanted to chime back in and say that, at this stage, you don't really NEED a lot of variety. Keep it simple at the start. As my grandmother used to say "bake the cake before you start worrying about the icing". :)</p> <p>Start by planning your first capsule: a pair of pants, a skirt(or dress or another pair of pants depending on your personal preference), a pair of jeans, a sweater (cardigan or pullover), a jacket, and a half a dozen tops. Add a pair of heeled shoes, a pair of flats, and a pair of boots to this, and there is your first capsule! For the winter, add a warm coat and for the fall, add a light-weight jacket or trench. Ideally, in this first capsule, everything should go with everything else. Just looking at your London outfits tells me that you already have built most of your first capsule.</p> <p>Your purchasing priorities will be to fill in anything that is missing from this capsule. Don't spend as much on tops, knits, and jeans right now; they are usually one or two season items. Coats and boots, on the other hand, last much longer so you might want to consider spending a bit more on these.</p> <p>Put your capsule at the front of the closet so it is easy to see. Don't worry about tossing out stuff yet unless your closet is so full you can't find anything. As you start wearing your first capsule, check if anything at the back will work with items in your first capsule. If yes, then bring it forward. These items are your "extras" that give you a bit of variety. Your "extra' jackets fit into this category. After a couple of months, anything still left at the back of the closet is probably ready for the donation bin.</p> <p>And feel good about what you are doing-- you'll get that wardrobe sorted out before you know it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700774 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:24:34 +0000 fern 700774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And... if your closet feels overwhelming, I know many of us use pen &amp; paper lists or spreadsheets to be able to look at what we own in a more manageable way.<br /> I can get overwhelmed by color &amp; texture in my closet, but my list keeps me on track. I can note on my list what needs replacing, or where I need to add something that is missing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700767 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:15:46 +0000 fern 700767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Beautiful answers above)<br /> Do you love the remaining 20%?<br /> If you have a holding area, you can move the 80% out of your closet and see what happens. I had to go get items out of holding to add to my "loves" in order to get dressed, but my priorities became more clear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700698 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 01:08:34 +0000 Suz 700698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mona, what's the biggest wardrobe hole? You mentioned that you have three usable jackets. That's a pretty decent number. How about boots? How many of those do you have? How many do you need? </p> <p>What about winter coat? That one can be a biggie, both in cost and importance in our climate. </p> <p>I so hear you about the 80%. And it IS scary to be down to only a few items to wear. But if you get yourself down to the items you truly love or find extremely useful (even if they are not the best) then you are starting in a good place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700642 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:31:41 +0000 Mona 700642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow YLF'ers, you have me in tears as I write this. I did not expect such an overwhelming and helpful response. I can't thank you enough.<br /> ClaraT, I agree with you 100% that short dress pants are on their way out. Although, these were good quality pants that I thought I would wear for ages. Now I look at them and think really? I bought those? such awful lenghts.......</p> <p>JR, you are so right when you said that full fledged closet review is an emotional task. That is why, my post is so long. Closet review brought out many emotions from inside that I never knew existed. I mean I always knew that clothes are important to me but I didn't know I was attached to them so much. Thanks for posting the link of your original post. I had missed it first time and am going to read it now.</p> <p> qfbrenda, be patient and picky will be my mantra and I am like you...always on the hunt for a good deal.</p> <p>Gaylene, your personal tip is very helpful. This is exactly the type of thing that overwhelms me though. I think I am not creative enough when it comes to imagining future events. However, I have never tried writing it on a piece of paper. I am going to do that now and see if I come up with any ideas. Limited budget means I have to prioritize. Here is my problem with prioritizing though. When I start thinking about it, I can't put my finger on what to prioritize. For example, I need new pants, tops, jackets, shoes and handbags. So what is my priority? I tried making shoes my priority this spring but so far I am not satisfied with it. So frustrating.<br /> Jennifer, thanks for your tip for short pants. I have to think which ones I can use as capris.<br /> Suz, my first step would be to start purging but as i mentioned in my post. Perhaps 80% of my wardrobe will have to be purged and that scares the hell out of me. I knew I had to take this first step for a long time but was trying to ignore the issue as it overwhelms me and I become very emotional. Two things happened recently that brought the issue at forefront. My travel capsule and Angie's closet reviewing posts. I am now going to take a look at the links you posted.</p> <p>Angie, thanks for your kind response and encouragement. I am not feeling as helpless and emotional anymore now. Here is the big question " What clothing item should i concentrate on for fall?" Boots or jackets? Is this the right way to start or should I just concentrate on purging for now? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700580 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 23:27:08 +0000 Angie 700580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HUGE HUGS and applause to Suz, Gaylene and JR! WOW! I am in awe in your responses. So savvy, clever, succinct and eloquent. You gals are extra amazing! </p> <p>Mona, I'll let you chew on this for a while. I am here if you need me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700571 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 23:07:16 +0000 Suz 700571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mona, first of all, do not despair. You are really building a great closet and figuring out your style. </p> <p>I began this process having lost a lot of weight. My own first step was to purge everything that didn't fit. But before I did that, I asked myself if there was anything there that would be worth altering so I could wear it during the interim phase while I built a new wardrobe (since I couldn't afford to go out and buy everything new). Luckily for me, I identified a couple of pieces that required only inexpensive alterations. Last summer, I wore a combination of those pieces with two new pair of jeans, a handful of tops bought on SUPER sale during a trip to New York City, sandals bought in a similar way, and a number of pieces picked up from thrift stores. </p> <p>Was it the perfect wardrobe? No way. But at least it got me through the summer and didn't break the bank. And I felt better in those clothes than I would have felt in shapeless clothes from five years ago! Or longer. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I put on my thinking cap. First I broke things down by "capsule," as Angie recommends. I figured out what my main needs were (in my case, WAH, appearances, sleepwear, workout wear) and took a look at what I had in each category, what could do crossover, and what would help to fill a capsule out. </p> <p>Like you, and after some great advice from Mrs. Eccentric (Steph) that you can read in this thread: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-my-style</a> I decided that jackets were that all-important 3rd piece so I made up my mind to invest in some that I really love. I bought all my new jackets except one Old Navy denim jacket at consignment or vintage shops, thereby minimizing the costs. </p> <p>I put the REAL money last year into winter coats. I desperately needed those, and that's where most of my clothes money went. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I created a few favourite outfits, which, I confess, I wore again and again and again and again and AGAIN! I did vary them a tiny bit by switching footwear, scarves, layering pieces....but the core of the outfit would remain the same. A lot of YLF'ers would probably be appalled at how often I wore my simple black jersey dress (which was donated by a friend). Honestly, I probably wore that dress twice per week last year. </p> <p>You can see one of those coats and the dress I wore all the time in this thread: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-113011" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-113011</a></p> <p>This summer, I traded out some of the altered pieces for a few new items. I cut off a pair of my skinnies to make bermuda shorts and bought another pair of shorts. I got a new skirt on consignment. Also a few more tops. And then on sale I bought other woven tops. I concentrated a lot of my summer money in footwear, because I have recognized how important it is to making an outfit sing, and I really had none to speak of last year. </p> <p>Now I'm at the stage that Gaylene describes. I'm trying to think in terms of concrete events that I have to attend and to imagine what I will wear to those events and what I might need to fill gaps. Meanwhile, I'm trying more carefully to narrow down a style. Of course I've been trying to do this for a whole year, but I haven't felt as if that style has particularly "jelled" as yet. That is a subject for another post! </p> <p>However, even if my personal style doesn't feel fully formed to me, it is extremely rare for me to go to my closet in terror that I have "nothing to wear" to this or that event. I may feel that an outfit would work better if only I had this type of shoe or that type of bag (or whatever) but at least I feel I have the basic makings of said outfit! </p> <p>The only time I truly panic is when I am planning a trip, which goes to your post. Planning trips is particularly fraught; we don't want to be caught out and uncomfortable while we are busy seeing family or friends or trying to work (depending on the purpose of the trip). </p> <p>Having said all this, I do think there may be a few lessons for you here: </p> <p>1. Check carefully the items you are editing and purging. Can they be altered to work in some way as a stopgap while you save for better? </p> <p>2. Do visit the local thrift and consignment stores. They are not as wonderful as Claire's and Shannon's (to say the least) but you might find something worth your while anyway, if you are lucky. </p> <p>3. Continue to scour the sales, as you already do. No, it's not the ideal way to build a wardrobe in the sense that you can't always find what you NEED on sale. However, if you identify a few key needs (e.g. my winter coats) and decide to pay full price for those if necessary, you can more easily accept that you will have to shop sales for this year's "extras." </p> <p>4. Recognize, as Angie says, that it DOES take time. We want it all to happen right away, but very few of us have the means (or even the time) to make that happen. In the meantime, we can wear and re-wear our favourite outfits again and again, asking ourselves all the while what it is about those outfits that makes our hearts sing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700558 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:42:11 +0000 jennifer 700558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If the "too short" pants fit well and are in good condition maybe they could be shortened further to be a dressy crop or capri pant .That may work in a casual work environment-depending on your job's dress code of course. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700550 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 22:31:37 +0000 Gaylene 700550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With Angie's help, you'll be sorted out sooner than you think. Like most of the other ladies on this forum, you're in the same spot that most of us were not that long ago-- and still are for many of us.</p> <p>You've got some good tips here on how others have started to get their edit/review going. I'm going to add one more tip that worked for me.</p> <p>Make a list of the most important events, or situations, that you are going to have on your agenda for the next six months or so. Things like "meeting with clients", "Christmas party", "walking to work in the winter" and so on and imagine what you would like to be wearing in each of these situations. Then look over what you've currently got in your wardrobe that could be used in the outfits that you've imagined. Be prepared to compromise your vision a bit a first. Even if something is not perfect, it still might be OK for now.</p> <p>The next stage is to take a look at what items could cross over from one situation to another. For example, you might be able to use a black pencil skirt for client meetings and the Christmas party by just switching tops. Again, you may need to think about this and use your creativity.</p> <p>Once you've finished this process, it's easier to see what you need to fill in the holes. If your budget is limited, you will probably have to set priorities. For example, if you need warm boots for walking to work that may have to take precedent over a new pair of dressy shoes. And you may want to set a price limit on certain items--as, I can only afford to spend $25 on a dressy top for the Christmas party. Again, getting creative is important. Some ladies find amazing pieces at insanely low prices by thrifting, while others rehabilitate an older item by dyeing it. Take a look at some of Angie's suggestions on dressing for different events, as well as some of the threads on the forum, for ideas.</p> <p>Re-building a wardrobe takes time, but I found that really taking the time to think through what I needed, instead of just buying things randomly to fill a sudden need or desire, worked much better for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700527 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:46:37 +0000 Suz 700527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack. Mona. I SO hear you. I could have written this exact post a year ago. Actually, I did. And I am STILL in the slow building phase. But I do feel much further along. So I will share some thoughts a little later this evening. </p> <p>Meanwhile, remember that getting a travel capsule together can be one of the most stressful wardrobe moments. We really feel the holes then - and they may only be temporary holes, as a matter of fact - things we need for a trip that we might not need as urgently at home! </p> <p>You already have the beginnings of a fab wardrobe and a well-defined style. Hang in there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700523 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:40:18 +0000 qfbrenda 700523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was trying to rebuild my closet, my priorities were somewhat controlled by what deals I could find. I needed everything at once, so it wasn't so much that I needed one thing more than another. I needed it all! So if I found a denim jacket at a good price, then that was what I bought. </p> <p>I would be careful about removing everything that isn't perfect from your closet because you don't want to end up naked. I would slowly work towards replacing things. When you find trousers that are the right length, then I would donate the "too short" ones. And I would move down the line.</p> <p>I really feel for you. It's a daunting process at times. Angie is right, Rome wasn't built in a day. This takes time and patience. I sometimes envy people who say, "I picked this piece up X years ago." I look forward to having time pass and not feeling like I'm still building from scratch. I'm getting there but haven't arrived.</p> <p>Be patient and picky. It's better to be picky than to find yourself with a full closet of things you wish you hadn't bought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700522 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:38:58 +0000 JR 700522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mona, I would never be up to the emotional task of a full-fledged closet review. I have to break things down into much smaller pieces to be able to handle them.</p> <p>So what I do is quite simple. (I did a post on it some time back: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taming-the-back-of-the-closet&#038;sa=U&#038;ei=_1A1ULbHMsKaqQGmlIHwDw&#038;ved=0CAUQFjAA&#038;client=internal-uds-cse&#038;usg=AFQjCNGZmgDAXvBx0n83XI6rUtg0NG4UJQ" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/url?q=h.....Utg0NG4UJQ</a> ) I sort my clothes by category: tops, bottoms, toppers (blazers and cardigans). Whenever I put something away, it goes at the back of the category. And I try to build my outfits from the things at the front. It becomes obvious pretty quickly when something needs to be done. When that item at the front only goes with one or two other things, I know it's time to delete it or buy compatible items. If I dread wearing it, well, then it's obviously time to get rid of it. If I find myself consistently wishing I had * to go with those pants or that top, then it's probably time to buy. I just got myself a brown blazer because I consistently had trouble topping outfits that wouldn't go with black or grey.</p> <p>I don't know if this more incremental approach will be useful for you, but maybe there is a way you could tweak it to make it work for you.</p> <p>As for PPL, I'm personally not at ease with pants quite as long as Angie likes them. But I do tend to be an oddball. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700520 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:35:32 +0000 ClaraT 700520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that closet editing is hard. For me, the first step was getting rid of my outdated items and mistakes. That was the hardest step, too, as I felt uncertain about a few things (keep or donate?) One thing that helped me was having an intermediate step (= the 'not now' bag; see below). </p> <p>Those dress pants? You probably won't ever want to wear them again. Put them in the donate bag (and get that bag out the door!)</p> <p>But a blouse that you are not sure about? Put that in the 'not now' bag. This bag can go sit somewhere out-of-the way (for me, it's in a small storage room by my bikes). In a month or two, if you have not wanted the items in that bag or felt regretful, donate the bag. Meanwhile you'll enjoy your less-cluttered closet.</p> <p>I think it is overwhelming if you are starting with a lot, so just take some baby steps. There's no deadline! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700518 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:28:19 +0000 Angie 700518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't worry!! That's why we are here :)</p> <p>I will be back to help you in more detail but unfortunately I have to run. I wanted to chime in and say that it seems so much more daunting than it is. The fact that you already have items that you love is a huge positive step! </p> <p>Rome was not built in a day. It has taken me many years to build my wardrobe and I've been in the Rag Trade for 20 years! Few people have the means to build a wardrobe from scratch in one season. Also, there is no need to spend huge amounts of money on single investment pieces when you need complete outfits more urgently. </p> <p>Together we will break it down, Mona. And item-outfit-capsule we will build up your wardrobe. We will help you prioritize your purchases. And you have the Temporary Keep Pile too. No shame in that at all. </p> <p>Chin up, pretty lady! From what I have seen from your style, you are well on your way :)</p> <p>Take a break! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-review-rants#post-700503 Wed, 22 Aug 2012 21:13:34 +0000 Mona 700503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie’s posts about closet reviewing and editing have me thinking deeply about my . </p>