https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:49:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274827 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:04:54 +0000 Anonymous 274827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know this is a fashion site, so we discuss clothing down to the last detail, including whether to purge items from our closets. But I'm going to step back from the microscope to say that at the end of the day, they are just clothes. Pieces of fabric. Let's save "regret" for more meaningful life decisions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274815 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:41:32 +0000 ticksgirl 274815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A word of caution, though: do NOT, in a fit of hormonal insanity, do a closet sweep one month after having a child and get rid of absolutely everything you own because your body has not returned to normal and of course your clothes don't look great. Because guess what? You might not have time to buy new clothes! Timing is important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274637 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:38:16 +0000 Louise 274637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@nicoleb I'm just like that I hate getting rid of things *in case* I may need them someday x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274619 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:54:57 +0000 Queen Mum 274619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wondered if you would see this and reply.. how did last years closet sweep turn out for all the other items? Any regrets? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274618 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:54:24 +0000 Anonymous 274618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I used to be a closet hoarder too! I had a huge closet in my house back in San Diego and I figured as long as I could fit something in there, I could keep it! Now, I have a house with tiny closets and I have been purging and editing and downsizing like crazy. I have perhaps 1/4 of what I had 2 years ago. It was hard at first and I was both afraid of getting rid of something really great AND I was missing some of my favorite old time pieces. But I moved past that and now I am much more analytical about what stays what goes. </p> <p>I am at the point where I need to spend some time doing the REMIXING step. For me that is the hardest one of all. I'm good at it for other people but I do hit the wall when it comes to my own wardrobe. Anyone else have this issue? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274617 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:52:04 +0000 Laura 274617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In case anyone is wondering whether it's a good idea to be strict with your closet sweeps as Angie recommended to me a year ago ... well, that Oilily skirt that I mentioned? I have no idea what it even looked like anymore. So apparently I don't miss it too much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274614 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:41:52 +0000 nicoleb 274614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't regret it because.....i rarely do it. :X </p> <p>Hello my name is Nicole and I, am a closet hoarder.</p> <p>I just have a really hard time getting rid of clothing. I always have this thought in the back of my mind that whatever i do away with might someday be the perfect piece to completing an outfit. :\ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274610 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:37:15 +0000 Mo 274610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been doing pretty well with this over the last year or two but still have plenty of items that could go. What I am finding though, is that my closet is slowly becoming more solid and darker lol. I am starting to miss prints and color. I guess prints tend to date more quickly and it seems right now they aren't really in - it's more about details like ruffles or hardware or embellishments. So I am holding on to a couple of possibly borderline dated tops because of their fun prints.<br /> I am also copping out just a little by moving some pieces to loungewear status rather than just tossing them. But I guess I do spend a lot of time now staying home and I have the room for it, so I won't bash myself about it too much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274600 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:37:14 +0000 morethanbeige 274600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ok, with today's blog post and reading this post, I am headed to my closet. I just realized several old items that have to go... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274590 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:26:08 +0000 Angie 274590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Lisa! You livened up a year old thread. </p> <p>If you plan on wearing an item in the next 6 months - keep it (occasion wear or very seasonal items are the exception). If you are in doubt, create a hidden holding zone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-274588 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:15:36 +0000 Lisa 274588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very encouraging to hear about others having a tough time purging and to hear that a purge can lead to a half empty closet. Including getting rid of recent purchases because they simply don't fit the style in mind for oneself. That is a problem area for me, getting rid of perfectly fine items I spent money on, even if they don't fit my desired style, how can I let a perfectly good item "go" when after all "it did cost money?" One problem now is, I just started SYC, so I feel if I let go of say half my wardrobe with a closet purge, I'll have nothing left to wear AND not be able to purchase any new additions for a while. I'm thinking too much about this.</p> <p>One thing I always wondered though, when closet purging, how do you know how much to keep? You can't throw out your whole wardrobe and replace it all at once. (at least I can't, not that I want too, just wondering how one knows when to stop until the next time) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41817 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:32:11 +0000 julijuli 41817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so good to read and Angie, I'm glad you are doing another closet sweep post. I put a bunch of things in a 'holding zone' in my closet but need to just do a true purge and be brutal! I'm scared though, because I know I'll be left with so few items to wear. I'm still trying to nail down my 'style' but I know I'm getting closer. It's so helpful to hear how everyone else works it all out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41815 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:11:55 +0000 tarzy 41815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - you absolutely have a personal style! Maybe now you are just feeling more confident and "owning" it? </p> <p>The thing I love about this forum is that there are so many different styles represented here - young and trendy, cute, sophisticated, classic, funky. It really proves that you can't worry too much about what's "in," but find out what works for you and go for it.</p> <p>I can't wait to see you wear that top! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41809 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:13:50 +0000 Angie 41809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a plan, Laura. Love that creative ensemble idea! Thats putting your thinking cap on. </p> <p>Nicole, how bad is the snag. Is it a hole? You ROCK those red boots. I was convincing my client today that she needs to get a pair just like that because you looked so good in yours. I said "my friend in Boston looks killer in her red LC ankle boots". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41808 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:12:29 +0000 bella 41808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That top is gorgeous!<br /> Also, if you have quality, designer, expensive items of clothing, try to sell them on ebay or other second hand websites or taking them to a consignment store before sending them to Goodwill. You might get some of your money back. Probably nothing near the original price but then you can spend it for new pieces! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41806 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:05:05 +0000 Laura 41806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, can you have the sweater repaired somehow? That's what I would try to do. I know there are re-weavers because my husband snagged his suit jacket and Nordstrom sent it out to be re-woven. I understand the red boots now. They are so perfect on you! When we're in NY, we're going to have to keep our eyes open for more signature footwear for you :)</p> <p>So C.A.M.'s and being sent into orbit are the same thing, only orbiting is so much more eloquently put than calling it cardiac arrest!</p> <p>Until spring, I was planning to layer the top over a long-sleeved black t-shirt, and wear it with black skinnies and riding boots. </p> <p>Angie, I am looking forward to Tuesday's post. It's a great way to start a new year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41804 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:57:40 +0000 Angie 41804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent, Laura! Well done. You already have a sense of personal style. Perhaps it’s evolved with YLF, but be it as it may – you are a stylish creature and it sounds like you’re having fun with it. That’s the BEST part.</p> <p>Yup. That top sends me into orbit too. I’d pair it with my black skinnies and ballet flats, when it eventually warms up here. At the moment, it’s snowing again. I hope the tops works. </p> <p>I’m doing the annual YLF closet sweep post on Tuesday. It’s nothing new for all of you I’m sure, but I do one at the beginning of every year for new readers. I hope that YOUR experiences inspire them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41802 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:54:26 +0000 Nicole 41802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, That top is definately YOU! I love it and I can totally picture you in it. I can't wait to see the photos! I can relate to your Cardiac Arrest Moment (C.A.M.), because I experienced my first CAM with my red boots. And now I am so much pickier about what I will put on my feet. I have been trying to find some cold weather boots, but can not bring myself to settle on anything less than perfect. I have come to realization that shoes will be my statement pieces.</p> <p>As far as clearing out the closet--I have to do that too. I have a lot of pants that are too big, and tops that are too short. I know I'm stalling because I'll really be limiting my options once I do the deed.</p> <p>What do you all do about favorite articles that still fit, and still are your style, but may have a small barely noticeable imperfection? My favorite sweater has a small "pull" on the sleeve. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41799 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:38:32 +0000 Laura 41799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone. Your input is so helpful - it is a scary feeling to get rid of so much at once, like flying without a net. At the same time it is exhilarating. The hardest part is to remember how much I paid for each item. Ouch. But out with the old -- </p> <p>Suddenly it feels as if none of those clothes suit who I am anymore. I had the most amazing thing happen last night - I saw a top that almost sent me into cardiac arrest.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2982731?refsid=228112_1&#038;refcat=0%7e2376776%7e2374327%7e2374333%7e2374362&#038;SourceID=&#038;SlotID=2&#038;origin=related" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....in=related</a></p> <p>I don't know if I can pull it off, but I ordered it. Then I realized that maybe, just maybe, I was developing a sense of personal style. (Pause here to thank Angie!)</p> <p>And I wanted to feel that way about all my clothes. (Of course something like a BP cami will never send anyone into cardiac arrest, but I'm talking about the major items!). Now it dawns on me that Maya, Nicole, Tanya, Anna, Shiny, Antje, Patience, Inge and many, many more of you that I am forgetting to list already have that sense about yourselves, and now I get it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41790 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:50:13 +0000 shiny 41790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Before the end of the season, I force myself to try to wear things I haven't worn. I did that this past summer, and it resulted in me learning to love a few things I thought were mistakes. They ended up not being mistakes afterall. </p> <p>Those items that clearly were mistakes - went to goodwill without a second thought and no regrets.</p> <p>Otherwise, I use the "holding period" strategy for things I'm on the fence about; except I hold until the season comes back around. Nine out of 10 times, after months have passed, I can easily toss and cull with no regrets. </p> <p>I can get sentimental about clothing - even if it doesn't flatter me. For example some of the unflattering clothing from years and years ago - that I recently shared photos of - I still have sentimental feelings about. Even if I looked ridiculous!! But, a digital photo takes up no room in my closet. :-)</p> <p>I like having a small closet... it forces me to be pretty strict. I still have some items in there that may be compromises, but I am finding less can be a lot more. I have empty hangers lately - yet feel like I have plenty of stuff to wear. That's unusual for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41780 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:12:53 +0000 Angie 41780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To answer your quezzie, no Laura. I think it’s imperative to be as strict as possible when it comes to the closet sweep. I am very strict with my own closet AND with the ones I review. But you’ve hit the nail on the head with the “holding zone”. Those items can stay stored for a season and if you don’t miss them, pass them on. </p> <p>The reason I encourage strictness is because you have to set boundaries. If you don’t, you’ll end up compromising which is not the goal. I hope that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41761 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:58:33 +0000 Ana 41761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds like a great idea Laura and Tarzy. You know, sometimes if you used to really like an item, but you find you just don't wear it anymore, it's useful to put it away in a drawer or somewhere you can't see it. Then check on it again next year and see if you like it again. I find that I get tired of things easily, but if I don't see them for awhile and then find them again, I magically think they're great. I don't do this with a lot of things (because then you're not really cleaning out your closet), but good pieces that you just think maybe you're tired of. </p> <p>When I did my first YLF closet cleanout, I had about 4 things left hanging in there. It was scary, so I know how you feel! That was a hard couple of months while I got some nice things. But before, my closet was so stuffed! It was nice to have a clean slate. And I still make mistakes--buying something that just doesn't work, or getting rid of something that does. I hate clutter, so I'm more likely to jump the gun and give something away than hang onto it. Right now, my closet is full, so I'm trying to replace some of the older/not perfect things I already have. This one in, one out thing is hard, too because you feel like you're just getting rid of good stuff, even though you have something much better to replace it with. I don't want to end up with overstuffed closet again though. </p> <p>Sorry, long post, but I think you're doing the right thing, and I like your idea of putting it in a holding bag or something before totally getting rid of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41757 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:39:46 +0000 tarzy 41757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - that's exactly what I do! I bag it all up and put it in the garage or the guest room. Nine times out of ten I end up taking back something from the bags, and then deciding to put it back in the "get rid of" bag. But I need that psychological "holding period." </p> <p>But I applaud you for going cold turkey. I kind of believe that you have to create that empty space for the "universe" to fill it with better things! Plus, I think that now you will be able to tell what items you find yourself really wishing for - what you want to reach for every day. I find that when I keep things that aren't perfect, I just put up with them and don't replace them. But if I don't physically have that item, I am forced to buy a better one that fits right or that I love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41745 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:29:21 +0000 Laura 41745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, you're not neurotic at all! I know what you mean. There are a couple of pieces from past closet sweeps that I mourn too and that's why I am a little paranoid. I wish Angie could magically appear in my closet and give me the stamp of approval :)</p> <p>I am thinking of putting everything in bags for Salvation Army, and waiting a month before taking them away, so I can see if I miss anything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41744 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:18:08 +0000 Maya 41744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find closet sweeps very hard. I always end up regretting one or two things that I threw away. I still mourn a corduroy jacket I had from the Gap (of all places). It was actually really cute. It had several of these small antique gold tone spherical buttons and these pleats in the back that actually made me look tiny, even though it was a little big for me at the time. Now it would probably fit pretty well. </p> <p>Incidents like that make me afraid to do a closet sweep and I guess I probably end up not getting rid of as much as I can. I have a terrible habit of holding on to things that are too small in hopes of fitting into them again. </p> <p>I guess we have the opposite problem, but I think you're probably on the right track. I'm just neurotic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/closet-sweep-can-you-go-overboard#post-41741 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:50:30 +0000 Laura 41741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Has anyone ever regretted doing a major closet sweep?</p> <p>I just did an "out with the old, in the with new year" sweep and my criteria was:<br /> 1) I had to love it<br /> 2) It had to fit what I see as "my" style (which has developed since YLF this fall)<br /> 3) I had worn it at least once this season</p> <p>My closet is half empty, and I'm a little panicked. BUT, what I have hanging there is great, and I wear it all the time.</p> <p>In a way, I feel great, but do you think I've gone too far? For example, there are things that I bought last year that cost good money that I am shedding (an Oilily skirt that is mid-calf that is just not me anymore, for example). </p>