https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:06:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615453 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 18:44:42 +0000 rachylou 1615453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding 'yes.' And I need to find my other waterfall hook that I use as a valet bar. I've been feeling like I haven't been wearing my clothes, but one thing I haven't done yet since moving is to set out a subset to work with, which I like to do. It may be False Spring syndrome, that time of year when I'm at a bit of a loss. I'm sorta waiting for the end of Chinese New Year and our family dinner too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615429 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:43:43 +0000 unfrumped 1615429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also line Joyce B'x rolling clothes rack idea when space id cramped, using as an organizing tool. Can be bi-directional- can use it for the week's outfits created in advance, or to move aside " maybd" items, or to put only the "10's" and see what emerges. All of which could lead to a more functional wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615428 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:41:34 +0000 gryffin 1615428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - I do get this. &nbsp;Being a blazer girl, you need special coats to layer properly in cold weather. &nbsp;My trench is okay, a bit snug but doable. I have a cold weather non glam coat which I wear to work alot, but and I bought an EF felted wool coat which worked brilliantly in the fall but not wear enough for winter. &nbsp;This year I bought an EF suri alpaca cocoon coat and it, as &nbsp;you say, layers over everything including those tailored leather jackets. &nbsp;Since it comes to my knees it covers almost all the jackets and it smart enough for dressy but beautiful for casual. &nbsp;Now I am so much happier. &nbsp;A great coat is honestly the best investment for those of us with cold winters! &nbsp;Kudos on your play session and figuring out how to enjoy all your beautiful things!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615402 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:22:53 +0000 Anonymous 1615402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yah, the cocoon coat is the ticket to being fashionable in the winter! I have one (it's a little big but I'm telling myself I'm doing the 'oversized' trend) and I've been layering my leather jacket under it and wearing the leather jacket at work. I would love to add a few blazers to get a nice dressy look throughout thr winter.</p> <p>When you think about it, men have overcoats that they put on over their suits. Why are women not doing this in more abundance?!</p> <p>I'm glad you had a good time not shopping yesterday </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615401 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:21:49 +0000 Joyce B 1615401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have a rolling clothes rack that I use to plan my outfits. I love your vallet bar, that is such a useful thing to have.<br /> Your post also made me think of what to do with clothes that still look nice but I do not wear. That has become one of the questions that I now ask myself before shopping, do I really need the item, will I wear it and what will I wear it with. I have bought things that I love but for some reason I have not worn them. The fact that something fits does not mean I have to buy it.<br /> I also have some leather jackets that I love and wear at times, I am not parting with them. Your leather jackets are fabulous from what I have seen.<br /> Your post made me think of my own situation and reminded me of what I need to do.<br /> Great post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615399 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:03:27 +0000 Jenn 1615399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It makes me happy to think about you messing about in the closet with a glass of wine and some good music on. What a great non-shopping way to treat yourself... and oh-so-much better than trying on those same ten outfits in a rush in the morning.</p> <p>I've always been envious of your jacket collection, as seen in your WIWs, so I'm glad you're finding ways to keep wearing them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615395 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:49:03 +0000 Peri 1615395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That question is the final step I need to take too! And like Sterling I'm probably afraid of the answer. Thanks for this encouraging post. I'll look forward to seeing them, and seeing the process of the final decisions about them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615388 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:40:48 +0000 Anonymous 1615388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Janet. &nbsp;That is a <u>great tool</u> for wardrobe planning. &nbsp;I just recently purchased a rolling clothing rack. &nbsp;My clothing rack will serve essentially the same purpose. &nbsp;It may be overkill compared to your valet bar, but my reach-in closets don't offer any conveniences or amenities. &nbsp;I look at closet pictures like others look at porn (embarrassed to admit this). &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615386 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:39:12 +0000 Anonymous 1615386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your post and reply really resonated with me. I must do some serious editing to downsize everything, not just my clothes. It is hard when everything seems to fit and have it's place whether it is worn much or not.<br /> Please continue your musings.<br /> I also did April's jeans challenge, trying on everything, and was shocked to realize that I have no blue denim cold weather (full length) jeans that I really like and an abundance of white/cream. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615384 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:34:42 +0000 Angie 1615384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You DO have a brilliant capsule of jackets, Janet. Fashion, comfort, the weather, ease, and your mood are ALL reasons for why you haven't worn them for a while. My jackets have gotten less wear over the last few years for the same reasons. And they also ALL look great and fit very well. I am not parting with them because I still love them!&nbsp;</p> <p><i>Case Example: I haven't worn my pearl necklace collection for 5 years. Never got rid of them because I liked looking at them in my closet, and because I still loved them. And guess what, now I am wearing them again. Good thing I kept them!</i></p> <p>The BIG coat is the best way to layer over a jacket, and I love the valet bar you've set up for yourself. Keep us posted on your jacket progress.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615383 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:34:05 +0000 Bonnie 1615383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article - I have been doing something similar and have actually found some great outfits. I don't have a big wardrobe so I can easily try everything with almost everything.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615382 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:30:49 +0000 Janet 1615382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, it really was enjoyable! I had a glass of wine, and I had good music on -- in fact, I danced around while I tried stuff on (yes, I'm that goofy). My Fitbit had only logged me at 3000 steps when I got home, but over 8000 by the time I went to bed! :-D</p> <p>And yes, you have it right -- I'd wear the cocoon coat out and about, then the blazer/jacket and top/blouse while I'm in the studio, at a restaurant, etc. But with the added benefit that if I get one of those *ahem* warm flashes, I can also take off the blazer/jacket. I have a couple of very thick, warm wool sweaters that are not getting much wear these days for that reason!</p> <p>ETA: The first home renovation project is a new master bath -- it's beyond time! As soon as I finish with the work on the rental properties (one is going on the market to sell rather than rent, so that's actually a bit of a relief), I'm getting this project started! Next, further down the road is the kitchen renovation. That will be BIG ordeal, because it's an open concept first floor -- the flooring from the kitchen, which we cannot wait to get rid of, extends from the laundry room through the kitchen, hallway, powder room and foyer, so the laundry room and powder room will get a makeover at that point as well. And yeah, I'd like to redo our fireplace, repaint the walls, and change up the wood railings on our stairs and around the loft over the living room, but I'm trying to just do one thing at a time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615378 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:27:24 +0000 Maneera 1615378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really enjoyed reading this post. I can relate to you regarding shopping less, editing /evaluating more so that the beautiful things in my closet get the love they deserve. It's always so easy to buy a new outfit to wear, as compared to making an older item fit into an FFBO, isn't it? </p> <p>You've inspired me, Janet. I think I'm going to learn from your process and make a deliberate effort to wear older pieces by integrating them into FFBO....or simply build another FFBO around them. Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615374 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:19:08 +0000 Janet 1615374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad this is helpful to someone! Like I did the other day with the jeans edit post (thank you again, April!), I was mainly getting this all down in writing to organize my thoughts and really solidify the ideas, plus putting it in writing here kind of makes me accountable. </p> <p>No question, I have a larger wardrobe than many women do, and I don't wish to become a minimalist. However, I think when you have a bigger wardrobe, it's easy to take many items for granted, and you sort of stop seeing them in your closet. This exercise made me SEE what I have, which really did feel a bit like "shopping my closet" as I rediscovered some things I can wear in a different way than I did a few years ago. </p> <p>I don't want to take the good things I have for granted. Not even something as mundane as clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615373 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:18:11 +0000 Anonymous 1615373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That actually sounds like a nice way to spend some time alone in the house. I can really relate to what you've written here, especially to do with wearing jackets/blazers. &nbsp;I have quite a few of them too - although I really winnowed the collection down a couple of months ago. I love a tailored jacket because it makes me feel put together and I feel they flatter me, to whatever extent that's possible. &nbsp;But they rarely get worn, for the very reasons you mention. &nbsp;They will get worn a few times in spring and fall, but the rest of the year they just hang there.....which kills me because they are among the most $$ pieces I have. &nbsp;</p> <p>The cocoon coat is a perfect solution - and that's a cut I don't have right now. &nbsp;Although - it sounds like you are taking your coat off and staying in your blazer and underpinnings the rest of the day? &nbsp;I think for evenings out, this could be the solution for me too - and now I want another new coat ;)</p> <p>Home renos are exciting, what are you planning? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615372 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:18:03 +0000 unfrumped 1615372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your process us so helpful to keep me going in the same direction! Thanks for posting!</p> <p>Not just kess shopping, but " quick stops" were working against me due to time pressure , so I would not have time to try sizes( including reg &amp; petite), to learn if other colors were available, to see all the options including in some other stores.<br /> Then it also gets back to, once one has a reasonably large wardrobe, there is more to be " gained" by SYC and home tryon sessions. Both for more creative outfits and having planned outfits to make the a. m. rush better, and for weeding out so everything gets clearer.<br /> I recently did somd good tryon's which helped show that a couple of recent purchase were very versatile and let me revive sime told I hadng been wearing, and ag the same time made it clear WHY these tops and not somd others are thd ones to keep, and others to cull. It's both REAL fit and, hmmm, I can see that these no longer " fit" what I want to wear.<br /> Due to weird enter weather I also had some jackets I didn't wear as much. So it can be very tempting to " neat spree" and toss things out. But, by doing tryon's AND making an effort to wear them at least once or twice, I could see which ones were great and earn their keep even for occasional wear because they are still perfect for the right time and place vs. ones that should go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615368 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:14:39 +0000 Janet 1615368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sure, Sterling -- here are pics of the jackets on the valet bar. It's just a metal bar on a slider mounted to the side of the shelving in our closet. It was an option when we had this system installed a couple of years ago. There is one on my husband's side too. It slides back to sit flush with the shelving when not in use. It's really handy when planning an outfit, putting laundry away, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615367 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:12:08 +0000 Anonymous 1615367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a fascinating post to read. &nbsp;I wish I asked myself, "so why don't I wear it?" &nbsp; <u>I fear the answer</u>. &nbsp;</p> <p>Your answer was an easy fix. &nbsp;In fact you already &nbsp;had the solution in your working wardrobe. &nbsp;Yay for you. &nbsp;</p> <p>Then you mapped out a plan to address the problem. &nbsp;You even defined triggers that will allow you to easily purge those blazers that don't work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615366 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:09:19 +0000 Rambling Ann 1615366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's so awesome that you had the energy after a working day to do all this thinking and testing. Just the idea of changing clothes that many times is exhausting. It would be cool if you link back to this post when you do some of your WIWs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615365 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:08:09 +0000 Anonymous 1615365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is a valet bar? &nbsp;Could you show me a picture of it? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-shopping-a-personal-shift-and-a-jacket-challenge#post-1615361 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:03:41 +0000 Janet 1615361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After having a busy, productive day yesterday, I got home and didn't have the mental energy to go out, and I had the house to myself. On the way home, I had considered stopping at a nearby mall, mostly to walk around because it was so darn cold outside I didn't feel like doing any outdoor walking. However, I was not in the mood to be near shopping temptations. Other than the BR cropped jeans, I have not bought anything for my wardrobe since Christmas, and I'm actually itching to shop *less*, which is a significant shift in my mindset and habits. I have always tended to fill idle time with a "quick stroll" through the stores, which all too often ends in impulse purchases. Some have been great, no doubt, but many have been extraneous and ended up causing regret and guilt. This shift towards less shopping is a good thing, as our income situation is changing. Plus, we are about to start some significant home renovation projects, for which I will happily sacrifice clothing budget! </p> <p>When I got home, I wandered into my closet to take a thoughtful, critical look at one segment of it: my jackets. I have a wonderful collection of short or cropped jackets that have not been getting enough love lately, as I default to a couple of favorites that are the easiest to work with. I've had all of them for at least a couple of years, and felt quite attached, but realize that I need to be appreciating and wearing them. I ended up spending quite some time trying on various tops and sweaters with these semi-orphan jackets, and also some orphan vests that I keep hanging onto even though I can't remember when I last wore them! </p> <p>Here's the thing. When I am considering an item from my closet that never gets worn, I try it on and think, "well, that looks nice." It's flattering, it's a good color, it's good quality, it's interesting, it fits well, etc. Reasoning stands then that I should keep it, and back into the closet it goes. But I need to stop more and ask, "So why don't I wear it?" Often it's because I don't have an easy FFBO idea for it, or it's not easy to style for the life I live now (crisp button front shirts, I'm looking at you). The comfort conversation we have been having lately also comes to mind -- choosing to layer over a button front shirt is not as comfortable or fuss-free as layering over a tee or knit item.</p> <p>But back to the jacket collection. In the winter, these jackets have languished a bit because they're warm enough for an outer layer in a winter outfit, but not warm enough to be outerwear. At the same time, they're bulky enough that wearing a winter coat over them has been a problem. Well, hey, I realized last night that I have solved that issue with the new Madewell cocoon coat that I got before the holidays! That coat fits over everything except for maybe my longest jackets, which come to my knees. </p> <p>So I am now armed with a bunch of photos on my phone of combinations I tried on last night, and I have jackets lined up on my valet bar in my closet, so that over the next week or two, I will be wearing outfits with those jackets -- this is a busy time for me right now, so I have the added benefit of having outfits nearly pre-planned by doing this. Choosing a pair of jeans and boots to go with each jacket-top combo should be simple enough. I'll try to post WIWs with these combos. If a jacket continues to be hard to work with even after this exercise, it may be a sign that it needs to go. I did pull one out of the collection last night to go to consignment. It made me sad to do this because it was not a cheap jacket, but the fit has never been quite right (it's a little too wide across the shoulders) and I don't feel fab in it. Out it goes!</p> <p>So again, this is another long post from me. I'm on a little bit of an editing/evaluating roll lately, so thanks for indulging me. It feels good to get some clarity around what I have and how to wear it. </p>